Generator Safety Tips for 2025

Understanding emergency preparedness tips for generator use helps ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Below are essential guidelines and information to help you stay safe.

What are the emergency preparedness tips for generator use?

• Always follow manufacturer instructions when setting up a generator.
• Never use a generator inside your home or garage.
• Only use a generator outside in a well-ventilated area.
• Place your generator at least 20 feet away from your home.
• Double check that the exhaust is pointed away from any doors or vents.
• Regularly maintain and inspect your generator to ensure it operates safely and efficiently.
• Safely store generator fuel in approved containers, away from living areas, and never refuel a generator while it’s running or still hot.
• Avoid overloading the generator by calculating the total wattage of the devices you plan to power and ensuring it doesn’t exceed the generator’s capacity.

It’s important to take safety precautions when operating a generator because they produce carbon monoxide gas. Breathing in too much carbon monoxide could cause fainting or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room annually due to unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, with more than 400 deaths.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Carbon monoxide poisoning often show up as flu-like symptoms.

Keep in mind that you cannot smell, taste or see carbon monoxide. Protect yourself and your family by installing battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

What to do if exposed to carbon monoxide from a generator?

If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, call 911 immediately and go outside to fresh air.

It's important to know what to do if exposed to carbon monoxide from a generator; If it goes off, call 911 and go outside.

Need urgent care? Find a location near you.