Portable Generator Safety
Portable electric generators offer great benefits when outages affect your home, but can also be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from toxic engine exhaust, electric shock, and fire.
Safety Tips:
- Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
- Don’t connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring, or to a regular household outlet.
- Don’t overload the generator.
- Use the proper power cords.
- Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
- To prevent electrical shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded.
- Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a hot generator or one that is running.
- Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before starting or shutting down your generator.
- Avoid getting burned.
- Keep children away from portable electric generators at all times.