Your Community

Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

USING A GENERATOR

     Home generators can be a convenient alternative in the event of a power outage, are they provide backup electricity.

     However, because there can be hazards involved when connecting home generators, the following safety precautions should be followed:

• Research your purchase carefully.  Consult a licensed and knowledgeable electrical contractor if you are not sure of your home’s requirements.
• Ensure all components of the generator carry approval labels from recognized safety agencies.
• Check to be sure that you have the following components in additions to the generator itself: a transfer device or transfer panel and proper connection cords and receptacles. (Note: some manufacturers offer complete generator packages).
• Retain the services of a licensed and knowledgeable electrical contractor to install your unit.  Ask about measures you should take to ensure proper grounding and bonding of the unit to ensure it operates safely.
• Read and follow the instructions of your owner’s manual.
• Contact the Electrical Safety Authority (formerly Ontario Hydro Electrical Inspection) to arrange for an inspection of the installation.
• Remember the generator is a fuel-driven device that requires proper ventilation to guard against carbon monoxide poisoning.  Do not operate them inside the house or any area such as a garage with doors closed.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergency use.
• It is also suggested that if at all possible do not leave the generator running while you are sleeping.
• It is preferable to let the house cool down, and then warm it up in the morning while you are awake and are able to watch it and respond accordingly, if necessary.

Gasoline-Powered Engines

     Lawnmowers, motor bikes, chainsaws, snowblowers, lawn and garden tractors and generators are useful machines that require the safe handling of gasoline.  A single spark can ignite gasoline vapours, causing fire and explosion.

     Allow gasoline-powdered engines to cool completely before refueling them.  After filling the tank, close the gasoline container before starting the engine.  Soak up and spills using clay cat box litter.

     When refilling a portable gasoline container, set it on the ground first.  Never fill gasoline containers while they’re in a car trunk or on a truck bed.

     When you fill a portable gasoline container, make sure the container is not completely full.  Gasoline vapours expand under ordinary climate conditions and could build up dangerous pressure levels in a too-full container.  Leave some room for expansion and be sure the container is capped tight.  Never carry containers of gasoline in the passenger compartment of your car.

     Never smoke around gasoline or other flammable liquids.

     DO NOT operate any gasoline-powered engines inside the house or any area such as a garage with doors closed.