Overview
- Sumpter Township police and fire found an 8-year-old and a 12-year-old unresponsive in a garage where a portable gas-powered generator was operating; attempts to resuscitate the children were unsuccessful.
- Authorities have linked the deaths to carbon monoxide exposure from the generator and have described the case as a stark reminder of the gas’s risks.
- Emergency officials advised never to run generators inside homes, garages, basements, sheds, or other enclosed areas and said generators must be placed outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents.
- Officials cited Michigan guidance recommending 10-year lithium battery carbon monoxide detectors on every level of a home and near sleeping areas because CO is colorless and odorless and can build up even if windows or doors are open.
- The tragedy highlights how storm-related power outages increase generator use and risk, and officials urged anyone whose CO alarm sounds or who has symptoms to get to fresh air and call 911.