It’s winter storm season, and that means millions of homeowners across the country are having to contend with rain, snow, and wind—and, in worst-case scenarios, blackouts. In addition to having a stocked pantry and a survival kit, a generator can be a lifesaver for many homeowners when losing access to power.
Improper generator usage, however, can have dangerous, even potentially deadly, consequences.
“Generators offer a great way to supply power to your home during power outages or blackouts so you can run fans, heating, lights, and more. But there are some things to be mindful of,” says Dan Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky.
Be prepared by knowing what you can and cannot do with a generator. Here are some tips on how to run one safely.
Do keep safety in mind
When it’s freezing cold outside, sometimes safety seems secondary to just staying warm. But always use caution when operating a generator.
“Read the generator’s manual thoroughly before powering it on the first time. Pay close attention to the location requirements in the manual,” says Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi.
Generators should be at a distance of at least 20 feet from your house or other structures. And be sure to keep kids and pets far away from generators.
“Turn off your home’s main power source before turning on your generator,” says Micetich. “When it’s time to refuel your gas generator, turn the unit off and let it cool completely before adding more fuel.”
Don’t use a generator indoors
Never use a generator indoors! That includes basements, garages, sheds, or crawl spaces, all of which can trap deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Even using a generator in partly enclosed spaces with fans is still dangerous.
“Generators emit harmful carbon monoxide, so you should never use [it] in an enclosed space,” says Micetich.
Do run your generator outdoors
Portable gas generators should be placed on a dry, flat surface outside of your house.
“Generators should always be used outdoors as the carbon monoxide fumes will be too powerful for fans or open windows to provide proper ventilation. When using outdoors, make sure your generator is not near doors or windows,” says Mock.
Don’t use traditional extension cords or power strips
Traditional indoor extension cords are not all compatible with generators. If you need to extend the length of the generator’s cord, use one that is rated for outdoor use and is able to handle the power your generator emits.
Micetich says to avoid plugging a high-capacity appliance like a generator into a power strip, because it draws a high electrical current and can overheat the power strip and cause a fire.
Do have battery-operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Carbon monoxide can linger in a space for hours; it cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled—and can be highly dangerous before homeowners even know it’s present in their abode.
Before running your generator, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Some models of generators even come with carbon monoxide sensors.
Don’t neglect changing the oil and doing routine maintenance
In addition to storing your generator in a dry area, be sure to change the oil and air filter, flush the cooling system, and replace the spark plugs annually. Every few months, you should also clean the generator and let it run for about 20 minutes to charge the battery.
“You don’t want to be in an emergency situation only to find out there’s an issue with your generator, so making a note to change the oil and conduct routine maintenance will keep you safe and prepared,” says Mock.
Don’t forget to check if your generator is covered by insurance
A generator is an expensive appliance, but in the event that something happens to it, you want to make sure you are covered.
Depending on your home insurance policy, generators typically fall under the home appliance and equipment coverage. Most policies will cover damage to generators resulting from fire or theft. Some policies might let you add equipment breakdown to the coverage, which covers the cost of generator repairs.
Make sure to reach out to your insurance agent to know what to expect should your generator be damaged or need to be replaced.