Generator Use Linked To Death In Germantown Amid Ongoing Flood Recovery

GERMANTOWN, WI — A person in Germantown died Monday in what officials say may have been a case of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator running inside a garage, as southeast Wisconsin continues to recover from days of flooding and power outages caused by historic rainfall.

Village officials said they are seeing other residents operating generators indoors and urged people to move them outside immediately to prevent additional tragedies. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill.

The Germantown Police Department said Tuesday the Riversbend Circle subdivision, located near County Line Road from I-41 to Appleton Ave/175, is experiencing both flooding and a power outage.

Police and fire crews have been going door-to-door to check on residents’ well-being and inform them of the situation.

Evacuation is voluntary, but residents who choose to leave are asked to secure their homes and call the Washington County Sheriff’s Department at 262-355-4411 for assistance.

Those who evacuate will be directed to a temporary shelter in the area. Officials again stressed that generators should be stationed outside for safety reasons.

Across the region, more than 12 inches of rain since Aug. 9 left streets impassable, stranded motorists, knocked out power to homes and businesses, and forced the cancellation of major events, including the Wisconsin State Fair’s final day.

Gov. Tony Evers has declared a statewide emergency to help communities recover, following earlier emergency declarations by Milwaukee and Washington counties.

The National Weather Service says additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are possible tonight into early Tuesday, and again Tuesday afternoon and evening. While flash flooding is not expected, more rain could slow the recession of high water in saturated areas.

Officials urge residents to take the following safety steps:

• Never operate generators inside a garage or enclosed space.
• Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, which can be contaminated, hide debris, or have strong currents.
• If your home is without power, unplug appliances to avoid surge damage and keep refrigerators and freezers closed.
• Limit water usage to reduce the risk of wastewater backing up into basements.

In case of emergency, call 911.