12 tips on how to deal with power problems after Hurricane Milton
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One of the worst things after a storm sweeps through sweltering South Florida is the power outages.
From not having AC in our homes to more consequential predicaments such as being unable to use life-saving electronic medical equipment, residents seek alternatives to keep the lights on in such arduous times.
Over two million homes and businesses immediately lost power in the region as Hurricane Irma blasted the area in September of 2017. Ten days later, 11,240 homes, mostly in South Miami-Dade, were still powerless.
Gas-powered portable generators are useful when lights go out after a storm or hurricane, but they also can be hazardous.
It is estimated that about 80 American consumers die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Since 2008, these devices have been associated with an estimated 790 non-fire, carbon monoxide poisoning deaths, CPSC reported in February.
The poisonous carbon monoxide that these generators emit is colorless and odorless, and it can kill you and your family in minutes.
In 2017, five people were taken to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning in Miami-Dade County after they ran a generator indoors in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Three years later, Louisiana authorities reported that the majority of deaths associated with Hurricane Laura — 8 out of 15 — were caused by the improper use of these devices than the storm itself.
With this in mind, here are safety tips on how to operate a gas-powered portable generator:
1. Hire a licensed electrician
They will connect the generator to your house wiring using a transfer switch, preventing it from backfeeding utility lines and causing possible damage to the device when utility power is restored, according to Florida Power & Light. To verify that an electrician is licensed by the state of Florida, go to myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
The generator’s manual should also explain how to give it proper maintenance.
3. Set it up outside
Generators must be placed 20 feet away from any home, including neighbors’, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, according to CPSC. Never operate it inside a home, garage, crawlspace, shed or on the porch. If you live in an apartment, use a battery-powered generator or portable power station instead.
4. Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use
It keeps the generator safely outdoors and prevents electrical shocks and fire hazards. FPL says to always use a three-prong extension cord if the appliance you want to energize has a three-prong plug.
5. Buy battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms
It alerts if carbon monoxide levels become dangerous. CPSC recommends to ask retailers for portable generators equipped with a safety feature to shut off automatically when high carbon monoxide concentrations are present around the device.
6. Connect it directly to appliances
Do not wire your generator directly to your breaker or fuse box because the power you generate may flow back into power lines and injure or kill a neighbor or utility crew working to restore power, according to FPL. The city of Miami also says to never plug the generator into a wall outlet.
7. Use appliances appropriately
FPL says to turn off all connected appliances before starting the generator, and turn them on one at a time, never exceeding the generator’s rated wattage.
8. Never refuel a hot or running generator
Hot engine parts or exhaust can ignite gasoline, according to FPL. Also, keep the generator dry and don’t touch it if you are wet or are standing in water or on damp ground.
9. Safely store fuel
Use fuel containers approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and store them in a safe, well-ventilated location. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recommends to use gasoline fuel stabilizers to keep gasoline ready to use when it is needed.
10. Don’t leave a running generator unattended
Turn it off at night, when sleeping and when adults are not at home.
11. Never use it during a storm
It is extremely difficult to keep a generator dry and away from homes during a storm. If you need power during a storm, use a battery-powered generator instead.
12. Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness and confusion. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get outside immediately, and then call 911, CPSC recommends.
