Get clear, parent-focused guidance on portable generator safety at home, safe placement near your house, extension cord use, and carbon monoxide protection during power outages.
We’ll help you spot common risks for families and provide personalized guidance on how to use a generator safely around children.
When the power goes out, a generator can help your family stay safe and comfortable—but only if it is used correctly. For parents, generator safety means more than keeping equipment running. It also means preventing carbon monoxide exposure, keeping children away from hot or moving parts, using extension cords safely, and placing the generator far enough from the house, doors, windows, and attached spaces. A child-safe setup should be simple, consistent, and easy to follow even during a stressful outage.
Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas you cannot see or smell. Never run a generator inside the home, garage, basement, crawl space, or near windows, doors, or vents.
Generators get hot and have moving parts. Children should never play near them, touch them, or help refuel. Create a firm child-free zone around the unit.
Improper cords, overloaded outlets, or wet conditions can increase shock and fire risk. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and keep all connections dry and protected.
Place the generator outside only, well away from the home and never in an enclosed or partially enclosed area. Follow manufacturer guidance and local safety recommendations for distance.
Exhaust can drift indoors. Avoid placing the generator near open windows, exterior doors, air intakes, or any area where fumes could enter living spaces.
Set the generator on a flat surface where it will stay dry and won’t tip. Keep it out of puddles and away from play areas, walkways, and places children regularly use.
Teach children that the generator is not a toy and is never to be touched. Make sure every caregiver knows the same rules and supervision plan.
Choose heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords sized for the appliances you are powering. Keep cords out of standing water and away from areas where kids may trip, pull, or unplug them.
Turn the generator off and let it cool before adding fuel. Store gasoline safely and never refuel while children are nearby.
Before each use, confirm that your generator is outdoors in a safe location, carbon monoxide alarms in the home are working, children know to stay away, cords are rated for outdoor use, and the unit is dry and stable. During operation, keep the area supervised, check that exhaust is directed away from the house, and make sure cords are not creating trip hazards. After use, allow the generator to cool fully before storing or refueling, and review anything that felt confusing so your setup is safer next time.
A portable generator should always be used outdoors and placed well away from the home, especially away from doors, windows, vents, and attached spaces like garages. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local guidance for safe distance and placement.
No. Running a generator in a garage, even with the door open, can allow carbon monoxide to build up and enter the home. Generators should only be used outdoors in a properly placed location.
Children should be taught that generators are never for play, should not be touched, and should only be approached by an adult. They should also know to stay away from cords, fuel, and the operating area.
Not always. Families should use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that match the power needs of the appliances being used. Damaged, undersized, or indoor-only cords can increase shock and fire risk.
Carbon monoxide can build up quickly and is especially dangerous because it has no smell or color. Families may not realize there is a problem until symptoms appear. Safe outdoor placement and working carbon monoxide alarms are essential.
Answer a few questions to review your current setup, identify family-specific risks, and get practical next steps for keeping children safe around generators.
Answer a Few QuestionsExplore more assessments in this topic group.
See related assessments across this category.
Find more parenting assessments by category and topic.
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety