Portable generators offer great benefits when power failure affects your home.

Here are some guidelines for safely connecting and operating portable generators.

Don’t connect your generator directly to your household’s electrical wiring: This can be deadly to you and others as it can ‘backfeed’ onto the power lines connected to your home. The only safe way to connect a portable electric generator to your existing wiring is to have a licensed electrical contractor install a transfer switch which transfers the power from the utility power lines to the power coming from your generator.

Do not plug a generator into a regular household outlet: This can energize “dead” power lines and injure neighbors or utility workers.

Do not overload the generator: Overloading your generator can damage your appliances and electronics. A generator should be used only to power essential equipment.

Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage: A generator uses an internal combustion engine that emits deadly carbon monoxide. So, place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house.

Use the proper power cords: Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation of generators.