Staying Safe During The Storm (NAPSA)—Weathering storms includes knowing what to do about downed powerlines due to high windsorice. Powerlines and trees can become so encrusted with ice that they collapse, leaving millions without electricity. However, with a portable generator, you can keep yourrefrigerator running and your kids as warm as a bug in a rug until the poweris restored. “Portable generators are the best way to keep your household running when wind orice takes out power lines on yourstreet,” said Colin Iwasa of Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. “They provide a power source for a space heater, refrigerator and other household necessities such as a coffeepot. But it’s very important to know how to use a portable generator safely at your home.” Each year in America, carbon monoxide (CQ) poisoning associated with the use of portable generators and other engine-driven tools claims dozens of lives and sends many others to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. Since CO is an odorless and colorless toxic gas, House by Plugging a Generator Into Your Wall Plug—tThis can cause “backfeeding,” which is extremely dangerous and anelectrocution risk to utility workers and neighbors using the same transformer. An electrician or the power company can install an One generator can power a space heater, home refrigerator and coffeepot for eight to 10 hours on one tank of gasoline. run generators in basements, attached garages or other partly enclosed areas such aspatios. Read Manufacturer’s Instructions for Safe Operation —This is provided when you purchase your generator. If you need another copy of the instructions, stop by the generator dealer. * Don’t Store Fuel and Oil Indoors or Try to Fuel Equipment While Running—“You Yamaha offers some important safety tips on using portable generators as a home backup power supply: Never Use a Gas Generator Indoors or in Partly Enclosed Areas Such as an Attached Garage—Aportable wouldn’t fill your car at the gas station while the engine is running and the samelogic should go for your generator,” said Yamaha’s Iwasa. These liquids are flammable and can be sparked by the generator. Your generator should be turned off and allowed to cool before refueling; gasoline on a hot engine could cause fire. Use a Carbon Monoxide Detector in Your Home—Thisis an important way to be warned of toxic carbon monoxide in your engine just like your car, which produces toxic carbon monoxide gasses. It must be outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area away from any of your home’s windows, doors and otherair intakes. Never find these affordable units at home or hardware stores. Purchase battery-powered units and test and replace the battery as recommended by the manufacturer. * Never Try to Power a there is no warningof its presence. generator uses a combustion home from any source. You can appropriate transfer switch that complies with local building codes and, with proper operation, will allow you to power selected circuits in your home. Use the Appropriate Generator for Your Needs—Work with a generator salesperson to get the right unit to meet your needs. List the equipment and appliances you want to power in an emergency, and be sure your generator is sized properly to handle the load of those products. In addition to a portable generator, Yamaha suggests you keep the following on hand: Battery-operated carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher A battery-operated radio to keep apprised of weather conditions while the poweris out Cell phone and an extra cell phone battery for communication needs, should your phone lines also be affected by the storm Flashlight Lots of extra fresh batteries Blankets Extra food and water Extra medicine and baby items Extra fuel for your generator First aid supplies. Following these tips can mean safety and comfort for you and your family. For more information, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.
