JACKSON — When storms or outages leave your home without power, a generator can be a lifesaver— but it must be used safely and responsibly. Every year, improper generator use leads to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and fuel shortages that could have been prevented with a little planning.
Generator Safety First:
• Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, carport, or near open windows and doors.
• Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly; always place generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords and keep them away from standing water.
• Allow the generator to cool before refueling.
• Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Generators consume more fuel than many people realize. The amount of propane used depends on the size of the unit and how hard it works.
For example:
• A 22–26 KW home standby generator can use 3-4.5 gallons of propane per hour at full load.
• Over a 7-day outage, that could require 450 to 750 gallons of propane, depending on load.
• Even at 60% load, many units will still use 1.5–2 gallons per hour.
This means a standard 250-gallon tank may only power a large generator for a few days. Homes that rely on propane for heat, water heaters or cooking must also account for that additional fuel demand.
Plan Ahead:
• Know the size of your generator and its hourly fuel consumption.
• Keep tanks filled before storm season.
• Consider reducing load by only running essential appliances.
• Stay in contact with your propane supplier early — during major events, deliveries may be delayed.
“Generators are an excellent tool during emergencies, but they must be used with respect and preparation. A few simple safety steps and an understanding of fuel needs can protect your family and help ensure your home stays powered when it matters most,” said Scottie Cuevas, director of the LC Gas Division of the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office.
