Guidance on Safe Generator Use During Outages

MS Insurance Press Releases

Published February 5th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) has issued guidance on the safe operation of generators during power outages. The guidance emphasizes carbon monoxide safety, proper generator placement, fuel management, and planning ahead to prevent fires and poisoning.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) has released guidance to the public regarding the safe use of generators, particularly during power outages caused by storms or other events. The document outlines critical safety measures, including never operating generators indoors, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, using appropriate outdoor-rated extension cords, and allowing generators to cool before refueling. It also provides detailed information on fuel consumption for various generator types and emphasizes the importance of planning fuel supplies, especially for homes that also use propane for heating or cooking.

This guidance is intended to help residents prevent preventable accidents such as fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. While not a binding regulation, compliance with these safety recommendations is crucial for protecting individuals and property. Consumers should review the guidance to ensure they understand their generator's fuel needs and safety requirements before an emergency occurs. No specific compliance deadlines or penalties are mentioned, as this is informational guidance.

What to do next

Review generator safety guidelines provided by the Mississippi SFMO.
Ensure generators are operated outdoors in well-ventilated areas, away from windows and doors.
Verify the presence and functionality of carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

Source document (simplified)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2026 MEDIA CONTACT Beth Reiss Communications Director beth.reiss@mid.ms.gov 601‐359‐2403 SFMO Issues Guidance on Safe Generator Use JACKSON, Miss. – When storms or outages leave your home without power, a generator can be a lifesaver— but it must be used safely and responsibly. Every year, improper generator use leads to fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fuel shortages that could have been prevented with a little planning. Generator Safety First: • Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, carport, or near open windows and doors. • Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly—always place generators outdoors in a well‐ventilated area. • Use heavy‐duty, outdoor‐rated extension cords and keep them away from standing water. • Allow the generator to cool before refueling. • Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. Generators consume more fuel than many people realize. The amount of propane used depends on the size of the unit and how hard it works. For example: • A 22–26 KW home standby generator can use 3–4.5 gallons of propane per hour at full load. • Over a 7‐day outage, that could require 450 to 750 gallons of propane, depending on load. • Even at 60% load, many units will still use 1.5–2 gallons per hour. This means a standard 250‐gallon tank may only power a large generator for a few days. Homes that rely on propane for heat, water heaters, or cooking must also account for that additional fuel demand. Plan Ahead: • Know the size of your generator and its hourly fuel consumption. • Keep tanks filled before storm season. • Consider reducing load by only running essential appliances. • Stay in contact with your propane supplier early—during major events, deliveries may be delayed. “Generators are an excellent tool during emergencies, but they must be used with respect and preparation. A few simple safety steps and an understanding of fuel needs can protect your family and help ensure your home stays powered when it matters most,” said Scottie Cuevas, Director of the LC Gas Division of the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office. ###