Bronson Urges Residents To Follow Generator Safety Rules
For Information, Contact:
Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
Liz.Compton@freshfromflorida.com
June 5, 2008
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is reminding Florida residents to keep safety in mind when using generators this hurricane season.
The use of generators jumps during a disaster but they can create additional tragedies if not used properly. The majority of carbon monoxide deaths from generators each year are caused because people use them indoors or in garages, balconies, carports or crawl spaces. Partially enclosed areas are not safe for generator use. Carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas can leak into vents and cause illness or death. Open windows and fans do not prevent the build up of this gas.
“Unfortunately, we have seen people killed because they thought their garages or balconies were ventilated enough to prevent poisoning,” Bronson said. “The safety guidelines provided by manufacturers should always be consulted before a generator is used.”
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu. People who feel sick, dizzy or weak while inside but feel better when they leave their home should be cautioned that there might be carbon monoxide present and they should get immediate medical attention.
When purchasing a generator, consumers need to make sure they get one that is rated for the amount of power they will need. Appliances and equipment usually have labels indicating power requirements. The wattage of a light bulb indicates the power needed. Consumers should consult an electrician if they cannot determine the amount of power they will need. Generators should be used only for the minimum needs of a household in an emergency because fuel supplies may be limited.
CO poisoning is not the only danger generators pose if used improperly. People can be electrocuted or start fires.
Follow these safety tips to protect against poisoning, electrocution and fires:
- Never use a generator indoors, including in garages, balconies, crawl spaces or other partially enclosed areas.
- Place the generator outdoors and away from doors, windows and vents and put it in a covered location.
- Follow the directions that come with the unit.
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms.
- To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and operate it on a dry surface under a canopy-like structure. Dry hands before touching the unit.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated in amps or watts at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
- Never try to power a house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is extremely hazardous to the homeowner, utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer.
- Don’t overload the generator. Don’t operate more appliances than the output rating calls for.
- Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting down the unit.
- Never store fuel for the generator in the home, and use properly labeled safety containers to store the fuel. Also, do not store excessive amounts of fuel.
- Before refueling the unit, turn it off and let it cool down. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
“Generators can be a lifesaver in an emergency when people follow safety rules,” Bronson said, “and they need to read the instructions well before a storm or other disaster is headed their way.”
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