5 Reminders When Using Portable Generators During Power Outage

So a Tropical Storm comes through the Hudson Valley and for a brief amount of time you are without power. This is not a big deal if you have a portable generator, right? There are a few tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that you will want to keep in mind when using that handy-dandy generator, from a press release:

1. Use portable gas generators safely. Read the label on your generator and the owner's manual BEFORE use.

2. If you lose power, use your generator OUTSIDE your house ONLY, at least 20 feet from your home.

3. NEVER use a generator inside a home, garage or shed. Carbon monoxide from generators is poisonous and can KILL you in minutes. CO is called the "invisible killer" because you cannot see it or smell it.

4. Make sure you have working CO alarms in your home.

5. Make sure you have working smoke alarms too. Check the batteries!

In addition to making sure that you have plenty of batteries, a battery-powered radio and non-perishable food items, because of Covid-19, you will also want to make sure to have an adequate supply of face coverings, gloves and hand sanitizer.

Do you have a portable generator at your house? How often do you find that you have to use it? What is the longest that your home has been without power?