Police issue portable generator warning following reports of Co Antrim death

Police have issued a warning against using portable generators in the wake of Storm Éowyn.

It follows reports of a death in the Portrush area on Sunday morning.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that the death is being linked to possible fumes from a generator.

Emergency services were called to the scene of an incident close to the Ballymacrea Road area of Portrush on Sunday morning.

It comes as thousands of homes have been left without power following Storm Éowyn, forcing many to use portable generators to power their homes.

As of 8pm, Northern Ireland Electricity says 74,000 homes are still without power. Around 211,000 homes have had power restored in the past 48 hours since the storm hit Northern Ireland on Friday morning.

In advice this afternoon, the Health and Safety Executive for NI said: “Do not assume that you are safe. Carbon monoxide from generators is completely colourless and odourless, so you won’t know if it’s there. It could kill your family and your pets.”

Their advice issued for using generators was:

• do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces – including homes, garages, and crawl spaces – even those areas with partial ventilation
• do not operate near open doors and windows. Using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home
• install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended placement

The PSNI and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service have been contact for comment.