9 Things to Know If You Have a Backup Generator
Ray Cogan
Whether it’s a hurricane or a routine power outage , navigating a dark house is never fun. That’s why many people choose to install backup generators in their homes. A backup generator can power your home until regular electricity resumes.
While backup generators can come in handy in a pinch, owners should know the right way to install and maintain them. Knowing what to do can help reduce risks like fire, electrical damage, injuries and more. Here are nine things to do now if you have (or will soon have) a backup generator.
GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS
- Review your local laws.
Depending on your state, you may be responsible for making sure your generator’s current doesn’t feed back into power lines. (Learn why this matters below in number eight.) You might also be required to give local utility companies a head’s up about your generator.
- Keep the surrounding area clear.
Backup generators give off a lot of heat. Help prevent a fire by keeping any items far away from it.
- Check the ventilation.
This one is best left to the pros during the installation. If your generator doesn’t have enough room to properly ventilate, dangerous carbon monoxide can build up.
- Invest in a carbon monoxide detector.
Speaking of carbon monoxide, you’ll definitely want to invest in a carbon monoxide detector if you have a backup generator. It will warn you if levels are rising —a good thing, since carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
- Keep it dry.
Wet conditions can lead to short circuits—and that could lead to a generator fire. For this reason, keep your generator in a dry place. An open-canopy structure can help protect it if you’re worried about water.
- Stash a fire extinguisher close by.
Consider it an added precaution in case a fire was to break out. (Check out this handy fire extinguisher guide
before you buy.)
- Corral the cords.
Cords should be out of any foot paths, yet still easy to access. You’ll want to check them regularly to see if they’re frayed or cut—both types of damage could cause a fire.
- Say no to wall outlets.
Plugging your generator into a wall outlet is known as “back feeding,” and it’s a bad idea. That’s because the low voltage from the generator can increase to thousands of volts when it passes through a utility transformer. And that could put you and utility workers at serious risk. Instead, plug your generator into a manual transfer switch that distributes power in a safer manner.
- Have protection handy.
Backup generators heat up fast. Protect yourself from potential skin burns by putting on protective gear before touching your backup generator. Hearing protection is a good idea, too.
Uncertainty is part of life – but it doesn’t have to rule your roost. When you’re with ERIE, you have a local agent in your neighborhood to help you understand how your homeowners insurance can protect you from the unexpected things in life. Learn more about homeowners insurance or find a local ERIE agent near you.
- Review your local laws.
Depending on your state, you may be responsible for making sure your generator’s current doesn’t feed back into power lines. (Learn why this matters below in number eight.) You might also be required to give local utility companies a head’s up about your generator.
- Keep the surrounding area clear.
Backup generators give off a lot of heat. Help prevent a fire by keeping any items far away from it.
- Check the ventilation.
This one is best left to the pros during the installation. If your generator doesn’t have enough room to properly ventilate, dangerous carbon monoxide can build up.
- Invest in a carbon monoxide detector.
Speaking of carbon monoxide, you’ll definitely want to invest in a carbon monoxide detector if you have a backup generator. It will warn you if levels are rising —a good thing, since carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal.
- Keep it dry.
Wet conditions can lead to short circuits—and that could lead to a generator fire. For this reason, keep your generator in a dry place. An open-canopy structure can help protect it if you’re worried about water.
- Stash a fire extinguisher close by.
Consider it an added precaution in case a fire was to break out. (Check out this handy fire extinguisher guide
before you buy.)
- Corral the cords.
Cords should be out of any foot paths, yet still easy to access. You’ll want to check them regularly to see if they’re frayed or cut—both types of damage could cause a fire.
- Say no to wall outlets.
Plugging your generator into a wall outlet is known as “back feeding,” and it’s a bad idea. That’s because the low voltage from the generator can increase to thousands of volts when it passes through a utility transformer. And that could put you and utility workers at serious risk. Instead, plug your generator into a manual transfer switch that distributes power in a safer manner.
- Have protection handy. Backup generators heat up fast. Protect yourself from potential skin burns by putting on protective gear before touching your backup generator. Hearing protection is a good idea, too.
Uncertainty is part of life – but it doesn’t have to rule your roost. When you’re with ERIE, you have a local agent in your neighborhood to help you understand how your homeowners insurance can protect you from the unexpected things in life. Learn more about homeowners insurance or find a local ERIE agent near you.
WANT MORE PREPAREDNESS TIPS?
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This story was originally published in 2017. It was updated with new information in 2019.
The post 9 Things to Know If You Have a Backup Generator appeared first on Lindquist Insurance.
Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .
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