JFB urges caution by persons using standby generators

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging persons using standby generators to ensure that the equipment is placed away from their homes. 

JFB Commissioner, Stewart Beckford, told JIS News that a generator should be placed at least 25 feet away from the house. 

“If it is possible, have [generators placed] outside and make sure that the exhaust pipes are not turned in such a way that the fumes will come back into your house,” he said. 

The JFB chief indicated that the effects of fumes entering through spaces, such as windows and doors, may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. 

“Carbon monoxide poisoning is something that, when it comes on to hurricanes and [other] extreme weather events, we tend to see an uptick in the number of persons who suffer from it,” he informed. 

Beckford emphasised that carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that can be deadly. 

“So if you are using a generator and you become dizzy, nauseous, and so on, leave the room so that you can start to breathe some fresh air [into] your lungs,” the commissioner said, adding that doing so will help to reduce the effects. 

- JIS News

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