ORLANDO, Fla. – In times of emergency, generators can be lifesavers. But without proper precautions, they can also pose serious risks.
Michael Vita, fire marshal for Lake County Fire Rescue, sheds light on the potential dangers and how to steer clear of them.
Keep it outdoors
Vita emphasizes the importance of placing generators outside and away from flammable materials like mulch. This precaution helps prevent fires and reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Distance matters
Placing the generator close to your home is a common mistake. Keep it at least 20 feet away from doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your living spaces.
Mind the exhaust
Ensure the generator’s exhaust points away from living spaces. This simple step can prevent carbon monoxide from seeping indoors, causing symptoms like dizziness and nausea.
Without a carbon monoxide detector, the invisible gas can fill a room unnoticed until symptoms begin to show up. Red blood cells pick up carbon monoxide quicker than they pick up oxygen. Inhaling the odorless gas then replaces the oxygen in the blood, causing symptoms. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, so it’s important to know the symptoms of poisoning, which are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Chest pain
Use proper extension cords
Opt for heavy-duty extension cords designed for outdoor use. Avoid frayed cords or ones with the wrong gauge, especially when powering larger appliances.
Direct connections
Plug appliances directly into the generator rather than using power strips. This “point to point” connection minimizes the risk of overloading circuits and causing fires.
Handle with care
Vita warns against refueling generators while they’re still hot. Allow them to cool down before topping up the fuel, preventing burn injuries and potential accidents.
Here are some steps to consider this hurricane season:
- Shopping for your generator - When shopping for a generator, think about what items you need it to power. This is important, because the generator needs to be able to run the amount of wattage required for the items you want to keep on. Once you’ve chosen the generator that’s right for you, make sure you have the cords you need to run it. You’ll also need to buy gas to power the generator.
- Before using your generator - Make sure you have enough gas for a few days of use. As we mentioned before, the amount of gas you’ll need will depend on the size of your generator. Make sure the generator is off before fueling it. Next, make sure the machine has oil in it. Never let your generator run low on oil, never let the oil get dark in color and make sure to change the oil before a storm arrives.
- Starting your generator - Make sure the breakers are on and that you have the proper plugs and cords to run the machine. Turn off all connected appliances before starting your generator. According to experts, refrigerators only need to run a few hours a day to keep food from going bad.
- After using your generator - The generator should be given time to cool down after running for several hours. Nighttime is the best time to keep a generator cool, because it’s not during peak heating hours.
By following these safety measures, you can harness the power of generators effectively during emergencies while minimizing the associated risks. Stay prepared, stay safe.
And if you need help choosing the right size generator, click here to check out the best model for you.
Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30.
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