Safety Tips for Using Power Generators

With thousands of West Bloomfield residents and searing heat, Patch thought it would be wise to share the following tips furnished by the American Red Cross.

What to use?

The American Red Cross recommends using a generator that is rated for the amount of power anticipated to meet a household's needs.

• Look at the labels on lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator to determine the amount of power that will be needed to operate the equipment.
• For lighting, the wattage of the light bulb indicates the power needed.
• Appliances and equipment usually have labels indicating power requirements on them.
• If the generator does not produce adequate power for all your needs, plan to stagger the operating times for various equipment. If the amount of power that will be needed is difficult to determine, ask an electrician for help.

What to watch for?

The primary hazards to avoid with a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning, electricution and fire, the Red Cross states. Every year, injuries and death from those dangers can be avoided by following the directions supplied by the generator's manufacturer, and to make sure the unit is ventilated outdoors.

Portable generators should never be used indoors, as windows and open doorways will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up, which cannot be seen or smelled. Signs of exposure include dizziness, sudden weakness and nausea.

How to maintain?

Fuel for a generator should be stored in an approved safety can and away from the machine itself while in use. It's also important to turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling, according to the Red Cross. A few other tips regarding fuel:

• Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator.
• Do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage. If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and can be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or, use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.

This information was developed by the Red Cross with technical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electric Code ®) and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.