Upper Marlboro Family Gets Sick from Carbon Monoxide Fumes

An Upper Marlboro family spent Sunday in the hospital after fumes from their generator made them sick.

Prince George's County firefighters responded to a home in the 12300 block of Putters Court on Sunday just after 9 a.m., after five residents reported experiencing headaches, according to WJLA.

The firefighters identified that a generator was leaking carbon monoxide fumes, although it was placed outside, according to the report. The fumes entered the home through a fireplace vent, but because the generator ran out of fuel overnight, it stopped working, according to the news report.

Prince George's County Fire Department spokesman Mark Brady reported two other incidents over the weekend related to improper use of generators in Bowie - one a carbon monoxide poisoning and

Brady offered the following tips for those residents using generators:

• Generators should be used in well-ventilated locations outside away from all doors, windows and vent openings.  The generator should be placed as far away as possible and at a minimum at least 3 feet away from combustibles-this includes your house.

• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open. 

• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.

• Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.

• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.

• When plugging in appliances, make sure they are plugged directly into the generator or a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts, tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

• Apartments and condos are not permitted to use generators on their balconies.  CO can enter into living areas above and on either side of your unit.