Please Use Generators Safely During Outages
When the power goes out — whether due to storms, accidents, equipment damage, or other unexpected events — a generator can make life much more comfortable. However, generators can pose serious safety risks if used incorrectly. A few simple precautions can help protect your home, your family, and the crews working hard to restore power for everyone.
Know What Type of Generator You’re Using
Generators generally fall into two categories: portable generators and permanently installed (standby) generators.
Permanently installed generators are wired directly into a home’s electrical system by a licensed electrician and use a transfer switch. The transfer switch safely disconnects the home from utility power before the generator turns on, preventing electricity from feeding back onto power lines.
Portable generators are typically fueled by gasoline or propane and are designed to power individual appliances or equipment using extension cords. Portable generators should never be connected to a home’s electrical system, circuit breaker panel, or wall outlet unless a properly installed transfer switch is in place.
Keep Generators Outside and Away from the Home
Generators produce carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless gas that can be deadly within minutes. Always place your generator at least 20 feet away from your home, keeping it away from doors, windows, vents, garages, sheds, and covered patios. Make sure the exhaust is pointed away from any occupied space.
If your home doesn’t have CO alarms, now is a good time to install them. They’re an inexpensive way to add another layer of safety and alert you to a problem before symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, or extreme fatigue set in.
Help Protect Our Crews
One of the most dangerous generator mistakes is backfeeding, which occurs when a generator is connected to a home’s electrical system without a transfer switch. Backfeeding sends electricity back onto power lines and creates a life-threatening hazard for lineworkers who may be working nearby.
If you want your generator to power your home’s wiring, a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician is required. In Central Lincoln’s service area, approved options include meter-mounted transfer switches such as GenerLink. Learn more about GenerLink meter-mounted transfer switches.
Otherwise, plug appliances directly into the generator using heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords in good condition. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
Operate Generators on Dry, Stable Ground
To avoid electrical shock, always run your generator on a dry surface under an open, canopy-style cover that provides ventilation. Never touch the generator with wet hands, and keep it out of standing water or rain. If the generator gets wet, let it dry out before restarting.
Use Fuel and Cords Safely
Only refuel a generator after it has cooled, as gasoline vapors can ignite if they contact a hot engine. Store fuel in approved containers away from heat sources. Before every use, inspect your cords for damage and avoid overloading the generator by plugging in more than it can safely handle.
Read the Manual Before You Need It
Every generator is a little different, and the owner’s manual is the quickest way to understand your model’s safety features, wattage limits, and proper startup and shutdown procedures. A few minutes of preparation now can make a big difference during the next outage.
Generator Safety: Quick Checklist
- Keep it outside and at least 20 feet from your home
- Never run a generator in a garage or enclosed space
- Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords
- Never plug a generator into a wall outlet
- Let the generator cool before refueling
- Install and regularly check carbon monoxide alarms
- Only use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician
From our February 2026 Coastlines Newsletter
