Home Power & Generator Safety
Keeping your essentials running during an outage is key, but doing it safely is critical.
Backup Power: Generator vs. Battery Station
| Feature | Portable Gas Generator | Portable Battery Station |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | High power output, runs for days with refueling, lower initial cost for high wattage. | Silent operation, no fumes (safe for indoors), low maintenance, can recharge via solar. |
| Cons | Loud, produces deadly CO fumes (outdoor use ONLY), requires fuel storage, regular maintenance. | Limited power output, finite runtime until recharged, higher cost per watt, long recharge time. |
| Best For | Powering large appliances like refrigerators and sump pumps for extended outages. | Charging phones/laptops, running small medical devices, lights, and fans indoors. |
| Our Pick | Westinghouse 9500DF | Jackery Explorer 1000 |
Generator Safety is NOT Optional
Portable generators are a leading cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after disasters. CO is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas that can kill in minutes. Follow these rules without exception.
The Cardinal Rules of Generator Safety:
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NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage. Not even with the doors and windows open.
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ALWAYS place the generator at least 20 feet away from your home with the exhaust pointing away from all doors, windows, and vents.
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ALWAYS install a CO alarm in your home. Test the batteries regularly. This is your last line of defense.
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NEVER plug a generator directly into a wall outlet ("backfeeding"). This is extremely dangerous for utility workers. Use heavy-duty extension cords to connect appliances directly to the generator.
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ALWAYS let the generator cool down before refueling. Spilling gasoline on a hot engine can cause a fire.