How to Use a Generator Safely During a Storm

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for a power outage?

Western New York isn’t exactly Tornado Alley, but we’ve dealt with our fair share of severe thunderstorms this summer, and we can be certain that we’ll see plenty of punishing blizzards when winter finally rolls back around.

For this reason, it’s vital that you and your family are prepared for the worst, including prolonged power outages at your home. One tool that many find essential is the portable generator.

Portable generators allow you to power electronics even when your electricity has been knocked out by storm damage. While some families find them to be a luxury, others rely on generators to get them through power outages safely and sanely.

If you do invest in a generator, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Many portable generators are powered by gas, which comes with a special set of risks and hazards. Never use your generator (and for that matter, any grill, camp stove or other gas/propane/charcoal powered device) inside your home, garage, basement, crawl space or location that is partially enclosed.
• Generators also carry the risk of electrocution, and that risk can be exponentially greater in a storm situation where there’s an increased risk of flood. Keep your generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions under any circumstance. Keep it under an open canopy (like a tarp held up on poles). Definitely avoid touching the generator if your hands are wet.
• Finally: even if you’re operating the generator according to these safety guidelines, there are still risks you need to protect yourself from, like carbon monoxide. If you plan to use a generator, make sure that there are carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your property, as well as outside sleeping areas, to ensure early warning if anything goes wrong.

Generators are great tools to have in a storm situation – just make sure you can use them safely. And if you’re dealing with any storm damage or flooding, give us a call at SERVPRO of West Seneca/Lancaster at 716-674-1103 – we’re here to help!