A few tips about generator safety during a power outage

By DAVID BECKLEY
Grantham Emergency Management Director
Being neighborly and needing help during an extended power outage

If you have a neighbor you think might need help during the power outage, please check in on them or contact the numbers below for a welfare check. Also if you feel you need help please contact the Grantham Town Office (603) 863-6021 during the day, or Emergency Management Director David Beckley (603) 759-9390

Generator safety do’s and don’ts during a power outage

Portable generators portable generators should be placed 10 feet from any structure, with the exhaust facing away from the building openings. Deadly exhaust fumes can enter the building through any opening resulting in severe injury or death to unsuspecting occupants.

Always have working carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors when using a generator for your home.

Never place portable generators on or near combustible surfaces such as decks, porches, or tool sheds. Heat generated by the motor, or improper refueling methods can start a fire. Never run portable generators inside any building, including basement areas and garages. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can build up in minutes injuring occupants with little to no warning. Allow plenty of time to cool the generator before refueling. Gasoline vapors can easily ignite from hot surfaces causing a flash fire and severe injuries. Always store approved gasoline containers a safe distance from generators while in use.

Never modify or construct any power cord so a generator can be connected to a receptacle, dryer or range outlet. Never connect a generator directly to panelboard without a means to prevent inadvertent connection to the normal supply system wiring. Connecting a generator directly to an electrical outlet or to a panelboard without a transfer switch or an interlocking device could result in a situation where power from the generator could energize the utility’s wiring (back feeds into the utility system). Electrical power from a generator back fed through your meter into the utility system can cause fires, serious injury or death to utility workers trying to repair the lines in the street, or electricians working on nearby property’s electrical systems.