CPSC Warns of Generator, Carbon Monoxide and Fire Hazards Ahead of Hurricane Season

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of America about deadly hazards that often emerge after major storms, including carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from portable generators, fires, gas leaks and electric shock.

“Hurricanes and severe storms can turn deadly long after the wind and rain stop,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. “Every year, families die from preventable hazards like generator exhaust, gas leaks, fires and electrocution during power outages and cleanup efforts. Americans should prepare now because the safest time to act is before the power goes out.”

Loss of power after storms leads to preventable deaths from improper generator use and other household hazards. 

Consumers should prepare before storms arrive by testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, reviewing generator safety instructions, and ensuring emergency supplies include batteries, flashlights and working backup power equipment.

Portable generators are one of the leading causes of post-storm carbon monoxide deaths. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill within minutes, often before victims recognize symptoms.