Acadian Ambulance Shares Winter Safety Tips for Generators, Space Heaters and Driving

With extreme cold and wintry conditions facing much of the United States over the next few days, Acadian Ambulance urges the public to stay safe while staying warm. Space heaters pose an additional fire danger, while improper generator usage can lead to carbon monoxide exposure.

Generator Usage and Safety

• Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors.

• Always place the generator at least 20 feet from the house with the engine exhaust directed away from windows and doors.

• Look for any places air can enter the home near your unit and ensure that those are properly closed and sealed off. This includes windows or doors, air intakes, nearby dryer vents, or crawl spaces.

• Don’t connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring.

• Don’t plug a portable generator into an electrical outlet in your home or garage.

• Don’t run a portable generator in the rain. 

• Give generators breaks to allow any concentrated exhaust to clear away from the area. Open windows and doors during the break.

• Before refueling, turn off a gas-powered generator and let it cool.

• Stock up on extra gasoline, but do not store it indoors.

• Have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installed in your home.

• Buy a generator with built-in CO safety technology. 

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• Dull headache

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Confusion

• Blurred vision

• Loss of consciousness

If you think you or someone you’re with may have carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air and call 911.

Space Heater Safety

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable.

• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, and do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.

• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet.

• Inspect space heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use.

• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off and unplug it when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater.

• Space heaters should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.

• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas.

• Avoid driving in icy conditions when possible.

• Use room temperature water, not boiling, to defrost windshields. 

• Test traction often and adjust to road conditions. 

• Keep a safe distance and avoid hard braking close to others. 

• Brake before turns, then coast and accelerate after. 

• Avoid cruise control on icy or wet roads. 

• Remove kids’ coats before buckling them into car seats, then cover them with a blanket afterward. 

• Check your vehicle’s battery because cold drains power. 

• Check your tire pressure before getting on the road, because cold lowers it. 

Following these safety measures can prevent injuries and save lives during winter weather and ice storms.