PrintWhen winter storms hit, many can be left without power. The use of portable generators can help families and communities to regain normalcy. However, the Portable Generator Manufacturersā€™ Association (PGMA) reminds users to Take It Outside during unexpected power outages.
ā€œEngine exhaust from portable generators contains carbon monoxide ā€“ an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can kill if portable generators are used incorrectly,ā€ said Susan Orenga, PGMA representative. ā€œTaking the generator outside is absolutely mandatory to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide.ā€

To protect against carbon monoxide poisoning, users should always take the portable generator outside, away from windows and doors. That means never running your portable generator inside your home, julians-feature-templategarage, shed or basement, where emissions can build up and linger for hours ā€“ even after the generator has been shut off.

Additional facts on portable generator safety include:

  • Always read the operatorā€™s manual first and follow the manufacturerā€™s recommended precautions and procedures.
  • To prevent emissions from drifting indoors, always place a portable generator as far away from doors and windows as possible.
  • Place your generator downwind and point the engine exhaust away from occupied spaces.
  • Stay alert with carbon monoxide detectors. Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector according to manufacturerā€™s instructions and check the battery regularly.
  • If you feel sick, dizzy or weak while using your portable generator, get to fresh air immediately and call 911 for emergency medical attention.

ā€œWhen you take it outside, you distance yourself and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide,ā€ said Orenga.

For more information about portable generator safety and winter weather preparation, visit www.TakeYourGeneratorOutside.com.

 

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1 COMMENT

  1. Most generators cannot be run outside in wet weather (read the owner’s manual) but there is a product called GenTent that solves this problem, a self-attaching safety canopy that withstands high winds and snow load while keeping the generator dry and safe to operate (and even refuel or maintain).

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