Fire Department Warns of Accidents During Power Outage

With 15,842 Howard County residents still without power going into Monday evening, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services is taking measures to show up in neighborhoods and make sure residents are not putting themselves at risk for fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and other accidents.

Over the weekend, HCDFRS fought two fires in Ellicott City; one and another .  

Last summer, an , which also put two of his family members in critical condition. Howard County Police said a generator had been used after Hurricane Irene took out power in the neighborhood.

Sunday evening in Anne Arundel County, a Jessup man was after using a generator.

"Often we see a rise in carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and other accidents after a major storm has hit," said Fire Chief William Goddard in a press release. "That’s why we are out in the community going door-to-door in order to equip people with tools to keep themselves out of harm’s way."

Firefighters are focusing their efforts on assisted living facilities as well as canvassing neighborhoods around the county.

HCDFRS recommends residents follow these safety tips during the storm recovery process:

• Turn off and unplug all appliances so electrical fires don’t spark up once the power is restored.
• Use a battery-powered flashlight. If you must use candles, make sure they are inside a holder that is sturdy, and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Never use a candle if oxygen or some sort of gas tank is used in the home.
• Generators should be used in well ventilated locations outside of the home and away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
• Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide (CO) detector in your home. Check it regularly during power outages and make sure it has back-up batteries.
• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
• If you notice downed electrical lines, do not touch them. Report it immediately by calling 9-1-1 and the local BGE emergency line at 1-800-685-0123.