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Portable Generator Safety: Seven Steps to Avoid Carbon Monoxide

Never run a fuel-powered portable generator inside a home, garage or balcony. Use it outdoors more than about 6 meters from openings.

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Fuel-burning portable generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless poison. CDC advises operating them outdoors more than 20 feet (6.1 m) from any doors, windows or vents, never indoors or in garages. In apartments without a compliant outdoor site, do not use a generator.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Determine whether the generator burns fuel, and review its manual, building rules and local fire/electrical codes before using it.
2. Never operate it in a living room, bathroom, garage, basement, shed or balcony. Opening doors or windows does not make enclosed use safe.
3. If a permitted outdoor site exists, keep it more than 20 feet (about 6.1 m) from all doors, windows and vents, with exhaust directed away from the building.
4. Install and maintain an appropriate battery-operated or battery-backup carbon-monoxide alarm inside the home and test it as its manufacturer directs.
5. Never refuel while running. Shut the generator down and let it cool before refueling; store fuel only in approved containers under applicable rules.
6. Do not backfeed household wiring via a wall outlet or modify wiring yourself. Leave any home electrical connection and transfer equipment to a licensed electrician.
7. If a CO alarm sounds, or anyone has headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion, leave immediately for outdoor fresh air and call local emergency services (119 in South Korea). Do not reenter until authorities say it is safe.

U.S. CDCCarbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics ↗CDC original page Jan 12, 2026: fuel generator risks, more than 20ft outdoors from all doors/windows/vents, battery-backed alarms, symptoms and emergency avoidance of indoor use.U.S. CPSCCPSC Warns Consumers to be Cautious When Using Space Heaters, Furnaces and Fireplaces This Winter ↗Official CPSC original page: outdoor placement 20ft away, exhaust directed from building, never refuel hot/running generators.U.S. CDCAvoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ↗CDC August 26, 2026 warning against indoor generators and grills, including sheltered garage or nearby opening locations.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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