Generator Safety: 3 Children Die in Michigan from Carbon Monoxide During Power Outages

Three children died in Michigan after severe storms knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes over the July 4 weekend. Authorities say the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide from generators used indoors, including a basement and a garage. The CDC reports over 400 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and children are especially vulnerable because they breathe faster than adults. The article covers basic generator safety rules: always run generators outdoors at least 20 feet from the house, never in a garage or basement, and use a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. It also mentions that switching to battery backup systems can avoid the risks of gas generators entirely. For anyone relying on a generator during an outage, following these safety steps can prevent tragedy.