Christmas gifts come in many ways, usually wrapped in festive paper and ribbons — but sometimes as simply as a neighbor’s visit. An elderly couple in Whitefield may be alive today because of such a visit, according to broadcast reports.
The 80-year-old man and 79-year-old woman residing on Heath Road were found unconscious due to suspected carbon monoxide fumes from a generator in an attached garage when a neighbor came over to visit them on Christmas morning at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to a report at WGME Channel 13.
The neighbor summoned the Whitefield Fire Dept. and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Rescue crews responded and transported the man by LifeFlight to a nearby hospital. The present condition of the couple is unknown.
A carbon monoxide fatality occurred on Christmas Eve, according to Maine State Police, with the victim being a 50-year-old man from the town of Knox. The victim had entered a closed garage where a generator had been operating through the night, and was found dead about 15 minutes later, according to the MSP.
These incidents prompted the Maine Emergency Management Agency to release the following guidelines for use of electrical generators during the current power outages.
– Place generators outdoors in the fresh air
– Make a plan for how to keep your generator dry and protected from ice and snow so you are not tempted to bring it inside a garage or other enclosed structure. Generators also pose a risk of shock and electrocution, especially in wet conditions. Dry your hands before touching a generator.
– Ensure the generator is at least 15 feet away from home windows or doors
– Ensure the generator is not placed in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space (such as basement, cellar bulkhead, attached garage) where carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels.
– Use kerosene heaters in a well-ventilated room, by either keeping doors to other rooms open or keeping a window partially open (at least 1 inch)
– Use only K-1 grade fuel in kerosene heaters. Follow instructions for setting the wick height.
– Do not use outdoor cooking devices indoors such as gas or charcoal grills or gas camp stoves.
– Do not use indoor gas cooking stoves for heat.