Attention Louisiana Residents: Stay Safe During the Winter Storm!

With a winter storm and potential snow expected through Friday, it’s important to prioritize safety when using generators. Remember, generators must always be used outside—never inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless and tasteless gas, can quickly build up and pose life-threatening dangers. It requires specialized fire department equipment to remove safely.

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Before turning on your generator, ensure nothing is plugged in, and always keep children and pets at a safe distance. Once it’s running, plug appliances directly into the generator or use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet, as it creates a dangerous backfeed risk.

Let’s work together to stay safe and prepared during this storm. Keep these tips in mind to protect your family and loved ones!

Portable electric generator running in the cold winter.
Vitaliy Halenov
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In the event of power outages, please remember to follow these 10 Generator Safety Tips to protect your loved ones:

1.) Always operate generators outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents.

2.) Never use a generator inside your home, garage, or basement.

3.) Position the generator on a dry, level surface to avoid electrocution.

4.)Use carbon monoxide detectors to alert you to dangerous gas buildup.

5.) Allow the generator to cool before refueling to prevent fires or explosions.

6.) Keep children and pets away from the generator while it’s running.

7.) Plug appliances directly into the generator or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord.

8.) Never backfeed power by plugging a generator into a wall outlet—it’s extremely dangerous.

9.) Read and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines for your generator.

10.) Have a plan for regular maintenance to ensure the generator operates safely and efficiently.

Stay prepared, stay informed, and keep your family safe!

LOOK: The most extreme temperatures in the history of every state

Stacker consulted 2021 data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.

Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Anuradha Varanasi