National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a good time to review tips for safely operating portable generators. Briggs & Stratton, North America’s largest supplier of portable generators, offers these safety tips.
Only Use your Generator Outdoors – Keep away from open windows, vents or doors. Never use your generator inside homes, garages, crawl spaces or enclosed areas.
Operating Manual and Instructions – Always read and follow the manufacturer’s operating manual and instructions before running your generator.
Carbon Monoxide – Engines emit carbon monoxide. Do not run your generator in an enclosed area.
Carbon Monoxide Detector – Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector when running your generator.
Generator Fumes – Fumes that can kill can build up when using a generator in an enclosed area. Fans and open doors or windows do not provide enough fresh air.
Proper Extension Cords – When using extension cords, be sure they are of the grounded type and are rated for the application.
Coiled Extension Cords – Coiled cords can get hot. Always uncoil cords and lay them in flat open locations.
Home Outlet – Never plug your generator directly into your home outlet.
Power Transfer Switch – If connecting a generator to your home’s electrical system, have a qualified electrician install a Power Transfer Switch.
Wet Conditions – Protect your generator from exposure to rain/snow. Generators product powerful voltage. Do not operate a generator in wet conditions.
Refueling – Gasoline and its vapors are extremely flammable; allow engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
Combustible Materials – Do not operate a generator near combustible materials.
Fresh Gasoline – Use fresh gas in your generator. If you do not plan to use your generator in 30 days, stabilize the gas with fuel stabilizer.
Maintenance Schedule – Maintain your generator according to the maintenance schedule for peak performance and safety.
Briggs & Stratton generators offer a premium combination of power, performance and value. They are supported by one of the world’s largest service networks with over 3,000 servicing generator dealers in North America and more than 30,000 service engine dealers worldwide.