Generator Safety

• Generators can become hot while running and remain hot for a long period of time after they are turned off.
• Generator fuels like gasoline or kerosene can ignite if spilled on hot engine parts.  Before refueling, shut down the engine and allow the generator to cool.
• Keep fuel containers away from flame or heat producing items like water heaters, space heaters or open flames.

• Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage, crawl space or basement.
• Make sure the generator has at least three feet of clear space on all sides, including above it to ensure adequate ventilation.
• Never use a generator near a door, window or vent that could allow carbon monoxide to enter and build up indoors.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if you suspect poisoning.
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness

Portable generators are not designed for powering your home's electrical system.  Never try to power your house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a dangerous practice known as backfeeding.  It sends power from your house back through electric lines. Backfeeding could ruin appliances, cause a fire, or even injure or kill a co-op employee who might be working on nearby lines.

Energizing your home wiring without proper disconnects in place can energize the line creating a major hazard for line workers and for the general public who might be exposed to downed power lines.

Any connection for a generator to power your home should be made by a licensed electrician to ensure that the wiring and connections are correct and that proper safety disconnects are in place.