Firefighters warn generators must be used outdoors and away from buildings

Firefighters are warning residents across Lithuania to use electrical generators only outdoors and at a safe distance from buildings, LRT reported, after a powerful storm disrupted electricity supplies to thousands of people.

The Fire Protection and Rescue Department said generators can be useful during power cuts but must be operated safely to prevent fires and other hazards. Residents should read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow all safety requirements before using one.

Generators must not be used inside houses or apartments, garages, basements, semi-basements, storage rooms, workshops, farm buildings, balconies, attics or any other partly enclosed spaces. They should also be kept away from open windows, doors and ventilation openings.

Firefighters warned that carbon monoxide, also known as carbonic gas, is colourless, odourless and highly toxic. Open windows and doors do not prevent the gas from entering living spaces and causing fatal poisoning.

The generator should be placed outdoors at the safe distance from buildings specified by the manufacturer, with exhaust fumes directed away from houses, windows, doors and ventilation openings. Firefighters said it should not be placed directly next to a wall simply to make connecting cables easier.

Residents must not connect a generator to a house electrical outlet in an attempt to supply power throughout the building. This can cause electric shocks and endanger people. Such connections may only be carried out by a qualified specialist.

Firefighters advised using only outdoor extension cords specified in the generator’s instructions and rated for the combined load of the connected appliances. They recommended connecting individual appliances only, testing how to start and stop the generator before a power cut, learning how to refuel it safely, and installing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Saturday’s storm brought down trees, killed one person and injured four others. More than 268,000 residents lost power. According to the latest data from ESO, more than 100,000 customers remain without electricity, mainly in the Kaunas, Utena, Panevėžys and Vilnius regions.

ESO distributed generators to residents in several municipalities over the weekend. The Fire Protection and Rescue Department said it could allocate 192 mobile generators with a capacity of two to three kilowatts for telecommunications infrastructure and other facilities where they could help maintain essential systems.

The department is coordinating demand for generators with municipalities. Retailer Senukai said sales of electrical generators increased 30-fold in physical stores and 14-fold in its online shop.