Storms and power outages can create fire, electrical, and carbon monoxide hazards. Liberty Fire District encourages residents to prepare before severe weather and use backup equipment safely.

Portable Generators: Outdoors Only

Never operate a portable fuel-powered generator inside a house, mobile home, RV, garage, shed, or other enclosed or partially enclosed space—even with doors and windows open.

• Place portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from homes and buildings.
• Direct exhaust away from doors, windows, vents, and neighboring properties.
• Keep nearby openings closed where exhaust could enter.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, including any greater clearance requirements.
• Keep children and pets away from hot equipment.

Carbon monoxide can enter nearby buildings. A generator’s automatic CO shutoff feature does not replace safe placement or working CO alarms.

Protect Against Carbon Monoxide

Install and maintain CO alarms on every level of your home and outside each separate sleeping area. Follow the alarm manufacturer’s instructions and use battery-powered alarms or alarms with battery backup.

If a CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside into fresh air and call 911 from a safe location.

Do not remain inside to investigate. Do not reenter until emergency personnel advise it is safe.

Connect Equipment Safely

Never plug a generator into a household wall outlet. This can send electricity back into utility lines and endanger utility workers, neighbors, and your household.

• Connections to building wiring require properly rated transfer equipment installed by a qualified electrician.
• When powering appliances directly, use grounded, heavy-duty cords rated for the equipment and outdoor conditions.
• Inspect cords and connections for damage.
• Do not exceed the generator’s capacity.
• Keep cords out of standing water and protect them from damage.

Rain and Wet Conditions

Generators and wet electrical connections can cause electrocution.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation during rain or other wet conditions. Use only weather protection specifically suitable for the generator and its operating requirements.

Never move a running generator into a garage, carport, porch, or enclosed space to keep it dry. If safe outdoor operation is not possible, wait until conditions permit.

Refueling and Fuel Storage

• Turn the generator off and allow it to cool before refueling.
• Never add fuel while the engine is running or hot.
• Store fuel in approved containers, outside living areas and away from ignition sources.
• Never smoke while handling fuel.
• Follow local requirements and manufacturer instructions for fuel storage.

Mobile Homes and RVs

The 20-foot placement guidance applies to portable generators used around mobile homes and RVs.

For a permanently installed RV generator, follow the RV and generator manufacturers’ instructions. Keep its exhaust system maintained and outlets unobstructed, and ensure exhaust cannot enter your RV or a neighboring unit.

Never operate a generator where floodwater or storm debris creates unsafe conditions.

Lighting During an Outage

Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles.

Keep spare batteries available and avoid using open flames near bedding, curtains, fuel, or other combustible materials. Never use outdoor grills, charcoal burners, or camping stoves inside your home or RV.

Downed Lines and Floodwater

• Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them.
• Assume fallen lines are energized.
• Do not drive over power lines or enter floodwater.
• Do not touch electrical equipment while standing in water.
• Report immediate electrical hazards to 911 and the electric utility.

Have water-damaged wiring, appliances, and electrical systems evaluated by qualified professionals before use.

Prepare Before the Storm

• Test smoke and CO alarms.
• Charge phones and backup batteries.
• Review your household escape plan.
• Plan for medications, medical equipment, and anyone who needs assistance.
• Follow official weather alerts and evacuation instructions.
• Arrange a safe alternative location if you cannot remain