The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) confirms the storm-related death of a Lafayette Parish man who died after slipping on the ice and hitting his head on the ground. The coroner has confirmed that this death is storm-related. It is the first death related to the Winterstorm in February 2021.
The coroner identified the victim as Carol Matthews, from Carencro.
Louisiana is experiencing extreme winter weather that can cause widespread power outages. Because of this outage, many people will power their homes from individual gas-powered generators.
However, it is important that anyone who chooses to use a generator does so safely. Safe use of a generator is a matter of life and death and according to LDH, many people die or are hospitalized for improper and unsafe use of generators.
The Louisiana Department of Health urges residents to read all instructions that come with their generator and follow these safety tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Portable generators should never be used indoors. This includes use in a garage, carport, basement, crawl space, or other enclosed or partially enclosed space, even those with ventilation.
- Gas powered generators produce a carbon monoxide (CO) exhaust, which is odorless and colorless. Inhalation of CO can quickly lead to complete disability or death. Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent CO formation. If you start to feel nauseous, dizzy, or faint while using a generator, seek fresh air IMMEDIATELY. Make sure to place the generator away from doors, windows and vents that allow CO to enter.
- Use a carbon monoxide alarm in your home, on batteries, or on a battery-backed outlet. If CO gas from the generator enters your home and is a health hazard, the alarm will sound to alert you. Test the battery regularly and replace it if necessary.
- Do not use gas or electric ovens for heating. A gas oven can go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, and electric ovens are not designed for space heating.
- To avoid electrocution, take the following precautions:
- Keep the generator dry and do not use it in rain or wet conditions.
- Protect the generator from moisture by running it on a dry surface under an open awning-like structure, such as a tarpaulin held on poles. Always make sure your hands are dry before handling a generator.
- Switch off the generator and let it cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts can ignite. Generator fuel must be stored in an approved safety container.
- Connect devices directly to the generator or use a robust outdoor extension cord. The extension cord must have a rated power (in watts or amperes) that is at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the cord has all three pins, especially a ground prong.
- Never attempt to power house wiring by plugging the generator into an electrical outlet. It is extremely dangerous and poses a risk of electrocution to utility companies and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household security devices.
Be careful with your fuel:
- Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the generator label. Local laws may limit the amount of fuel you are allowed to store or the storage location.
- Fuel should be stored outside living areas in an enclosed shed or other protected area away from appliances that use fuel, such as a natural gas boiler in a garage.
- If the fuel is spilled or the container is not properly closed, invisible vapors from the fuel may spread along the ground or be ignited by the unit’s pilot light or arcs from electrical switches in the unit.
Always apply proper care and safety when using a generator. If you have any questions about the operation of your generator, consult your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer.
If you think you or someone else has been exposed to carbon monoxide, take the person into fresh air and call your doctor or health care professional. If someone has been electrocuted, call 911 for emergency instructions.
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