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Home Generator Safety

A generator can be very useful during a power outage, but remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Follow a few basic rules to help protect yourself and your family.

Always:

• Have a licensed electrician install stationary or stand-by emergency generators.
• Plug appliances directly into an emergency or portable generator. This is the safest way to use a generator. We don't recommend connection of a generator directly to a breaker panel, fuse box or meter box.
• Obey all local, state and national electrical and fire codes.
• Store gasoline in approved fuel containers and out of children's reach.
• Keep children away from generators.
• Have a fully charged fire extinguisher - properly rated for electrical and gasoline fires - ready at all times.

And remember to:

• Never connect generators to your utility service through receptacles, outlets, breakers, fuses or meter boxes.
• Never replenish fuel in a generator while it is running.
• Call an electrician to repair a generator; never attempt to repair it yourself.
• Operate your generator outside. Never operate it inside a building or garage.