HENDERSON, Texas — Power outages are common after weather disasters like the encroaching and newly formed Hurricane Nicholas, and many residents have turned to using generators. But they can cause some hazards if used improperly.
"You want to make sure they are away from the house," Lance Ellis with the Henderson Fire Department said. "That’s the main thing, so that they can be ventilated. You don’t want to keep them in an enclosed area because carbon monoxide starts to build up. You wouldn’t smell it, it will cause somebody to get sleepy. Normally when they figure out there is an issue it’s too late."
Here are some tips on using the generators safely:
- Follow the manufacturer's setup instructions.
- Never use a generator inside of a home or a garage.
- Use only in a well-ventilated area at least 20 feet away from your house.
- Make sure that the exhaust is pointed away from any doors or windows.
- The exhaust fumes from the generators can be deadly.
Ellis also warns not to put generators under wooden decks or mobile homes because they can become a fire hazard as well.
