People often turn to supplemental heating sources and generators when severe weather causes prolonged power outages.
   Kentucky Farm Bureau and the State Fire Marshal’s office urge people to be cautious as they try to keep their homes warm and food cold in these situations.
   “The safety of our member families is paramount during these times,” said Terri Bradshaw, Kentucky Farm Bureau’s safety coordinator. “There are very good resources out there to cope with loss of power, but they must be used correctly.”
   Using a generator carries a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. CO is an invisible, odorless gas that may be harmless when properly vented to the outdoors but can kill if trapped in a building.
   Every home should be equipped with a CO monitor in a central area, said Richard Peddicord, assistant director fire prevention.  And every heating source – furnace, stove or fireplace – should be professionally inspected annually, he said.
   If using a portable generator, run it outside away from doors, windows and vent openings.
   The National Fire Protection Association also offers these safety tips:
   • Make sure the generator is properly sized for the electrical load that your appliances will place on it.
   • If using an extension cord, make sure it is a heavy-duty, grounded cord with a three-prong plug.
   • Do not refuel the generator while it is running. Turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling.
   • A generator connected to the housewiring system must be done ONLY by a licensed electrician.
   The electrician will install a transfer switch to ensure electrical currents do not flow back into the power lines when service is restored. Failure to install this switch can cause electrocution of a utility worker and an electrical fire.

Staff Report
KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU