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Make Emergency Planning a Priority
(Family Features)
W
ith plummeting temperatures and
winter storm season on the hori-
zon, it’s time to refresh your fam-
ily’s emergency plan. Not only is it neces-
sary to ensure you have the right supplies
on-hand, it’s also important to know how to
safely execute your plan and use items like
portable generators.
In addition to preparing a first aid kit and
practicing an escape route, a portable gen-
erator is an integral part of many families’
emergency planning. Portable generators
allow users to stay warm through cold win-
ter months, providing reliable backup ener-
gy during power outages.
While portable generators can minimize
the inconvenience of unexpected power
outages that can come at any time during
a severe storm, they do come with some
risks.
The Portable Generator Manufacturers’
Association recommends keeping these
safety precautions in mind to safely use your portable generator and
avoid the dangerous risks of carbon monoxide build-up:
* Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Re-
place the batteries and test the alarms regularly to ensure they are in
good working condition.
* Know that you cannot smell, see or taste carbon monoxide, so
proper use of portable generators is crucial.
* Learn to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness and
fainting.
* To avoid dangerous carbon monoxide accumulation, always “Take
It Outside.” This means you should never run a portable generator
indoors in areas such as garages, basements, crawl spaces, breeze-
ways, sheds or other partially enclosed spaces.
* If you feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a portable generator, get
to fresh air immediately and call 911 for emergency medical atten-
tion.
* Always place a portable generator downwind and point the engine
exhaust away from occupied spaces.
* Always refer to the generator’s owner’s manual for further informa-
tion about safe operation and potential hazards.
* Avoid placing a portable generator near windows, doors or vents,
as carbon monoxide gas can accumulate and potentially be drawn
indoors.
Learn more about operating a portable generator during severe
weather at pgmaonline.com and takeyourgeneratoroutside.com.
* Always read the operator’s manual first and follow the manufactur-
er’s recommended precautions and procedures.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
#14061
Source: Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association