Running a Gas Generator Safely
The most power per dollar — and the leading cause of carbon-monoxide deaths after storms. Here's how to do it right.
Question 1
The goal
Run a portable generator to power a fridge, freezer, lights and fans without poisoning anyone or electrocuting line workers.
Question 2
Materials
- Portable or inverter generator
- Fresh fuel in approved cans + fuel stabilizer
- Heavy-duty outdoor extension cords (12 or 10 gauge)
- Battery CO alarms on every floor
- Hearing and eye protection, work gloves
Question 3
Substitutes
- Dual-fuel generator on propane (stores indefinitely)
- Inverter generator (quieter, cleaner power for electronics)
- Transfer switch / interlock installed by electrician for whole-home
Where to find it
| Material | Household | Wilderness | Urban / scavenged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generator | Neighbor or relative | N/A | Equipment rental shop |
| CO alarm | Hardware store | Camping store (RV alarm) | Big-box store |
Question 4
Step by step
- 1
Install battery CO alarms on every floor and outside sleeping areas before you ever start the generator.
- 2
Place the generator outdoors at least 20 ft (6 m) from the house, exhaust pointing away from doors, windows and vents — never in a garage, carport, porch or shed.
- 3
Protect it from rain with a purpose-made generator tent or canopy open on all sides; never run it wet.
- 4
Check oil level and add fresh fuel while the engine is OFF and cool — hot engines ignite spilled fuel.
- 5
Start it with nothing plugged in. Let it run 1–2 minutes to stabilize.
- 6
Run heavy-gauge extension cords inside. Plug in the largest motor load (fridge) first, then smaller loads.
- 7
Keep total running watts under 80% of the generator rating.
- 8
Never plug the generator into a wall outlet ('backfeeding'). It can energize utility lines and kill line workers or neighbors.
- 9
Rotate the fridge and freezer: 2–4 hours on, then switch to other loads, to save fuel.
- 10
Refuel only when off and cooled for at least 10–15 minutes. Store fuel away from the house and generator.
- 11
If anyone feels headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion, get everyone into fresh air and call 911.
Saved steps go to My Survival Notebook.
Question 5
The science
A gasoline engine turns an alternator. Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, which binds hemoglobin about 200× more strongly than oxygen. A single generator produces as much CO as hundreds of idling cars and fills a house in minutes even with windows open.
Question 6
Dangers & limits
- Carbon monoxide: odorless, invisible, deadly. Outdoors only, 20 ft away.
- Electrocution and backfeed: use cords or a professionally installed transfer switch.
- Burns and fire: hot muffler, spilled fuel.
- Noise: wear hearing protection when refueling or servicing.
Question 7
How you know it worked
Fridge and essentials stayed powered; CO alarms never sounded; no cords run through windows that can't close.