At Cooper, we sell, install, and service residential, standby generators that can power a whole house or business automatically without any manual work required. However, we know that folks in Myrtle Beach are much more likely to possess and use a portable generator.
A portable generator can be a valuable piece of equipment after a hurricane when the power is out. Portable generators can help you keep food safe and let you power up small appliances and communication devices. They typically run on gas and transfer power via a regular 120-V outlet and extension cord.
Portable generators can also be safety hazards, though. They can emit carbon monoxide if in a confined space, and can lead to burns or electrocution if not used properly.
Follow the portable generator safety tips below to weather the storm and aftermath.
Portable Generator Safety
Between 2005-2017, more than 900 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning while using a portable generator. Save your life and others by following the guidelines below. For more information, check out these safety tips from FEMA.
First, some of the big no-no’s:
- Never use a portable generator in a home that has flooded and still has standing water.
- Never run a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces.
- Don’t run a portable generator outdoors in the rain.
- Avoid exceeding the load (amps or watts) of the generator.
- Never backfeed your home.
Next, follow these guidelines for safe use:
- Turn off your generator and let it cool down before refueling.
- Store surplus gasoline safely.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator or use heavy duty extension cords.
Ready to Upgrade? Call Cooper
If you are tired of refueling, limited power options, and manually turning a portable generator on and off, let’s chat.
A residential generator system ties directly to a fuel line and offers whole-home power so you can live normally when the power is out. Don’t let down utilities affect your appliances, HVAC, lighting, and more. Call Cooper to learn more about residential generator systems today.
