h2The members of the Wyckoff Fire Department continue to respond to storm related incidents and utility emergencies as a result of Hurricane Sandy.nbsp An important issue that we cannot stress enough to our residents and neighbors is Portable Generator Safety…nbsp We have seen several cases in which residents placed portable generators in close proximity to their house causing Carbon Monoxide to enter the home.nbsp Please read this important document from the US Fire Administration to properly protect you and your familyh2h2Portable Generator Safetyh2div classfloatboxh3According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSCh3ulliFrom 1999 to 2010 nearly 600 generator-related carbon monoxide CO deaths have been reported to the CPSC.liliCO poisoning from generator use causes an annual average of 81 deaths. The majority of the deaths occurred as a result of using a generator inside a homes living space in the basement or in the garage.liliOne generator produces as much CO as hundreds of cars. CO from a generator is deadly and can incapacitate and kill you within minutes.liulpa hrefhttpwww.usfa.fema.govdownloadspdffocusfeb2012generators.pdf fcksavedurlhttpwww.usfa.fema.govdownloadspdffocusfeb2012generators.pdfimg altPortable Generator Safety Poster srchttpwww.usfa.fema.govimagescitizensfocusfeb2012generators.jpg fcksavedurlhttpwww.usfa.fema.govimagescitizensfocusfeb2012generators.jpgbrDownload This Poster PDF 590 KbapdivpPortable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning electric shock or electrocution and fire.ppThe U.S. Fire Administration USFA would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from improper use of portable generators.ph3To Avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazardsh3ulliAlways use generators outdoors away from doors windows and vents.liliNEVER use generators in homes garages basements crawl spaces or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas even with ventilation.liliFollow manufacturers instructions.liliInstall battery-operated or plug-in with battery backup carbon monoxide CO alarms in your home following manufacturers instructions.liliTest CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.liulh3To Avoid Electrical Hazardsh3ulliKeep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open canopy- like structure.liliDry your hands before touching the generator.liliPlug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor- rated extension cord. Make sure the entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs especially a grounding pin.liliNEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice known as backfeeding can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.liliIf necessary to connect generator to house wiring to power appliances have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.liulh3To Avoid Fire Hazardsh3ulliBefore refueling the generator turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.liliAlways store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled non-glass containers.liliStore fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.liulpp
