If you Think PG&E is Dangerous Wait till you See 100 Generators

With all the recent news about Pacific Gas & Electric and 2017 and 2018 Forest Fires, its easy to think that electrical power lines might not be as horrible as we all think they are.

In the last few days PG&E has started turning off power to customers in an effort to prevent forest fires. The power shut offs"are designed to reduce the threat of wildfire that could be sparked by lines brought down in gusting winds."

Just about everyone that lives in one of these areas should have been notified before hand. Via letters, text messages, public media etc. Many communities have prepared and many consumers have preventively gone out to purchase generators in case they are needed. Recently the town of Mill Valley has made news by "approv(ing) a new policy this week that allows residents and businesses to turn on noisy backup generators during prolonged power outages without violating city sound limits." Obviously Mill Valley assumes that lots of its residents will be forced to turn on these generators.

But Generators have problems too. Just like Electrical power lines, Generators can start fires as well. Most of them run on fuel, such as gasoline, and even propane or natural gas. When the fuel is poured in or if while running it develops a leak, its possible that they too can set a house or other structure on fire. And once a house is on fire, its not hard to imagine it spreading to another property. How is that different than what happened with PGE power lines?

However the danger of Generators is more than just the fire danger and noise. Every year generators kill people because of improper use. Generators give off a noxious gas called Carbon Monoxide. Most/Many users have no idea of this and people get sick or fall ill frequently because of this very reason.

Will Running Thousands of Generators be Every Bit as Dangerous our Power Lines?

We will not know for some time. But my best guess is that many of us might come to find that electrical power lines are a potential better solution than independent electrical production.

As a Public Safety, here are some best practices from Consumer Reports:

• "Never run a generator in an enclosed space or indoors.
• Don’t run a portable generator in the rain.
• Before refueling, turn off a gas-powered generator and let it cool.
• Stock up on extra gasoline and store it properly.
• Avoid electrical hazards. " They have further recommendations that can be found here.

Stay safe through the power situation in Marin County Everyone. Fully read your generator instructions and before you turn it on ask yourself one simple question: "Do I really need a generator running right now?"

Scott W Johnson is the Owner / Manager of Marindependent Insurance Services LLC, a Boutique Independent Insurance Agency / Brokerage based in Marin County representing dozens of A rated carriers in Marin County. Scott deals with the flood of non-renewals hitting Marin County residents on a daily basis.

*This article does not deal with any legal or insurance rules or regulations concerning the use and liability of power and power generation.