Generator Safety Horry County Fire

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Generator Safety: Horry County Fire's Top Tips (And My Near-Miss!)

Hey everyone, so I'm diving into something super important today: generator safety. Especially here in Horry County, South Carolina, where we deal with hurricanes and power outages pretty regularly, generators are a lifesaver—but they can also be a serious danger if you're not careful. I almost learned that the hard way, let me tell you.

My Generator Mishap (and What I Learned)

A few years back, during a nasty storm—think Hurricane Matthew levels of crazy—we lost power. Naturally, I fired up my trusty generator. Everything was humming along nicely for hours, I was watching TV, the fridge was cold, life was good. Then, I needed to fill up the gas tank. I know, I know, super rookie mistake, but I thought, "Hey, it's almost empty, I'll just top it off quick."

Big, HUGE mistake.

I didn't turn off the generator. I didn't even unplug it. I just…refueled. I was so lucky. I swear, I could practically smell the impending disaster. Luckily, nothing exploded, but man, the potential for a fire was insane. Seriously, I got incredibly lucky that I didn't end up on the Horry County Fire Department's incident report.

That incident completely changed my approach to generator safety. It was a terrifying reminder of how quickly things can go wrong. It was definitely the most expensive lesson in my life.

Horry County Fire Department's Generator Safety Guidelines

The Horry County Fire Department emphasizes these critical points, and honestly, after my experience, I'm preaching from the mountaintops too:

• Always let the generator cool completely before refueling. This is not an option, it's mandatory. Think of this as a new step in your generator routine. Give yourself at least 30 minutes. And always turn it off and unplug it before even thinking about getting near the gas. Seriously, this is life-changing advice.

• Never operate a generator indoors, in an enclosed space, or near windows. Carbon monoxide poisoning is silent, deadly, and easily preventable. This is extremely important! Keep your generator outside, in a well-ventilated area. And keep it far away from anything flammable, like your house.

• Use the correct fuel. This seems obvious, but don't use anything other than the type of fuel specified in your generator's manual. This is essential for both functionality and safety.

• Regular maintenance is key. This includes checking the oil, spark plugs, air filter, and fuel lines. Think of your generator as a car that needs regular maintenance to run smoothly and safely.

• Inspect your generator's cords for damage. Damaged cords are a serious fire hazard. If you see any cracks or fraying, replace the cord immediately. Don't even think about using it!

• Install a carbon monoxide detector. Even if your generator is outdoors, carbon monoxide can still drift into your home. So, it’s best to be extra cautious by always installing and checking CO detectors around your home.

Beyond the Basics: Extra Tips for Horry County Residents

We're hurricane country, people. We're used to dealing with outages. That means understanding how to get ready for things ahead of time and reacting calmly. These are a few additional tips for preparing for those unexpected power interruptions:

• Have a generator maintenance plan. Write down when you last serviced your generator and when the next service is due.
• Keep an extra supply of fuel. You don't want to run out of gas mid-storm.
• Make sure you know how to operate your generator safely before you need it. Don't wait until the lights go out to read the instruction manual. Practice running it, and make sure everyone in your family knows the basic safety rules.

This isn't just about following the Horry County Fire Department guidelines; it's about keeping your family safe. Trust me, a near-death experience with a generator is not a fun way to learn a lesson. Be safe out there, folks. And remember: always prioritize safety.