Have an adequate supply of fuel for your generator and keep combustible materials like gasoline cans away from heat sources. Always fill the generator with fuel in a well-ventilated area while the generator is turned off. Never run your generator indoors or in a poorly ventilated area such as a garage. Generators, like all other engines, exhaust carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly. Use the appropriate sized power cords to carry the electric load.
Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires.
Never run generator cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damage to a cord could go unnoticed. First, most extension cord can't be plugged into a furnace, well pump or ceiling-light fixture. If the extension cords are too long, they can potentially damage the generator and appliances. And, if they are placed under rugs or carpets, heat can build and spark a fire. Last winter, severe ice storms left nearly 3 million Americans without electricity.