Officials offer portable generator safety tips ahead of hurricane

SALISBURY, Md. – As residents across Delmarva continue to prepare for Hurricane Florence, officials are urging anyone who may be using a generator to use caution. Officials say the most common risks of using the generators include carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock, electrocution and fires.
They add that you should never use portable generators inside a home, garage or shed, and to only use your generator outside.

“One big one, and that is not to run them indoors. People have done that and there’s been some really bad things happen, because of the carbon monoxide from the exhaust,” said Maryland State Fire Marshal Kirby Travers.

Officials also add that you should never refuel your generator while it is in use. And before you refuel, make sure the generator has cooled.