Florida generators belong outside the house

A generator can make a hot, powerless house feel manageable after a storm. It also needs a firm rule: keep it outside, away from windows, doors, garages, and enclosed spaces.

Carbon monoxide is the reason. You cannot count on smell or sight to warn you. A garage with the door open is still not the right place. A porch, breezeway, shed, or carport can also be a bad fit if exhaust can move toward people.

Plan the setup before the outage. Decide where the generator will sit, how cords will run, where fuel will be stored, and which appliances truly need power. Install carbon monoxide alarms, read the generator manual, and keep the machine dry without bringing it indoors.

For whole-home systems, ask a licensed electrician about transfer equipment before storm season. For portable units, check Florida Disaster and CDC guidance, then write the placement plan on paper so no one has to invent it in the dark.