Generator Safety Tips

Generators are often used during power outages to provide backup power to a home or business. It is important to use them correctly, as improper setup or use can lead to fires, electrocutions, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Generators are useful in severe weather or other situations where power outages occur, however it’s important that residents know how to safely use generators. When preparing to use a generator, homeowners should be sure they have set up the generator correctly, have a carbon monoxide detector that it is working properly, and familiarize themselves with the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless, and poisonous gas. If you ever feel dizzy or weak in your home while running a generator, you should get to fresh air right away. If a CO detector goes off in your home, all residents should leave the house immediately and call 911 from outside or from a neighbor’s house.

General Safety and Usage Guidelines for Backup Generators

• Make sure your home is equipped with a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide alarm.
• Never operate a generator inside your home or in other enclosed or partially-enclosed spaces. Generators can very quickly produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), which can be deadly. Opening doors and windows or operating fans to attempt to ventilate a generator will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
• Do not overload the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load and have three-pronged plugs. They should be inspected for damage, such as cuts and/or worn insulation before use.
• Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
• Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before refueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
• Keep children away from portable generators at all times.

A generator is a temporary power source. Use a generator only when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances.