Portable generators should always be used with extreme caution. First and foremost, read all instructions included with your generator before an emergency happens.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards:
Generators produce a deadly colorless gas that is also odorless and tasteless that is called Carbon Monoxide. Some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: dizziness, confusion, nausea, fatigue, headache and even death. Sometimes people can overlook these symptoms thinking they have the flu, not realizing they are being poisoned by this deadly gas.
Below are some generator tips:
Carbon Monoxide Safety
- Never use a generator indoors; this includes homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces and other enclosed or partially-enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
- Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent Carbon Monoxide build-up.
- Distance your gas powered generator at least 5 feet away from your house, the further away the better.
- Position you generator so that the exhaust fumes are directed away from your home.
Fire Safety
- Never attempt to fill a generator with gas before it has cooled. A small spill of gas on a hot exhaust pipe can cause a fire.
- Your home’s electrical system needs to turned off at the main switch. Fires can occur when power is returned and residents are not home and have left on things such as ovens, burners, blow dryers and other appliances.
- Gasoline, propane, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly-labeled, non-glass safety containers.
- Unapproved plastics could leak, and glass containers could ignite if dropped and start a fire. Gasoline should be stored in approved containers marked with letters UL (approved by Underwriters Laboratory)
Electrical Safety
- If using extension cords, make sure they are grounded and are equip to for any electrical wattage you plan to put on them.
- Have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch if you don’t want to run extension cords through your house.
- Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, this will cause “backfeeding”
- A Carbon Monoxide Detector is a wise investment but is not a replacement for proper use and precautions of fuel-burning appliances.
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