Generator safety

Where it can run

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says portable generators are one of the leading causes of post-storm carbon monoxide deaths. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can kill within minutes, often before symptoms are obvious.

• Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed, or other enclosed area, even if doors or windows are open.
• Operate it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from homes and buildings, with the exhaust directed away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Ready.gov says the same distance from windows, doors, and attached garages, and says to use a generator only outdoors and away from windows.
• FDEM says never use portable gasoline or coal-burning equipment or camp stoves inside the home, basement, or garage, and to keep them at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.

Alarms, fuel, and rain

• CPSC says to install working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, battery-operated or with battery backup, on every level and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly. If an alarm sounds, get outside and call 911.
• Ready.gov says to let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot parts can ignite. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Ready.gov says to keep the generator dry. Touching a wet generator, or a device plugged into one, can shock you. CPSC says to follow the manufacturer instructions for shock hazards in wet weather.
• Ready.gov says to connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
• CPSC says never burn charcoal indoors, including in a garage with the door open.

CPSC also says to look for a carbon monoxide shut-off feature, and that models certified to PGMA G300-2023 or UL 2201 include that kind of technology. That is a shopping note from them, not a brand recommendation. This site does not name products.