Skip to main content
 
Pay My Bill
New Service
Contact Us
Outage Central
Home
Menu
  • My Account
    • Access My Account
    • Payment Options
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • About My Bill
    • Capital Credits: Questions & Answers
    • Residential Outdoor Lighting
    • Tree Trimming
    • Member Bill Of Rights
    • Member Privacy Policy
    • Rates
    • New Member Info
    • New Construction Specifications
    • Electric Inspector Contact Information
    • My Business Account
      • Start Service - Business
      • Stop Service - Business
      • Builders & Developers
      • Economic Development
      • Commercial Outdoor Lighting
      • Load Data Form
  • Programs
    • SimpleSaver
    • Envirowatts
    • Home Energy Analysis
    • Air Sealing Rebate
    • Duct Sealing Rebate
    • Net Metering
    • Replacing Resistance Heat
    • New Manufactured Homes
    • Touchstone Energy Home - New Construction
    • Commercial & Industrial Services
    • 811 - Free Utility Locating
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Solar Information
      • Solar 101 Booklet
      • Cooperative Solar
      • Solar Education Project
    • Energy Saving Tools & Resources
      • Simple Energy Tips
      • Energy Library
      • Together We Save
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Trees can make your home more energy efficient
      • Videos On Energy Efficiency
      • Television Calculator
      • Appliance & Home Electronics Calculator
  • Our Community
    • Annual Meeting
    • Co-op Connections
    • Power of Membership
    • Pennies For Purpose
    • Blue Grass Living
    • Scholarships
    • Washington Youth Tour
    • Educational Programs
    • Contribution Application
    • Economic Development
    • Kids' Activities
    • Kid's Korner
  • Safety & Education
    • Surviving The Winter Season
    • Safety
      • Safety Quiz
    • Outage Central
    • How Power Is Restored
    • Downed Power Lines
    • Food Safety
    • Safe Electricity
    • Generator Safety
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Blue Grass Energy Territory
    • Cooperative Profile
    • Purpose & Values
    • Hours of Operation
    • Office Locations
    • Co-op History
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Media Information
    • News/Events
    • Contact Us
    • Your Co-op Directors
    • Your Co-op Staff
    • Non-Discrimination Statement
    • Affiliates

Generator Safety

Use Portable Electric Generators Safely

By Chris Grammes

Portable electric generators can offer many benefits when a long-term electrical outage occurs due to a storm. However, if generators are not used properly, things could turn deadly.

After Hurricane Katrina, for example, many people relied on generators. But the misuse of them caused five deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also reported 51 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Follow these tips to prevent misuse of portable electrical generators:

  • Be sure to follow manufacturers’ directions for installation and operation.

  • To prevent electric shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded. The operation manual should provide correct grounding procedures.

  • Operate electric generators or other fuel-powered machines outside where deadly carbon monoxide fumes cannot enter the home.

  • Use the generator only in a well-ventilated and dry area located away from air intakes to the house. Do not use a generator in an attached garage.

  • Do not overload the generator by operating more appliances and equipment than the generator can handle. The operating instructions should have an output rating for the generator.

  • Individual appliances should be plugged directly into the receptacle outlet of the generator using appropriately sized extension cords to carry the electric load.

  • Make sure the cords are rated for outdoor use, have a grounded, three-pronged plug, and are in good condition.

  • Do not run extension cords under rugs.

  • Never connect generators directly to your home’s wiring. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute an unsuspecting utility worker.

  • Never plug a generator into a household outlet.

  • Do not refuel a generator while it is running.

  • Only store fuel outside of living areas and away from heat sources like water heater pilot lights.

  • Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.

  • Keep children and pets away from generators.

generator
Back to Top

Quick Links

  • Non-Discrimination Statement
  • Outage Central
  • News
  • Site Map

Contact us

If you need help using our Website or have any questions, contact us.

Email Phone

Follow us

©2022 Blue Grass Energy. All Rights Reserved.

  • My Account
    • Access My Account
    • Payment Options
    • Start Service
    • Stop Service
    • About My Bill
    • Capital Credits: Questions & Answers
    • Residential Outdoor Lighting
    • Tree Trimming
    • Member Bill Of Rights
    • Member Privacy Policy
    • Rates
    • New Member Info
    • New Construction Specifications
    • Electric Inspector Contact Information
    • My Business Account
      • Start Service - Business
      • Stop Service - Business
      • Builders & Developers
      • Economic Development
      • Commercial Outdoor Lighting
      • Load Data Form
  • Programs
    • SimpleSaver
    • Envirowatts
    • Home Energy Analysis
    • Air Sealing Rebate
    • Duct Sealing Rebate
    • Net Metering
    • Replacing Resistance Heat
    • New Manufactured Homes
    • Touchstone Energy Home - New Construction
    • Commercial & Industrial Services
    • 811 - Free Utility Locating
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Solar Information
      • Solar 101 Booklet
      • Cooperative Solar
      • Solar Education Project
    • Energy Saving Tools & Resources
      • Simple Energy Tips
      • Energy Library
      • Together We Save
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Trees can make your home more energy efficient
      • Videos On Energy Efficiency
      • Television Calculator
      • Appliance & Home Electronics Calculator
  • Our Community
    • Annual Meeting
    • Co-op Connections
    • Power of Membership
    • Pennies For Purpose
    • Blue Grass Living
    • Scholarships
    • Washington Youth Tour
    • Educational Programs
    • Contribution Application
    • Economic Development
    • Kids' Activities
    • Kid's Korner
  • Safety & Education
    • Surviving The Winter Season
    • Safety
      • Safety Quiz
    • Outage Central
    • How Power Is Restored
    • Downed Power Lines
    • Food Safety
    • Safe Electricity
    • Generator Safety
  • About Us
    • Careers
    • Blue Grass Energy Territory
    • Cooperative Profile
    • Purpose & Values
    • Hours of Operation
    • Office Locations
    • Co-op History
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Media Information
    • News/Events
    • Contact Us
    • Your Co-op Directors
    • Your Co-op Staff
    • Non-Discrimination Statement
    • Affiliates