Many deaths from Hurricane Laura contributed to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide and Portable Generators
Many residents of Louisianna are coming back to what is left of their homes and surely without any power. Other residents maintained some power using portable generators. Unfortunately, some of these residents’ misuse of portable generators, led to carbon monoxide poisoning and death. This is why we at Midwest Electric and Generator find it very important to provide Portable Generator Safety Tips for all home and business owners. Midwest will also provide automatic standby power solutions. These solutions are permanent and fully automatic to provide ultimate peace-of-mind, no matter if you are home or away.
Portable Generator Safety Tips
- NEVER run a generator inside a home, garage, or enclosed building; not even if the doors or windows are open! Generators produce carbon monoxide through their exhaust. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and hard to detect. Carbon Monoxide poisoning from generators used indoors or in partially enclosed spaces can lead to death within minutes. Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house, garage, or enclosed building with the engine exhaust directed away from any windows and doors. Use a working, battery-operated carbon monoxide detector at the same time as running your generator to ensure no carbon monoxide enters the home.
- Do NOT run a portable generator in the rain. Risk of electrical shock can be a concern with dragging out extension cords. Specially made tents for generators are available online and can shield from the rain while keeping the generator well-ventilated.
- Let a gasoline generator cool down BEFORE refueling it. If gasoline is spilled on a hot engine, parts can ignite. Allowing the engine to cool also reduces the risks of getting your skin burned while refueling.
- Store and stock up on additional fuel safely. You will want to have additional fuel available for when the generator is running for extended periods of time. Be sure to store gas in an ANSI-approved container, and in a cool, well-ventilated place. Keep gasoline away from any potential sources of heat, fire, or inside a home. Adding a stabilizer to the container of gas will help it last longer.
- Avoid potential electrical hazards. It is best to plug in appliances directly to the generator. When using an extension cord, it should be heavy-duty and rated for outdoor use. With the rated wattage and amperage at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads. Ensure that the extension cord is free of any cuts. Verify that the plug has all three prongs which is critical to protect against a shock if water has collected inside the equipment.
- NEVER back feed your home or business. To back feed means trying to power your home by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is a reckless and dangerous!! Back feeding produces an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices. You could end up destroying some of your electronics or starting an electrical fire by back feeding.
A Better Backup Power Solution
It is easy to see there are a lot of potential hazards from the list of portable generator safety tips. To ensure reliability and true peace-of-mind, consider installing an automatic standby generator. Never again haul out a heavy portable unit in uncertain elements. No need to find extension cords, gas cans, or drive somewhere to refill them. Never again deal with only having minimal appliances working when you need them most.
Automatic standby generators turn on within seconds of a power outage. These backup generators run on natural gas or propane. If natural gas is used, considerate it as an almost endless supply! Keeping you with power for days or even weeks! Get a FREE Estimate on an Automatic Standby Generator system for your home or business.
At the very least, you can install a transfer switch before the next storm. A transfer switch connects the generator to your circuit panel. This transfer switch allows you to power hardwired appliances while avoiding the safety risks associated with extension cords. Most transfer switches also help you avoid overload by displaying wattage usage levels.
Contact The Expert Generator Installers At Midwest Electric & Generator
Midwest Electric & Generator, Inc. has provided quality generator installations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. When power is not available for one reason or another, the generator is on standby. Keeping your home or business running as if nothing ever happened.
At Midwest Electric & Generator, we ensure that you have a high-quality power generator operating for your home or business. We are committed to your comfort and satisfaction by providing the best products, the finest service, and warranties that ensure your generator remains in good working order for the long-term.
You can get started with a simple phone call to 612-284-1550 or LIVE Chat from our website: www.MidwestGenerators.com. Midwest Electric & Generator is your local, experienced, and professional generator installer. The only PowerPro Premier dealer in the 5-state area with over 10,000 satisfied customers.