Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning This Hurricane Season
Delray Beach Fire-Rescue has an important message for the community this hurricane season: “Purchase a Carbon Monoxide Detector for your home!”
Lt. Dunkelmann, Community Education Specialist for The City of Delray Beach Fire-Rescue is encouraging everyone that has: generator, garage where you park a vehicle, gas appliances, a lawnmower, or own any other gas powered equipment to purchase a carbon monoxide detector with battery backup for your home.
Each year, Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department promotes a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning awareness campaign during the hurricane season. The fire department has received many calls over the years from concerned citizens, uncertain of how to work a generator in preparation for the current season. In response, Delray Beach Fire-Rescue is continuing our efforts to provide education and increase awareness of Carbon Monoxide poisoning to the community. These toxic fumes which are odorless, tasteless, and not detectable to the human nose can cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death.
The City of Delray Beach has adopted a city ordinance that states any gas powered motors be at least 5 feet away from any structure.
On Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 10:30am Lt. Dunkelmann and Steve Bayer (American Red Cross) will be at Delray Beach City Hall Chambers to discuss generator safety along with answering questions about hurricane preparedness for all of our city employees. Generator safety brochures are available to be picked up at our Fire Headquarters located at 501 West Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.
If you would like further information, please contact Lieutenant Trisha Dunkelmann at (561)243-7400
City of Delray Beach Ordinance, Sec. 95.16. Portable Generators:
(A) The use and operation of a portable auxiliary electrical generator is prohibited within or on the following areas:
(1) Within five (5) feet of any opening (includes, but it is not limited to, doors and windows) into a building or structure:
(2) Within garages, enclosed or partially enclosed areas, or under eaves or other overhangs;
(3) On roofs or roof areas, balconies, ingress/egress areas and discharge ways, including but not limited to walkways, stairways and stairwells.
B) The generator shall be operated in a safe manner and in accordance with NFPA 70, the National Electric Code and all other applicable laws, regulations and City ordinances.
With the recent loss of life due to carbon monoxide poisoning, we realize that public awareness campaigns must continue and are vital to educating the community on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.
CDC Flyer related to generator use and carbon monoxide poisoning
CDC Report on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Hurricane Katrina -Sept 2005
