A Massachusetts nursing home experienced high levels of carbon monoxide--more than 10 times a normal reading--after a power outage automatically kicked their generator into gear.

 

The administrator at Taunton Nursing Home believes the exhaust from the generator was sucked into the air conditioner ventilation system and dispersed throughout the home, causing the CO2 problem, according to The Boston Globe.

 

Two nurses reported feeling dizzy during the power outage, but the rest of the home was unaware of the poisonous leak until firefighters arrived to evacuate the residents and employees. The fire department was alerted by the nursing home’s carbon-monoxide sensors. There were no reported injuries.

 

Be aware of your generator’s proximity to your vents, and periodically check your carbon monoxide detectors. Taunton Nursing Home’s resolution was to reroute the generator’s exhaust ducts to the roof, away from the air conditioner, reported The Globe.

 

You may also want to contact your local fire department to make sure they have a reading on your carbon monoxide sensors.