If you lose power, you need to know these generator safety tips

GREENE COUNTY — The threat of ice and power outages has a lot of people worried they could end up in the dark with no heat.

As a result, many are looking into alternative ways to stay warm and keep the lights on.

Generators are just one way to do that — if you can find one — but firefighters warn they need to be used properly or they can be dangerous.

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Captain Benjamin Shideler of the New Jasper Township Fire Department told News Center 7′s Gabrielle Enright that generators need to be outside in a well-ventilated area.

That’s at least 15 feet away from your home or garage because they can build carbon monoxide

Shideler also recommends keeping enough fuel on hand to keep them running, but warns the machines can also be a fire hazard.

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He said to make sure you know the consumption rate of the generator so you have plenty of fuel when you need to refuel.

Before you refuel, you will want to shut down the generator and let it cool off.

Shideler also said if you’re going to operate a generator to need to make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home to protect you and your family.

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