Before you use your generator, thoroughly read and understand all of the manufacturer’s instructions.
Isolate your generator from the co-op’s power lines and connect appliances directly to the generator using suitable size grounded three-conductor electrical wires. It is also advised that you turn off the main breaker within your home’s breaker panel.
Use a certified electrician if you connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring.
When a generator is not properly installed, it can “backfeed” through the transformer to produce an output of 7,200 volts across the co-op’s distribution line. This might harm or kill you, your family, your neighbors, or utility employees operating on the line.
Never refuel a generator while it is operating.Provide appropriate ventilation and air conditioning around the generator to avoid overheating and the accumulation of harmful exhaust fumes. Installing a generator in a basement, connected garage, or other enclosed space is not recommended. Carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless, toxic gas, is present in the generator’s exhaust fumes.
Maintain your generator engine according to the maintenance schedule to ensure the highest performance and safety. Regularly test your generator.
Keep gas fresh. Use a gas stabilizer if you do not intend to operate your generator for at least 30 days.
Stay connected on outage information by following us on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to check out our real-time outage map at www.aikenco-op.org
Locate and check your fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and emergency supply kit. For a detailed list of what your kits should include, visit the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org. Make sure you are equipped with sufficient nonperishable food for a few days. Set aside extra blankets for the winter. Remember a manual can opener!
Preserve water. This is useful in the event of a water and sewer outage, flooding, or water pipe freezing.
Have phone numbers for evacuation destinations or safe places to stay on hand, as well as a road map with alternate routes in case major highways are closed or jammed.
Keep insurance and other vital documents in a safe place.
Check to see if any shrubs or trees require trimming or if any limbs are weak. Contact a professional tree service if you have trees or bushes that need to be trimmed near electricity wires. Remove any items near the house that may go airborne (toys, lawn or patio furniture, trash cans, etc.).
Have a battery-powered radio accessible. Watch local TV or radio stations for the latest recent storm information or evacuation orders.
Prepare to cover all of your home’s windows in the event of a hurricane. Use precut plywood if shutters have not been installed. Contrary to popular belief, tape does NOT keep windows from shattering.
Fill up your gas tank before a storm, due to gas stations being inoperable when the power goes out. If the power goes out, ATMs will also go down, so keep some cash on hand.
Connect appliances to surge protectors or have a system installed to protect electronics and appliances from significant damage, or unplug sensitive electronic equipment to help avoid surges.
Stay indoors and away from windows if you are not advised to evacuate.
Be mindful that the stillness at the “eye” of the hurricane is deceiving. Winds blow in the opposite direction once the eye passes over.
Steer away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flooded road, choose another, safer route.
Avoid using a landline telephone during a storm. Electric shock can occur over phone lines (unless they are cordless). Also, stay away from water sources (shower, sink, and bathtub) since lightning can enter a home through the plumbing.
Continue to listen to local radio or television channels for guidance. If you evacuated, only return home after local authorities declare it safe.
Use an efficient flashlight rather than candles for illumination, as there may be a gas leak.
Leave a single light on so it alerts you when power is restored.
Minimize opening freezers and refrigerators. A fully loaded freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours if the door has not been opened.
If your neighbor’s power is restored but yours is still out, it might be due to a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your home. Your neighbor’s house may also be powered by a different electrical supply circuit.
Avoid tree limbs and debris that might conceal fallen electricity wires. The limbs may conduct electricity, especially if wet.
Do not pile debris near utility poles or other electric devices after cleaning up outside.
Avoid any downed powerlines and report all outages and downed lines immediately to your cooperative or local utility company with one call per residence.
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