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spaces, including garages, crawlspaces, sheds etc. The carbon dioxide from the engine exhaust is both invisible and odorless - and, of course, highly toxic. You will need to run extension cords from your generator into your home to supply power, but this should not tempt you to place it close to doors, windows or vents through which carbon dioxide may come indoors. Installing battery-operated CO alarms is a useful safety precaution.

Electricity Hazard

- Be vigilant when using a generator in wet conditions, such as power outage caused by flooding. Make doubly sure the generator is protected against moisture but do not run it inside a shed or other enclosed area or near occupied buildings (CO hazard).

Fire (and Burn) Hazard

- Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires, so always use the correct size extension cords and make sure that they are designed for outdoor use. It is extremely important that the wattage rating for each cord be higher than the total wattage of all the appliances you are connecting to it. Also, inspect the cords to make sure that they are not torn or cut and that all three plug prongs are intact. Always turn off the generator and wait until it cools before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Electrocution Hazard

- Do not plug your generator into a wall outlet to try to power your home wiring, and do not connect it to an outside power source such as a (still working) power line. This could result in something known as 'reverse flow of electricity' (back-feed), representing a very real risk of electrocution to neighbors, passersby or utility workers.

A back-up generator is often a blessing in cases of prolonged power failure or outage. Make sure to use it safely and efficiently so it won't end up being a 'calamity in disguise'!

Learn more about this author, Sawsan Elzayyat.
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