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  1. Outages & Safety
  2. Generator Safety
full width paragraph

Using a Generator at Home

 

GeneratorWhen using your generator, keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Read all safety instructions.

  • When a generator is not properly installed, it can "backfeed" through the transformer. As a result, a line crew working on the system would be put in danger.

  • Isolate your generator from the co-op's power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.

  • If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a transfer, double-throw switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.

  • Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.

  • Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.

Home Generator FAQs

I bought a new generator so that I'd be prepared for the next power outage. Is there anything special I should know about installing it?

Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) strongly recommends that a licensed electrician install home generators to ensure they meet all local electrical codes. Also, make sure your generator is properly grounded in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Can't I just plug my generator directly into one of my home's outlets?

Do NOT connect generators directly to the household wiring unless an appropriate transfer switch has been installed by a licensed, qualified electrician.

What could happen if I don't have a transfer switch installed?

Without the proper transfer switch, power provided by the generator can "backfeed" along the power lines, creating a significant electrocution hazard for anyone coming in contact with the lines, including lineworkers making necessary repairs.

I've heard that generators should be kept dry. Can I run it in my garage to protect it from the rain?

Never operate a generator inside your home or in any other enclosed - or even partially enclosed - area. Generators very quickly produce carbon monoxide, which can easily enter your home. Place the generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Do not operate the generator in wet conditions or where there is standing water.

Can't I just open the garage door to provide ventilation for the carbon monoxide?

Opening windows or doors or using fans does NOT provide adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. Generators must be located outside and a safe distance away from your home's windows, doors and vents.

How far away from the house is a safe distance?

Preliminary research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) indicates that even 15 feet from the home is TOO CLOSE to operate a generator safely. Remember your neighbors, too. Keep your generator a safe distance away from their homes as well.

What exactly is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is created when common fuels such as natural gas, oil, wood or coal burn incompletely. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is often called the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable without the use of detection technology like a CO alarm. Extremely high levels of carbon monoxide can be fatal within minutes.

How big of a problem is carbon monoxide associated with the use of generators?

More than 80 percent of carbon monoxide deaths related to portable generators occurred in the home, often resulting from operation of a portable generator within the living space.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, drowsiness, headache and nausea. Get to fresh air right away if you feel dizzy or weak while running your generator.

Is there anything else I should do to protect my family from carbon monoxide produced by my generator?

Make sure that there is at least one battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarm in your home. Test it before using your generator.

Is it safe for my children to play in the area around the generator?

No. Keep children away from portable generators. Also be sure to store generator fuel out of reach of children.

How many appliances can I plug into my generator at one time? Can I use it for my window air conditioner and my refrigerator at the same time?

The capacity of generators varies. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Do not overload the generator.

My generator powes my sump pump, but it is going to need more fuel soon. Can I refuel it while it's running so I don't have to turn off the sump pump?

Unplug all appliances from the generator before shutting it down. Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Refueling the generator while it is running is a significant fire hazard.

Safety Tips During an Outage

Downed Power Lines


PL

Never go near downed power lines. 

- A downed power line can still be energized and can cause other things around it to become potentially hazardous. A fence or guardrail touching a downed line can be energized for several thousand yards and it poses a threat to anyone coming into contact with it.
- Stay away from puddles of water that could be in contact with downed lines. Encountering these can be as hazardous as coming into contact with the downed power line itself.
- If you are driving and come upon a downed power line, stay in your vehicle, warn others to stay away and call 911.
- Also when driving, be careful at intersections where traffic lights may be out. Stop at all railroad crossings and treat road intersections with traffic signals as four-way stops before proceeding with caution.

 

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

 

cold

 

  • Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
    • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways. 
    • Sand to improve traction.
    • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
    • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
    • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
  • Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when a storm hits, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
  • Bring pets/companion animals inside during cold winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
  • Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic
    • Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
    • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
    • ​Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
  • Stay indoors.
    • Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways. 
    • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
    • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
  • Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.
    • Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects
    • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
    • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. 
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
Generator Safety

 Generator

When using your generator, keep the following safety tips in mind:

  • Read all safety instructions.
  • When a generator is not properly installed, it can "backfeed" through the transformer. As a result, a line crew working on the system would be put in danger.
  • Isolate your generator from the co-op's power lines. Connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate cords.
  • If you connect it directly to your building's wiring, a transfer, double-throw switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op's system.
  • Take care when fueling your generator. Never refuel the unit while it's operating.
  • Provide adequate ventilation and air cooling for the generator to prevent overheating and the accumulation of toxic fumes. Do not install your generator in a closed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.

Have an Outage!

Please report it! Call/Text us 24/7

866-878-5514

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    • Path To U.S Citizenship
    • VMDAEC Legislative Guide