The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute is reminding homeowners and businesses to follow generator safety guidelines as severe weather and power outages increase demand for backup power equipment.

Generators can provide emergency electricity for homes, businesses, remote job sites and disaster recovery efforts. However, improper use can create serious safety hazards, including carbon monoxide poisoning, fire and electrical injuries.

Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI, said users should always follow manufacturer instructions and never operate generators inside homes, garages or other enclosed spaces. Generators should be placed outside and away from doors, windows and air intakes.

OPEI recommends inspecting generators before storms, reviewing operating manuals, installing battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors and using only the fuel type recommended by the manufacturer. The group also advises keeping generators dry, refueling only after equipment has cooled, using heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords and connecting appliances directly to the generator whenever possible.

For long-term emergency power needs, OPEI recommends installing a transfer switch, which safely connects a generator to a home electrical panel and helps prevent overloads.

Officials also warned against backfeeding, a practice in which a generator is plugged into a household outlet to power electrical wiring. The practice can endanger utility workers, damage electronics and increase the risk of electrical fires.