Safety Tips For Using a Portable Generator

The last couple of years many portable electric generators are sold. Many of these generators are user as a backup for the household electricity. But these small generators are also used for outdoor activities like camping or hunting. And because of the electrical power they generate, safety is a very important issue. It is a fact that generators made by well known manufacturers, are built conform strict safety rules. But if not properly installed or operated even the safest generator can become a lethal hazard! In this article I will give you some tips to avoid the most common mistakes.

My first tip is: read the Instruction Manual that you received when buying your generator. It is important that you know the basics of operating the generator. If you have to read the manual during an emergency for the first time you will loose too much time that is needed elsewhere. So read the manual NOW. If you lost your manual, then you can always download a copy of it at the website of the manufacturer of your generator. Be sure to have the type or serial code of your generator at hand (in case of doubt check the identification data on your generator), so you can be sure to download the right manual.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer a checklist for portable generator owners. First of all they recommend that a qualified, licensed electrician should install portable electric generators to ensure that they meet local electrical codes. Because power from incorrectly installed generators can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs.

Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
Keep the generator dry.
Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which can be deadly.
Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30.
Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
I hope you find these tips useful and help you use your generator in the most safe way.
David Marsden has written many articles for the internet. If you want to read more tips from him about portable generators, then visit his website about small diesel generators.


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Do You Know What a Gas Mask Can Do and Which Gas Mask is Right For You?

If we were to think back several decades ago, it would be awkward to think about owning your own personal gas mask. However, times have definitely changed, and so has the personal protection products. In this day and age, it is very wise for any family to own gas masks for every member of your household. There is no reason why one should not own such a security device, especially know that prices on such respirators have dramatically dropped. Gas masks are perfect for protecting you against chemical or biological attacks. However, gas masks have far more uses than just protecting you from the above attacks. They are perfect for industrial workers, which will protect them from dust and various chemicals in paint spray.

Gas masks not only come in the bulkier items that many people are familiar with, they also come in smaller packets, which can easily be stored in the car or in your home. There is a whole line of discrete, pocket-sized gas masks. One example of a perfect discrete gas mask is The Breath of Life Emergency Escape Mask. This particular mask can last up to 15 to 20 minutes, and is perfect for personal and commercial airborne hazardous matter. This gas mask will protect its users from simple smoke or dust, as well as the unfortunate biological terrorist attacks. However, if you live in sections of the world where natural disasters may become an issue, The Breath of Life Emergency Escape Mask is ideal for protection from the various toxins that can be released in the air via an earthquake, tornado or any other type of natural disaster. But, how does this gas mask protect you from the various airborne toxins that threaten us? This personal protection is brought to you through four filtered layers. These filters are compiled of polyester fibers, Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), as well as micron particles, which are put through the grueling Fraizer Air Permeability Method. And the big ingredient in this gas mask is the use of charcoal. When you breath through this gas mask, the charcoal is literally purifying the air you breath and is removing the toxic gasses that are in the air around you. This gas mask is made for portable use, and is ideal for storing away in your car's glove box or in your pocketbook.

One of the gas masks is Breath of Life Emergency Escape Mask, is small and extremely portable. However, this type of gas mask is mainly intended for short term use in a case of emergency. There are other gas masks that are rugged and are made for longer more intense use. SGE 400/3 gas mask is the best of the gas masks. This mask is perfect for use whenever the users respiratory system is in line of becoming endangered. There are several different ways this gas mask can be used. One of these uses is for industrial gas protection, by using it whenever you are on the job and toxins fill the air, such as sandblasting, paint spraying, metalworking and demolition. If you are needing job protection, this mask will give you the heavy-duty protection you need for your heavy-duty workplace. Although, the SGE 400/3 Gas Mask can be used in the work place, it is also perfect for when the threat of Chemical Biological Warfare (CBW) is present. There are also various filter protection classes which are available for purchase. The SGE 400/3 gas mask is suitable for children ages 12 and up.

Knowing that there are such personal protection gas masks on the market is a comforting feeling. However, how do gas masks work? Basically, a gas mask filter can use up to three different techniques in order to get the air pure again. These options include particle filtration, chemical absorption or adsorption and chemical reaction to neutralize a chemical. Even though there are many different steps in the actual filtration process, the most common filtration method used is by activated charcoal. Activated Charcoal is charcoal which has been treated with oxygen in order to literally "open up" millions of pores between the carbon atoms.

Whether you are needing a gas mask for industrial use within your place of work, or if you are heading towards biological warfare dead on, there are hundreds of various respiratory protection products on the market today. Make an educated decision as it is your or your loved ones life.

Andy Jones

Media Relations - Name Brands Inc

Gas Masks - Best NBC Protection

Ezine Articles Expert Author

Copyright Name Brands Inc. Free Reprint rights with proper credit to author without removing the links



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The New Year Ahead

Are you getting ready for the new year? How has the last year changed you and how are you going to do things different next year?

This last year has changed me a lot and I hope that next year I can really buck down and get things done that need done to become more prepared. I have been working on my stockpile so that is off to a great start, I have been getting some seeds stocked up, and have my food dehydrator. The number one thing that I want to work on this year are some safety issues. Like weapons, etc. We also really need a new vehicle. I would love to get a truck, but another mini van would work awesome.

I know that we are going to be spending less money!! So, I am going to be learning to do a lot of things.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming year??

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Are You Prepared??

Take These Important Steps NOW Before an Emergency Strikes Preparedness used to be a word reserved for 'conspiracy theorists'. People would think you were a little strange if you were ready at a moment’s notice to evacuate with an emergency kit, or if you stored extra food and water in case the stores shut down due to a natural disaster. That’s no longer the case. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, state emergency management agencies, the American Red Cross, and other leading government and non-profit agencies are consistently delivering the same message to the public: Be prepared. Your Responsibility for Emergency Preparedness It’s your responsibility and yours alone to prepare yourself and your family for emergencies. There’s no escaping the fact that everyone is at risk. Earthquakes and hurricanes do not discriminate. There are also the everyday disasters that you hear about on the news, such fires and floods that wipe out the home of an entire family and cause serious injuries or death to those who were not prepared. Disasters can strike any region. The Department of Homeland Security continues to issue alerts and warn citizens about emergency preparedness. You cannot rely on others to bail you out of an emergency, and you’ve been warned by the very agencies that might come to your aid that they may not be able to help you. You are responsible for purchasing preparedness kits and supplies for your family to overcome and survive disasters. Where to Purchase Supplies There are four things to look for before selecting a company to buy your preparedness supplies: Trusted brand Expanding line of products Education for customers One stop shop Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail... Trusted Brand You don’t want to go with a fly-by-night seller for your preparedness supplies. Those companies buy and resell junk to customers with a shorter or expiring shelf life. For example, if you buy an emergency kit with a food bar and water, the supplies may expire within months, or they may have already expired. A company with a trusted brand will offer quality products, and the contents of the kit will have a shelf life of five or more years. Expanded Line of Products You first step to be prepared is to an buy emergency kit. It’s a great start, but it’s not sufficient for all of your needs beyond the first three days of an emergency. To extend your supplies to last you two, four, eight weeks or more, you’ll need to buy more products. The same company you buy your emergency kits from should have an ever expanding line of products to choose from. New and cutting edge tools and supplies may improve your state of preparedness, but if you buy from a 'stale' company, you won’t know that more options exist. Education for Consumers The information on the Internet and in well-intentioned books can be overwhelming for the beginner. A catalog of supplies does you no good if you don’t know how to prepare for emergencies and why you need certain things. A company who is dedicated to educating its customers will be tremendous resource and guide to helping you make the right buying decisions. One-Stop-Shop The last thing you have time for is to hunt down hard-to-find preparedness supplies. You end up paying more because of inconsistent shipping costs and purchase prices. It’s not only convenient to have everything in one place, it also saves you money. Our Recommendation Having done the research and compared what’s available using our four point evaluation criteria, we’ve found the preparedness products and education offered by 1-800-PREPARE.com exceed all others. They are a virtual one-stop-shop for all your preparedness supplies and information. We urge you to visit 1-800-PREPARE.com and get prepared now -- before the next emergency or disaster strikes.

25% OFF Family Preparedness Package! Includes a 5 Person Deluxe Survival Kit, two Economy Road Warrior Auto Kits, and an Solar-Powered Emergency Radio & Flashlight. If purchased separately, these items total $216.84... buy them together now as our Family Preparedness Package and save 25%! This is a limited time offer and may be ended at any time. Be prepared -- check out the Family Preparedness Package now!

One Second After

I am waiting on this book to come. I am giving it to my son for a Christmas present, but plan on reading it myself. Has anyone else read it and how did you like it?? My son is an avid reader and loves books like this. He is also into The Walking Dead. But those books are so high. What other fiction books about survival should I look into getting?? One of our favorites is Alas, Babylon. Great book. If you have not read it - you should.


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