MANATEE COUNTY, FL (Oct. 11, 2024) – As Manatee County residents begin the recovery process following the devastating impact of Hurricane Milton, many are relying on portable generators to provide essential power. While generators can be a vital tool during power outages, improper use can lead to serious dangers, including carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrocution, and fire hazards.
Manatee County Emergency Management is issuing an urgent reminder for all residents to follow strict safety guidelines when using generators to ensure the safety of their families and neighbors.
Key Generator Safety Tips:
- Never Operate Generators Indoors or in Enclosed Spaces:
Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly within minutes. Generators should only be used outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent the gas from entering homes. Never use them inside a garage, even with the door open, or under a carport.
- Use CO Detectors:
Install battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors in your home. These detectors can provide early warnings of rising carbon monoxide levels, helping prevent poisoning.
- Properly Ventilate the Area:
Always position the generator in a well-ventilated, dry space outdoors. Ensure that the exhaust is directed away from living areas and that the generator is kept dry to prevent electrocution hazards.
- Use Safe Refueling Practices:
Turn off the generator and allow it to cool before refueling. Spilled fuel on hot engine parts can ignite. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and store fuel in approved, labeled containers away from heat sources.
- Avoid Back feeding Electricity:
Never attempt to power your house by plugging the generator directly into a wall outlet, a dangerous practice known as “back feeding.” This can cause fatal electrical shock to utility workers and neighbors who share the same transformer. Use a transfer switch to connect the generator to your home’s electrical system or plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.
- Don’t Overload the Generator:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and the generator’s wattage capacity. Overloading the generator can cause damage to both the generator and appliances and increase the risk of fire.
- Check the Generator’s Condition Regularly:
Perform routine maintenance on your generator, including checking for fuel leaks, ensuring all safety features are functional, and keeping the device clean and free from debris. Always have your generator inspected if it hasn’t been used recently or after extended periods of use.
Resources Available for Residents
Manatee County is working with local partners to assist residents in need of safe power solutions. For those experiencing prolonged outages, cooling centers Points of Distribution (PODs) and emergency services are being established.
Please continue to monitor local news and weather broadcasts as well as the County's social media accounts for updates. Official storm information from Manatee County is always updated at mymanatee.org/storm.