Staff Report / PSLlocal.org

The City of Port St. Lucie, in collaboration with Florida Power & Light, has provided safety recommendations for operating portable generators. Here are the key guidelines to ensure safe use:

1. **Manufacturer Instructions**: Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid shortcuts and ensure safe operation.

2. **Location**: Set the generator up outdoors, staying away from all open windows, including those of neighboring properties, to prevent dangerous exhaust from entering any buildings.

3. **Extension Cords**: Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use. If the generator has a three-prong plug, a three-prong extension cord must be used.

4. **Carbon Monoxide Alarm**: Consider using a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm to detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

5. **Appliance Connection**: Connect appliances directly to the generator. Do not wire the generator directly to a breaker or fuse box to avoid backflow that can cause severe injury to others.

6. **Starting Procedures**: Turn off all appliances connected to the generator before starting it. Once started, connect appliances one at a time, ensuring the total wattage does not exceed the generator's rated capacity.

7. **Safety Precautions**: Do not touch the generator if wet or when standing in water or on damp ground.

8. **Refueling**: Never refuel a generator that is running or hot, as this can lead to ignition from engine parts or exhaust.

9. **Fuel Storage**: Keep plenty of gasoline stored safely in gas containers for operation.

10. **Supervision**: Do not leave a running generator unattended, and turn it off when not in use, especially at night or when leaving the home.

Additionally, it is advised that refrigerators may only need to operate a few hours a day to maintain safe temperatures, ideally keeping the refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer at zero degrees.

Source: City of Port St. Lucie - City Hall | Port Saint Lucie FL

Source Type: Gov

Source Location:

Port St. Lucie, FL

121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port Saint Lucie, FL

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