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Power Generator Safety 

1. Always follow the manufactures operating instructions.  Each manufacturer has specific instructions for their own generators and they supercede these tips.

2. Operate generator outside in a well-ventilated area, e.g. do not use a generator in a garage with the doors closed. 

3. Follow the maintenance schedule for your generator.

4. Use qualified personel to install the generator.

5. Operator generator on level, dry, ground. Avoid puddles or other water. 

6. For gas generators, keep the gasoline fresh.

7. Use properly rated and grounded extension cords if needed. Heavy Duty outdoor cords may be needed for applicances. Ensure that the cords are in good condition. If a cord overheats during operation, replace with a higher rated cord. 

8. Do not operate generator near flamable materials.

9. Only use a qualified electrician to connect a generator to your house circuit.

10. Do not overload a generator. 

11. Ensure that your generator is properly grounded. 

12. Turn off all electrical applicances and equipment prior to shutting down your generator.

13. Generators can become hot, so avoid touching hot generator surfaces.

14. Keep children and animals away from generators.

15. Do not refuel a running generator and do not store fuel indoors. 

16. Do not run extension cords through water of any kind.

As always, practice the same safety tips you would with any type of electrical power and follow manufacturer instructions to the letter.

Since you do not know how long power will be off, we have some tips to stretch the amount of time your generator will power your home. While your generator may be capable of powering your entire home, the question of how long it can do so and that depends solely on your fuel supply and how easily you can replenish it. All these tips will help you reduce the load on your generator, thereby increasing the amount of time it can run without needing additional fuel. 

The short version is: turn off as many electrical devices as possible and limit the usage of others. 

Specifically: 

1. If you know you may need your generator in advance – for example a hurricane is approaching – turn down your freezer and refrigerator down before the storm approaches in order to cool down beforehand. If you lose power, limit opening them to conserve power.

2. Turn off un-needed electrical devices. For example, pool pumps, lights, some clocks, cordless phones, un-needed computers, un-needed televisions.

3. Increase the temperator setting of air conditioners, or decrease the heat setting. 

4. Turn off un-needed air conditioning units – for example if your family can live in part of the house you can turn off one zone. 

5. Try to avoid charging your electric car or golf cart, if possible.