The seven gallon tanks that are affected include only those tanks that bear dates prior to June 1, 1999. The date is on the serial barcode label found on one of the gasoline tank support rails and on the shipping carton label. Consumers with questions can contact DAPC directly rather than contacting retailers. Many people have been buying generators as a precaution in case there are power outages because of Y2K. CPSC believes that Y2K will not result in major power outages. However, if you use a generator, you need to take precautions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, gasoline ignition, and electrocution.
Generators produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can kill people.
Each year, carbon monoxide from fuel-burning appliances kills approximately 200 people and sends 10,000 people to hospital emergency rooms. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu, including nausea, headache, dizziness, and irregular breathing. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause death. CPSC recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent UL 2034 standard or the International Approval Services 6-96 standard. Generators should be used only outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain and snow.