As crawfish season winds down, hurricane season ramps up. High winds, driving rain, and debris all make hurricanes and tropical storms a hazard to our home and infrastructure. Loss of power is major concern that can linger long beyond a storm’s passing. However, you can combat the inconvenience and discomfort of being without electricity with a quiet, efficient Honda generator. While a generator can provide the power you need, using it in a safe manner needs to be a top priority. Here are a few safety reminders for your generator as hurricane season approaches.
Keep Your Generator Out of the Rain
Power loss can occur well ahead of any storm. It only takes one gust of wind or one weak tree near a power line. As the storm’s bands begin to reach your area, you may have already started your generator. Make sure that your generator is not exposed to the rain. Keep it under a tent, or in a well ventilated, covered area.
Never Operate Your Generator Indoors or in Closed Spaces
Because your generator emits exhaust, carbon monoxide poisoning can be a risk if it is placed indoors or in an enclosed space. Your generator should be at least 20 feet away from your house. If it is in your garage, it needs to be near the end of the garage, with the door open for ventilation. It is also a good idea to use a battery operated carbon monoxide detector with your generator, just to be safe.
Safely Store Fuel
To ensure that you’re ready for an extended power outage, you’ll want to have an adequate fuel supply on hand. Gasoline for your generator should only be store in ANSI-approved containers. These containers should be stored in a well-ventilated, cool place. Fortunately, Honda generators are extremely fuel efficient, so you will be refilling it less frequently. You can also buy an expanded fuel system for your generator, allowing it to run longer.
Never Back Feed Your Home
You should never, under any circumstance, plug your generator into one of your home’s wall outlets. The term for this is “back feeding”. This actions bypasses your home’s built-in circuit protection, which can create a fire hazard and ruin your electronics and appliances.
If you want to be prepared this hurricane season, the experts at Bozeman Distributors in Baton Rouge have you covered. With a full line of Honda generators and over 50 years of experience, you can prepare to be powered during any storm.