NJ Fire Department Shares Generator Safety Tips After Close Call

STILLWATER, NJ — As power outages continue to plague northern New Jersey and a second snow storm is dumping inches of snow, many residents are turning towards generators to keep warm-- something that could end in tragedy if not done correctly.

The Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company said a resident had a close call with a generator Wednesday morning, sharing photos of the charred machine.

"[Without] help from a fast acting DPW worker and a snow shovel, this could have been a devastating loss to the homeowner. Luckily the damage was minimal despite the totality of the circumstances," firefighters said.

Here are some tips of safely using a generator, via the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company:

• Please leave the machine at a safe distance from any combustible materials (especially your residence, shed, garage etc. )
• Do not face the exhaust towards the occupied residence or pointed in the general vicinity of. Combustion from the generator motor produces carbon monoxide which can seep into the residence causing illness or worse. (We have had several calls regarding this issue)
• Take safe care when adding fuel to a hot motor to not spill on hot engine parts.
• Only have the generator connected professionally by a qualified electrician. Backfeeding the panel can cause fire, and injury to all of the hard working line workers that are out servicing the lines.
• With snow piling up today, be sure to clear the snow around the exhaust so it has a place to escape.
• Please continue to report all down lines to JCPL at ‭1 (888) 544-4877‬, and all arcing lines to 9-1-1.

Images via Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company