As consumer reliance on electricity has increased, tolerance for power outages has declined. To combat the havoc wreaked by ice storms, thunderstorms, high winds and hurricanes, many homeowners turn to portable electric generators.
"Portable electric generators are a good source of power for heat, light, refrigeration and cooking during electrical outages. But, if generators are improperly installed or operated, they can become deadly," noted Michael G. Clendenin, executive director of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). "People die needlessly every year in accidents that involve portable electric generators. Safety awareness can prevent those deaths."
ESFI recommends following these portable electric generator safety precautions to avoid dangerous situations.
Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, including homes, garages and basements. Generators produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas.
Keep the generator dry. To protect it from moisture, operate on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure.
Plug appliances directly into the generator. Or, use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated in watts or amps at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
Do not connect your generator directly to your household wiring, as this can backfeed along the power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs.
Make sure the generator is properly grounded.
Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly-labeled containers, and away from fuel-burning appliances. And before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation and maintenance.
Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
"Complacency around portable electric generators is deadly," Clendenin noted. "Following these safety precautions can help keep you and your family safe while you wait for the power to come back on."
Bad weather and car accidents are a main cause of downed power lines. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) would like to remind consumers to use extreme caution should they encounter a downed line.
"Downed power lines can carry an electric current strong enough to cause serious injury or possibly death. If you see one, you should report it immediately to the police and your local electric utility," said ESFI executive director Michael G. Clendenin.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe around downed lines:
If you see a downed power line, move away from the line and anything touching it. The human body is a ready conductor of electricity.
The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. Electricity wants to move from a high-voltage zone to a low-voltage zone - and it could do that through your body.
If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person. You could become the next victim. Call 911 instead.
Do not attempt to move a downed power line or anything in contact with the line by using another object such as a broom or stick. Even non-conductive materials like wood or cloth, if slightly wet, can conduct electricity and then electrocute you.
Be careful not to put your feet near water where a downed power line is located.
If you are in your car and it is in contact with the downed line, stay in your car. Honk your horn for help and tell others to stay away from your vehicle.
If you must leave your car because it's on fire, jump out of the vehicle with both feet together and avoid contact with the live car and the ground at the same time. This way you avoid being the path of electricity from the car to the earth. Shuffle away from the car.
Do not drive over downed lines.
These and other electrical safety tips are available at the Foundation's Web site at www.epa.gov/pmdesignations or by calling (703) 841-3229.
