‘Is this a safe distance?’ – Generator photo sparks urgent warnings over Carbon Monoxide…

24th August 2026 by Incidents 0 Comments

23rd August 2026 – TCA The Cool Down reports: After several days without electricity, one homeowner took to the internet to ask whether their portable generator was far enough from the house to be used safely. Responses quickly centered on two hazards, specifically carbon monoxide getting inside and an extension cord that could easily overheat:

Is this portable generator far enough from the house or a carbon monoxide danger
Photo Credit: REDDIT

Most commenters said the arrangement was not a good one, especially with a sliding door nearby left open. 

One commenter warned “You need to close that sliding door and get a longer cord as soon as you can. This isn’t ‘you are going to die immediately’ close, but it is ‘that really should be further away with the door shut or a lot further away with the door open’ close.” 

The reason for this is that generators, like all other combustion engines, create deadly carbon monoxide gas which can be fatal when inhaled – especially in enclosed spaces such as homes, garages, vehicles, boats, tents, cabins, etc… and carbon monoxide poisoning associated to generators kills between 85 and 100 people each year in the U.S. as well as hospitalising 100s more, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission – Learn more

Read the full article at: The Cool Down

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas. In the United States alone, the CDC states that every year carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires leads to over 50,000 Americans going to the emergency room, with around 15,000 being hospitalized and as many as 500 deaths.

Generators, car engines, air conditioning systems, boilers, ovens and other equipment where combustion takes place can cause carbon monoxide exposure when used incorrectly and/or in the wrong environment, or if it is not properly maintained.

Please see our simple safety advice on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the very real dangers of carbon monoxide.

Or, click here and complete our short contact form if you or someone you know has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning and need advice on whether you may have grounds to claim compensation from those responsible.