Play it safe with generators

Our team at CEMC keeps the power on about 99.96 percent of the time. That makes your power something that you can rely on almost all of the time.

Unfortunately, there are times (about .04 percent of the time) that storms, car accidents, equipment failures and other issues can knock out your power. I know being without power is a real inconvenience, and that’s why some homeowners have a generator to keep things going until our crews can get the power back on.

Depending on the size, generators can power lights, cell phones or even your entire house in the case of a power outage.

If you have a generator, it is critical that you use it safely. Here are some tips from CEMC and the American Red Cross to keep you, our lineworkers and the general public safe.

If you are connecting a generator to your home’s wiring, have an electrician install a power transfer switch. Improperly installed generators can “backfeed,” or push high voltage back onto the power grid, creating a dangerous situation for our lineworkers, first responders and the general public.

To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

Only use a generator outdoors. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

If you have any questions about safely using a generator as a backup power supply, feel free to contact CEMC for more information.