ORLANDO, Fla. – Ahead of Milton’s expected landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a major hurricane, Duke Energy warned that it’s preparing for 1 million power outages.
In times of emergency, generators are a great option to provide backup power. Improper use of a generator, however, can pose serious risks as they produce deadly and invisible carbon monoxide.
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When it comes to generator safety, here are some things to remember before and during the storm:
Check & test
Ensure your generator is in good working order. Read the manual to make sure you are familiar with operation and safety.
Stock fuel
Make sure you have enough gas for a few days of use and that it’s stored safely. The amount of gas you’ll need will depend on the size of your generator. Make sure the generator is off before fueling it.
Keep it outdoors
Place 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
Do not refuel generators while they’re still hot. Allow them to cool down before topping up the fuel, preventing burn injuries and potential accidents.
After the storm
Inspect & refuel
Check for damage and refuel only when the generator is off and cool.
Clean & store
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. Clean the generator and store it safely.
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.