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LANSING - With a severe winter weather storm predicted throughout the weekend, power outages are likely to take place.

In cases of a power outage, it is important that you never use a generator, as it can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

The American Red Cross is advising all residents of preventing safety hazards such as carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution and fire when using a generator in your households:
To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions.

Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator.
Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), using a generator in cases of power outages can pose multiple risks. NFPA recommends that generators should be used in well ventilated locations, never use them in an attached garage, make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, turn them off to allow them to cool and store fuel for the generator in a container.