Aaron Berg fills up a gas can and his portable generator Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, in Houston as Hurricane Harvey intensified in the Gulf of Mexico.  (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

With below-freezing temperatures in some parts of Maine on Tuesday night, Central Maine Power is urging customers without power to be careful with generators and alternative heat sources. 

The National Weather Service office in Gray forecast a low of 32 degrees in Lewiston-Auburn, 30 degrees in Rumford and 27 degrees in Rangeley for Tuesday night. 

Those using portable generators should take precautions, operating them outdoors in a clean, dry area, according to CMP. Without adequate ventilation, carbon monoxide and other dangerous gases can build up and become deadly.

Other safety measures for using a generator include: 

• After losing power, turn off the main breaker or pull the main fuse block;

• Don’t touch a generator if you are wet or are standing in water or on damp ground;

• All electrical connections must comply with the National Electric Code;

• Do not overload a generator with too many appliances. Get the right size generator for your needs;

• Keep an approved, fully-charged fire extinguisher nearby;

• Don’t store gasoline or other generator fuels in your home or near the generator;

• Don’t refuel the generator while it’s running;

• Don’t smoke, use open flames or operate electrical switches while handling fuel;

• Don’t store fuel in any container that isn’t specifically designed for that purpose; and

• Inspect and maintain the generator regularly.

Source: Central Maine Power. 

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