safety How to Operate a Generator Safely The safety of our members, employees, and communities is our number one priority. If you are involved in a group and are looking for a speaker on electrical safety, call our manager of safety at 701.356.4400.
Hurricanes are one of the top causes of power outages in the U.S., but winter storms come close. We don’t see hurricanes in our service territory, but we do see severe winter storms that include ice, snow, high winds, and frigid weather. Winter storms could lead to outages that last longer and leave you without power to keep you warm – this is where having a generator comes in handy.
using your generator rarely happens, Cass County Electric Cooperative wants to remind you of some safety tips when operating this type of equipment. • Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors, this includes the basement or garage. • Place a generator at least 20 feet from the house. • Make sure your home has a carbon monoxide detector. Be sure to operate the generator • Always keep children away from safely. If the concentration of carbon generators. monoxide is high enough, the exhaust • Keep the generator dry and do NOT can kill within five minutes. According use in rain or wet conditions to to the U.S. Consumer Product avoid electrocution. Safety Commission’s (CPSC) data, on • Before refueling, turn off a gasaverage, 66 people a year die from powered generator and let it cool carbon monoxide poisoning related off, reducing the risk of burns while improper use of a generator. Because refueling.
• Stock up on extra gasoline and store it properly. Always use the type of fuel recommended on the label on the generator. • Make sure the cord is free of any cuts or tears, and the plug has all three prongs. • Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Doing this can cause “back feeding” along power lines, and it puts utility workers, neighbors, and you at risk of electrocution. • A transfer safety switch should be installed by a professional to prevent any “back feeding” from occurring. • Use a generator only when it’s necessary to power essential appliances or equipment.
Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips
Use portable generators outside at least twenty feet from windows and ventilation. Install a battery-operated or battery-backup Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector in the hallway outside bedrooms.
NEVER ignore a beeping CO alarm. GO outside and call 911 if the alarm sounds.
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