Hurricane Preparedness: Power Generator Safety Tips
GEORGIA – As hurricane season begins, the Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) is reminding families of one of the most serious risks that follows major storms: carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators used incorrectly during power outages.
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and deadly. When storms knock out power, portable generators can be lifesaving tools, but only when they are used safely. Tragedies are all preventable just by following a few simple guidelines. Portable generators should always be used outside and far away from the home. Never run a generator inside a house, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, covered porch, or any partially enclosed area.
PGMA is the overarching voice of the portable generator industry and the creator of the ANSI/PGMA G300 standard, which establishes carbon monoxide safety and performance requirements for portable generators. Through its Take Your Generator Outside® campaign, PGMA provides public safety information and outreach resources to help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper portable generator use. For more information, visit takeyourgeneratoroutside.com.
