Scotch Plains OEM: Generator Safety Rules After Storm Outages

The Scotch Plains Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to follow generator safety precautions after recent rounds of severe summer storms left some residents without electricity. Portable generators provide emergency power but require strict safety protocols to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and other hazards.

Union County Life covers public safety alerts and emergency preparedness guidance from municipal authorities across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Portable generators burn gasoline, propane, or other fuels to produce electricity, and they emit carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly in minutes. The Scotch Plains Office of Emergency Management has issued clear operational guidelines.

Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, basement, shed, or any enclosed or partially enclosed structure, even if doors or windows are open. Generators must be used only outdoors in a well-ventilated area, at least 15 feet away from buildings. Generators should not be used in rain or standing water, as water exposure can cause electrical hazards.

Exceeding a generator's rated capacity is dangerous and increases the risk of overheating and fire. Residents must use generators only within their designed capacity limits.

Backfeeding—plugging a generator into a household wall outlet—is particularly hazardous. This practice can send electricity onto utility lines and seriously injure or kill utility workers, neighbors, or family members. Backfeeding is a common but potentially fatal mistake during power outages.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds in a residence, residents should move immediately to fresh air outdoors or near an open door or window. Do not re-enter the building. The Scotch Plains Office of Emergency Management advises: "Call for help from a safe location, and remain outside until emergency responders say it is safe to return."

Power outages should be reported directly to PSE&G at 800-436-PSEG (7734), through the utility's website at pseg.com, or via the PSE&G mobile app. Reporting outages helps the utility prioritize restoration efforts and provides critical information to emergency management.

Generator safety is a critical step in emergency preparedness. Following these precautions prevents loss of life and serious injury.

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FAQ

Q: Can I use a generator inside my home?
A: No. Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, basement, shed, or any enclosed or partially enclosed structure, even if doors or windows are open. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that can kill in minutes.

Q: Where should I place a generator?
A: Generators should be used only outdoors in a well-ventilated area, at least 15 feet away from buildings. They should not be used in rain or standing water.

Q: What is carbon monoxide?
A: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by generators burning gasoline, propane, or other fuels. It can be deadly in minutes if inhaled.

Q: What should I do if a carbon monoxide alarm sounds?
A: Move immediately to fresh air outdoors or near an open door or window. Call for help from a safe location and remain outside until emergency responders say it is safe to return.

Q: What is backfeeding and why is it dangerous?
A: Backfeeding is plugging a generator into a household wall outlet. It can send electricity onto utility lines and seriously injure or kill utility workers, neighbors, or family members.

Q: Can I exceed a generator's rated capacity?
A: No. Exceeding a generator's rated capacity is dangerous and increases risk of overheating and fire. Use generators only within their designed capacity limits.

Q: How do I report a power outage?
A: Report power outages to PSE&G at 800-436-PSEG (7734), through pseg.com, or via the PSE&G mobile app.

Q: Why is generator safety important?
A: Generators save lives during power outages, but improper use causes carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and death. Following safety precautions prevents loss of life and serious injury.