CPSC Warns Consumers in Hurricane Florence's Path to Take Precautions

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricane Florence is forecast to make a direct and dangerous hit to the Carolinas and then move on to surrounding states.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers to take precautions. "Now is the time to prepare," says CPSC Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle. "You still have time to take lifesaving steps to keep your family and friends safe from this dangerous storm."

Consumers need to be especially careful during power outages, as the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fire increase. Here's how you can keep your family safe.

• Use portable gas generators safely. Read the label on your generator and the owner's manual BEFORE use.
• If you lose power, use your generator OUTSIDE your house ONLY, at least 20 feet from your home.
• NEVER use a generator inside a home, garage or shed. Carbon monoxide from generators is poisonous and can KILL you in minutes. CO is called the "invisible killer" because you cannot see it or smell it.
• Make sure you have working CO alarms in your home. They should be placed outside separate sleeping areas and on each floor of your home.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms too. Check the batteries! They should be placed on every level of your home, outside sleeping areas and inside each bedroom.

Please share CPSC Chairman's hurricane safety message, our new hurricane safety trifold which can be printed and distributed, and our hurricane safety video with your viewers and listeners. You have the power to prepare!  Don't sacrifice safety before or after the storm.

Acting Chairman Ann Marie Buerkle's safety message:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru5eszY6_Eg

Hurricane Safety publication
https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center

Hurricane Safety PSA– Before the Storm 30 second  https://youtu.be/eZN5xypUS3U

CPSC spokespeople are available for interviews before or after the storm on these and other safety tips.  Contact CPSC's Office of Communications at 301-504-7908.                     

About U.S. CPSC:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.  Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

For more lifesaving information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC or sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired.

CPSC Consumer Information Hotline
Contact us at this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:
800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)
Times: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime
Call to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

Media Contact
Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.
Phone: 301-504-7908
Spanish: 301-504-7800

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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission