The biggest mistake you can make buying a generator is buying on impulse.

When I talked to Bellevue Store owner Duaine Henrickson last month- there was a noticeable spike in sales because of the post-Thanksgiving storm.

This week- sales are off the charts.

It's the same everywhere generators are sold. But grabbing the first thing you see, can leave you with a unit that's too loud, not big enough.

Emergency teams are concerned about potentially deadly results- because inexperienced users won't know what they're doing.

The exhaust from these machines contains poisonous carbon monoxide.

So these safety factors are crucial:

Never refuel a generator when the engine is hot or running- that's asking for a fire.

Only run generators outdoors and away from open windows and doors.

Generator exhaust killed 2 local teens last month because their unit was running inside a closed garage.

Allow at least 5 feet of clearance around the unit to prevent fires,

And always use a carbon monoxide detector.

Also - Pay attention to the generator capacity. Overloading can seriously damage your appliances and electronics.

And never connect a portable generator directly to your home's wiring.

That's not only deadly for you- but for the utility crews working to get power restored.

For more information:

Tips on portable generators

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