How to Avoid Misusing Generators in Power Outages Due to Hurricanes

Using generators during storms and hurricanes is helpful. It provides temporary relief to power interruptions and an emergency for medical appliances needed by your family.

Power outages could take days to weeks; the worst is up to months. The repair of damaged power lines could require weeks to finish depending on the extent of the damage. Having a flashlight, solar power, and generators can save the day.

Hurricane Nicole

(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Portions of Florida suffered from the impact of Tropical Storm Nicole, which later strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane.

According to reports, Nicole could unleash heavy rains and powerful winds affecting residents on the east coast of Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

The latest advisory noted that Tropical Storm Nicole could produce dangerous storm surges and damaging waves. Flash flooding and landslides could also possibly emerge.

A recent report also noted that Tropical Storm Nicole caused power outages and at least four dead.

As residents in Florida began to recover from Hurricane Ian, Nicole could show destructive power damaging homes and infrastructures.

Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis advised residents to keep safe from downed power lines due to Hurricane Nicole.

He also reminded his constituents to be careful in using generators.

During natural disasters, including storms and hurricanes, generators are portable and easy-to-keep equipment for homes. Sometimes, it could be used when they are on a travel, picnic, or something that requires energy to electricity.

Generators are helpful for families and businesses to operate during calamities. It is emergency equipment when power lines are damaged.

Safetly use generators

However, generators could also threaten your health and life. Misusing generators could put your family at risk or, worst, result in casualties.

It is important to be calm in using generators in emergencies and disasters.

According to AccuWeather's latest report, generators could result in carbon monoxide poisoning, burning of a house or fire, and electrocution.

Without much knowledge about generators or care, it could harm families.

Although generators are considered an advantage, there are new reports of individuals who died from carbon monoxide poisoning or electrocution.

The rush to get back power resulted in instant death.

AccuWeather explained that portable generators could kill someone. It was said that generators could produce a higher amount of carbon monoxide than cars.

Also Read :Rare November Hurricanes: How to Prepare for Nicole

Experts suggested that generators should not be inside the home and should be operated in a house. It is best to bring it outside your home for safety reasons.

AccuWeather said that Keith Pinkerton advised that a minimum of 30 feet from your house is required.

The report also noted that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) explained that the effect of carbon monoxide poisoning could victimize over 20,000 people who would theb require immediate medical assistance.

Meanwhile, experts noted that generators must always stay away from your house's windows. It is best to bring it to dry areas and connect it to your power lines.

With Nicole being a threat in Florida, unloading heavy rains and strong winds, severe weather conditions could cause electrical shock operating a generator.

The report noted that generators must not be used in flooded houses.