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Tag: back-up generators

Generator Power Safety and Medical Devices

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO Energy is dedicated to being its members’ first source for electric safety communication and resources during major weather events such as Hurricane Matthew.

 

Members who use generators during service interruptions should only use with safety in mind.  Generators should never be used in an enclosed space – generator engines emit carbon monoxide (CO). If CO is inhaled, it can be fatal to humans and pets, as it is a colorless, odorless, invisible killer.  Do not attempt to use a generator when it is wet, as this poses a risk for electrocution and death.  Always read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions contained in the generator operations manual.

 

SECO Encourages Member Safety During Hurricane Matthew

 

For members who may need continuous power to run life-saving machines, please be aware that Hurricane Matthew may be the cause of prolonged outages during and after the storm hits. If you are a SECO member who requires uninterrupted service and you do not have a back-up source of power to operate a medically necessary device, now is the time to act as SECO cannot guarantee continuous service during a severe storm event. Contact the emergency operations center (EOC) in the county where you live and inquire about available shelters in your area. Below is the contact information for the EOCs by county:

 

 

SECO reminds members to never touch downed power lines.  Even if a line is down, it could still be live and lead to electrocution and death.  Do not allow children to play near downed lines or trees downed during storms.  Please report any service interruptions or downed power lines through SECO’s Storm Center or call 800-732-6141.

 

SECO Encourages Member Safety During Hurricane Matthew

 

“Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting the area.

Storm Preparation & Generator Safety

Portable Generators:

 

During storm and hurricane season, a portable generator can come in handy if your power is interrupted, but portable generators must always be used with safety in mind.  Read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions contained in the generator operations manual.

 

According to the National Safety Council, www.nsc.org, generators should NEVER be used in an enclosed space – always run the generator outdoors away from windows, vents and doors.  Portable generator engines emit carbon monoxide (CO) that if inhaled can be fatal to humans and pets.  CO is a colorless, odorless, invisible killer.  Do not attempt to use a generator when it is wet, as this poses a risk for electrocution and death.

 

Permanent Generators:

 

Are you thinking of installing a generator at your home or business for use during power interruptions?  If so, heed these tips before purchasing and installing:

 

  1. Installing a generator is not an average do-it-yourself project.
  2. A qualified electrical contractor must perform the installation of the emergency generator, as well as the disconnect and transfer switchgear.
  3. Do not attempt to connect the generator directly to your electric panel.
  4. Always properly disconnect from SECO’s service before starting your generator.
  5. Before use, read and follow the safety instructions contained in the generator operations manual.

 

Improperly installing or using a generator can lead to property damage, injuries or even death.  Visit our section on generator safety to learn more.

Tropical Storm Colin Update

Governor Scott has declared a state of emergency for SECO Energy’s service area as Tropical Storm Colin moves into the Central Florida area. A tropical storm warning has been issued for SECO’s entire service territory.

 

The National Hurricane Center forecast is showing Colin making landfall this evening near the Big Bend and Panhandle area. The impact may cause storm force winds of 39 mph up to 57 mph with possible tornadoes through early Tuesday morning.

 

Tropical Storm Colin poses a severe threat to the State of Florida and requires timely precautions. SECO members could see heavy rain and gusting winds as Colin move through the state. SECO members should visit www.secoenergy.com to receive updates and report outages.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services is reminding members that SECO is Storm Ready for its members. “SECO is prepared for the almost daily afternoon storms that affect our service area and we are prepared for stronger storms as well. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we are dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our members.”

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Learn more about generator safety and preparing for storm season.