Safety Tips to Remember When Using a Power Generator

For those who live in more rural areas, you probably have your fair share of problems that aren't too common in a city. One such problem being less reliable power. Often times during a power outage, people who live out of town or in the country are less of a priority when it comes to getting their power restored and when that happens, having a backup generator can be necessary. Power outages can happen from bad weather or damage caused by wild animals. Though protecting your home from power outages due to weather can be difficult, Critter Guard’s Line Guard and Pole Guard can help protect your home's power from damage caused by squirrels or other critters.

Uses of a Power Generator

A power generator can be used for back-up power for your home, temporary power to a site, stand-by or permanent power to ensure your business runs smoothly, or for adding power to remote locations.

Safe and Proper Use of Generators

Though a portable power generator is a necessity at times, it can also become very dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), generator hazards include carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electric shock, fire, and burns. Remember safety first and follow these rules when using your power generator.

• Keep your generator outside. Never use your generator indoors or in partially enclosed environments. Generators emit dangerous fumes that are not seen or smelled (CO) and should only be used outside where there is adequate air circulation. Generators should be kept 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents to ensure that the CO gases aren't sucked into the home.
• Avoid electrical shock. Do not use the generator if it or you are wet. In wet conditions, use the generator in an open but covered area where water cannot drain under or puddle around the generator. Make sure the wattage of all cords being used with the generator are of a correct wattage for your specific generator and do not use if you notice any cuts or tears.
• Careful when refueling. As most generators are powered by fuel, they also produce a fire hazard. Keep your generator away from fuel-burning appliances such as water heaters. Before refueling a generator, always turn it off and allow it to cool down. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

Having a power generator for your household can be nice but it can also include added dangers. Critter Guard’s Line Guard and Pole Guard can help limit the need for a backup generator by helping to prevent power outages where squirrels and other critters are present. For more information on how Critter Guard can help protect power in your area, contact /pages/contact-usus today!