As we face this
ongoing winter storm, some
in our region may plan to utilize back-up generators if there is a power
outage. While generators are handy to have during inclement weather, it is
important to practice generator safety to protect your home from dangerous
carbon monoxide fumes and generator misuse.
Under no
circumstances should portable generators be used indoors. This includes inside a garage, carport, basement,
crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed area, even with ventilation.
Opening doors
and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. The CO from generators can rapidly lead to
full incapacitation and death, but CO can't be seen or smelled. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you
may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while
using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY - DO NOT DELAY.
To avoid electrocution, keep
the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. To protect the generator from moisture,
operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under
a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch
the generator with wet hands.
It is a good idea to install
battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your
home, according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. If CO gas from the generator enters your home
and poses a health risk, the alarm will sound to warn you. Test the battery
frequently and replace when needed.
Be sure to turn the
generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could
ignite. In addition, store fuel for the
generator in an approved safety can and do not keep this can near a
fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not
sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and
can be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches
in the appliance.
Plug appliances directly
into the generator. Or, use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated
extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of
the connected appliance loads. Check
that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three
prongs, especially a grounding pin.
Never try to power the house wiring
by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as
“backfeeding.” This is an extremely dangerous
practice that presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors
served by the same utility transformer. It
also bypasses some of the built-in household protection devices.
