Risk Management Magazine

There is nothing wrong with using a portable generator during an emergency, but it must be used wisely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. When used in a confined space, generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide within minutes.

On a crisp December evening, I noticed some of the Christmas lights on our house were out. The unlit strand was along the trim in an area not for the faint of heart. In that spot, the trim rises sharply, perhaps 48-50 degrees, to an apex about 30 feet above the driveway. I have an extension ladder that easily reaches that area, so I wasn’t too concerned about making the repair.

Unless you live in the southern U.S., freezing weather and ice storms could be just weeks away. Here are a few actions you can take — both now in the warmer weather and later in colder temperatures — to ensure your power equipment will be safe and in good working order this winter.