The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) confirms the storm-related death of a Lafayette Parish man who died after slipping on ice and hitting his head on the ground. The coroner confirmed this death as storm-related. This is the first death associated with the Winter Storm in February 2021.
The coroner identified the victim as Carol Matthews of Carencro.
Louisiana is experiencing extreme winter weather that could cause widespread power outages. As a result of these interruptions, many people will turn to gas-powered individual generators to power their homes.
However, it is important that everyone who prefers to use a generator does so safely. Using a generator safely is a matter of life and death and many people are killed or hospitalized due to the improper and unsafe use of generators, according to LDH.
The Louisiana Department of Health urges residents to read all instructions associated with their generator and to follow these safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Portable generators should never be used indoors. This includes use in a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other fenced or partially enclosed area, even those with ventilation.
- Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO) exhaust gases that are odorless and colorless. Inhalation of CO can quickly lead to complete disability or death. Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the accumulation of CO. If you become ill, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get into the air immediately. Place the generator away from doors, windows and holes that can penetrate CO.
- Use a carbon monoxide alarm in your home, whether used by batteries, or to make a plug-in with battery backup. If carbon dioxide from the generator enters your home and poses a health risk, the alarm will alert you. Test the battery regularly and replace it if necessary.
- Do not use gas or electric ovens to heat. A gas furnace can go out or burn inefficiently, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, and electric furnaces are not designed for space heating.
- Take the following precautions to prevent electricity:
- Keep the generator dry and do not use it in rain or wet conditions.
- Protect the generator from moisture by using it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as a tarp held on poles. Make sure your hands are dry before touching a generator.
- Turn off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling. Petrol spilled on hot engines can ignite. Generator fuel must be stored in an approved safety box.
- Insert appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy extension cord outside. The extension cord must be at least equal to the sum of the connected device load (in watts or amperes). Check that the whole cord is free of cuts or tears and that the cord has all three teeth, and especially an earth pin.
- Never try to supply the house wiring by plugging the generator into an electrical outlet. It is extremely dangerous and poses an electricity risk to utility workers and neighbors operated by the same transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household protection 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 may store, or the storage space.
- Fuel should be stored outside the living areas in a closed shed or in another protected area, away from fuel appliances, such as a natural gas heater in a garage.
- If the fuel is spilled or the container is not properly sealed, invisible fumes of the fuel may move over the ground or be ignited by the ignition light of the appliance or by arches of electrical switches in the appliance.
Always exercise the necessary care and safety when using a generator. If you have any questions about the operation of your generator, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer.
If you think you or anyone else has been exposed to carbon monoxide, bring the person into the fresh air and call your doctor or healthcare provider. Call 911 for emergency assistance if there is an electric current.
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