Generator Safety

As we begin the move from cold winter into warmer spring weather, which means wet, heavy snows and those Chinooks blowing away like mad, the Spanish Peaks Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind you to be careful!

This time of year, we often experience power outages due to weather. While many are short or intermittent, we have in the past had some longer outages. With weather conditions impacting energy availability, many people are using portable generators to power their homes.

If your generator is not properly installed or operated, it can become deadly due to electrical shock and carbon monoxide fumes.

SPVFD encourages you to contact a licensed electrician to install your generator to make sure it meets all local codes. Never connect a generator directly to your household wiring without using an appropriate transfer switch, and be sure to check State Law to see if you need to notify your utility.

Did you know…
Power from generators connected directly to household wiring can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs?
Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) very quickly?
You should never operate your generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space such as your garage or covered porch?
You should place your generator far away from any structure housing people or pets?
You should use carbon monoxide detectors whenever you operate a generator?
You need to turn off all appliances powered by the enerator before shutting down the generator?
You should use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries?

Always remember that electricity is a powerful tool, and should be used with caution!
Always keep children and pets away from portable generators, and do not overload the generator or extension cords!