Delaware Township, NJ – An 88-year-old Delaware Township woman woman was found dead in her home Saturday, possibly the result of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator, officials said today.
An electric generator was being operated in an enclosed three-season porch at the house, Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III and Delaware Township Police Chief Edward Ziolkowski reported in a statement.
Mayor Roger Locandro said the death scene is a home along Route 579 north of Route 12, in the hamlet of Croton.
Initial investigation reveals that a contributing factor of her death could be carbon monoxide poisoning, Kearns and the chief said, adding that the final determination regarding the cause and manner of death will be made after the conclusion of the Hunterdon Medical Examiner’s investigation and toxicology results.
Regardless, all are reminded that running a gas-powered generator produces carbon monoxide, which is very dangerous, the officials said.
Last year, two Holland Township residents died of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a gas-powered generator during the power outages following the October snowstorm.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas, which can cause sudden illness and death. It is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned.
As a matter of public safety and welfare, we want to stress that operating any gasoline or combustion fuel engine or device must be done in the outdoors. Kearns said. This includes generators and heaters meant for well-ventilated areas. Homeowners should also be vigilant on ensuring that their home furnaces, including fireplaces, and wood stoves, are properly serviced and inspected.
If confirmed, this would be at least the sixth death in New Jersey since Monday due to carbon monoxide. People all over the state have been using generators to provide power for their homes and businesses since Hurricane Sandy’s winds caused massive electric failures.
Emergency officials are urging people to be safe when using generators. They should only be used at least 20 feet from a building, and users should make sure wind is not flowing the fumes toward it.