Have firefighting materials on hand. Know how to open the electric garage door manually. Use portable generators only as independent sources of power, do not connect them to your home's main service panels. This may result in serious injury or death to utility workers trying to restore power. Use generators outside and run a cord into the house.
Generators produce carbon monoxide poisoning.
Turn off all lights and appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer. Wait at least 15 minutes after power is restored before turning on other appliances. Use safe alternative heat sources. Heat only the area of your home you are using. Wear extra layers of clothes and use several layers of blankets.