Poison Centers Issue Safety Alert for Portable Generator Use After Hurricane Irene

ALEXANDRIA, VA – America’s poison centers are urging people in the path of Hurricane Irene to take steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning related to portable generators, according to Dr. Charles McKay, assistant medical director for the Connecticut Poison Center. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common poison-related cause of hospitalization and death in the wake of hurricanes. It is called a “silent killer” because there are no odors or symptoms that signal a problem. When people use generators improperly – too close to homes, in garages or outside bedroom windows – carbon