What Campers Need To Know: Portable Generator Safety Tips
Even in wide-open spaces, safe operation is required to prevent CO exposure
More campers are heading into the wild, eschewing traditional pay-to-stay campsites and RV parks to go off-grid. Destinations might include public lands like Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property or other off-the-beaten-path accommodations. Sometimes called “boondocking” or “dispersed camping,” this type of camping requires a campsite to be self-sustaining, relying on no public utilities for water, sewer, and power.
Portable generators have become a favorite of off-grid campers, used to power refrigerators, TVs, stoves, and lights when away from shore power. They help bring all the comforts of home to nature’s wide-open spaces. But even in these rustic settings, portable generator users still need to be aware of basic safety. The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) warns that misuse of portable generators can result in exposure to dangerous—even deadly—carbon monoxide (CO).
Help get the word out to the campers you encounter. The safety rules are simple, but they could save a life.
The rules are:
Always read the operator’s manual first. Be sure to choose portable generators with automatic CO shutoff systems that meet the ANSI/PGMA G300-2018 standard. Keep the generator outside and far away from doors and openings to campers and tents. Always position the generator so fumes are pointed away from your RV, truck/car, trailer, tent, and people. Always be aware of your neighbors and keep fumes pointed away from them, too.
Also, know the symptoms of CO poisoning. They include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If you feel symptoms, leave the area right away.
By observing these safety rules, off-grid campers can safely operate their portable generators on their adventures in the wilds of the U.S.
For more information, a campground safety fact sheet is available on PGMA’s dedicated safety website, https://www.takeyourgeneratoroutside.com/.