This was the view a couple of hours ago off Compo Beach, from Alan Hamilton’s quadcopter/drone:
Click on or over hover to enlarge.
Things are expected to look a bit different tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, alert “06880” reader — and concerned generator owner — Bart Shuldman reminds readers of important safety tips, in case you lose power in the upcoming blizzard:
If you are lucky enough to have a generator, you need to know it needs oil. Depending on the size and type, when running it will need oil once a day, every other day, or every 3 days. Your generator will stop running if and when the oil pressure drops.
Here is how to see how much oil you have — and if necessary, how to change it:
Open the panels that surround the generator. Find the one where the electrical panel is. If the unit is on, turn off the unit first — not the breaker. Your switch should have a middle “off” position. Once the unit is off, wait 30 seconds — then turn the breaker off.
Once everything is off, look for the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean, replace it and see if the oil shows up on the stick. There will be minimum and maximum marks. If below the minimum, add oil.
Find the oil turn cover on top of the unit. Open it up and add the oil (you may need a funnel). Add half a can, then use your dipstick and look again. Add until the oil is close to maximum level.
Once finished, replace the oil cover and put back the oil dipstick.
When starting your generator again, turn on the unit first — not the breaker. Wait a few seconds, then turn the breaker on. Then replace all covers. Your generator will work for at least another day.
Before you start generator turn You main breaker OFF and do NOT turn on to power is restore and generator is shot down – OFF! You may KILL some one fixing the power line !
And note the carbon monoxide risk (I’ve been surprised to learn how many people don’t realize this).
Portable generators should be located outside, and away from windows, doors. If stored under an overhang, be sure it’s ventilated on all sides.
Do not use in a garage. Even with doors or windows open, the gases can build up and easily leak into your home.
I’ve heard of people becoming overwhelmed with monoxide poisoning even on boats, in open water, because the gas buildup can occur in concentrated areas of cabins … even open cabins.
Be careful out there everyone and happy (hopefully) snow-day!
It is best if a generator is used in conjunction with a properly installed transfer switch. This isolates the generator power from the grid, and keeps our utility workers safe. Leave your main breaker “on” when using a transfer switch. A licensed electrician is required for a proper transfer switch install; this is not a last minute thing to do.
“Back-feeding” your house circuits with out the benefit of a transfer switch is both dangerous, and illegal. Don’t do it, even if you turn your main breaker off. There is no fail-safe to doing it this way.
You can safely plug extension cords into a generator, and with proper load considerations run some of your appliances. This is less than ideal, but OK, assuming you have followed all other safety precautions.
Be safe. My best to all.
Jonathan