Disaster Week - Generator Safety

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Russia Launches Cargo Ship with Supplies for Space Station Last Updated: 5:50 AM 05/15/08 - An unmanned Russian cargo ship blasted off Thursday with supplies, equipment and gifts for the international space station, an official said. (Full Story)
China: Troops Rush to Plug Dam Cracks Last Updated: 5:46 AM 05/15/08 - Hundreds of dams around the epicenter of China's earthquake have been damaged and Chinese troops scrambled Wednesday to plug cracks and open sluices to prevent flooding of already devastated communities. (Full Story)
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Red Cross: 128,000 May Perish In Myanmar Last Updated: 5:33 AM 05/15/08 - Aid Organization Predicts Death Toll Could Double Unless Junta Allows In More Foreign Aid, Workers (Full Story)
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Posted: 12:55 PM Feb 8, 2008
Last Updated: 8:59 PM Feb 10, 2008
Reporter: Weather
Email Address: weather@wibw.com

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Generators and Power Outages

The time to purchase and install a generator is NOW! Do not wait until your power goes out because in that stressful situation people tend to use these machines incorrectly and that is when accidents occur.

Purchasing a Generator:

1.) Know what you want to power with your generator.
2.) Look at the name plates on the appliances you want to power and take that information to the generator dealer.
3.) Fully explain to the dealer what you intend to do with your generator so they can fix you up with the proper size machine.

Double Throw Switch:

On top of the generator itself, you should also purchase a double throw switch. It is a good idea to have the double throw switch installed by a master electrician. This will ensure that it is installed properly. A double throw switch makes sure power from the generator is not back-feed into the utility lines and this will keep the line crews safe as they restore power to your home or business.

Price:

• Generators: About $500 up to $1200 for a home generator
• Double Throw Switch: About $400 and up.
• Operating Cost:
• 1 Tank = 5 Gallons of Gas and will run for about 10 Hours
• 1 Gallon of Gas = $3.00
• 1 Tank costs about $15.00
• Total Cost: About $35 Per day or $245 Per Week

Installation:

It is recommended that you get a Master Electrician to install you generator properly.

Operating the Generator:

1.) Make sure the generator is set up outside and away from doors or windows that could allow fumes to get in your home/business.
2.) Make sure the Double Throw Switch is set to the generator side.
3.) Turn off all appliances.
4.) Fire up the Generator and let it run for a few minutes.
5.) Turn on your most important appliance first and let it run for a few minutes.
6.) Turn on your second most important appliance next and so on…
7.) If your generator dies, turn off everything and repeat steps 2-6.

Maintenance:

Your power is not lost every year, so general maintenance on your generator is extremely important. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guide very strictly and always make sure your generator is in good working condition. This will ensure that the next time the power goes out, you won’t be left in the dark.

From The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Portable Generator Hazards

Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they also can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, fire and burns.
Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use. Most of the incidents associated with portable generators reported to CPSC involve CO poisoning from generators used indoors or in partially-enclosed spaces.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

When used in a confined space, generators can produce high levels of CO within minutes. When you use a portable generator, remember that you cannot see or smell CO. Even if you do not smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO.

Danger labels are required on all portable generators manufactured or imported on or after May 14, 2007.

If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY. The CO from generators can rapidly kill you.

Follow these safety tips to protect against CO poisoning.

NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

Follow the instructions that come with your generator. Locate the unit outdoors and far from doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to come indoors.

Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. CO alarms should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, or CSA 6.19.01). Test batteries monthly.
To avoid CO poisoning when using generators:

Get to fresh air right away if you start to feel dizzy or weak.

Electrical Hazards

Generators pose a risk of shock and electrocution, especially if they are operated in wet conditions. If you must use a generator when it is wet outside, protect the generator from moisture to help avoid the shock/electrocution hazard, but do so without operating the generator indoors or near openings to any building that can be occupied in order to help avoid the CO hazard. Operate the generator under an open, canopy-like structure on a dry surface where water cannot reach it or puddle or drain under it. Dry your hands, if wet, before touching the generator.

Connect appliances to the generator using heavy-duty extension cords that are specifically designed for outdoor use. Make sure the wattage rating for each cord exceeds the total wattage of all appliances connected to it. Use extension cords that are long enough to allow the generator to be placed outdoors and far away from windows, doors and vents to the home or to other structures that could be occupied. Check that the entire length of each cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs. Protect the cord from getting pinched or crushed if it passes through a window or doorway.

NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet, a practice known as “backfeeding.” This is extremely dangerous and presents an electrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors served by the same utility transformer. It also bypasses some of the built-in household circuit protection devices.
Fire Hazards

Never store fuel for your generator in the home. Gasoline, propane, kerosene, and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly-labeled, non-glass safety containers. Do not store them near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.

Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

Video - Public Service Message On Generator Safety From The National Safety Counsel