Generator Safety
Before You Buy or Use a Generator...
- Read the labels on lighting, appliances, and equipment you plan to connect to the generator
to determine the power the generator needs to supply. Choose a generator that produces more
power than will be drawn by the combination of lights and appliances you plan to connect and
allow for an initial surge when you turn it on. If your generator does not produce enough
power for all items at the same time, plan to stagger their use. Make a list of items that
are most important for your survival/comfort, the amount of electricity they require, and
keep it near your generator.
- Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or plug-in carbon monoxide alarms with
battery back-up in your home. These alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards and must be "UL Listed." Test alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed.
- Portable generators are commonly used during power outages but they are hazardous and too
often deadly when not properly installed. Hazards include carbon monoxide poisoning (a result of toxic exhaust), fire, electrical shock and electrocution. Follow the instructions that
come with your generator.
Carbon Monoxide
Generators produce high levels of carbon monoxide quickly. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas - colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-imitating - and the symptoms it produces are similar to flu:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Redness of the skin
- Tightness of the chest
- Fluttering of the heart
- Loss of muscle control
NEVER use it indoors or in partially enclosed areas like garages, basements, crawl spaces and porches - even if ventilated with windows open or fans in use. Opening doors/windows and using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide from building up. Make sure the generator has enough air to breathe and that its exhaust is vented properly. Locate your generator outside in a secure place to deter theft, but not inside the house, an attached garage or near an open window. If you feel sick while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. Call 911 if you need medical attention and let medical personnel know that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Call the fire department or your utility company to check your house before re-entering.
Electrical and Fire Hazards
If possible, locate the generator close to where electric service connects to your house. Consult your city, town or village to find out if you need a permit, or if there are other requirements.
- A licensed electrician should install a permanently-wired generator
- Keep the generator dry and do not use it in the rain or in wet conditions (like a flooded
basement).
- Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension
cord that is free of cuts or tears. Make sure the cord is rated (in watts or amps) to at least
equal the sum of the connected appliance load.
- Never power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This is called
"back feeding" and is extremely dangerous. It by-passes some of the built-in household circuit
protection and causes a risk of electrocution to utility workers and neighbors served by the
same utility. Before operating the generator make sure your wiring system is disconnected from
the main electric system by shutting OFF the main circuit breaker in your electric panel box. In older panel boxes, remove the main fuse block.
- To install a generator permanently, have a licensed electrician install a double throw
switch. It allows you to connect the generator safely.
- Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down.
- Never store fuel for your generator inside your home, or near a fuel-burning appliance such
as a natural gas water heater. Store all fuels (gasoline, propane, kerosene, other flammable
liquids) outside living areas. Make sure the container for the fuel is well sealed and in a
non-glass safety container.
To report Power Outages/Interruptions or Natural Gas Odors and Emergencies, see below list:
| Company |
Outages/Emergencies |
Gas Emergencies |
| Central Hudson Gas and Electric |
1(800)527-2714
1(845)452-2700 |
1-800-942-8274 |
Consolidated Edison New York NYC
or NYC National Grid Customers |
1(800)752-6633
1-718-643-4050 |
1-800-752-6633 |
| Corning Natural Gas Corporation |
1(607)936-3755 |
1-607-936-3755 |
| LIPA (Long Island Power Authority) |
1-800-490-0075 or 1-631-755-6900 |
|
| National Fuel |
|
1(800)443-0177 |
| National Grid |
1-800-867-5222 |
1(800)892-2345 |
| NYSEG (New York State Electric & Gas) |
1(800)572-1131 |
1(800)572-1121 |
| O&R (Orange & Rockland County Utilities) |
1(877)434-4100 |
1(800)533-5325 |
| RG&E (Rochester Gas & Electric) |
1(800)743-1701 |
1(800)743-1702 |
| St. Lawrence Gas |
|
1(800)673-3301 |
To get the above company’s Utility Customer Service hours and phone numbers
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