Portable Generator Safety and Preparedness Tips

Portable generators can be lifesavers during storms, power outages, and outdoor events, but they also come with risks if not used correctly. To help protect your home, family, and property during times inclement weather, we have outlined portable generator safety best practices to safeguard against carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, fires, and storms. Be sure to follow these guidelines to keep your generator running safely and smoothly in any weather condition.

Overall Generator Preparedness: Be Ready for Any Weather

To ensure your generator is ready when you need it, follow these preparedness tips:

    • Routine Maintenance: Regularly check oil levels, filters, and spark plugs, and perform any necessary tune-ups. Ensure that all parts are functioning properly before the next storm.
    • Stock Up on Supplies: Keep extra fuel, oil, and filters on hand for extended power outages. Make sure to store them in accordance with local regulations.
    • Use the Proper Accessories: Use the proper generator accessories to ensure safety. Accessories like grounded 20’ extension cords, a transfer switch, a CO detector, and a portable generator running cover help you use your generator outside safely.
    • Keep Your Generator Dry: Water and electricity create electrocution, generator damage, and fire hazards. Water seeping into the electrical outlets or electrical panel area can create a short circuit to the frame (and many generators are self-grounded to the frame), thereby creating a static charge on the metallic areas. Further, plugging into or out of a wet generator can cause an electrical arc that can cause serious injury or death.

How To Keep Portable Generators Running and Dry During Storms

Using your generator during storms? Protect your generator from water damage and electrical shock hazards:

    • Keep Generators Elevated: Rain and moisture can lead to dangerous electrical shocks or damage to your generator. When your generator is outside, keep it elevated above any potential flood levels.
    • Use a Weatherproof Cover: A weatherproof generator cover protects your generator in severe weather conditions, allowing you to operate the generator safely outdoors without worrying about water damage or shocks. GenTent running covers are rated for hurricane-force precipitation, winds up to 70 mph, and up to 18" of snowload.
    • Ground Your Generator: Use the proper generator accessories to ensure safety. Accessories like grounded 20’ extension cords, a transfer switch, a CO detector, and a portable generator running cover help you use your generator outside safely.
    • Avoid Running Generator in Hurricane Force Winds (>70 MPH): Being safe is often the same as being practical. Hurricane, Tornado and Cyclone force winds cause heavy objects to move. Portable generators are no exception. Do not risk a running portable generator moving around or being lifted during the height of the storm. Wait until the winds subside.
For additional guidance on storm safety, check out our blog on storm-proofing generators.

How To Prevent Fire Hazards When Running A Portable Generator

Portable generator exhaust can reach up to 1300°F and exposed electrical components run the risk of sparking when exposed to moisture. As such, fires are one of the biggest hazards associated with portable generators. Make sure you prevent generator-related fires by following these steps:

    • Keep Generators Away from Combustible Materials: Never place your generator near flammable items such as leaves, debris, or fuel. A safe distance of at least 20 feet is recommended.
    • Proper Fuel Storage: Store fuel in a safe, approved container, and away from the generator. Never add fuel while the generator is running or hot. Make sure the engine is cool before refueling.
    • Make Sure Running Covers Are Fire-Resistant: NFPA-rated covers like the GenTent are fire-resistant, allowing safe operation during inclement weather while avoiding fire hazards caused by excessive heat or electric fires.
    • Check Cords and Wires: Make sure you are using heavy duty grounded cords and wires. Always check for cuts and tears to prevent any electrical issues that could cause fires.

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning When Running A Portable Generator

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a silent but deadly threat when using portable generators. It’s essential to use them in well-ventilated areas to avoid CO buildup.

    • Never Run A Generator Indoors: Always operate your generator outside, away from doors, windows, and vents. CO can build up quickly in enclosed spaces, including garages, even if doors are open.
    • Install CO Alarms: Place battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors inside your home to alert you in case of elevated CO levels.
    • Use Proper Ventilation: Ensure that exhaust fumes are vented safely away from your living spaces. GenTent Covers are designed to provide protection while allowing for proper ventilation of exhaust gases.

How to Prevent Electrical Hazards When Running A Portable Generator

Electrical hazards from improper portable generator use can be dangerous, and even fatal. To prevent these risks, do the following:

    • Avoid Creating a Closed Circuit Through Your Body: When you approach a running generator, touch the metallic surfaces with only one hand. Also be sure to wear rubber soled shoes - no open sandals, slippers, etc., especially if the ground is wet. Electricity flows through the least resistant path possible - don't let it be your body!
    • Check Main Switch Status: Be sure the main switch is off when starting the generator and before stopping the generator. The switch should always be off whenever plugging in or unplugging cords at the generator's electrical panel. These steps not only ensure your safety but also ensure the generator is ready to take the wattage and amp load. During start up or shut down the electricity the generator can create can have amperage and voltage spikes, which can damage any appliances or electronics that are connected.
    • Always Use a Transfer Switch: A properly installed transfer switch isolates the circuits that will get electricity passed from the portable generator and helps keep the generator from being overloaded. Create a sequence of which circuits get turned on in which order, and which circuits are necessary. Give each circuit some time to settle in before turning the next up (5-10 seconds typically). This is because many devices, like the motors that run pumps in your water, heating, cooling and refrigeration, require a peak in wattage to get started.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Your safety is our priority. We’re here to help you stay prepared, protect your generator, and safeguard your family. For more information on safe generator use, visit our Generator Safety Toolkit and explore our full line of GenTent Covers to ensure safe operation in any weather.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at support@gentent.com, and we’ll help you get the answers you need to stay safe and powered up.