Using an Emergency Generator | HURRICANE PREP

Learn more about emergency portable generators and what to look for when shopping for a generator with these helpful tips from Lowe's experts.

You will want to power your refrigerator, pumps, a few lights and a radio or tv. Look for rated wattage and surge wattage in your items. Rated wattage is what's required for running the item. Surge wattage is what's required to start the item. Add the highest surge wattage to the sum of all of the rated wattages. This is how many watts your portable generator will need to supply.

For safe operation of your portable generator, do not overload your generator. Use the appropriate extension cords. Run your generator outside on a level surface, 5 feet from your home.

Check for gas leaks before running a generator and appliances. Don't plug your generator into a wall outlet.

To start your generator, unplug any cords, turn the fuel on, turn on the choke, turn on the engine, and pull the recoil cord. When the engine starts, switch the choke to run.

Start with the appliance that uses the most power. When plugging in items to the generator, alternate circuits.

To find emergency portable generators and more supplies to prepare you for a hurricane, visit http://www.Lowes.com/Hurricane

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