Horry Fire Rescue Generator Advice

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Horry County Fire Rescue Generator Advice: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Hey everyone, so, generators. Man, let me tell you, I've learned a lot about these things, mostly the hard way. Living in Horry County, you know how important a generator can be, especially after a hurricane. Power outages? They're not a maybe, they're a when. And when that happens, you're kinda stuck unless you're prepared. This isn't some sponsored post; this is straight from the trenches, my experiences with generators and Horry County Fire Rescue's advice.

My Generator Horror Story (and how to avoid it)

Remember Hurricane Matthew? Yeah, me neither, I wish. Except I do. I remember the frantic rush to get our generator going. We'd bought one, a big honking thing, thinking we were all set. Nope. Total fail. Turns out, we hadn't properly winterized it (yeah, even in South Carolina, that's a thing!), and it wouldn't start. We were sitting in the dark, sweating, with a fridge full of melting ice cream. It was a disaster. Horry County Fire Rescue, bless their hearts, were swamped, but they did stress the importance of regular maintenance.

Lesson 1: Maintenance is King

Seriously, folks, this is non-negotiable. Regular maintenance isn't just "a good idea"; it's essential. I learned that the hard way. Before hurricane season (and, frankly, every few months), you should:

• Check your oil: Make sure the oil levels are correct. Low oil means a fried generator.
• Inspect the fuel lines: Look for cracks or leaks. Fuel leaks are a fire hazard, and I don't think anyone needs to say more about that.
• Test the starting system: Does it start easily? If it's struggling, call a technician for advice. A professional is much better and cheaper than a new generator.
• Clean it up: Blow away any leaves, dirt, or debris; anything that might stop the airflow for adequate cooling. A clean generator is a happy generator.
• Replace the air filter: A clogged filter will suffocate your engine, leading to premature wear and tear. I'm telling you; this is vital.

This isn't rocket science, people. It's about basic upkeep. Think of it like changing the oil in your car – essential for smooth operation and longevity.

Generator Placement: Safety First!

Another thing I messed up? Generator placement. I almost started a fire. Not fun, let me tell you. Horry County Fire Rescue's advice? Keep the generator away from anything flammable. This means:

• Keep it outside: Never run a generator indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer. Seriously, don't risk it.
• Hard surface: Position it on a level, hard, non-combustible surface—like concrete—to improve airflow and prevent fire hazards.
• Away from windows: Exhaust fumes are toxic and dangerous. I nearly poisoned my family.
• Proper ventilation: Ensure there's adequate ventilation to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide.

Listen, I know you're tired after a storm, but safety is paramount. Think of this like having a fire extinguisher available—you probably won't need it, but having it will bring peace of mind.

Fuel Up: Beyond the Basics

Another thing many people overlook is proper fuel storage. Old gas is bad news. Horry County Fire Rescue recommends using fresh, high-quality gas—old gas can cause damage and lead to a lot of headaches. You should always:

• Store fuel safely: Keep fuel in approved containers, away from heat sources.
• Use fuel stabilizer: This extends the life of your fuel and prevents gumming and varnish buildup.

You've got to treat this whole generator thing seriously, like Horry County Fire Rescue says. Take care of your generator, and it'll take care of you. Don't end up like me, scrambling in the dark and dealing with a bunch of melted ice cream. It's never fun. Hopefully, my mistakes can save you from the same frustration.