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When the Power Goes Out: Five Generator Mistakes That Can Put Your Home and Family at Risk

MCY
  • Mercury Insurance warns homeowners that improper portable generator use during power outages can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical fires, & costly property damage.
  • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 100 annual deaths from generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning due to the gas being odorless, colorless, & potentially deadly.
  • Generators must be placed outdoors at least 20 feet from the home with exhaust directed away from windows, doors, & vents; never operate them in garages, basements, porches, or carports.
  • Homeowners should install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home & outside sleeping areas to detect dangerous gas levels.
  • Connecting a generator directly to a wall outlet (backfeeding) creates deadly hazards for utility workers, damages home electrical systems, & increases fire risks; a qualified electrician should install a transfer switch for permanent connections.
  • Overloading generators or using incorrect extension cords can cause overheating, equipment damage, & fire; users must calculate power requirements & use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords inspected for damage.
  • Refueling should only occur after turning off the generator & allowing the engine to cool; gasoline must be stored in approved containers away from living areas & ignition sources.
  • Homeowners should inspect generators, check fuel & oil, & review manuals before severe weather arrives to ensure equipment functions properly during emergencies.
  • Insurance coverage for generator-related damage depends on the cause of loss, policy terms, & circumstances; accidental fires may be covered, but damage from surges, mechanical breakdown, or improper operation may be excluded.
  • The CPSC recommends using generators with automatic carbon monoxide shutoff technology & maintaining working smoke & carbon monoxide alarms as part of household emergency plans.
Company
Mercury Insurance
Keywords
Mercury Insurance