Carbon monoxide emergencies rise in New Jersey as power outages drive generator use after storms
nj.comA Morris County fire department in New Jersey has responded to multiple carbon monoxide emergencies after a severe thunderstorm knocked out power for over 160,000 residents. With temperatures near 100 degrees and the July 4th holiday underway, many households turned to portable and standby generators, leading to dangerous CO buildup. Officials stress that generators must be placed outdoors at least 20 feet from homes with exhaust directed away from windows and vents. This incident highlights a recurring safety risk tied to grid reliability during extreme weather events. As climate change drives more frequent heat waves and storms, the need for resilient backup power solutions becomes more urgent. The story underscores the intersection of grid decarbonization, energy storage, and public safety in a warming climate.