USE YOUR GENERATOR SAFELY

One portable generator can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. With people increasingly relying on portable generators for backup power, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an alert: Gasoline-powered portable generators create a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which can kill in minutes.

Using data from 2017 to 2019, the CPSC report says “about 85 consumers die in the U.S. each year from CO poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators.” It goes on to say that about 81% of the deaths occurred in residential settings.

Among the households reporting fatalities, the three top reasons for generator use were weatherrelated power outages, power shutoffs and providing power to temporary locations such as cabins and campgrounds.

Because CO is odorless and colorless, it’s possible to inhale a fatal dose and lose consciousness before exhibiting symptoms of poisoning, which include dizziness, nausea and weakness.

PROPER VENTILATION IS CRUCIAL

Never use a generator indoors— not even in a garage, outbuilding or tent. Always keep it at least 20 ft. from the house and far from doors and windows.

It can be tempting to run a generator on a porch or an unused part of the house, especially if it’s raining or snowing. Don’t. Generac, a leading generator manufacturer, says that it’s impossible to provide adequate ventilation in an enclosed space, even if you open all the windows and run a fan.

If you must run a generator during heavy rain, put it under the overhang of a shed or garage roof as far as possible from windows. You could also put it under a table or build a makeshift roof with four posts. Never cover a generator with a tarp.

SOME MODELS FEATURE AUTOMATIC CO SHUTOFF

The CPSC report includes these guidelines:

Buy a generator with an automatic CO shutoff. Models conforming to the latest safety standards can prevent 87 to 100% of deaths from CO poisoning.

Maintain the generator regularly to minimize emissions. Clean the air filter before each use, top off the oil and frequently clean or replace the spark plug.

Install battery-operated CO detectors or hardwired detectors with battery backup on each level of your home and also in all sleeping areas.

MORE TIPS FOR SAFE USE

Be sure you read and understand all the safety precautions in your owner’s manual. In addition:

Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord rated for the total current draw of all appliances plugged into it.

To prevent burns, don’t touch any part of the motor while the generator is running.

Don’t smoke or use lighters near a running generator.

Avoid gas spills. Don’t overfill the tank, and don’t add gas while the unit is running. Turn off the unit and let it cool first.

Don’t feed a generator directly into your electrical panel yourself. Leave that to a licensed electrician.