Nothing is simple when choosing equipment . If I learned anything in my life it is that the devil is in the details. Too often in life either due to laziness or oversight, problems arise. Unfortunately, if you don’t pay attention to the details in prepping and survival it can cost you your life. So details are point number one and certainly when purchasing a generator. Take your time, be thorough and research before you buy or act. Buying and using a generator requires an clear understanding of many different complex rules and instructions.
As With Everything Safety is the First Priority With Generators
As always safety is paramount. You should have a fire extinguisher (B C dry powder or Purple K) nearby. Never store gas cans in your home or office.
Anytime that you use a piece of equipment that burns fuel you must observe special caution to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn the rules to be safe and avoid hazards. In the winter of 2011 during a football game several tailgaters who where powering a flat screen in the parking lot succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after breathing the exhaust fumes from the generator 10 feet away.
The general rule of thumb is that hazardous levels of Carbon Monoxide are present at ground level within a 15 foot radius of a running generator. Be careful; don’t run the generator in the garage, even if the door is open. The dangerous fumes can find their way into the house potentially fatally poisoning your family inside. Never place the generator in a way that the exhaust is aimed toward windows, neither yours.
Always err on the side of caution, get a carbon monoxide detector place them on the first floor and if you have a basement window facing the generator, place on on the generator side of the basement too.
The average generator consumes large volumes of fuel. Fuel should be stored safely away from the main building and flames and other risks. Place a fire extinguisher (B C dry powder) nearby, not next to the generator.