When the Power Goes Out ...

With Pepco electric company and the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company both anticipating widespread power outages resulting from impacts from Hurricane Irene, some might be turning to a generator.

Hazards associated with using a generator improperly are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. To avoid these, the Prince George's County Fire Department shares precautions for those who decide to use a generator to keep the lights on:

• Do not run a generator inside a home or garage;
• connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system, unless a qualified electrician installs a power transfer switch in accordance with the National Electrical Code and all applicable state and local electrical codes;
• get advice from a licensed professional, like an electrician;
• make sure the generator is listed with Underwriters Laboratories or a similar organization;
• turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can.

Here are some other safety tips from the fire department, if you're left in the dark this Hurricane Weekend (and next week ...):

• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting, and never use candles;
• turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out;
• avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer;
• listen to local radio and television for updated information.