1. Consult a licensed electrician to select the right generator for your home or business. Make sure it meets national and local safety code requirements.
    
2. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation. The correct way to connect a generator is to have a certified electrician install a power transfer switch.
    
3. Never use a generator indoors. Use only in a well-ventilated area to reduce risk of inhaling harmful fumes.
    
4. Never connect a generator directly to your home or building's electrical circuits.
    
5. If connected to a breaker panel or fuse box, turn off or disconnect the main breaker to the house while the generator is in use.
    
6. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
    
7. Avoid contact with bare wires or terminals.
    
8. Always use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in damp or highly conductive area.
    
9. Do not overload your generator and use only appropriate power cords for connecting appliances.
    
10. Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting down your generator. Have a licensed electrician disconnect your generator unless it has an automatic device.
     
11. Check the cords connecting the generator to make sure they are in good shape.
     
12. Check to make sure the generator and all its parts are in good condition.
     
13. Never refuel a generator when it is hot and make sure you store fuel away from the generator itself.
     
14. Remove the gasoline from portable generators when they are not in use.
     
15. Change the oil regularly.
     
16. Test the generator on a regular basis.
     
17. Check the battery on electric-start models.
     
18. Check the exhaust system.

For information on purchasing or services generators, please visit Aero Energy, Adams Electric's subsidiary.

For a free booklet on sizing and selecting your generator, or to have someone from Adams Electric check your permanently-installed generator and its installation, contact Adams Electric toll-free at 1-888-232-6732.