Safety Tips – Using a portable generator in an emergency

Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

• Do not assume that you are safe. Carbon monoxide from generators is completely colourless and odourless, so you won’t know if it’s there. It could kill your family and your pets.
• Do not use a generator indoors or in partially enclosed spaces- including homes, garages, and crawl spaces - even those areas with partial ventilation.
• Do not operate near open doors and windows. Using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide build-up in the home.
• Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to alert you of dangerous levels. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended placement.

Electrocution or electric shock

• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
• Connecting the generator to your home could cause a surge in electricity that might result in injury or death to yourself or your family.
• Do not overload a generator, limit the wattage of connected equipment to the allowable loading of the generator ( refer to the instruction manual)
• Place your generator in a place where it is protected from rain or standing water.

Fire

• Keep your generator outside your home and fuel your generator outside.
• Ensure that there are no flammable materials close to where you place your generator.
• Do not store fuel for your generator in your house. Petrol, propane, kerosene, diesel and other flammable liquids should be stored outside living areas in properly labelled containers.
• Do not store fuel near a fuel-burning appliance, for example a gas stove.
• If the fuel is spilled or the container is not sealed properly, invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches.
• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Petrol or other flammable liquids spilled on hot engine parts could ignite, and invisible vapors from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the generator's pilot light or by arcs from electric switches in the appliance.

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