08/13/2026
⚠️ NWI — PLEASE BE SMART WITH PORTABLE GENERATORS. ⚠️
With so many people without power after the storms, portable generators are running everywhere. They’re incredibly useful, but carbon monoxide can kill you before you ever realize something is wrong.
A few reminders that could literally save a life:
⚡ NEVER run a generator inside your home, garage, basement, shed, or enclosed porch, even with the door open.
⚡ Keep generators at least 20 feet away from the house and point the exhaust AWAY from doors, windows, and vents.
⚡ Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors inside your home, especially near sleeping areas.
⚡ Keep generators DRY. Don’t operate one in standing water or exposed directly to rain.
⚡ NEVER plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. This can backfeed power into utility lines and potentially electrocute a lineman working to restore power.
⚡ If powering your home through a generator inlet, use a properly installed transfer switch or interlock system.
⚡ Turn the generator OFF and let it cool before refueling. Gasoline spilled onto a hot engine can ignite.
⚡ Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that are properly sized for the load.
⚡ Don’t overload the generator. Know its running and starting wattage limits.
There are a lot of exhausted homeowners, contractors, first responders, tree crews, and utility workers out there right now. The power being out is an inconvenience. A generator used incorrectly can turn it into a tragedy.
Please share this with anyone currently running a portable generator.
Stay safe, NWI. We’ll get through the cleanup together. ⚡💪