Many of you may have first hand experience with the wrath of summer thunderstorms in our area. We’ve entered that time of year where you can expect to see a few come rolling through. Sometimes these storms can be accompanied by strong winds and even hail. Severe summer storms and micro-bursts can often lead to downed trees and power outages.

To keep important systems running and get life back to normal as soon as possible in the event of a power outage, a portable generator is a great tool to have in the shed or garage. But, where it’s a machine that (hopefully) doesn’t get regular use, you’ll want to keep the following tips and advice in mind when you head out to fire yours up.

First - make sure to get the right generator for your home and for your anticipated power usage. If you’re not sure how many watts you need, ask an electrician for assistance.
Make sure that you operate your generator in a well-ventilated area, at least 20 feet from your home. The machine gives off carbon monoxide, so you should never run it inside.
Avoid running a portable generator in the rain as it can pose an electrical risk. It should be sitting on a dry surface. If needed, you can buy a generator tent to keep the unit dry for use during a storm.
Never plug the generator directly into a wall outlet with an extension cord. This is called “backfeeding” and is very dangerous! Having a professional electrician install a power transfer switch will allow you to power your home and appliances without posing a safety risk.
Don’t overload the generator. Once it’s up and running, turn on your lights and appliances one at a time. Prioritize your needs and only use what’s important. Remember, it’s only temporary!
Before refueling, make sure it’s turned off and had time to cool down.
Keep children and pets away from the generator. It gets hot while it’s running, and poses a burn risk.

If you own an older portable generator and want to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide even more, it might be time to invest in a new one to ensure a safe space for you and your family. Stay safe as the clouds roll in!