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Welcome to National Grid’s Tips of the Trade for first responders. These tips are intended to help you respond safely and effectively to incidents involving natural gas and electricity. Please review them with your team.
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| Carbon monoxide hazards from generators |
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| Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning incidents often spike during power outages, particularly when residents misuse fuel‑burning generators. These cases are most prevalent during severe weather events. Learn the risks of improper generator placement and how to recognize and respond to CO poisoning. |
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| Fuel‑burning generators and CO risks |
| Portable generators that burn natural gas, propane or other fuels emit CO as a byproduct of normal operation. When these generators run in garages, in basements, or near doors and windows, dangerous CO levels can build up indoors. |
| CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. Victims may inhale harmful or even fatal levels of CO without realizing it. Concentrations as low as 400 parts per million (ppm) can cause serious symptoms, while levels above 800 ppm can lead to death within 2 to 3 hours. |
| Share these tips with the public to help prevent generator‑related CO poisoning: |
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| Never operate fuel-burning generators indoors, in attached structures, or under covered porches or carports. |
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Place generators at least 20 feet from any building and away from windows, doors, vents and air intakes. |
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Install a CO alarm in the hallway outside every separate sleeping area of a home. (New York and Massachusetts require CO alarms in private dwellings.) |
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| Recognizing and responding to CO poisoning |
| What to look for: |
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| Initial signs of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and confusion. As exposure continues, victims may experience seizures, impaired mobility, respiratory failure or loss of consciousness. |
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| What to do: |
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| If you suspect CO poisoning from a natural gas‑powered generator, alert your dispatcher to notify National Grid. Exercise extreme caution, as CO is highly flammable. Using your PPE and SCBA, quickly evacuate all occupants into fresh air, away from the affected structure. Seek immediate medical attention for anyone showing symptoms. |
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| For more first responder safety information, visit firstresponder.ngridsafety.com. |
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To report emergencies, call 911 and National Grid immediately.
Always call 911 if you suspect a gas leak! |
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To report emergencies, call 911 and National Grid immediately.
Always call 911 if you suspect a gas leak! |
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| In case of gas emergencies: |
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Long Island and the Rockaways:
911 and 1‑800‑490‑0045 |
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Metro New York:
911 and 1‑718‑643‑4050 |
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Upstate New York:
911 and 1‑800‑892‑2345 |
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Massachusetts:
911 and 1‑800‑233‑5325 |
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#17517 © 2025 Culver Company, LLC |
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