With some of the worst winter storms on record happening in certain parts of the country, you may have to remind yourself about generator safety tips if you ever have to use one. Power outages that go on for weeks aren’t uncommon any more during treacherous winters. Using a generator may have to be necessary during those times, even if you may be using one for the first time.
What you don’t know could ultimately be very dangerous. When setting up a generator, you have to think about how much power it has, safe ways to keep it fueled, and where it should be set to stay clear of carbon monoxide.
Checking the Power of the Generator
The American Red Cross recommends you always buy a generator that exceeds the amount of power you’re going to need. Otherwise, you risk overload on the generator and causing power failure during the worst possible times. All you have to do is check the amount of power on each appliance and add up the amount you need. Electricians can be called to help inspect things if you’re still not sure of safety.
Safety on Fueling
You also have to think of safety with the fuel you’ll be using on the generator. Store the fuel in an outdoor shed away from anything flammable. A major hazard is when people attempt to fuel the generator when it’s still hot after running for many hours. You have to let it cool down for a while before refueling or the heat from the internal parts could cause an instant fire.
Keeping Clear of Carbon Monoxide
One of the most important safety aspects to generators is where you place it. Those with no prior experience working with portable generators might think that placing it inside their home is safe. It isn’t because of engine exhaust and carbon monoxide permeating throughout your home. Some people are fooled into thinking that if they ventilate an area near where a portable generator is, they’ll still be safe. The truth is, ventilation doesn’t help, and a little bit of CO fumes can potentially become very dangerous to you and your family.
Your best bet is setting up the generator outdoors. If it’s raining out, setting up a canopy to keep it dry is the safest area to avoid electrocution from moisture. Be sure to keep the generator away from any open doors or windows, because the carbon monoxide fumes can still enter your home.
Because of those chances of carbon monoxide coming in from a generator, you can be alerted with a smart carbon monoxide detector. Here at All Island Security, we offer a high-quality CO detector that alerts you to head to fresh air the minute the alarm goes off. It detects any CO gas emanating from appliances, your fireplace, or furnace.
Call us and we’ll install our CO alarm for you before you start using a generator to survive winter as well as give you some generator safety tips. Also, consider us if you’re in Long Island, New York and need better security in your home. We’ll give you superior alarm systems with features and prices you won’t find anywhere else.
