When the Power Goes Out: Five Generator Mistakes That Can Put Your Home and Family at Risk

Mercury Insurance shares safety tips to help homeowners avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical fires and costly property damage during power outages

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is reminding homeowners that portable generators can provide much-needed electricity during power outages, but improper use can turn a temporary inconvenience into a dangerous emergency. As winter storms, high winds and other severe weather events threaten electrical service, understanding how to operate backup power equipment safely can help protect families and prevent costly property damage.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 100 Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with portable generators. The agency warns that a single portable generator can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars, making proper placement and ventilation essential.

"Generators can be incredibly useful during an extended power outage, but homeowners need to understand that they introduce risks that aren't always obvious," said Bonnie Lee, VP, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. "Something as simple as placing a generator too close to the house or using the wrong electrical connection can create a dangerous situation. Taking a few precautions before the power goes out can make a tremendous difference."

Five Generator Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid

1. Running a generator too close to the house

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious illness or death within minutes. Operating a generator inside a garage, basement, shed or other enclosed space is extremely dangerous, even when doors and windows are open.

The CPSC recommends placing portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from the home, with the exhaust directed away from windows, doors and vents. Homeowners should also install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.

Never operate a generator on a porch or in a carport. These locations may seem sheltered, but they can allow dangerous exhaust fumes to enter living spaces.

2. Connecting a generator directly to a wall outlet

Plugging a generator into a household electrical outlet, sometimes called backfeeding, can send electricity into utility lines and create potentially deadly hazards for utility workers and others. Improper connections can also damage a home's electrical system and increase the risk of fire.

Homeowners who want to connect a generator to their home's electrical system should consult a qualified electrician about installing an appropriate transfer switch or other approved equipment.

For portable generators powering individual appliances, use properly rated extension cords and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Overloading the generator or using the wrong extension cords

Generators have limits on how much electricity they can safely provide. Connecting too many appliances or exceeding the generator's rated capacity can cause overheating, damage equipment and potentially create a fire hazard.

Homeowners should calculate the power requirements of essential appliances before an outage and prioritize critical needs, such as refrigeration, medical equipment and necessary lighting.

Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are properly sized for the connected equipment. Inspect cords for damage before use, and never run them beneath rugs or through areas where they could become pinched or overheated.

4. Refueling a generator while it's running or still hot

Gasoline spilled onto a hot engine or exhaust system can ignite, potentially causing severe burns or a fire.

Always turn off a portable generator and allow it to cool before refueling. Store gasoline in approved containers, away from living areas, ignition sources and heat-producing equipment.

Fuel should never be stored inside the home or near a furnace, water heater or other appliance that could ignite gasoline vapors.

5. Waiting until an outage to inspect the generator

A generator that has been sitting unused for months may not operate properly when it's needed most. Old fuel, damaged cords, inadequate maintenance or unfamiliar controls can create additional problems during an emergency.

Before severe weather arrives, homeowners should review the owner's manual, inspect the generator, check fuel and oil requirements, and make sure everyone who may operate the equipment understands basic safety procedures.

Generators should also be protected from rain and snow according to manufacturer instructions. Never operate electrical equipment in standing water or use an improvised enclosure that could trap exhaust fumes.

What Homeowners Should Know About Generator-Related Insurance Claims

Generator-related accidents can result in damage to a home's electrical system, appliances or surrounding property. Whether homeowners insurance responds to that damage depends on the cause of the loss, the circumstances and the terms of the individual policy.

For example, a fire accidentally caused by generator use may be covered under some homeowners policies, subject to applicable exclusions, limits and deductibles. Damage to appliances or electrical equipment, particularly damage involving power surges, mechanical breakdown or improper operation, may be treated differently.

"Homeowners sometimes assume that any damage occurring during a power outage will automatically be covered by their insurance," Lee said. "That's not necessarily the case. Coverage depends on what caused the damage and the provisions of the policy. Our advice is to focus on preventing the loss in the first place and to review your coverage with your insurance agent before an emergency happens."

If generator-related damage occurs, homeowners should prioritize their safety, contact emergency services when necessary, document visible damage when it is safe to do so and notify their insurance company promptly.

Prepare Before the Next Outage

Homeowners who rely on backup generators should make generator safety part of their household emergency plans. That includes maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, keeping appropriate fuel supplies safely stored and knowing how to contact utility providers and emergency services.

The CPSC also recommends considering portable generators equipped with automatic carbon monoxide shutoff technology, which can stop operation when dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected near the equipment.

"Preparation is one of the most effective ways homeowners can reduce their exposure to preventable losses," Lee said. "A power outage is stressful enough without having to worry about a fire, damaged equipment or a medical emergency. Knowing how to use your generator safely before you need it is an important part of protecting your home and family."

For additional information about generator safety, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov.

For information about home safety, visit the Mercury Insurance Resource Center.

Insurance coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and deductibles of the applicable policy. Coverage for generator-related losses depends on the cause of damage and the specific circumstances of the claim. This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not modify or expand coverage under any insurance policy.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

SOURCE Mercury Insurance