Does Your Family Use a Generator? If So, These Tips Are for You l SERVPRO® of Piscataway

Cold winds and winter storms sometimes knock the power out on frigid nights. In these cases, many families turn to generators to help them stay warm as they wait for the power to come back on.

Generators can be lifesaving when the weather is cold. But if they aren’t used safely, they pose dangers of their own.

According to industry experts, 900 people died of carbon monoxide poisoning from generators between 2005 and 2017. This number doesn’t include the thousands of people who were injured when generators caught fire.

Generator Safety Advice

So how can you make a generator safer for your family? Follow these tips:

Get battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors. These are inexpensive and can detect the odorless carbon monoxide in time to keep your family safe from the threat.

Position your generator correctly. If you use a generator, it needs to be kept dry, on level ground and clear on all sides Place your generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home. And be sure the exhaust from your generator won’t blow toward your home. That exhaust is carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas.

Don’t plug in your generator indoors. This is a common mistake, and it can be dangerous. Always place your generator outside your home.

Get your generator serviced regularly. Don’t plug in your generator if you’re not sure that it’s working correctly. Check your generator regularly to ensure it’s in working order before you need it. That way, you aren’t taking a risk with your generator.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help.