Sugar Land Family Members Transported to Local Hospital with Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

FORT BEND COUNTY – County Emergency Medical Service officials report that three out of six family members of a household in Sugar Land have been transported to a local hospital with symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.  The poisoning appears to have been due to fumes from an improperly operated generator. It is extremely important that citizens who are using gas-powered generators understand the safety precautions that need to be taken to prevent inhalation of the fumes produced by the operation of these units.

• Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages, crawl spaces, and basements, even if the units are by a window.
• Make sure a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
• When using a generator outdoors do not place near doors, windows and vents that could allow vapors to build up in occupied spaces.
• Before refueling, shut down the generator and let it cool down because they become extremely hot while running.
• Gasoline and other generator fuels should be stored and transported in approved containers that are properly designed and marked for their contents and vented.
• Keep fuel containers away from flame producing and heat generating devices.

If you or others in your household show symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, seek medical attention immediately and do not re-enter the affected area until it is determined to be safe by trained personnel.  “We survived Hurricane Ike with limited damage in our area compared to our neighbors in Harris and Galveston. In our recovery phase, we don’t want to experience any injuries because our citizens are unfamiliar with the dangers that can be produced by the use of generators,” said County Judge Bob Hebert.

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