SUMTER COUNTY
Amateur Radio Emergency Services Association (ARES)

 Sumter County, Florida

Power Outages & Generators
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    This page provides basic safety tips and how to what to do before, during and after a power outage plus generators.

    Before a Power Outage

    • Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit including a flashlight, flashlight bulbs, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

    • Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power.

    • Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.

    • Know where the manual release lever (red) of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it so that you can release the garage door from the opener and then can manually open it.  The door springs balance the weight of the door so that it should take a little effort to open it if you should the need.

    • Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.

    • Keep your car’s gas tank full-gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

    • Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting your state’s or local website so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.

    • If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device determine a back-up plan.

    During a Power Outage: Safety Tips

    • Only use flashlights or battery lamps for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.

    • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.

    • Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or “cooling shelter” that may be open in your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

    • Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.

    • Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.

    • If you are considering purchasing a portable or permanently installed generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.

    • Only use portable generators outside your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.
    • Power Company Outage Tracking
      • SECO Storm Center-Sumterville (Link)
      • Duke Energy Current Outages (Link)
      • Duke Energy News Center (Link)

    After a Power Outage

    • Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!

    • If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.

    • If you return home and the refrigerator/freezer has been without power for several days, the mold from the food may have penetrated the inside plastic and make the appliance unusable.  Make an assessment as soon as possible and maybe you can save the appliance.  Always remove any food before it spoils.  

    • Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about medications having spoiled.

    • Restock your emergency kit with fresh batteries, canned foods and other supplies

    Generators

    • The only generators that should be connected to a power panel or into the house wiring at any point are those that are installed by an electrician.  All portable generators should be directly connected to the appliance (refrigerator, freezer, lights, 110-volt window air conditioner, fan, etc.).  The cable should be free of any exposed wire or broken places.  It should not be run over with a vehicle.
    • The greatest danger is for an improperly installed generator to back feed the neighborhood and injure a neighbor.  Always use power cables that are designed for outside use and are rated (12 or 14 gauge wire at 110 volts) for the feed power to appliances.
    • The portable generators should not be used during the storm but once the winds die down they are safe to use.

    Generators/Inverters - Portable Suitcase (Gasoline)

    • These small generators generally run quiet (68-75db) and have one or more 110-volt outlet.  This outlet for connecting to delicate medical equipment or computers as the power is more refined than the typical generator.
    • These products should always be operated outside, not garages even with the door open or covered places.
    • Brands may be found locally, high to low, Honda to Lowes, Home Depot, and Tractor Supply to Harbor Freight.  You might consider spending from $300 - $1000.  The hurricane sales tax exemption in Florida allows up to $700.
    • Before buying, consider what uses would you have.  Watts needed is directly related to price.
    • Things to consider are operating time between refueling, operating sound level, weight if you have to pick up, and whether wheels are needed.   It is a pull-start, no electric-start.

    Generators - Portable Gasoline (Slide or Rolling)

    • This generator has models that are pull-start and those that are electric-start via a small battery.  Most have wheels or wheels can be purchased as an option.  The one shown also has a pull handle on the left side that is hanging down and used when moving it.
    • Generally, these do not have the inverter; however you can buy a plug-in inverter to clean to power for your laptop or medical device.   Prices range from $100 to over $1000.
    • These are bigger than the suitcase models and are noted with the frame that protects the generator components.
    • The fuel tank is in the top part of the picture shown at the right.  These should be shut down before refueling.

    Generators - Portable Dual Fuel (Propane and Gasoline, Rolling)

    • The dual fuel generators are becoming more available.  All of these portable generators are for outside use only, as they are venting a gas that needs the outside is dissipate.   When confined it will replace the air and eventually suffocate you after making you sleepy.
    • The dual fuel makes it more convenient.  After Hurricane Irma, propane was available but gasoline was in short supply. 

     

     

    Generator - Permanently Installed Home Standby

    • These generator are permanently connected into the power panel and immediately take over if there is a power failure.  Generally, these are fueled by propane or natural gas.  If propane, there is a tank underground and a propane service comes by periodically and fills the tank.  Some use the same system for an outside kitchen.

     

     

    Generator Safety Tips

    Permanently Installed Standby Generator

    1. To protect yourself, your family, and your property read and follow the safety instructions contained in the generator operations manual. Improper use or installation of an electric generator can cause property damage, serious injury and even death.

    2.  A qualified electrical contractor must perform the installation of an emergency permanently installed generator, disconnect and transfer switchgear.

    2. Only an electrician is qualified to connect a generator an electrical panel. You could be electrocuted and also endanger our field employees.

    3. Always follow local, state and national fire and electric codes. Permits are required. 

    4. Once installed, always disconnect from your metered electric utility service before starting your backup generator.

    5. These generators should be repaired by a qualified repair person.

    Portable Generators

    1. To protect yourself, your family, and your property read and follow the safety instructions contained in the generator operations manual. Improper use or installation of an electric generator can cause property damage, serious injury and even death.

    2. Do not connect portable generators to a power panel, only connect to an appliance.

    3. Never run an electric generator inside a building – even in a garage. It is a hazard and violates safety codes.

    4. Store gasoline and diesel in approved containers out of the reach of children. Never fuel the generator while it is running.

    5. Extinguish all flames or cigarettes when handling fuel.

    6. Ensure proper ventilation and airflow around the generator.

    7. Stage a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher near the generator.

    8. Use extension cords free of exposed wires and frayed shielding.

    9. Never remove or tamper with a generator’s safety devices.

    10. Do not attempt to repair a generator. A qualified technician should perform repairs and service as needed.

    12. Generator engine parts are very hot during operation. Severe burns may result. Keep children away at all times.

    References

     


     

     

     Last Update:  06/02/2018    © Copyright Sumter County ARES. All Rights Reserved.