The risk for injuries associated with generators and chain saws increases after natural disasters such as hurricanes. If misused, both of these products can lead to injuries and even deaths, the Alabama Department of Public Health cautions.

Power outages that follow storms prompt people to use generators which produce carbon monoxide. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms and ultimately lead to coma and death. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas that is produced by all fossil fuel burning appliances and automobiles. Exposure to carbon monoxide is responsible for more fatal unintentional poisonings in the United States than any other agent.

Follow these recommendations for the safe use of generators:

• Have a carbon monoxide monitor with fresh batteries in it and place it in the residence high on the wall.

Governor Robert Bentley on Friday encouraged all Alabamians to be prepared for the possibility of a hurricane making landfall along the Gulf Coast next week.

Latest forecast models show Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico in the coming days.  The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall somewhere along the central Gulf Coast late Tuesday or early Wednesday.

“Now is the time for you and your family to make sure you have the proper supplies and plans in place,” Governor Bentley said.  “Inland areas of the state could also be affected.  We are keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Isaac, and we encourage everyone to monitor changing weather conditions over the next several days.”

Just Thursday, Governor Bentley announced the launch of the renewed Ready Alabama initiative to help people prepare ahead of natural disasters.  The Ready Alabama website,

MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley and Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan announced Friday that farmers in nearly half of Alabama’s counties will be eligible for low-interest federal loans as a result of a drought emergency declaration by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack.

“While much of the state has received rain this week, it is not enough to eliminate the severe and extreme drought conditions that many places are experiencing,” Governor Bentley said.  “Farmers across Alabama are suffering through what has been an extended drought from last year.  We appreciate Secretary Vilsack's response to this critical situation that affects so many Alabama families.”

In a July 12 letter to Governor Bentley, Secretary Vilsack designated the following 33 counties as “primary natural disaster areas” suffering from severe or extreme drought: