Generator Safety: Helpful Tips For Safe Operation In Aftermath Of Hurricane Ida
More than 1 million people across south Louisiana lost power when Hurricane Ida made landfall Sunday afternoon, and utility officials say many areas could remain without electricity for weeks.
Many homes and businesses are relying on generators, and public safety officials say it's important to remember safe and effective ways to operate a generator.
Using a generator incorrectly can result in death. In 2020 during Hurricane Laura, several people in various parishes were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.
The following generator safety tips are simple, but effective in saving lives:
Do not place generators inside of any structure including garages, carports and sheds. Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage.
Instead, place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home, down-wind away from open doors, windows and vents
Before refueling, turn the generator off and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes
Don't connect your generator directly to your home's wiring. Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet
Instead, use a heavy-duty, outdoor extension cord to plug appliances into generators
Do not use in rain or wet conditions
Have a fire extinguisher nearby
Have a carbon monoxide monitor for your home
Don't overload your generator.
Don't store gasoline for your generator indoors.
Read and adhere to the manufacturer's directions for safe operation.
Electrocution or electric shock
Always connect the generator to the appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could increase the voltage or could cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility lineman. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. Connecting the generator to your home could cause a surge in electricity that might result in injury or death to yourself or your family.
Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes, or ask your utility company to install an appropriate power transfer switch.
Fire
Keep your generator outside and fuel your generator outside.
Do not store fuel for your generator in your house. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, diesel and other flammable liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
Do not store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, for example a gas stove.
If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches.
Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
