Westfield Fire Department Issues Generator Safety Warnings During Storm Cleanup

Westfield emergency crews and utility teams continue working to clear downed trees and restore power following recent severe weather.

More than 1,500 PSE&G customers in Westfield experienced outages during the storm. As reported by Union County Life, the Westfield Fire Department issued safety guidelines for residents using portable generators to power essential appliances.

Fire officials warned that generators must never run inside homes, basements, or garages. Placing generators in enclosed spaces causes dangerous buildups of carbon monoxide, an odorless and invisible gas.

Units should remain at least 20 feet away from structures with exhaust vents directed away from doors and windows. Officials also instructed residents to avoid plugging generators directly into wall outlets, recommending outdoor extension cords or professional transfer switches instead.

Residents should report downed wires by calling 911 and submit power outage reports directly to PSE&G.

Stay connected with local safety updates and municipal news across Union County by visiting unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

Where should portable generators be placed during power outages in Westfield?

Generators must be placed outdoors at least 20 feet away from homes, with exhaust directed away from doors, windows, and air vents to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation.

Can you plug a generator directly into a home wall outlet?

No. Plugging a generator into a regular wall outlet creates a hazardous backfeeding condition that risks electrocuting utility workers and damaging home electrical systems.

How do Westfield residents report downed power lines or outages?

Residents must report downed power lines immediately by calling 911 and report electric outages directly to PSE&G at 800-436-7734 or via text.