Never run a portable generator from inside of your house! Portable generators run on gas and oil that emit exhaust which contains dangerous chemicals and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless poison that can kill an entire household within minutes. There is no such circumstance in which it is safe to run a portable generator from inside of your house - even if it is raining or snowing. This applies to your garage and/or screened-in porch as well. Portable generators must be located at least 15 feet away from your home. If you are going to run a portable generator, you should have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home, and test them periodically to make sure they are working properly.