The Atlantic Hurricane Season starts on June 1st!

Citizens are encouraged to be prepared for the first 72 hours after an event. Storms or natural disasters can have the ability to knock your power out for an extended period.

During an outage, portable generators can offer temporary power, but there are potential risks associated with the use of these generators.

Be sure to follow these tips for generator safety:

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Set it up outside, away from all open windows, including neighbors’ windows, to prevent deadly exhaust from entering a home or business.
• Use a heavy-duty extension cord rated for outdoor use.
• Connect appliances directly to it; do not wire your generator directly to your breaker or fuse box.
• Turn off all connected appliances before starting your generator and turn connected appliances on one at a time.
• Don’t touch a generator if you are wet or are standing in water or on damp ground.
• Never refuel a hot generator or one that is running.
• Don’t leave a running generator unattended; turn it off at night and when away from home. 

Find more information on hurricane preparation and resources at Port-Orange.org