Finding a generator at Lexington hardware stores will be next to impossible this week, thanks to Hurricane Sandy.
The Home Depot on Richmond Road, along with other stores, have sold out of generators.
Folks from as far as West Virginia, who are in the path of the storm spent most of the weekend traveling hundreds of miles looking for a way to keep their homes powered in preparation of the storm.
A manager at the Home Depot told ABC 36 they had one generator returned but re-sold it 15 minutes later.
He says it could be a week at the earliest before local stores are restocked, but says the stores in the path of the storm out east will get top priority, since demand is expected to be much higher.
If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a generator, but have never used one there are some safety tips you should be aware of:
- Carefully follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for portable generators.
- Never use portable generators indoors, in garages or near open windows.
- Do not siphon gasoline by mouth to fill a generator with fuel.
- Use battery-operated (or battery-backup) carbon monoxide alarms. Be sure to test the batteries.
- If you experience sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, confusion, weakness or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, immediately seek fresh air and call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222.
