Disaster Safety
The
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) urges consumers to become
more knowledgeable about electrical safety.
These precautions can help keep you and your family safe from carbon
monoxide poisoning from portable electric generators during and after
disasters:
- Contact a licensed electrician to install your generator
to make sure it meets local codes.
Do not connect
generators directly to household wiring without an appropriate transfer
switch installed. Power from generators connected directly to household
wiring can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in
contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs.
- Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
- Keep the generator dry.
- Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load,
and are free of cuts, worn insulation, and have three-pronged plugs.
- Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used
only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
- Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use
carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels.
Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which
can be deadly.
- Use
a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions
and electrical shock injuries.
- Make
sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in
properly labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before
re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
- Turn
off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the
generator.
- Keep
children away from portable generators at all times.
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