Hurricane Laura ASSISTANCE

Seven of the twelve deaths in Louisiana that we know about so far related to Hurricane Laura have been due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators. Sharing the guidance below related to safe generator usage can save lives.

 

FEMA ASSISTANCE

People who sustained losses in Hurricane Laura in the designated parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis can begin applying for assistance today by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

GENERATOR GUIDANCE

Setup Location

  • Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.

  • Generators produce carbon monoxide which claims the lives of hundreds of people every year. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

  • Be sure to place the generator away from windows, doors and vents that may carry carbon monoxide indoors.

Usage Conditions

  • Keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions.

  • Protect the generator from moisture by operating on a dry surface under an open-canopy-like structure, such as a tarp held up on poles.

  • Always ensure hands are dry before touching a generator.

Charging Appliances

  • Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the cord has all three prongs, and especially a grounding pin.

  • Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. It’s extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer.

In Case of Incident

If you think you or someone else has been exposed to carbon monoxide, move the person into fresh air and call your doctor or healthcare provider. If someone has been electrocuted, call 911 for emergency care instructions.