Use Generators Safely

June marks the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which brings the possibility of a tropical system making landfall and moving inland to impact the Wiregrass.

Storm damage from tropical systems can cause widespread power outages that can last for days. Generators can help during such times, and we want to make sure our members use them safely.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Unless you plug appliances directly into the generator, have a licensed electrician install a double-throw switch to hook up a generator to power your home. Otherwise, the generator can feed power back into electrical lines, putting lineworkers at risk.
• Install your generator in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area.
• Do not operate a generator in a confined space where animals or people could be exposed. Poor ventilation can cause overheating and produce carbon monoxide.
• Do not operate the generator in rain or flood conditions.
• Never fill the fuel tank while the engine is running, as gasoline can ignite. Allow the engine to cool completely before refueling.