We do our best to make sure your electricity is reliable, but sometimes nature can critically damage our power lines and poles. Hurricanes, thunderstorms and high winds can cause unexpected and lengthy power outages.

At San Patricio Electric Cooperative, the safety of our members and employees is our goal, especially during dangerous times. When storms hit our area, we rush to your aid as soon as weather conditions allow our lineworkers to travel and make repairs safely.

A generator can be a great tool if you ever find yourself without power. And for those with life-supporting medical equipment, a generator could be essential during a power outage. However, despite the many benefits generators provide, they also come with some dangers. Please keep these safety tips in mind when you use your generator.

• Never connect a generator to the electrical system in your home.  If you want your back-up generator connected to your home, you must have a qualified electrician properly install a generator with a transfer switch. Without a transfer switch, the generator could backfeed into SPEC’s electric grid, which could electrocute servicemen who are trying to restore power to your home.

• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Any extension cord you use with your generator should have a three-prong plug and be free of damage. It should also be rated for outdoor use.

• Don’t overload the generator. The appliances you’re powering should not reach a higher wattage than the power rating on your generator. Overloading the generator could damage your appliances, or worse, start a fire.

• Do not use generators indoors. Generators release carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and deadly gas. Generators must be placed outside, with three to four feet of clear space on every side to promote proper ventilation.