Generator safety for storm season

By LCEC

Storm season is officially here. As you prep your storm kit, be sure to consider the following if you plan to use a generator in the event of a power outage These tips will keep you, your loved ones, and utility workers safe:

∫ Do not connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring at the breaker panel or meter or a regular h o u s e h o l d o u t l e t C o n n e c t i n g a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others A generator that is directly connected to your home’s wiring can “back feed” onto the power lines connected to your home

Y o u c o u l d a l s o c a u s e e x p e n s i v e damage to utility equipment and your generator

∫ The only safe way to connect a portable electric generator to your existing wiring is to have a licensed electrical contractor install a transfer switch. The transfer switch transfers power from the utility power lines to the power coming from your generator

∫ Connect individual appliances that have their outdoor-rated power cords directly to the receptacle outlet of the generator, or connect these c o r d - c o n n e c t e d a p p l i a n c e s t o t h e generator with the appropriate outdoor-rated power cord having a sufficient wire gauge to handle the electrical load

∫ Do not overload the generator

Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics

Prioritize your needs A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment

∫ Never use a generator indoors or in an attached garage Just like your automobile, a portable generat o r u s e s a n i n t e r n a l c o m b u s t i o n e n g i n e t h a t e m i t s d e a d l y c a r b o n monoxide Be sure to place the generator where exhaust fumes will not enter the house, in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the h o m e , a n d p r o t e c t e d f r o m d i r e c t exposure to rain, preferably under a canopy, open shed or carport

∫ Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it is running Gasoline (and other flammable liquids) should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled, nonglass safety containers They should not be stored in a garage if a fuelburning appliance is in the garage

The vapor from gasoline can travel invisibly along the ground and be ignited by pilot lights or electric arcs caused by turning on the lights Avoid spilling fuel on hot components Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator ∫ Turn off all equipment powered b y t h e g e n e r a t o r b e f o r e s h u t t i n g down your generator.

Visit the Storm Center at lcec net to download the LCEC Hurricane Guide and find other useful links

Recipe of the Week: Grilled Flank Steak with Wild Mushrooms, Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Pesto

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

In Rome, there is a great restaurant called “Vecchia Roma” near the beautiful Piazza Campitelli I have had many memorable meals there, but my favorite dish is this great steak topped with arugula and tomato salad and finished with balsamic glaze This is my version of that fabulous dish for you to enjoy Serves eight (Chef tip: Do not overcook flank steak or it will become tough )

1 flank steak, approximately 1 pound

2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped

1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sea salt

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salsa verde:

2 anchovy filets, soaked in milk

1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained well

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup fresh Italian parsley, minced

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice, to taste

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt