Generator Safety Tips for Charlottesville?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Albemarle County.

Winter is here in Charlottesville, and severe storms can cause property damage at any time, and sometimes alternate power methods are required.  SERVPRO® of Charlottesville wants everyone to be safe and warm this winter and offers these tips from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Use generators and other appliances safely.

• Generators should be located at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent and in a space where rain and snow will not reach them
• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector
• Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.
• Plug in appliances to the generator using individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords
• Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet
• Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite

Conserve heat.

• Some gas-fueled heaters, such as vent-less gas fireplaces, require some ventilation. Otherwise, if you don’t need extra ventilation, keep as much heat as possible inside your home.
• Avoid unnecessarily opening doors or windows
• Close off unneeded rooms
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
• Close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night

Call Us Today!

When you have a storm damage emergency in your Charlottesville home or commercial business, SERVPRO® of Charlottesville is has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you day and night. Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.