With summer storms come power outages. And, with power outages, out come the portable generators.

The West Grove Fire Company reminds everyone that portable generators need to be used with care. Exhaust gases present a real risk, as does the safety concerns of refueling hot generators. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has published a safety sheet for home generators that is important to read and understand.

Generators also present a risk to power company workers who are trying to restore power in the area. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has also published a generator safety bulletin that covers these topics.

The WGFC urges caution as area homes and businesses use generators to get through storm power outages.