Safely Running Your Generator During Hurricane Season

Power outages can be common during hurricane season. These outages are caused by strong winds and flooding, leading to downed power lines and other issues with the grid.

As a result, generators are always up and running during this season. They help power appliances and keep homes safe when the electricity is unreliable. However, it's important to prepare generators for hurricanes to keep common hazards at bay and prevent damage to the equipment.

The Importance of Proper Generator Use

Severe flooding and torrential winds make running generators during hurricane season difficult and risky. Prioritizing proper generator use is essential for numerous reasons, including:

• Minimize electrocution and electric shock hazards: Operating a generator in wet weather can cause electric shock hazards due to increased conductivity and moisture exposure, which creates abnormal electricity flow paths.
• Avoid damaging the generator and connected appliances: Generators' metal construction and exposed outlets make them dangerous to runin wet conditions. There is an increased risk of water seeping into the engine, which can cause short-circuiting, corrosion, and electrical system damage.
• Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: Generators emit carbon monoxide as they combust and turn mechanical energy into electrical energy. Proper ventilation is crucial to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, so you must place the generator in an open area at least 20 feet away from your home and any vents, windows, and doors leading in.
• Prevent short-circuiting: Short-circuiting during hurricane season happens when a wet generator is plugged in, causing an electrical arc.

Choosing the Right Generator for Hurricane Season

One of the main ways to ensure a consistent generator power supply is to carefully choose the right generator. The right generator for hurricane season should have multiple safety features, such as shutdown features when it's overloaded or when oil levels are too low. There are three main types of backup power generators:

1. Portable generators: These are small units that run on gasoline, propane, or solar energy to produce enough electricity to power most home and recreational vehicle appliances. They're affordable machines that must be manually powered on and have ports to connect appliances and your home's electrical system. Portable generators boast numerous applications, including emergency power backup.
2. Inverter generators: These generators use a specialized fuel-efficient process to produce clean energy. They're relatively portable and ideal for charging sensitive electronics like phones, laptops, and tablets.
3. Standby generators: These are large machines that provide significant power, enough to power an entire home. They turn on automatically — resulting in no downtime — and are the best option for areas prone to hurricanes and storms. These generators are durable and ideal for whole-house powering.

The best choice among these three types of generators depends on the size of your home and the electrical capacity you need — the bigger your home, the larger the generator. Other than the type of generator, here are a few other factors to consider when selecting the best generator for hurricane preparedness:

• Power output: This is typically measured in kilowatts and should be equal to or more than the total wattage of the equipment and appliances you need to power simultaneously.
• Start mechanism: Portable and inverter generators need a manual start, while standby generators have an automatic start. The convenience of an automatic start is especially appealing during severe weather — you won't have to go outside to start the generator and keep your power on.
• Fuel type: The most common fuel types used in generators include gasoline, propane, diesel, and natural gas. You must consider fuel type, availability, and cost to ensure the generator fits your needs and budget.

How to Safely Weatherproof and Run Your Generator

Weatherproofing your generator ensures it's safe for use during hurricane season. One of the most effective ways to protect your generator against strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding is to get a GenTent Safety Canopy. GenTent canopies are American-made generator covers that weatherproof your backup power equipment, making it safe to run in harsh weather.

These tents use marine-grade vinyl materials and self-attaching fiberglass rods to secure them in place. They can withstand forecast winds of up to 70 miles per hour, up to 12 inches of hurricane-force precipitation, and a maximum of 55 pounds of canopy pressure. The high-quality dual-coated vinyl canopies are NFPA-rated and backed by third-party tests. Additionally, GenTent covers ensure sufficient ventilation to allow heat and fumes to escape during operation, preventing generator damage, electrocution, and electric shocks.

GenTent covers are easy to install in just three steps and can be disassembled in minutes when not in use. These covers are available for the three main types of generators:

• Portable generator tents are attached to the vertical generator frame posts for generators between 70 and 128 inches in perimeter.
• Inverter generator covers don't have posts but include adjustable straps and a ratcheting strap system.
• Large generator tents use vertical posts to attach to generators between 105 and 128 inches in perimeter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about using generators in severe weather.

How Do I Keep My Generator Dry During a Storm?

One of the best ways to keep your generator dry during a storm or hurricane is using a generator cover, such as the GenTent. GenTent covers protect the generator from possible damage caused by hurricane-force precipitation, sleet, and forecast winds up to 70 miles per hour.

How Do I Use a Generator During a Hurricane?

Safely using a generator during a hurricane involves placing it outdoors and at least 20 feet away from your home's doors, windows, and vents. Cover the generator with a generator-specific tent that protects the machine from the weather and allows proper ventilation to prevent damage, electrocution, fires, and electrical shocks.

Should I Buy a Generator Cover for Hurricane Season?

Purchasing a generator cover for hurricane season helps ensure you can safely use your generator to power your home appliances and equipment during power outages. Using a generator without the proper weather protection can lead to numerous safety risks, and a generator cover provides the ideal solution.

Prepare for Hurricane Season With GenTent Generator Covers

GenTent canopies were specially engineered to make generators safe to use in the rain and severe weather. Whether you have an inverter, portable, or larger standby generator, we have a GenTent for you.

GenTents are independently lab-tested by industry bodies for safe use in hurricane season, so you can keep your generator safe and operational even in severe weather. Browse our range of generator covers today, and narrow down the best option for you by using our advanced fit finder.