Winter Safety Tips for Portable Generators | DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Winter weather often brings snow, sleet and ice, and consequently, power outages.  Although portable generators can offer life-saving benefits during power outages, they can also be dangerous.  According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the best way to avoid accidents and injuries related to portable generators is to become familiar with their proper operating procedures.   The agency recommends the following tips for staying safe around portable electric generators:

• “Always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions before running generator
• Engines emit carbon monoxide. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, or other enclosed areas. Fatal fumes can build up, that neither a fan nor open doors and windows can provide enough fresh air.
• Only use your generator outdoors, away from open windows, vents, or doors.
• Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector in the area you’re running a generator.
• Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable. Allow the generator engine to cool at least 2 minutes before refueling and always use fresh gasoline. If you do not plan to use your generator in 30 days, don’t forget to stabilize the gas with fuel stabilizer.
• Maintain your generator according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety.
• Never operate the generator near combustible materials.
• If you have to use extension cords, be sure they are of the grounded type and are rated for the application. Coiled cords can get extremely hot; always uncoil cords and lay them in flat open locations.
• Never plug your generator directly into your home outlet. If you are connecting a generator into your home electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch.
• Generators produce powerful voltage – Never operate under wet conditions. Take precautions to protect your generator from exposure to rain and snow.”Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
  • Winter safety and injury prevention guidelines for kids and parents
  • Holiday safety tips for travelers
  • Safety tips for holiday decorating

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