Stop
Carbon monoxide from a generator can kill in minutes and has no smell or color. If anyone feels dizzy, nauseated, or confused near a running generator, get them to fresh air immediately and call 911. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near open windows or doors.
Symptoms
- Headache, dizziness, or nausea in people near a running generator
- CO detector alarm sounding
- Generator running in a garage, basement, or near open windows
- Confusion or weakness in someone in the house during generator use
Likely causes
- CommonGenerator running inside an enclosed or partially enclosed spaceGarages, sheds, basements, crawl spaces, and even covered patios can trap deadly levels of CO within minutes.
- CommonGenerator placed too close to doors, windows, or ventsExhaust can be pulled indoors even from outside if placed too close to an opening.
- PossibleUsing a generator during or after a storm without adjusting placement for wind directionWind can push exhaust toward a home even from a seemingly safe distance.
- PossibleNo working CO detectors in the homeWithout a working detector, a dangerous buildup can go unnoticed until symptoms appear.
What to do
- If anyone shows signs of CO exposure (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion) near a running generator, get them into fresh air immediately and call 911.
- Only ever run a generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust pointed away from windows, doors, and vents.
- Never run a generator in a garage, carport, shed, basement, or crawl space, even with the door open.
- Install battery-powered or battery-backup CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and test them regularly.
- Consider a generator with a built-in CO shutoff sensor for extra protection, especially for regular or storm-season use.
- Check wind direction before placing the generator so exhaust isn't blowing toward your home or a neighbor's.
- Never bring a generator indoors 'just for a minute,' even to warm it up or shield it from rain; use a generator-rated canopy or tent designed for outdoor placement instead.
Tools and parts
- Battery-powered carbon monoxide detector
CO detectorSearch: “battery powered carbon monoxide detector”
Generator tent/canopySearch: “generator rain canopy tent for outdoor use”
When to call a pro
This is a prevention and immediate-action topic, not a repair one; if you suspect CO exposure has occurred, seek emergency medical care right away.
Safety
Stop
Carbon monoxide from a generator can kill in minutes and has no smell or color. If anyone feels dizzy, nauseated, or confused near a running generator, get them to fresh air immediately and call 911. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near open windows or doors.