What you need to know
CPSC says more than 100 of the over 200 yearly U.S. deaths from non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning tied to consumer products involve portable generators. It says to run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from buildings with exhaust directed away from openings, choose models with CO shut-off, and keep battery-backed CO alarms on every level.
Potentially affected
Businesses and employees who use portable generators during power outages, including to keep security, network or refrigeration equipment running, and staff who work from home.
DSE recommendation
DSE recommends writing generator placement into your outage plan: outdoors only, at least 20 feet from any building, with exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents.
CPSC says more than 100 of the over 200 yearly U.S. deaths from non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning tied to consumer products involve portable generators. It says to run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from buildings with exhaust directed away from openings, choose models with CO shut-off, and keep battery-backed CO alarms on every level.
Source facts
CPSC’s Carbon Monoxide Information Center says more than 200 people in the United States die every year from accidental non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning associated with consumer products, that more than 100 of those deaths are linked to portable generators, and that one portable generator can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. It describes carbon monoxide as a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, with symptoms including headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion.
In a May 27, 2026 release, CPSC says never to use a portable generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, sheds or other enclosed areas, even with doors or windows open, and to operate generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes and buildings, with exhaust directed away from windows, doors and vents. It recommends generators with a carbon monoxide shut-off feature and says models certified to PGMA G300-2023 and UL 2201-2023 include carbon monoxide safety technologies, with UL 2201 models also having reduced emissions.
CPSC also recommends battery-operated or battery-backup CO alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas, interconnected where possible and tested monthly, and says anyone who suspects CO poisoning should get to fresh air immediately and then call 911.
Applicability
Use this for portable generators at business sites, job sites and employees’ homes. Permanently installed standby generators have separate installation requirements, so follow the manufacturer and local codes for those.
DSE recommendation
DSE recommends writing generator placement into your outage plan: outdoors only, at least 20 feet from any building, with exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. Buy units with CO shut-off certified to UL 2201 or PGMA G300, put CO alarms in occupied spaces near planned generator locations, and never run a generator in a garage, loading dock or vestibule to keep doors or cameras powered.
Verification
Before storm season, test each generator outdoors, check CO alarms monthly, and walk each planned generator location to confirm the 20-foot distance and exhaust direction.
Official references
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Carbon Monoxide Information Center. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — CPSC Warns of Generator, Carbon Monoxide and Fire Hazards Ahead of Hurricane Season (May 27, 2026). Reviewed October 19, 2026.
Review the official source
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Carbon Monoxide Information Center · Verified October 19, 2026
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