Staying safe with your generator during winter weather conditions

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With winter weather very likely arriving in less than 24 hours, staying warm is on everyone’s mind, especially with the freezing rain expected.

Med Center EMS is warning residents that use generators in times of emergency to use them with caution to avoid dangerous injuries and even death.

Generators are a common access to power when power lines fall victim to ice and snow and electricity is cut off to homes, but they can pose hazards like carbon monoxide inhalation and even fire, so be sure to use them with caution.

“You always have a fire risk, no matter what you do with, with the motor running inside. But really, that that carbon dot, carbon monoxide risk from those gas, gasoline engines, diesel engines, running and not only inside, but in poorly ventilated area. So, if you do happen to have a generator, and you need to run it, make sure, you know, it’s a good distance away from your house. That way, those teams, do not backfill to the open window or anything like that,” said Seth Wilson, director of Med Center EMS.

It’s important to remember that while the ambulances are being fitted for the winter weather, they still will be dealing with the same conditions that we are facing, and that if you do have an emergency, it could take a longer time to reach you, s0 be sure you are making good decisions to not put you or your family at risk.