Tallahassee — On May 6, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7071 authorizing a Disaster Preparedness Supplies Sales Tax Holiday from May 28 to June 10, 2022. This tax holiday includes portable generators and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors/alarms*.
“CO poisoning cases spike during and after tropical storms and hurricanes from misplacement of portable generators,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Carina Blackmore. “Proper placement of portable generators can help prevent CO-related hospitalizations and deaths.” CO is an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas produced by burning fuels.
Here’s how Floridians can prevent CO poisoning:
- Use and place portable generators correctly and according to manufacturer instructions.
- Install CO detectors/alarms on all livable levels and near sleeping areas in every home.
- Watch the DOH’s Portable Generator Safety Public Service Announcement and visit their carbon monoxide poisoning prevention webpage for additional information.
For CO poisoning data, visit the Florida Environmental Public Health Tracking website.
If you have a poisoning emergency, call the Florida Poison Control Center Network at 1-800-222-1222. For all medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
# # #
Content provided by the Florida Department of Health. FDOH, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
*Portable generators $1,000 and less and CO detectors/alarms $70 and less.
