Generator Safety Key During Hurricane Sandy, Chief Says

As supplies have already begun flying off the shelves in many stores in anticiaption of Hurricane Sandy striking New Jersey early this week, generators have also seemed to sell out, with residents scrambling to keep power in their homes if it goes out.

Montville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Scott Herchick said Sunday that residents must practice safety with generators though, as they have the potential to lead to hazardous situations.

"They can cause carbon monoxide [poisoning]," Herchick said.

Herchick said if the generator is faced so that the exhaust can blow indoors, including through an open window, residents and pets could be at risk of carbon monoxide in their homes. 

"It could choke animals," he said.

Additionally, generators, themselves, should be kept outdoors, Herchick said. Herchick said people often try to keep generators in a garage or somewhere nearby where it is dry.

"People think that they have to keep them inside because they don't want them to get wet," he said.

But having them inside could also cause fire hazards and the generators are able to be placed outdoors, where it may be safer.

Herchick said the generator safety tips are not only on behalf of the Montville Fire Department, but the Towaco and Pine Brook Volunteer Fire  Departments as well.

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