The outlet noted that the family was reportedly using a generator in the home after their electricity was cut off due to an unpaid bill.
NC Newsline noted that family members claim the Swanns tried to prevent the electricity shutoff with a partial payment, but the city utility denied the request, citing a requirement of either the full past-due amount or a three-month plan to pay off the entire balance.
The outlet reported that Senator Natalie Murdock said hearing of the family’s passing gave her chills.
“I would hope that we would dream of a world where no one dies simply because they’re behind on their energy bill,” Murdock said. “That’s just not acceptable.”
NC Newsline reported that Murdock, along with other lawmakers, filed a bill this year banning utility companies from shutting off power for nonpayment during periods of extreme heat. That bill was never given a hearing by lawmaker leaders.
Something tells me they just never got the education that was present.
Honestly, I’m not really sure how you get past childhood without just passively learning you can’t run gas engines indoors. It sucks that this killed them, but oh man. How does that go unlearned?
I learned that as an adult from reading sad stories like this. My parents never had a generator and they didn’t work on cars or anything with an engine at the house.
I’ve never seen a generator that’s not plastered in warning stickers, several of which warn not to run inside. BBQs are the same.
Then again, my neighbours decided to have a campfire in the garage last autumn. ಠ_ಠ