How to use a generator safely during a multi-day winter power outage

Short answer

Why people ask this

People want to keep heat, fridges, and phones running during a multi-day winter outage, but snow, ice, and closed-up homes raise unique hazards. Cold temps, drifting snow, and fuel issues make typical generator advice insufficient. They need to know where to place a unit when the yard is snowed in, how to shield it from sleet without enclosing exhaust, and how to conserve fuel over several days. They’re also worried about carbon monoxide building up as snow blocks vents and about wet, icy conditions increasing shock risks.

When it might be safe

• Placing the generator outdoors on a cleared, dry, level surface 20+ feet from the home, with exhaust aimed downwind and away from doors, windows, and snowdrifts that could reflect fumes back.
• Using a weather-rated, open-sided generator canopy to keep snow and sleet off the unit while maintaining free airflow (never tarps or enclosed sheds).
• Running the generator intermittently to stretch fuel over multiple days—e.g., cycling it to heat the house to a safe baseline, chill the fridge/freezer, and charge devices, then shutting it down.
• Powering the home through a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician to avoid backfeeding and to manage winter heating loads safely.
• Using cold-weather engine oil (e.g., 5W-30), fresh fuel with stabilizer, and keeping propane tanks upright and off frozen ground to improve cold starts and pressure in freezing temps.

When it is not safe

• Running a generator in a garage, basement, shed, doorway, or under a deck—even with doors open—or near snowbanks that can trap and reflect carbon monoxide.
• Operating the generator in rain/snow or on icy, slushy ground without an appropriate open-sided cover and GFCI protection.
• Backfeeding the house through a dryer outlet or extension cord daisy chains, which can electrocute utility workers and damage appliances.
• Refueling a hot generator or storing fuel containers next to the running unit or near heat sources inside to “keep them warm.”
• Routing exhaust toward intake vents, furnace/chimney areas, or where drifting snow could block and redirect fumes into the home.

Possible risks

• Carbon monoxide poisoning increased by tightly sealed winter homes and snowdrifts blocking vents and reflecting exhaust.
• Electrocution or shock from wet, icy conditions and improper cords or lack of GFCI/transfer switch.
• Fire from hot-surface refueling, spilled fuel, or overloaded circuits when powering electric heaters.
• Equipment damage or outage extension due to overloads, poor cold starts, or gelled/low-pressure fuel in freezing weather.
• Fuel shortages or theft during multi-day events, leading to unsafe substitutions (indoor grills or outdoor heaters used inside).

Safer alternatives

• Use an indoor-safe battery power station for electronics and a few small appliances; recharge during generator runs or at community charging sites.
• Consolidate living to one insulated room, use layered clothing/blankets, door drafts stops, and hot water bottles to reduce heating load between generator cycles.
• If available, use a properly vented wood stove or fireplace; keep chimneys clear of snow and schedule brief generator runs for blowers only.
• Visit a warming center or trusted neighbor for periodic warm-ups and device charging if fuel is scarce.
• For cooking, use an outdoor grill or camp stove strictly outside; never indoors, in garages, or near doorways.

Bottom line

A generator can help you ride out a multi-day winter outage if it’s outdoors, far from the house, dry, and correctly connected. Prioritize CO safety, manage loads, conserve fuel with timed runs, and prepare for cold starts and wet conditions. If you can’t meet those conditions, use safer alternatives and seek a warming center.

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