Generator Safety Tips for 2026 Hurricane Season

(Louisiana) - Hurricane season is officially underway here in Southwest Louisiana. We're trying to help you get ahead of the game with some preparedness tips. We're starting with Generator Safety Tips to get us prepared for a potential storm...

What Can We Expect From The 2026 Hurricane Season in Louisiana?

Early forecasts for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season suggest the overall basin may end up slightly below normal compared to the long-term average, according to Colorado State University’s early April outlook. The forecast calls for about 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes across the entire Atlantic basin.

Even with that outlook, experts stress this does not mean Louisiana is in the clear or facing a quiet season. Seasonal forecasts are meant to show general trends, not predict exactly where storms will form or make landfall.

READ MORE: Full List of Storm Names in 2026

Geraldton Residents Remain Without Power As Clean Up Begins In Wake Of Cyclone Seroja — Getty Images

No matter what happens, it's always best to stay prepared, so here's a quick safety tip checklist for your Generator.

Generator Safety Tips For Southwest Louisiana Hurricane Season

Never use a generator inside your home, garage, or a patio. Running it in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces can quickly build up deadly carbon monoxide gas.
Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your house and windows. This helps keep exhaust fumes from entering your home through doors, vents, or windows.
Carbon monoxide is dangerous. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. These alarms can alert you if gas levels become unsafe while you are sleeping or inside.
Never refill a generator while it is hot. Let it cool down first. Gasoline can ignite if it touches hot engine parts, which can cause a fire.
Do not overload the generator with too many appliances at once. This can damage the generator and cause it to shut down or overheat.
Use heavy duty outdoor rated extension cords only. These cords are built to handle higher power and reduce the risk of shock or fire.
Keep the generator dry and never touch it with wet hands. Water and electricity can create a serious shock hazard.
Do not plug a generator into a wall outlet. This can send power back into utility lines and create a dangerous situation for workers and your home.
Store gasoline safely in approved containers away from heat. Gas vapors can ignite easily, so proper storage is very important.
Use a fuel stabilizer if storing gas for a long time. This helps keep fuel fresh and prevents the generator from having problems starting.
Maintain and test your generator before hurricane season. Regular checks help make sure it will work when you need it most during a power outage.