Portable generators can harm as well as help

The biggest risks when using a portable generator are carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning, fire, and electrocution.

CO poisoning is especially insidious, since it can happen quickly with little warning. Early symptoms are fatigue and headache, but you may not notice them before CO in your home reaches dangerous levels. Most CO-related illnesses and deaths occur when generators are operated indoors or in partially enclosed spaces, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and enclosed carports. Death often occurs despite attempts to vent the generator's exhaust gases.

Meanwhile, here are the essential safety steps to follow:

• Never operate a generator indoors or in any enclosed or partially enclosed area-even if you think you can adequately ventilate the space.
  
  
• Keep generators away from windows, doors, air conditioners, and vents where gases can enter the house. Outside, always be conscious of where the exhaust gas is moving, and stay out of its path.
  
  
• Maintain working carbon-monoxide detectors throughout your home.
  
  
• Properly store and handle the gasoline. Never refuel the generator while it's running; stop the engine and allow it to cool first.
  
  
• Store gasoline safely. Keep it outside in a cool place away from the house or a heat source. Treat gas with a stabilizer (about $5 to treat 25 gallons) to preserve it for up to a year. And dispose of old fuel by using it in mowers and other outdoor equipment.
  
  
• Be sure the generator is properly grounded, and use extreme caution around wet electrical cords. Use a portable GFCI device with extension cords whenever you use your generator.
  
  
• Never connect a generator directly to a home's wiring. If the generator is used to power home circuits, always use a properly installed transfer switch (about $600 installed).
  
  
• Keep connections safe. For small generators, use extension cords rated for the wattage they're carrying.