1 dead, another hospitalized after high levels of carbon monoxide detected at Germantown home

Updated: Aug. 13, 2025

GERMANTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Officials with the Germantown Fire Department are urging people using generators to learn how to properly set one up.

"It's very important to make sure that it's not in an enclosed space," said Chief John Delain. "Don't run it in your garage, don't run it in your basement."

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as "the silent killer" and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can cause the deaths of more than 400 Americans each year.

"Carbon monoxide by itself has no smell, no taste, and it can cause you to get really sleepy," Chief Delain said. "Experts are saying that running it 20 feet from your house is a good spot for it, and make sure the exhaust is facing away from your house, away from windows, away from your garage."

Warning signs include headache, dizziness, upset stomach, and chest pain.

Updated: Aug. 12, 2025

GERMANTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Village of Germantown on Tuesday said a fatality was reported that may have been due to running a generator in a garage Monday. 

Germantown police confirmed the deceased victim was a 74-year-old male. 

The person hospitalized was identified as a 74-year-old woman. 

Published: Aug. 11, 2025

GERMANTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- High levels of CO in a Germantown home sent two people to the hospital on Monday, Aug. 11. 

Authorities were called to the home on Sherwood Court just before 9:15 a.m. 

According to the Germantown Fire Department, the cause was from a gas generator in the garage that had been on all night due to Saturday's power outage. 

The fire department was able to ventilate the home in an effort to clear the air.