When the snow and ice take hold up here in Milwaukee, there’s always a chance that they can knock out the power. If you’re a seasoned veteran of these frigid winters, then you’ve probably realized how important it is to have a generator standing by to help you manage until the power comes back. However, it’s critical to understand how to stay safe while operating these machines.

If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might inadvertently hurt yourself or others. We at Roman Electric want all of our Milwaukee neighbors to stay safe during these cold months, so we’ve put together a handy list of generator safety tips to keep in mind!

Use the Right Cords

When you fire up the generator, you might be tempted to just shove any old extension cord you find laying around into the socket. This is one of the worst things you can do – always check your cords! Only use ones supplied by the generator manufacturer: it will have three prongs and be grounded.

Double-check that the cord is rated for the wattage your generator creates, and make sure it isn’t damaged. The cord is what keeps everything working, so it pays to take your time here.

Store Fuel Correctly

Most generators are gas-powered, so you’ll obviously need some gasoline laying around to get it up and running. That said, don’t get careless with it – gas is a volatile and dangerous substance if handled carelessly.

Store it in clearly labeled containers that are kept separate from everything else, so it isn’t confused with another liquid. It needs to stay away from areas like garages where some spilled gas could accidentally ignite.

And never refuel your generator when it’s running. A splash of gas on hot, moving engine parts can create a fire extremely quickly. Always turn your generator off before topping it off.

Give It Space to Breathe

Your generator needs plenty of air to work at its optimal level. Before you crank it on, make sure there is at least 4 feet of clear space in every direction. It needs adequate space to ventilate correctly, and a crammed generator won’t be able to work like it’s supposed to.

Never Use One Indoors

A generator, like any combustion engine, gives off carbon monoxide as a byproduct. If you run it in an enclosed area like a garage, then this deadly, poisonous gas will sit there – until you breathe it in.

Make sure yours is far away from your home, where any carbon monoxide produced will get absorbed by the air.

Roman Electric: Milwaukee’s Generator Experts

Here in the northern United States, a generator might take a dog’s place as man’s best friend – at least during the winter. Make sure you know what steps to take before running yours so that you can keep enjoying electricity without running the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you’re not sure if yours is safe, or if you’d prefer to let an expert figure that out for you, give Roman Electric a call! We’re dedicated to helping our neighbors stay safe and comfortable all winter long.

Reach us at 414-369-3798 for more information!