As Floridians pick up the pieces left behind by the devastation of Hurricane Milton, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission experts warn about the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure.
On average, there are approximately 200 Americans who die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and 400 die in total from exposure in the United States, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. At least 92 of these deaths were linked back to portable generators.
With about 2.4 million Floridians still without power as of Friday morning, it is likely many will turn to generators to charge electronic devices to be able to contact family and friends, cook, and, in some cases, keep the electricity running for medical equipment. Knowing this, experts have sent out advisories reminding Floridians how to best and safely use their generators as they take stock of the damage from the storm.
- Never operate the generator inside
- Opening windows in your home, garage or basement is not enough to prevent the potential buildup of the gas.
- Operate the generator at least 20 feet away from your home and be sure to point the machine’s exhaust away from the home.
- Seal off any vents in the path of the generators.
- Be sure that your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are in good, functioning order.
Leesfield & Partners
When the storm clouds roll in, Floridians know what to do. Oftentimes, they are overzealous in their preparations, resulting in bare shelves and toilet paper shortages; but mostly, they are ready. Shutters go up, neighbors check in on one another, and parents put on flashlight puppet shows for the kids.
For Leesfield & Partners attorneys, incoming storms mean putting up safety advisories on the Coconut Grove office’s digital sign, supporting disaster relief efforts through The Leesfield Family Foundation, and working to remind people of the dangers of carbon monoxide.
Deaths and injuries from breathing in the toxic, odorless gas often spike after hurricanes due to the increased use of generators during power outages. These machines can cause carbon monoxide buildup in improperly ventilated spaces. When this gas is breathed in, it binds to the hemoglobin in the blood and prevents the flow of oxygen throughout the body. In some instances, carbon monoxide poisoning will involve symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and confusion, and even death.
The firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, Ira Leesfield, represented an Iowa family staying at a Key West hotel when they were exposed to carbon monoxide. The family was, thankfully, saved by emergency responders because they were able to call 911. Another family, this time a father and son, was exposed to the gas in the same hotel shortly after and was also able to call for help before succumbing to the effects of it. The case got national attention and Mr. Leesfield was a key in eventual legislation mandating the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in and around sleeping quarters of new builds.
The cause of the carbon monoxide leaking into guests’ rooms was a damaged boiler room roof vent that was broken in Hurricane Wilma. Data from the Centers for Disease Control shows that about 400 Americans die every year from accidental carbon monoxide exposure. Attorneys with the firm discovered the hotel failed to have a licensed technician inspect and repair the vent and secured over $1 million in settlement for the family.
In another case of carbon monoxide exposure against an international resort, Leesfield & Partners attorneys recovered $11,750,000 for their client.
The firm also represented several students exposed to the gas while they slept at university housing. The exhaust pipe for a gas furnace heating the house was not functioning properly, allowing the gas to flow back into the house where the students were sleeping.
Leesfield & Partners obtained an eight-figure settlement for a couple injured when exposed to the gas at their accommodations abroad.