Written on behalf of TWFG Luarca Insurance - Covington LA - Spring TX
Winter storms are relatively rare in Louisiana and Texas due to our region's mild climate. The warm air from the Gulf of Mexico often prevents extreme cold fronts from settling over the area. While we may experience occasional freezing temperatures or snowfall, we are less prone to the prolonged, severe winter weather typical of northern regions. This makes the need for preparedness with equipment like generators especially important when these rare events do occur.
Using a generator at home during power outages introduces several potential hazards. Proper handling and adherence to safety protocols are critical to preventing accidents such as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shock, and fire. Below we cover safety guidelines and practices to follow when using a generator at home.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Why CO is Dangerous:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. It is produced when fuels like gasoline, propane, natural gas, and charcoal burn incompletely. CO poisoning symptoms are often subtle, such as dizziness, headaches, weakness, nausea, and confusion. In high concentrations, CO can cause unconsciousness and death. Because it is undetectable by smell or sight, CO poses a significant risk when operating equipment like generators.
Safe Generator Placement:
Never operate a generator indoors: It is essential that generators are kept outdoors, far from doors, windows, and any vents that could allow exhaust fumes to enter the home. This includes areas like garages, basements, crawlspaces, or any confined or partially enclosed spaces. Even if you open windows or use fans to circulate air, this will not prevent CO buildup.
Position the Generator at a Safe Distance: Place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home and away from open windows or doors. This helps prevent CO from entering the home while still ensuring the generator is close enough for power cords to reach appliances.
Install CO Detectors: Carbon monoxide alarms are a must in homes with generators. These alarms should be installed in central locations on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas to detect any rising CO levels. It’s important to test the batteries in the alarms frequently and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What to Do If CO Alarms Sound:
If a CO alarm goes off, take immediate action:
Leave the area immediately: Go outside to fresh air, away from the source of CO exposure.
Seek medical attention: If you or anyone in the household is feeling dizzy, weak, or nauseous, seek medical help right away.
Call emergency services from a safe area once you are outside.
Generators should never be used near windows, doors, or vents that open into the living space of your home. Even in areas with good ventilation, the gas can still accumulate and pose a danger.
Avoiding Electrocution
Generator Electrical Safety: Generators produce electricity, and as with any electrical device, safety precautions are necessary to avoid electric shock or electrocution.
Dry Conditions: Always ensure the generator is used in dry conditions. Generators should never be used in wet environments or during rain. Wet conditions increase the risk of electrical shock and could potentially cause serious injuries or death. It’s best to operate the generator on a dry surface, and use a canopy or tarp held up on poles to protect the generator from rain while keeping it well-ventilated.
Do Not Touch with Wet Hands: Avoid touching the generator with wet hands, as this can create a pathway for electrical currents to flow through the body. Ensure your hands and the environment around the generator are dry before operating it.
Proper Use of Extension Cords: If using extension cords to connect appliances to the generator, ensure that they are heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. These cords should be capable of handling the total wattage or amps required by the appliances. Check for cuts, tears, or exposed wiring to ensure that the cord is safe for use. The plug of the cord should have all three prongs, including a grounding pin, to help avoid the risk of electrocution.
Avoid "Backfeeding": One of the most dangerous mistakes people make with portable generators is backfeeding. Backfeeding occurs when the generator is plugged into a wall outlet, allowing it to power the home’s electrical system. This is incredibly dangerous because it can send power back into the utility lines, potentially electrocution utility workers, neighbors, or even people within the house.
Generator Overload: Even when used correctly, generators can still pose a risk if overloaded. If the generator is running at full capacity for extended periods or is asked to power too many appliances at once, it can overheat or fail. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the maximum load capacity and avoid using the generator beyond its limits.
Staggering Appliance Use: If you are running multiple devices or appliances, consider staggering the operation of those devices to prevent overloading the generator. This can help ensure that the generator runs smoothly without overheating or damage.
Fire Prevention
Refueling and Storage: When dealing with gasoline-powered generators, fire hazards are present due to the flammable nature of gasoline.
Turn Off the Generator Before Refueling: Always turn off the generator and let it cool before refueling. Spilling gasoline on hot engine parts can ignite, causing a fire. The cooling process is important to prevent ignition, and it also gives the engine time to stabilize before adding fuel.
Safe Fuel Storage: Store fuel in approved safety containers and always follow local regulations regarding fuel storage. Fuel should be kept outside living areas in a locked shed or protected outdoor area. If you have a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage, ensure that fuel is stored away from it to prevent fire hazards. Never store gasoline or other fuels inside your home or in any enclosed area where heat buildup can increase the risk of a fire.
Know Local Laws: Local fire safety laws may have restrictions on how much fuel you can store or where it can be stored. Contact your local fire department or municipality to ensure compliance with storage regulations.
General Generator Operation and Maintenance
Operating Instructions: Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer of the generator. These instructions will provide specific guidelines for the safe operation, fueling, and maintenance of the generator.
Understand Wattage and Amp Requirements: Ensure you are aware of the total wattage and amp requirements of the devices you intend to power with the generator. Overloading the generator can cause it to overheat or fail, leading to electrical problems or potential fire hazards.
Regular Maintenance: Like any mechanical device, a generator requires periodic maintenance to ensure it remains in safe operating condition. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for tasks such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks.
Proper Fueling: Always use the type of fuel recommended in the owner’s manual or indicated on the label. If the generator is designed to run on gasoline, do not substitute it with other fuels such as diesel or kerosene, as this could cause damage to the generator and pose safety risks.
Additional Safety Tips
Use Outdoor-Rated Extension Cords: Always use outdoor-rated extension cords that are rated for higher wattage than what you intend to plug into them. If you are unsure, check the packaging or consult a hardware store to ensure the cord is appropriate for outdoor use.
Check the Generator for Damage: Before using your generator, check it for any visible signs of damage, including rust, corrosion, or frayed wires. Do not operate a damaged generator. Get it serviced or repaired before use.
Keep Children and Pets Away: Never allow children or pets near a generator, especially when it is running. They could inadvertently get injured or cause damage to the generator.
Install Grounding: For larger generators, grounding is important to prevent electrical shock. Ensure that your generator is properly grounded according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ventilation: Always ensure that the generator is placed in a well-ventilated area. This will help reduce the buildup of dangerous exhaust fumes like CO.
Using a generator at home can be a great way to ensure continuous power during outages, but safety must always be the top priority. By following the necessary precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, fire hazards, and overloads, you can use a generator safely. Be sure to always operate the generator outdoors, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, store fuel safely, use proper extension cords, and never attempt to backfeed your home's electrical system. Additionally, install CO detectors, test them regularly, and take immediate action if the alarm sounds.
By being proactive about safety, you can enjoy the benefits of a generator without putting yourself or your loved ones at risk.
TWFG Luarca Insurance - Louisiana and Texas
Comentarios