08/13/2026
Carbon Monoxide & Generator Safety PSA
⚠️ Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer ⚠️
Power outages often lead people to use generators, but improper use can have deadly consequences. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up quickly and cause serious illness or death.
Portable Generator Safety:
✅ Always operate portable generators outdoors only.
✅ Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home, garage, doors, windows, and vents.
✅ Never use a portable generator inside a house, garage, basement, crawl space, or enclosed porch—even with doors or windows open.
✅ Never connect a portable generator directly to your home's electrical system unless it is installed with a proper transfer switch by a qualified electrician.
✅ Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home.
What about whole-home generators?
🏠 Whole-home standby generators are different. They are permanently installed outside and are designed to supply power to your home's electrical system automatically during an outage. They must be properly installed, vented, maintained, and inspected according to the manufacturer's instructions and local codes.
⚠️ Never operate a whole-home generator in a garage, shed, or other enclosed area. Keep the generator and its exhaust system clear of windows, doors, vents, and other openings where exhaust could enter the home.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect carbon monoxide is present, get everyone outside into fresh air immediately and call 911.
Whether you're using a portable generator or a professionally installed whole-home generator, generator safety saves lives.
🚒 Your local fire department reminds you: Keep generators outside. Keep carbon monoxide out. Stay safe.