Power Outage Checklist for Generator Owners

When the power goes out, check the household’s immediate safety first, then confirm what the generator is actually supplying. A running engine does not by itself prove that every intended circuit has power. Do not approach equipment during lightning, a tornado warning, flooding, or other unsafe conditions.

In the first few minutes

1. Follow active weather instructions. Shelter or evacuate when directed. Generator checks can wait.
2. Check people who need immediate help. Use any device-specific backup plan already arranged for necessary equipment.
3. Allow the installed automatic sequence to work. Avoid manually changing controls just because power does not return instantly.
4. Check selected indoor loads. Confirm the lights and essential appliances expected to be backed up. Leave other large loads off until you understand the system’s status.
5. Record a problem clearly. Note whether the engine is running, which circuits have power, and any safely available fault message.

Generac describes automatic startup after a utility failure and shutdown after utility returns in its standby FAQ. Actual delays and operating instructions depend on the installed equipment.

If the engine runs but the house is dark

First distinguish a whole-house loss from one unpowered circuit. Some installations back up only selected circuits; managed loads may also be temporarily unavailable. Compare what you observe with the circuit and load plan from installation.

Call for service if the intended backup circuits remain unpowered. Do not open the transfer switch, bridge contacts, or improvise a connection. Tell the technician whether anything briefly powered up and whether a new load was added just before the problem.

During a longer outage

• Track run hours and the next maintenance deadline in your model’s manual.
• Monitor propane reserve and delivery arrangements, where applicable.
• Use the planned essential loads and postpone optional high-demand tasks.
• Check monitoring timestamps before treating stale app data as a current equipment reading.
• Keep a simple log of fuel readings, alarms, service calls, and changes in operation.

The extended-runtime guide explains how to calculate remaining service hours. If you cannot arrange necessary maintenance or fuel, act on the household’s fallback plan before the situation becomes urgent.

Stop routine checks when a hazard appears

If a CO alarm sounds or CO poisoning is suspected, get everyone outside immediately and call 911. Do not stay indoors troubleshooting. That is the response given in the CPSC generator and CO safety guidance.

Stay away from downed lines and standing water near electrical equipment. Do not enter water to reach a breaker. The CDC electrical-hazard guidance explains why wet equipment requires qualified assessment.

Refrigeration still needs attention if its circuit loses power. CDC advises keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed; a closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about four hours without power. Follow its food-safety instructions if the time or temperature history is uncertain.

When utility power returns

Let the normal automatic transfer and cooldown finish. Record final run hours and any alarms, and make sure the system returns to its normal ready condition using the owner instructions. Follow the after-outage checks if the property was unattended or damaged.

For generator service, call Brite Generators at 270-223-6302. Have the model, exact fault text, run hours, and affected circuits ready.