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Never use portable generators in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, including inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or carports.
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Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
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Do not overload portable generators. Generators should be used only when necessary, and then only to power essential equipment or appliances.
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Always use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce toxic levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.
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Make sure your generator is properly grounded. Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
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Store fuel for generators in properly labeled containers, away from living areas and fuel-burning appliances.
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Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
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Turn off all appliances being powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
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Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
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Never connect generators directly to household wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed.
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Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in your home according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Even with a CO detector, never use a gasoline-powered generator inside your home or garage.
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Opening doors and windows or operating fans to ventilate will not prevent CO build-up in the home.
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Have a licensed electrician install a generator in your home in order to be certain that it is in compliance with local codes and regulations.
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Keep the generator dry.
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Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
