How far from the house does a generator need to be?

The CPSC recommends placing portable generators at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, with the exhaust pointing away from the house. Never run a generator inside a garage, even with the door open. Carbon monoxide from a generator can reach lethal concentrations in minutes.

What is the difference between a portable power station and a generator?

A portable power station is a large rechargeable battery — it produces no emissions and can be used indoors safely. It charges from a wall outlet, solar panels, or a car. A generator burns fuel and produces electricity on demand, but generates carbon monoxide and must always be used outdoors. Power stations are quieter, lower-maintenance, and safer for home use but cannot power high-draw appliances like central air or electric ranges.

How long does gasoline stay good for generator use?

Untreated gasoline begins to degrade in 3 to 6 months. Adding a fuel stabilizer (such as Sta-Bil) can extend shelf life to 12 to 24 months. Store gasoline only in approved containers away from the home and ignition sources. Never store gasoline inside the garage attached to your home.

What is a safe indoor heating option during a power outage?

Options approved for indoor use include: a fireplace or wood stove with a clean, inspected chimney; an indoor-rated propane heater (such as a Mr. Heater Buddy with an oxygen depletion sensor); and an indoor-rated kerosene heater. Never use outdoor propane heaters, gas grills, charcoal, or generators indoors. Always have a battery-operated CO detector running whenever using any combustion heat source indoors.

How much fuel should I store for a generator?

A typical 5,000-watt portable generator uses roughly 0.5 to 0.75 gallons per hour under load. For a 72-hour outage at moderate use (8 hours per day), plan for 12 to 18 gallons. Store fuel in approved containers in a detached structure or outdoors, never inside living spaces or an attached garage. Treat stored gasoline with fuel stabilizer.

Energy Preparedness Checklist — Power, Heating and Lighting When the Grid Goes Down

Section 1 — Read First

Carbon monoxide safety. The invisible hazard of every power outage.

More people die from CO poisoning during power outages than from the outage itself. CO is odorless, colorless, and lethal in minutes at high concentrations. This section comes first for that reason.

Have a battery-operated CO detector on every level of your home, including near sleeping areas (CPSC)
Never use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside or in an attached garage
Never use a gas grill, camp stove, or charcoal indoors — even in a garage with the door open
Never use a gas oven as a heat source
If the CO alarm sounds: leave immediately, leave the door open, call 911 from outside

Section 2

Backup power. Match the solution to the need.

Not every household needs a generator. A portable power station handles phones, lights, a fan, and a CPAP. A generator handles refrigerators and well pumps. Buy what your household actually needs.

Portable Power Stations and Banks

At least one portable power bank (20,000+ mAh) per adult for phone charging
A portable power station (500Wh or larger) for fans, lights, CPAP, and device charging
A compatible solar panel if you want to recharge the power station during a multi-day outage
Keep all power banks and stations fully charged before storm season

Generators

Place generator at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent with exhaust pointing away from the house (CPSC)
Test the generator before an outage — once per season minimum
Use a transfer switch or interlock kit — never backfeed the grid (dangerous for utility workers)
Store fuel in approved containers with fuel stabilizer added — rotate every 6 months

Section 3

Lighting. Light for every person in every room.

At least one flashlight per person in the household, with tested batteries
Headlamps for hands-free work (cooking, first aid, caring for children)
LED lanterns or rechargeable camp lights for general room lighting
Extra batteries in the correct sizes for all devices
Avoid candles if possible — battery-powered options eliminate open-flame fire risk during a stressful situation

Section 4

Heating and cooling. Temperature extremes are medical emergencies.

Hypothermia and heat stroke kill during extended outages. Prioritize temperature management, especially for young children, elderly household members, and people with medical conditions.

Heating Without Grid Power

Identify an indoor-approved heat source: fireplace, wood stove, or indoor-rated propane heater with oxygen depletion sensor
Stock sufficient fuel: firewood, propane, or kerosene in approved containers
Have extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers for everyone
During a cold-weather outage, consolidate household to one room to retain heat

Cooling Without Grid Power

Identify a nearby public cooling center (library, community center, mall) for extreme heat outages
Battery-powered fans for air circulation — a power station can run a small fan for 8+ hours
Keep shades drawn during daylight to reduce solar heat gain
Drink water consistently — dehydration accelerates heat illness even when you do not feel thirsty

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Energy Preparedness Checklist. Power, heat, and light when the grid goes down.