TIPS FROM YOUR BURNT STORE MARINA COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)
After the extended power outages in Burnt Store Marina following Hurricane Ian, a number of families purchased an emergency generator for the next big storm. While the generators can be very useful when there are power outages, they can present serious health and safety concerns.
Be Aware of Hazards
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
○ Carbon monoxide from generators is completely colorless and odorless, so you won’t know if it’s there. It could kill your family and your pets.
○ Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces – including homes, garages, and crawl spaces – even those areas with partial ventilation.
○ Do not operate near open doors and windows.
○ Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels.
• Fire
○ Keep your generator outside and fuel your generator outside.
○ Do not store fuel for your generator in your house. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, diesel, and other flammable liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers.
○ Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down.
• Electrocution
○ Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
○ Hooking up your generator directly into your home power supply could increase the voltage or could cause a surge to the outside power lines and potentially injure or electrocute an unaware utility lineman. Improperly connecting the generator to your home could also cause a surge in electricity that might result in injury or death to yourself or your family.
○ Use a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment in accordance with local electrical codes.
Another consideration, when using your generator, is being courteous to your neighbors. When power is out across the area, people have their windows open. The noise from gas generators travels great distances, especially at night. Unless you’re using your generator for life-saving medical devices such as oxygen generators, CPAP machines, home dialysis, etc. consider your neighbors when running your generator, and shut it off when you’re going to bed. You will sleep better without the noise from the generator, and so will your neighbors.
