As hurricane season approaches, homeowners across Florida are taking necessary precautions to shield their homes and loved ones. One critical aspect of hurricane preparation is ensuring a reliable power source when inevitable outages occur. That’s where your trusty generator comes into play.
However, it’s not just about having a generator – knowing how to use it safely and efficiently during a storm is paramount. In this blog, we’ll explore safe generator usage with our home safety pros at Best Home Services.
Understanding the Role of Your Generator
Generators are powerful machines that convert mechanical energy into electrical power during an outage. They can power essential appliances, maintain comfort systems, support necessary medical devices, and keep you connected to crucial news and emergency updates.
Nevertheless, the safe and efficient use of generators is critical, lest they become a source of danger rather than security.
Keeping Your Generator Operational and Safe:
Let’s dive into some essential generator safety tips.
Location is Key
Generators should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Operate them outside, away from windows, vents, and doors.
Don’t Forget the Cool-Down
Generators will get very hot during operation. Always let them cool down before refueling to prevent fires or explosions.
Stay Dry
Ensure your generator stays dry – operating it in wet conditions can cause electrocution or even an explosion. If you don’t have a space outdoors where your unit can be properly covered, you should look for a model with a weatherproof cover for added safety.
Electrical Safety Precautions
Connecting a generator directly to a home’s wiring can lead to ‘back feed,’ which is dangerous for utility workers.
Back feed is the reverse flow of electricity from a generator or alternative power source into the main electrical grid or unintended circuits, which can pose safety risks and potential damage to equipment if not properly managed. Instead, have a transfer switch or interlock kit professionally installed to ensure safe operation.
Consider Your Power Needs
You’ll need to assess the power consumption of your appliances and systems to select a generator that can adequately support your needs.
Fuel Type Matters
Your choices include gasoline, diesel, or propane. You should take into consideration the availability of these fuel types in your area and your storage capabilities when deciding on a generator.
Some models are capable of switching fuel types which can be beneficial if the one you’re using becomes difficult to get ahold of.
Capacity and Outlets
The power output, measured in watts, dictates how many devices the generator can power simultaneously. Find out how much wattage is required to operate your most essential appliances, including the refrigerator, lights, and fans. Use this info to determine which generator to purchase.
Making Hurricane Season a Breeze with Best Home Services
While a generator is a key tool for hurricane preparation, understanding how to use it properly is critical. How you operate it can be the difference between a secure, comfortable environment and a potential hazard.
At Best Home Services, we prioritize your safety and comfort during hurricane season. Our experts are committed to providing the top-quality services you need, whether it’s helping with generator selection, maintaining your HVAC system, or making necessary plumbing repairs.
Don’t let the hurricane season catch you off-guard. Contact us today and let our team help you prepare for the stormy weather ahead.
