5 Tips For Using A Generator Safely Around Your Family

Standby generators can come in handy during long-term power outages, and are also a must-have for your next camping trip. With global warming and climate change being an ever-present issue in the modern world, more and more people are turning to protect their families by having a storm shelter kitted out in their homes.

The best storm shelters are in the basement and have enough stock of emergency supplies, non-perishable foods, and drinking water. Keep a supply of fresh batteries and fuel for your generator – just ensure that it is out of reach of your children.

If a massive storm or surge ever takes out the power in your area for an extended time, follow the below five tips for using your generator safely around your family.

• Outdoor Use Only

Generators emit highly fatal carbon monoxide, so they should never be operated or kept in closed spaces. When drawing up the plans for your storm shelter, keep in mind that you can, under no circumstances, use a generator indoors. They are unsafe to use in any closed environment, so don’t think you can get around this by housing them in your garage.

The generator installation in Kennett Square PA should be done outside, a good distance away from your home’s windows and doors. This will ensure that the fumes don’t enter your home.

Operate your generator in an area outdoors with plenty of ventilation. If you want, you can build a safe area where it can fit under, or make a highly ventilated bricked space for it – otherwise known as a generator house.

• Appliance Use

When using a generator safely around your little ones, you need to make sure that you never overload it. Your generator will only be capable of powering so much at once, anything more than that and you risk damaging your appliances with the voltage if it is too low.

Turn the generator on before you plug your favorite appliances into it, once it is running you can begin adding load to it. Turn your appliances on one by one, and remember that generators are designed for emergency use so you should prioritize your needs.

• Keep It Dry

What some people still don’t realize about their portable generator or home generators, likely because they are typically quite hardy-looking, is that they pose greater electrical risks if they are operated in wet conditions.

When the weather creates wet or moist conditions, use your generator under a protected canopy-like area and only ever use it when it is on a dry surface.

• Fuelling Safely

You need to take extra care when refuelling your generator. Allow it to cool down completely before you attempt a refuel. Gas is extremely flammable, and if it gets spilt on a hot engine, there is every chance that it will create an explosion.

Keep in mind – fuel expands, so don’t fill the tank up to the top. Check for a fuel level indicator and stick to it.

• No Kid Zone

Never allow your children or pets near the generator, especially when it is running. There should be at least fifteen feet of space between the unit and any doors, windows, or vents. Apply strict rules around your children being able to access the generator area.

As a parent, you know it is always better to rather be safe.