Got Electricity?

It's 8:37pm and the electricity just went off in your neighborhood. It may be a bad storm, snowing or a downed powerline, but you need power. While, it's time to get out the generator.

Emergency Power 101

1. Locate a flashlight and go into the garage.
2. Locate your portable generator.
1. If your generator is located in the garage then you will need to open the garage door without power
1. Go to the garage door and locate the emergency release cord.
2. Pull down until the door releases the track.
3. The silver release tab should be pointing straight down.
4. Bend your knees, reach down and lift the door handle up.
5. Raise the door all the way up.
3. Move the generator outside and away from the building.
1. If the generator has wheels, roll it outside.
2. If it does not have wheels get another person to help you move the generator.
4. Locate all of the generator heavy duty power cords (these cords should be kept separate from the other electrical cords)
5. Plug the long extension into the generator marked 120/240V.
1. Insert the plug and twist the plug until it “locks”.
2. Plug the short cut off cord into the end of the long extension.
3. Twist the plug until it “locks”.
4. Plug the multi-outlet cord into the end of the short cut off cord.
5. Twist the plug until it “locks”.
6. Fill the gas tank until the fuel gauge reads full.
1. Screw the cap back on until it snaps and locks.
7. Start the generator.
1. Turn the key to start until the generator “STARTS”.
2. Do not turn the key to start for more then 10 seconds.
3. Make sure the “FUEL VALVE” is on.
8. Bring power to the rest of the building
1. Plug remaining extension cords into the glowing outlets.
2. If outlets do not GLOW, turn off the generator and check all connections.
3. Then restart the generator.
9. Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide
1. Close garage door to keep carbon monoxide fumes out.
2. Plug in any lights, appliances or equipment.
10. Check generator fuel every few hours.