Windy Winter
Seattle area winters are known to be rainy and can be very windy. Along with the wind comes power outages that turn already dark days even darker and colder. Many homeowners have discovered the magic of the gas-powered generator. Ranging from small ones able to run a few lights to “whole-house” generators that keep the fridge and furnace going, generators are increasingly popular.
Unfortunately, generators can be very dangerous if not operated properly. Attached is a “top ten” list of do’s and don’ts for generator use.
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Generator Safety Precautions
Below is a brief list of safety precautions for using a gas-powered electric generator in a residential environment. For full instructions refer to the generators operating manual.
- Prepare your plan of use prior to an emergency. Review all generator instructions and warnings. Practice starting the generator so you are aware of what it takes to properly start and run it.
- Place the generator in a well-ventilated area, never indoors, in a garage or near an open window. Make sure your home has a CO detector installed. Carbon monoxide is a colorless / odorless gas that can easily kill. Point the exhaust away from the home.
- Install battery operated lighting in the area of the generator so you can have both hands free while starting.
- Place the generator in a dry area. Touching a wet generator can result in electrocution. Note: finding a dry area that is also safe for operation can be difficult. Consider building a generator shed to cover it during operation.
- Prepare a fuel supply enough to carry you through a typical outage. Place the supply in a safe area. Never in a garage or indoors.
- Never fill the generator while it is running. Turn off the generator and allow it to cool down before re-filling. Consider a natural gas generator that can hook to the home’s natural gas supply for continuous function.
- Never overload the generator. Match the required output to the capacity of the generator.
- Never try to move the generator while it’s running, this can change the electrical output and damage equipment attached to it.
- Connect the generator to the home’s electrical panel via a transfer switch professionally installed. This allows you to provide power to the whole house or selected circuits and switch from normal power to generator power.
- Check all power cords for signs of failure including loss of insulation or aging. Never run a cord under a rug or pinch it in a door.
