Running a portable generator through a storm feels simple until something goes wrong. In this video, Earl walks through seven common backup generator mistakes and what to do instead: running it in a garage or on a porch, placing it too close to the house, pointing the exhaust the wrong way, backfeeding through a wall outlet, using a double-male cord, plugging and unplugging under load, running it in the rain or standing water, and refueling while it's hot.

You'll learn where the generator should sit, why the CPSC recommends at least 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away, why battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms matter during an outage, and why connecting a generator to your home's wiring calls for a transfer switch or interlock installed by a qualified electrician.

Always follow your generator's owner's manual. Earl is a virtual character.