Operating Generators Safely During Storm Season
In Australia, the hottest months bring the most tumultuous weather. Cyclone season runs from the start of November to the end of April, while Queensland’s storm season lasts from October to April. This time of year, there’s a heightened risk of tropical cyclones, thunderstorms, floods, bushfires and heatwaves. Preparation is crucial when severe weather strikes. When a storm causes a blackout, a backup generator can be a lifesaver.
Severe storms and power outages go hand in hand. High winds can topple utility poles and cause trees to fall on power lines. Lightning can strike power lines or transformers. Floodwaters can cause short circuits or failures in electrical equipment. When storms knock down crucial power equipment, it can lead to long outages and wait times while crews on the ground repair the problem.
Backup generators can keep everything running smoothly in your home or your business when you’ve lost your connection to the power grid.
Backup generators are essential for industries that handle perishable goods, such as restaurants and processing facilities, but they can also be useful for other types of businesses and homes. With a backup generator in your home or workplace, you can have power up and running again in about 10 seconds. Here’s our guide to keeping your generator safe when you need to operate it during storm season.
The Risks of Operating Generators During Storms
Generators are dangerous machines when used improperly and can cause fires, electrical hazards and even death. The most dangerous risks of operating a generator during a storm include:
Carbon monoxide poisoning
One portable generator produces as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless, and it can reach toxic levels before you even notice its presence. Every year, hundreds of Australians are hospitalised due to carbon monoxide poisoning, many after running generators inside their homes. You should run your generator at least 20 feet away from your house in a well-ventilated area, position it away from open windows and use a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm.
Electrocution
Floodwaters and electricity are a deadly combination. If your house is flooded, you should turn off your home’s main circuit breaker. Use the generator only in a dry, well-ventilated place. Another potential electrical hazard is backfeeding: plugging a generator into your home’s electrical supply without using a transfer switch. Backfeeding can not only potentially kill you, but it can also kill workers trying to repair the damage.
Fire dangers
Generators heat up quickly and can stay hot for a long time after you switch them off. Generator gas and other fuels should be kept away from the machine. Avoid spills, as fuel can ignite if it comes into contact with a generator’s hot surface.
Structural hazards
Wild weather conditions pose a risk to your home and business as well as to the generator itself. Secure the generator to prevent it from tipping over in high winds. Make sure to elevate it to a level, dry surface to avoid contact with floodwaters.
Best Practices for Operating Generators During Rain and Storms
When you take precautions and follow all safety instructions, a back-up generator can keep you safe and warm during a storm. Some tips for operating your generator safely during heavy rain and storms include:
Read the instructions
Study the safety manual and make sure you understand how to operate the generator. Contact the manufacturer or the hire company if you have questions.
Get ready early
If you have reason to believe storm season will affect your home or business, buy or hire your generator early so you have plenty of time to prepare.
Don’t backfeed
Plugging a generator into your home’s wiring (otherwise known as “backfeeding”) is illegal and extremely dangerous, risking your own life and the lives of your neighbours and those working to restore power. It’s better to use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor usage to connect an appliance directly to the generator, or use the transfer/changeover switch installed by a licensed electrician that lets you connect the generator directly to your building’s utility grid.
Run generators outdoors
Generators release toxic carbon monoxide fumes, so never run one inside your house or even in your garage. Always run your generator outside at least 20 feet away from your windows and your neighbour’s windows.
Don’t refuel a hot generator
Always allow your generator to cool down before you refuel. Refuelling a hot generator or one that’s still running can cause the petrol to ignite.
Turn off your appliances
Before you start your generator, make sure the connected appliances are off. Then turn them on one by one, taking care to never exceed the generator’s wattage.
Getting Generator Help During Storm Season
When you hire a generator from Total Generators, we’re happy to help you out if you encounter any problems during storm season. Here’s a short list of services that the Total Generators team can provide when the going gets tough:
Emergency Power Supply
Total Generators provides back-up power to businesses and infrastructure when storm season impacts their connection to the power grid. This is especially important for hospitals, food storage facilities, data centres and other environments where loss of power can lead to privacy breaches or health crises.
Rapid Refuelling
If you need more fuel, Total Generators has a fast response to ensure your machine is filled up quickly, avoiding downtime.
Transport and Logistics
Total Generators can mobilise generators to any site in accordance with an approved delivery schedule. Our services include tilt trays, trailer-mounted units, side loaders and cranes.
Distribution Boards
Alongside our generators for hire, Total Generators provides distribution boards, load centres, load junction boxes, link boxes, changeover switches, and AMF panels.
Cabling Solutions
Total Generators offers a range of power cables for hire to help ensure the reliability of your power supply.
Beat This Year’s Storm Season with Total Generators
Total Generators has backup generators to help you weather storm season, no matter how fierce it gets. We’re the supplier of choice for many utility providers, remote mining camps, construction projects, events, film productions, shipping and commercial activities.
With locations in Brisbane, Moranbah, Cloncurry and Katherine, NT, Total Generators provides generator hire for businesses in some of Australia’s strictest safety-focused industries. Our equipment compliance standards have been developed in conjunction with our Global Client Partners to exceed the Australian Electrical Standard. Our extensive range includes diesel generators, solar hybrid generators, trailer-mounted generators and generator accessories.
We provide portable generator services, including refuelling, load testing, and a 60-point scheduled service for diesel generators, which includes a complete oil change.
Our emergency generator hire helps you stay prepared for power outages 24/7. We have a selection of emergency generator hire options available, and our team of experts will make sure you hire the ideal backup generator for your supply requirements.
A safety-minded and customer-focused business, our goal is to be recognised as the very best power solutions provider. No matter where your project is generated or how big or small the requirements are, we’ll design and execute the perfect power solution for your needs.
For emergency power that won’t let you down in storm season, contact the Total Generators team for a free quote.
