Generators and Carbon Monoxide: Keep the Engine Outside

When a storm takes the power out across Seminole County, the hum of portable generators starts up within hours. They keep the fridge cold and the fans turning, and every one of them puts out carbon monoxide, a gas you can't see or smell. The CDC warns that people who are asleep or have been drinking can die from it before they notice any symptoms.

How far from the house should a generator run?

Outside, at least 20 feet from the house, its windows, doors and vents. The agencies phrase it slightly differently. CDC says "more than 20 feet away from any windows, doors, and vents." Ready.gov says at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. The Florida Department of Health says at least 20 feet away from your home. Pick a spot that satisfies all three.

Pace off those 20 feet before the storm, in daylight, and decide where the machine will sit. When the cords come up short, the answer is longer heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords, never a closer generator.

CDC for generators; s. 553.885, Florida Statutes, for alarms

Generator distance from home20 feet

Alarm distance from sleeping rooms10 feet

Source: CDC; s. 553.885, Florida Statutes

Why is the garage never okay, even with the door up?

Because an open door doesn't clear the gas fast enough. CDC says never to run a generator inside a home or garage "even if doors and windows are open." The same goes for a screened porch, a carport against the house, a shed or a crawlspace. If it has a roof and walls near where people sleep, it's the wrong place.

What does carbon monoxide poisoning feel like?

Like the flu, at first. CDC lists headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion, symptoms it says are often described as flu-like. In a hot house after a storm, it's easy to blame those on the heat or a long day of cleanup. If several people or pets in the house feel sick at once, treat it as carbon monoxide until you know otherwise.

What should you do if the alarm sounds or someone feels sick?

Get out first. FDOH says that if you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air immediately. Bring everyone outside, pets included, without stopping to flip switches or make calls inside. From outside, call 911; if the home has gas appliances, also call your gas utility. Once everyone is safe, the Florida Poison Information Center can advise on symptoms, as FDOH notes. Don't go back in to shut the generator off or open windows. Let the responders tell you when the house is clear.

Where do CO detectors go, and does Florida require them?

Florida law covers newer homes. Under s. 553.885, Florida Statutes, a building or addition built on or after July 1, 2008 that has a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage needs a working CO alarm within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping. For alarms, the number that matters is 10 feet from each bedroom. A hard-wired unit, a battery unit or a combination smoke and CO alarm all qualify. The law doesn't reach older homes unless you build an addition, but the agencies recommend alarms anyway. If one ever sounds, get everyone outside first and sort out the cause later.

How do you refuel a generator safely?

Shut it off and let it cool first. FDOH's 2026 storm handout says to turn generators off and let them cool before refueling.

Can you plug a generator into the house wiring?

Not on your own. Connecting a generator to the home's wiring, or to a well pump, goes through a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. A well owner who wants the pump on generator power should plan that wiring well before storm season, and our private wells page covers the rest of well care.

What about cooking and staying warm without power?

FDOH warns against ever warming the house with a gas stovetop or oven. That matters more on our rare freeze nights than in September. And if you smell gas at any time, leave the house first, then call 911 and the gas company from outside, as Peoples Gas advises on its gas leak page. Our before a hurricane story covers the gas meter during a storm, and the storm season front has the rest of this section.

Readers often ask

Is it safe to run the generator in the garage with the big door open?

No. CDC says never to run one indoors or in a garage, even with doors and windows open. Put it outside, at least 20 feet from the house.

Can I run it on the screened lanai?

No. A lanai attached to the house lets exhaust drift inside. Keep the generator out in the open yard, well clear of windows, doors and vents.

My house was built in 1995. Does Florida require a CO detector?

The state law applies to buildings and additions built on or after July 1, 2008. Older homes aren't covered unless you add on, but FDOH, Ready.gov and CDC all recommend alarms, especially when a generator is running.

Does a combination smoke and CO detector count?

Yes. Section 553.885 allows hard-wired units, battery-powered units, or combination smoke and carbon monoxide units.

How long should a generator cool before I refuel it?

FDOH doesn't give a time; it says to turn the generator off and let it cool. Your generator's manual may say more, so keep it with the machine.

Where this came from

1. CDC — Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Basics — generator placement, symptoms, detectors
2. Ready.gov — Power Outages — 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages; alarms on every level
3. Florida Department of Health — Health and Safety, Emergency Preparedness and Response (PDF, 2026) — 20 feet from home, refueling, stovetops, fresh air and 911
4. Florida Statutes s. 553.885 — Carbon monoxide alarm required — alarm location and which buildings
5. Peoples Gas — If You Smell Gas — leave first, then call