• Dryers & washing machines
• Portable generators
• Generator safety tips

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Portable generators

Generators should be operated in well ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.   The generator should be placed so that exhaust fumes cannot enter the home through windows, doors or other building openings.   Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for proper placement and mounting height. Should CO enter the home and pose a risk, an alarm will sound.   See all safety tips

Portable generators are useful during power outages. However, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards.

Facts and figures:

• CO deaths associated with generators have spiked in recent years as generator sales have risen.
• In 1999, generators were associated with 6% of the total yearly estimated CO poisoning deaths associated with all consumer products compared to 24% in 2002.
• There were at least 64 deaths in 2005 alone from CO poisoning associated with generators.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission

Also see: Carbon monoxide poisoning

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated: 11/08