How to ride out the storm with a backup generator
July 2025
If you purchase a portable backup generator, protect your home and family by taking the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions. (courtesy City of Bryan Texas)
by Scott Flood, Contributing Columnist
The wind howls outside your windows as a major storm system blows through the area in the late evening. Your lights flicker for a moment or two before you’re plunged into darkness. The social media feed on your phone is packed with reports of damage and power outages, and the storm shows no sign of letting up for hours.
BEING PREPARED
Fortunately, you had the foresight to buy a backup generator big enough to handle your refrigerator, freezer and other key needs. Flashlight in hand, you attach extension cords. Within minutes, you hear the quiet humming that tells you they’re working again.
Electric cooperatives understand power outages are a major inconvenience and do their best to prevent them. But when severe weather rolls through, outages can sometimes last several hours or even days after a major storm. Lineworkers may have to check many miles of power lines to pinpoint the problems before they can begin their work to restore service. That’s why many co-op members consider buying backup generators to provide for their family’s needs while waiting for service to resume.
Standby generators are permanently wired into the home’s electrical system by a qualified electrician. (courtesy All Star Electrical Services)
AVOIDING UNNECESSARY DANGERS
Backup generators fall into one of two categories. Standby generators are permanently wired into the home’s electrical system by a qualified electrician. They come in a variety of sizes, so homeowners can match the generator to their home’s power needs. Portable generators, as the name implies, can be moved to wherever they are needed. Because they’re small enough to move, they generally provide less power than standby models.
The most significant danger associated with backup generators is one that’s both invisible and deadly. Because backup generators burn fossil fuels, they generate various gases, most notably carbon monoxide. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, one portable generator can produce as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. The agency reports that nearly 100 Americans lose their lives each year because of carbon monoxide poisoning from backup generators. That’s why generators should only be used in dry, well-ventilated areas away from your home and garage.
Carbon monoxide gas is not only invisible, but it’s also odorless. The National Institutes of Health warns that carbon monoxide has the potential to kill in as little as five minutes. People exposed to carbon monoxide typically become dizzy, feel nauseated and experience headaches. Often, they lose consciousness before noticing any symptoms. Anyone exposed to carbon monoxide should be moved to fresh air immediately.
When starting a portable generator, make sure nothing is plugged into it. In addition, you can reduce the potential for damage to your appliances and lighting by turning them off or unplugging them from the wall. After the generator starts, plug them in and turn them on one at a time to ensure you aren’t overloading your generator’s capacity. Unplug them from the generator before turning it off. Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise, always turn the generator off and allow it to cool before adding fuel
Scott Flood writes for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.