A major winter storm is set to hit the commonwealth in just hours, and while generators can be a lifesaver during power outages, safety precautions are critical.
“Keep your generators 10-15 feet away from windows, doors, or any enclosed spaces. Never run them indoors,” advised Richard Harris, a district chief with the Lexington Fire Department. “Generators often come with safety codes and instructions, so be sure to follow them carefully.”
Improper generator use can lead to serious safety hazards, particularly carbon monoxide poisoning. Harris noted that colder weather and storms that cause power outages often lead to incidents involving generators placed too close to houses. “We’ve had many calls for carbon monoxide exposure due to generators being used improperly,” he said.
Another key safety tip is understanding how much power your generator can handle. “Check the wattage on both your generator and the appliances you want to power. Your generator’s manual should provide this information,” Harris explained. “If in doubt, look it up online to avoid overloading the generator.”
Harris also recommends turning off the generator while sleeping. This way, if something goes wrong, you’ll be alert and able to address any issues before they become serious.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that about 100 people die each year in the U.S. from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators.
