Generator Safety: The 20-Foot Rule and Carbon Monoxide

Why generators kill people

A portable generator's exhaust is full of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas you cannot see or smell. One portable generator can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. CPSC (source, opens in a new tab) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than 200 people in the United States die each year from accidental non-fire carbon monoxide poisoning linked to consumer products, and more than 100 of those deaths are linked to portable generators. CPSC (source, opens in a new tab)

Winter is the dangerous season. A Consumer Product Safety Commission report found that half of generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months, November through February. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

The 20-foot rule

• Outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, at least 20 feet from all doors, windows and vent openings. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) Measure the 20 feet from the generator to the building. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Point the exhaust away from the building, so fumes cannot get in through windows, doors or other openings. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Keep it at least 20 feet from an attached garage as well. Ready.gov (source, opens in a new tab)
• Do not stand or sit downwind of the exhaust. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

Your outage checklist

Work through this before the next storm, not during it. Tick what is done; it saves on this device.

Cords, transfer switches and refueling

• Plug appliances directly into the generator, or into a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord. Check cords for cuts and tears, and make sure the plug has all three prongs, especially the grounding pin. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• If you want the generator to power the house wiring, have a qualified electrician install a properly rated transfer switch to the National Electrical Code and state and local codes. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling; never refuel it while it is hot. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab) Spilling gas on a hot engine can cause a fire. USFA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Store fuel in a container made and labelled for it, outside living areas. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

Carbon monoxide alarms

Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home, battery-operated or with battery backup, so they keep working when the power is out. CPSC (source, opens in a new tab) Follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement and mounting height. NFPA (source, opens in a new tab)

The rest of the outage

• Use flashlights, not candles, for light. USFA (source, opens in a new tab) Keep a flashlight for every member of the household. Ready.gov (source, opens in a new tab)
• Make sure smoke alarms have a backup battery. USFA (source, opens in a new tab)
• Unplug appliances and electronics to protect them from surges when the power comes back. Ready.gov (source, opens in a new tab)
• A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours and a full freezer for about 48 hours. Ready.gov (source, opens in a new tab) Throw out food that has been at 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more. Ready.gov (source, opens in a new tab)
• If anyone relies on powered medical equipment or refrigerated medicine, talk to their provider about an outage plan now. Ready.gov (source, opens in a new tab)
• Never heat the house with the oven or a grill. USFA (source, opens in a new tab) CDC (source, opens in a new tab)

Other fire hazards after a storm

Storms bring fire risks beyond the generator. The U.S. Fire Administration lists generators that are rarely used or maintained, leaking gas lines and damaged propane containers, appliances and vehicles that have been exposed to water, debris near severed electrical wires, and damaged or downed utility lines. USFA (source, opens in a new tab) Use surge protectors, consider unplugging appliances before the storm, and in flood-prone areas disconnect vehicle batteries. USFA (source, opens in a new tab)

When to call

Frequently asked questions