Pasco County Building Construction Services Department is reminding residents to use portable generators with caution. While the use of electric generators can make your recovery from a storm more comfortable, they can result in injury or death if not used properly.

Follow these tips to ensure the safe operation of your generator during any power outage:

To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents. NEVER use them in homes, garages, or other enclosed or partially-enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Install & test battery-operated or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

To avoid a potentially fatal electric shock:

• Keep the generator dry and on a dry surface in an open area.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is free of cuts or tears and has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet which can cause electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.

To avoid a fire hazard:

• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool.
• Always store fuel outside of living areas in labeled containers.
• Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.