A MAJOR warning has been issued to homeowners following the tragic death of an Antrim man.
Police in Northern Ireland have issued a major warning against the use of portable generators following power outages from Storm Eowyn.
This comes following the death of an Antrim man on Sunday.
Emergency services were called to the scene of an incident near the Ballymacrea Road area of Portrush on Sunday morning.
It is understood that a man in the Portrush area died following possible exposure to fumes from a generator.
Households are now being warned over using portable generators to power their homes after thousands remain without power.
ESB Networks reported this morning said around 246,000 customers are still without power following impacts from Storm Eowyn.
Crews have restored power to 522,000 customers after outages peaked at 768,000 on Friday morning.
Due to severe outages, some homes and businesses may not see power return until later in the week.
Around 65,000 people in Northern Ireland are still without power, with Northern Ireland Electricity warning that it could be February 3 before a full restoration.
Many homes across the country are availing of portable generators to ensure some power is restored.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland warned that the use of home generators come with a number of dangers.
They 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.”
They went on to issue advice for the use of these generators, advising homeowners to not use them indoors or in enclosed spaces.
This includes homes, garages and crawl spaces, as well as areas with partial ventilation.
They say they should also not be operated near open doors and windows.
Using fans within the home while generators are operating will also not prevent a build up of carbon monoxide.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said that all homes should have a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm fitted to alert of any harmful or dangerous levels.
These alarms should always be fitted as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
