New Jersey Issues Carbon Monoxide Warning Ahead of Nor'easter Power Outages

New Jersey officials are urging residents to prepare for carbon monoxide dangers as a powerful nor'easter threatens widespread power outages. The state's Poison Control center warns that improper use of generators and other fuel-burning equipment during outages can lead to dangerous CO exposure, which is odorless and colorless. Homeowners are advised to install detectors on every level and place generators at least 20 feet from the house, never indoors or in garages. This storm highlights how extreme weather events, increasingly linked to climate change, create secondary safety hazards. Reliable backup power and proper equipment use are critical for vulnerable communities during prolonged outages. The guidance also underscores the need for resilient grid infrastructure and clean energy solutions that reduce reliance on fossil-fuel generators, which are both a carbon source and a public health risk.