Generators are in high demand, and many are buying one for the first time this year. That's why we want to make sure you use one the right way.
Generators are flying off the shelves at local hardware stores.
"Our normal stock sold out quite quickly. We had a truckload come in last night," said Home Depot employee Ronnie Fast.
As of about noon Wednesday, those generators were gone too.
People in the area seem to be trying to avoid the same mistakes they made last year.
"I learned my lesson...Last ice storm we were without power for at least a week and between freezing and busted pipes and down everything, it's like at least I can maybe stay warm," said J.R. Burnett of Springdale.
"I'm shopping for a generator. I'm not alone....Last year was pretty intolerable and this year we are living on the one side of a slippery slope so when the ice comes, we can't even get off our street," said Ralph Ellis, who lives near Mt. Sequoyah.
With so many first-time buyers, Fast says safety is key.
"Read the instruction manuals, buy the proper cordage that's required. People try to undersize the cord, put too much on the generator. And really do your calculations....The extension cords themselves are only graded for so much wattage and people try to overload everything and piggy-back their splitters and it can cause a house fire."
Fast says generators should ONLY be used for the bare essentials, NOT to provide power to your entire home.
"People try to back-feed their homes with these generators. That needs to be done by a licensed electrician."
And never use your generator indoors. Dangerous levels of CO-2 can be produced within minutes. Also, Fast says make sure you load up with plenty of fuel and oil to last you at least a couple of days.
If you still haven't purchased a generator and plan to make the investment before the storm hits, you'd better hurry. Supplies are limited. Home Depot in Fayetteville will get a new shipment of over 100 generators around 9 tonight, but those are expected to sell out fast. And according to the Lowe's in Fayetteville, all of their stores in Northwest Arkansas are already completely sold out.
Generator Safety Tips:
Generators are flying off the shelves at local hardware stores.
"Our normal stock sold out quite quickly. We had a truckload come in last night," said Home Depot employee Ronnie Fast.
As of about noon Wednesday, those generators were gone too.
People in the area seem to be trying to avoid the same mistakes they made last year.
"I learned my lesson...Last ice storm we were without power for at least a week and between freezing and busted pipes and down everything, it's like at least I can maybe stay warm," said J.R. Burnett of Springdale.
"I'm shopping for a generator. I'm not alone....Last year was pretty intolerable and this year we are living on the one side of a slippery slope so when the ice comes, we can't even get off our street," said Ralph Ellis, who lives near Mt. Sequoyah.
With so many first-time buyers, Fast says safety is key.
"Read the instruction manuals, buy the proper cordage that's required. People try to undersize the cord, put too much on the generator. And really do your calculations....The extension cords themselves are only graded for so much wattage and people try to overload everything and piggy-back their splitters and it can cause a house fire."
Fast says generators should ONLY be used for the bare essentials, NOT to provide power to your entire home.
"People try to back-feed their homes with these generators. That needs to be done by a licensed electrician."
And never use your generator indoors. Dangerous levels of CO-2 can be produced within minutes. Also, Fast says make sure you load up with plenty of fuel and oil to last you at least a couple of days.
If you still haven't purchased a generator and plan to make the investment before the storm hits, you'd better hurry. Supplies are limited. Home Depot in Fayetteville will get a new shipment of over 100 generators around 9 tonight, but those are expected to sell out fast. And according to the Lowe's in Fayetteville, all of their stores in Northwest Arkansas are already completely sold out.
Generator Safety Tips:
- Never plug a portable electric generator into a regular household outlet. That can energize "dead" power lines and injure neighbors or utility workers.
- Don't overload the generator. Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator. Overloading your generator can cause serious damage to your valuable appliances and electronics. Portable generators should only be used to power essential equipment.
- Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage. A portable generator emits deadly carbon monoxide. Be sure to place the generator where exhaust can not enter the house.
- Use proper power cords. Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage.
- Read and adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation. Do not cut corners when it comes to safety.
- To prevent electric shock, make sure your generator is properly grounded.
- Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running. The vapor from gasoline can travel invisibly along the ground and be ignited by pilot lights or electrical arcs caused by turning on lights. Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher near the generator.
- Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
- Avoid getting burned. Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation. Keep children away from portable electric generators at all times.
