Power Outage in Winter Storms? Use Generators Safely with These Tips
Safely navigate power outages caused by winter storms with proper generator usage Avoid dangers like carbon monoxide poisoning Follow these guidelines to install alarms, disconnect power sources, position, keep dry, plug equipment directly, maintain fuel, and inspect regularly
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Nicolette Nye, a spokesperson for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, informed CNN in 2021 that when a storm hits and the power goes out for an extended period of time, people are going to either purchase a portable generator to power their home or retrieve the one they already have.
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However, there are potential dangers associated with the improper use of a generator, including electric shock, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust, as warned by the US Consumer Product and Safety Commission.
Ever since the onset of storms in late December, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has documented 16 probable cases of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning stemming from eight separate incidents, all attributed to incorrect generator usage, as per the office of state Gov. Janet Mills. If you find yourself without power and considering the use of a portable generator, here are seven safety tips to keep in mind.
1. Make sure to install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home to protect against this colorless, odorless gas. It is produced when fossil fuels like coal, crude oil, or natural gas are burned by furnaces, portable heaters, generators, vehicles, stoves, grills, gas ranges, or fireplaces. It is important to note that depending on a generator's power capacity, it can emit as much carbon monoxide as a hundred idling cars, according to the Maine governors office.
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Inhaling excessive carbon monoxide can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, as outlined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Depending on the amount inhaled and individual health, fainting or death may also occur.
Nye emphasized the importance of installing and testing a battery-operated carbon monoxide monitor with a digital readout to accurately measure CO concentration levels as a crucial method for monitoring carbon monoxide exposure.
A battery-powered smoke detector may also include a carbon monoxide monitor. At levels higher than one to 70 parts per million, symptoms can occur. It is essential to have a monitor in the basement as carbon monoxide sinks. However, the risk of exposure on every floor means monitors should be placed in main living areas and near bedrooms to ensure that you can be alerted by an alarm while sleeping.
2. Turn off your main breaker or fuse to disconnect your usual power source. This step is necessary even if you've lost electricity, before plugging the generator into a household circuit, according to the CDC.
Failure to do so could result in the electrical current reversing and traveling back through the circuit to the external power grid, potentially energizing power lines or electrical systems in neighboring buildings to their original voltage without the awareness of utility workers. The CDC has cautioned that this back-feed poses a risk of electrocution to utility workers and individuals in nearby buildings, as stated by Paul Hope, a home and appliances writer at Consumer Reports, in a previous interview.
3. Proper Placement of Generators
It is important to know the proper placement of generators. Generators should only be used outdoors, positioned at least 20 feet (6 meters) away from doors, windows, and vents. Never run a generator inside a home or garage, even if doors and windows are open, according to the National Weather Service.
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Rainy weather often leads to deadly scenarios, according to Hope. People often make the mistake of placing generators in their garage and propping the garage door open, causing exhaust to enter their home.
"It's a very common, desperate situation in the aftermath of a storm, where people who have never used a generator may not realize how dangerous it is, or they think the warnings are exaggerated. But the danger is very real," he explained.
4. Ensure the generator is kept dry to prevent electrical hazards.
When operating a generator, it is crucial to do so in a dry environment and on dry surfaces to avoid hazards, as per OSHA guidelines. If you are wet or standing in water, make sure to dry yourself and move away from the water before using the generator.
In the event of rainy weather, consider using a canopy or similar structure to shield the generator from water.
5. When connecting equipment like refrigerators or laptop chargers to the generator, it is recommended to use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are in good working condition and have a wire gauge capable of handling the electric load of any connected appliances, according to the US Department of Energy.
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The generator's owner's manual should specify the required gauge, Hope mentioned. When making a purchase, remember that "the lower the gauge number, the thicker the cord, and the thicker the cord, the more electricity it can safely carry," he advised.
Avoid connecting one extension cord to another. Using a thin, flimsy cord could lead to an overload of electricity and potentially start a fire.
And remember: Outdoor-rated and thicker extension cords are made to be protected from the elements, but the generator itself still should stay dry.
6. Take care of your fuel
When storing fuel, it's important to consider the quantity and duration of storage. Gasoline or diesel fuel saved for more than a month may require additional chemicals to remain viable.
For guidance, consult your generator supplier or manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can purchase fuel stabilizer from a hardware store or gas station, which extends storage viability to 18 to 24 months, according to Hope. Store fuel in containers approved by the American National Standards Institute or OSHA, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, and away from potential heat sources.
Before refueling, turn off the generator and let it cool. If the generator is hot when youre refueling it, any gas that spills on the outside could ignite, Nye said.
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In addition, Hope emphasized the importance of prioritizing power usage during major storms, such as hurricanes, when gas stations may not have power. According to Hope, it is essential to prioritize powering medical equipment, refrigeration, phone chargers, laptops, and other essential communication devices for safety.
7. Regularly inspect and maintain your generator
Regular maintenance of your generator includes inspecting above-ground storage tanks, pipes, and valves for any cracks or leaks, as advised by the US Department of Energy. If any damage is found, replace it immediately.
If the generator is in good shape, keep fresh fuel in the tank and run the generator intermittently so it will be ready when emergencies happen.
