WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall released some safety tips that residents should adhere to following a disaster, especially those recently affected by the storms that hit portions of the Ark-La-Tex, on Tuesday night.
Generators and Power Outages safety tips:
Operate generators in ventilated locations outdoors away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling.
Never refuel a generator while it is running.
Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled.
Store the containers outside of living areas.
Always assume fallen power lines are energized. Stay away from the area and report any downed lines to authorities immediately.
Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers and televisions, to prevent damage from power surges.
Never use candles for emergency lighting. Use flashlights and stock up on batteries.
Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency.
Clear driveway and front walk of debris, if possible. This will provide easy access to your home.
