Lithuania Faces Power Outages; Firefighters Warn of Generator Dangers

A powerful storm has left thousands of Lithuanian residents without electricity, prompting a surge in the use of electric generators. Firefighters are issuing urgent safety warnings, emphasizing that while these devices are crucial during outages, they pose significant risks if not used correctly. The primary danger highlighted is carbon monoxide poisoning, a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas that can rapidly accumulate in enclosed spaces.

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The most important rule: it is recommended to use the generator only outdoors and at a safe distance from the building, because in an enclosed space, a dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide would form very quickly. Carbon monoxide, also known as "smalkės," is a colorless, odorless, and very poisonous gas. A person cannot see or smell it.

"The most important rule: it is recommended to use the generator only outdoors and at a safe distance from the building, because in an enclosed space, a dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide would form very quickly," the Fire Protection and Rescue Department stated. They strongly advise against using generators inside homes, garages, basements, sheds, workshops, balconies, or any partially enclosed area. Even open windows and doors offer no protection against the lethal gas.

Firefighters also cautioned against connecting generators directly to a home's electrical outlets, a practice that requires a qualified specialist and can pose electrocution risks. Instead, they recommend using only outdoor-rated extension cords with sufficient capacity for individual appliances. Residents are urged to read generator instructions, practice starting and stopping the devices, learn how to refuel safely, and install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors before power outages occur.

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Open windows and doors do not protect against carbon monoxide. This dangerous gas can enter living spaces and cause fatal poisoning. It is recommended to place the generator outdoors at a safe distance from buildings as specified by the manufacturer. Exhaust gases must be directed away from the house, windows, doors, and ventilation openings. Do not place the generator right next to the wall just for the convenience of connecting wires.

The storm, which hit over the weekend, caused trees to fall, resulted in one death, and injured four people. Over 268,000 residents initially lost power, and more than 100,000 customers, primarily in the Kaunas, Utena, Panevėžis, and Vilnius regions, remain without electricity. The energy distribution company ESO distributed generators to residents, and the Fire Protection and Rescue Department offered 192 mobile generators for critical infrastructure.

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You cannot connect the generator to the house's electrical outlet in an attempt to supply electricity to the entire house. This can cause electric shock and endanger people. Only a qualified specialist can do this. Use only outdoor-rated extension cords specified in the generator's instruction manual, with sufficient load capacity for the connected devices, and connect only individual electrical appliances.