The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) confirms the storm-related death of a Lafayette Parish man who died after slipping on the ice and hitting his head on the ground. The coroner confirmed this death as related to the storm. It is the first death related to the winter storm in February 2021.
The coroner identified the victim as Carol Matthews of Carencro.
Louisiana is experiencing extreme winter weather that can cause power outages. Because of these outages, many people will use individual gas-fired generators to power their homes.
However, it is important that anyone who chooses to use a generator does so safely. Safe use of a generator is a matter of life and death and many people are killed or hospitalized due to improper and unsafe use of generators, according to LDH.
The Louisiana Department of Health urges residents to read all instructions that come with the generator and follow these safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Portable generators should never be used indoors. This includes use inside a garage, parking space, basement, accessible space or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those with ventilation.
- Gas-fired generators produce an emission of carbon monoxide (CO), which is odorless and colorless. Inhalation of CO can quickly lead to complete incapacity or death. Opening windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the accumulation of CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get clean air IMMEDIATELY. Be sure to place the generator away from doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to get inside.
- Use a carbon monoxide alarm at home, either with a battery or connected with a spare battery. If the CO gas from the generator enters your home and poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you. Test the battery frequently and replace it when necessary.
- Do not use gas or electric ovens for heating. A gas oven can be extinguished or burned inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning, and electric ovens are not designed to heat the space.
- Take the following precautions to prevent electric shock:
- Keep the generator dry and do not use it in rainy or humid conditions.
- Protect the generator from moisture by operating it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as a tarpaulin supported on poles. Always make sure your hands are dry before touching a generator.
- Turn off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts may ignite. Generator fuel must be stored in an approved safe.
- Connect the appliances directly to the generator or use an outdoor extension cord for heavy use. The extension cord must be rated (in watts or amperes) at least equal to the sum of the charges of the connected device. Check the entire cable for cuts or breaks and for the cable to have all three ends, especially one ground pin.
- Never try to power the house cables by connecting the generator to a wall outlet. It is extremely dangerous and poses a risk of electric shock to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household protection devices.
Beware of fuel:
- Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the generator label. Local laws may restrict the amount of fuel you can store or the storage location.
- Fuel should be stored outside of living areas in an enclosed warehouse or other protected area, away from fuel burners, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.
- If the fuel is spilled or the container is not properly sealed, invisible vapors from the fuel may circulate along the ground or may be ignited by the pilot light of the appliance or by the springs on the electrical switches in the appliance.
Always practice proper care and safety when using a generator. If you have any questions about the operation of your generator, consult the owner’s manual or call the manufacturer.
If you think you or someone else has been exposed to carbon monoxide, move the person to fresh air and call your doctor or healthcare provider. If someone has been electrocuted, call 911 for emergency care instructions.
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