Larry & Sons offers Tips for Safe Generator use during Power Outages

"From lights and heating systems to your television and refrigerator, there are few things in your home that don't run on electricity," says Eric Corbett, president and owner of Larry & Sons. "Having a backup generator will give you peace of mind that your family and loved ones in your homes will be safe and comfortable when the power grid goes out."

For any homeowners considering buying a generator for backup energy, or who already have one, Larry & Sons offers tips on how to practice safe generator use during a period of home power outage.

• Find the right size generator. Make sure you find the right size generator for your home based on the amount of power you need. Pay attention to any electrical load instructions shown on the labels of your home appliances, lighting and equipment that you plan to hook up to the generator.
• Call a professional for safe generator set up. Without prior experience, connecting a generator to a home can be difficult. Consider hiring a professional with the appropriate equipment and knowledge to make sure the positioning and hook up is safe.
• Be cautious of generator hazards. Generators come with hazards if not operated safely. The hazards to avoid include carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic exhaust, electrocution, and fire. Never use a generator inside a house.
• Install a CO detection alarm. Alarms will sound if CO gas is present in your home and poses a dangerous health risk. The CO exhaust from generators is dangerous and can result in death.
• Keep all generators away from windows. Keep the generator at least ten feet away from windows, vents, and doors to prevent any (CO) entering the home. Placing a generator too close to windows is unsafe.
• Never use a portable generator indoors. Indoor spaces such as the garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or any other partially enclosed area of the home, are not safe areas to place a generator. Opening doors and windows will not prevent CO buildup.
• Beware of extension cords. Try to plug all appliances directly into the generator. If you use an extension cord, be sure that it is a heavy-duty outdoor cord that is (in watts and amps) approved for all of the connected devices. Check with the professionals if the extension cord you want to use is safe.
• Allow the generator to cool before you refuel. Gas spills on a hot generator may cause a fire.
• Never plug your generator into a wall outlet. A hazard known as backfeeding can occur. It is extremely dangerous to any nearby utility workers and neighbors on the same transformer. It can cause severe electrocution.

For any residents in the Frederick or Hagerstown, Maryland area in need of assistance with their generators, contact Larry & Sons at 301-733-5428 or visit www.larryandsons.com.

About Larry & Sons, Inc.
Larry & Sons, Inc. has served Tri-State area homeowners since 1960. With experts for nearly any home service needed, Larry & Sons offers full-service plumbing for repair and installation of water heaters, sewer systems, drain services and water treatment systems. The company also has solutions for central heating and air conditioning, geothermal, or general indoor air quality control systems. Team members at Larry and Sons, Inc. are licensed and trained to handle any job from leaky faucets and clogged drains to full remodels of bathrooms. For more information about Larry & Sons, Inc., visit www.larryandsons.com or call 301-733-5428.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
[email protected]

SOURCE Larry & Sons, Inc.