S8: Episode 140 Portable Generators: The Mistake That Turns Deadly

Power outages are one of the most common after-the-storm problems - and for many families, a

portable generator becomes the bridge between disruption and recovery. But generator safety has to

come before convenience.

In this episode of HurricaneCenter, Guillermo Rodriguez, PGMA Marketing Committee Chair, joins the

program for a focused conversation on portable generator safety. The discussion centers on carbon

monoxide, the colorless and odorless gas that can build up quickly when a generator is operated in or

near an enclosed space.

The key message is simple: take the generator outside. Not in the garage. Not on a porch. Not under a

carport. Not near an open window. Portable generators should be used outdoors, far away from

doors, windows and vents, with exhaust directed away from the home and any occupied space.

The episode also highlights the importance of planning before the outage happens. Families should

know where the generator will sit, how it will be connected, what it can safely power, which cords are

rated for outdoor use, and where carbon monoxide alarms are installed.