AARP Urges Floridians to Focus on Generator Safety as Hurricane Season Begins
Tallahassee, Fla. – AARP Florida today launched a new library of generator safety awareness videos to help Floridians 50-plus stay safe after a hurricane strikes. The videos focus on safe fuel storage, operation, and generator connection with a focus on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning and other dangers.
AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said, “Dubbed the ‘silent killer’ by first responders, carbon monoxide poisoning is among the top threats to those who improperly use generators. Being knowledgeable about what to do ahead of time is the best way to minimize the impacts of any natural disaster. That’s why AARP Florida developed this new educational video series to help all Floridians learn how to use generators properly. The videos offer other helpful information, including the size of generators for your home, fire hazard awareness and other tips to keep your family and loved ones safe.”
“This year, NOAA forecasts another active Atlantic hurricane season with a 60 percent chance for an above normal season so it’s incredibly important for every family to be ready. AARP Florida has vast resources available to help you get prepared and stay prepared all season long.”
AARP Florida Generator Safety Videos:
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one of the major impacts of hurricane season includes carbon monoxide poisoning coming from improper generator use inside homes and garages. Every year, the CDC cites that 4,000 people die in the U.S. from accidental non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning, and a CDC study conducted in 2004 after four major hurricanes in Florida showed that gasoline powered generators were implicated in 96 percent of non-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning incidents.
AARP Florida will continue to add new videos to its library over the coming months. For other resources and information, visit aarp.org/fldisasterhelp where downloadable checklists are available so people can protect themselves from scammers, get insight on the importance of assignment of benefits when looking to repair hurricane-damaged homes and other homeowner insurance considerations.
