Sunshine Ace Hardware Shares Generator Safety Ahead of Peak Hurricane Season

With the peak of Atlantic hurricane season approaching in September, Sunshine Ace Hardware is reminding Southwest Florida residents to prepare generators now and use them safely during power outages.

Generators can provide critical backup power during extended outages, but improper use can create risks of
carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, fire and burns.

“When the power goes out after a storm, a generator can bring back some sense of normalcy at home,” says
Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. “It can keep the refrigerator running, charge your phones and make a difficult few days a little more manageable. Understanding what your generator can handle, keeping it in good working order and knowing how to use it safely are all important before you’re relying on it. Our associates are here to help our neighbors before, during and after storms so they can use the equipment they depend on as safely as possible.”

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by fuel-burning equipment. Portable generators should always be used outdoors, at least 20 feet from homes, with exhaust directed away from doors, windows and vents.

Additional precautions include:

• Maintain and test equipment early: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance
  schedule. Before hurricane season each year, check the oil, make sure stored fuel is fresh, start and
  test the generator, inspect extension cords and make sure carbon monoxide alarms are working.
• Keep it dry: Place the unit on a dry surface and protect it from moisture without moving it indoors.
• Refuel carefully: Turn off fuel-powered models and allow them to cool before adding fuel. Store
  gasoline outside living areas in approved containers.
• Avoid backfeeding: Never power a home by plugging a generator into a wall outlet. Backfeeding
  can cause fires and put residents and utility workers at risk of electrocution.

Battery-powered portable power stations and solar-powered options also can provide power during an outage. Households should consider which appliances and devices they need to operate, required wattage and anticipated duration when determining which option meets their needs.

In 2025, Florida law permanently exempted many hurricane supplies from state sales tax, eliminating the need for a Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Qualifying supplies include portable generators, batteries, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and other emergency items.

Sunshine Ace retail stores also carry free hurricane guides and checklists with information about preparing for power outages.