• Buying an Emergency Generator
• Power Generator Safety Tips

• Buy from a reputable dealer who can service and maintain your unit.
  
• Choose the right generator for your needs.
  
  • Small recreational generators will only power an appliance or two, and you will need to refill their small gas tanks every few hours. A 750-watt unit will run a few light bulbs. A 3,000-watt unit will power for a small refrigerator, a fan, and a few lights.
    
  • Mid-sized generators (4,000 to 5,000 watts) will power the basic survival appliances, including refrigerator, pump, air conditioner, and several other appliances. A 4,000-watt unit will run a small air conditioner, refrigerator and some lights.
    
  • Large generators (6,000 to 9,000 watts) will supply power to even more appliances and keep you comfortable during the emergency.
    
  • Extra large generators (over 10,000 watts) supply enough electricity to restore complete power to small homes.
    
  • The fuel tank should be at least 5 gallons to run the generator all night long.
    
  • An electric starter is ideal for elderly homeowners who are unable to pull the cord.
    
  • An oil alert switch should indicate the oil level.
    
  • Consider the generator’s noise level.
    
• Buy the proper power cords.
  
• Buy a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm. It works like a smoke alarm, sounding an alert if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous.

Power Generator Safety Tips

As with any source of power, you need to know how to set up and operate your portable generator safely.

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions regarding grounding procedures.
  Know how to operate your particular generator, and how to properly ground it to prevent electrical shock.
  
• Do not use a generator inside your home or garage.
  Power generators emit carbon monoxide which can kill people and pets. Place the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area where the exhaust fumes cannot get into the house. The area should be dry and protected from rain.
  
• Do not plug a portable generator into a household outlet or directly to your house’s wiring.
  A generator that is plugged into a regular household outlet can energize the outside power lines and harm your neighbors and utility linemen. Never connect a generator directly to a building’s wiring without a licensed electrician to add a transfer switch. Connecting an electric generator directly to your home’s wiring can create a safety hazard which can damage your generator, house wiring, utility equipment, and even kill utility workers making repairs any distance away from your house.
  
• Use the right power cords.
  Connect your appliances directly to the generator’s receptacle outlet using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated power cords in good condition. Make sure that the cords have the correct wire gauge for the appliances so the power does not burn out the appliances.
  
• Do not overload the generator.
  Check the output rating of the generator and do not overload it. Doing so will damage your appliances and may cause fires. Power only the most needed appliances, even alternating them if necessary. Before shutting down a generator, turn of all appliances connected to it.
  
• Handle fuel safely to avoid fires.
  Store the gasoline fuel outside of your house or garage so the vapors do not travel into your home and ignite. Store the fuel in non-glass safety containers. Do not spill fuel. Put out cigarettes and any flames (candles, outdoor grills) before handling the fuel. Have a fire extinguisher near the generator. Do not refuel a generator while it is running or hot – it can ignite the fuel.