Frequently Asked Questions

Always use extra caution when using an emergency generator. Here are some very important tips, courtesy of the American Red Cross:

The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire. Follow the directions supplied with the generator. (Learn more about carbon monoxide poisoning.)

Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.

Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.

Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. 

If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY - DO NOT DELAY.

Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. Test the batteries frequently and replace when needed.

If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.

To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

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.

Store the fuel outside of living areas in a locked shed or other protected area. To guard against accidental fire, do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.

Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.

Check that the entire cord is free of cuts or tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.

Remember, even a properly connected portable generator can become overloaded, resulting in overheating or generator failure. Be sure to read the instructions.

If necessary, stagger the operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads.

Duke Energy, which is the electric utility provider in Maitland, provides helpful emergency information and a map of local power outages.

The Maitland Public Works Department maintains collection systems and ponds to ensure stormwater drainage. Debris removal and clearing of storm drains is critical following a major storm event to help prevent local flooding. Flooding problems can be reported to the city at (407) 539-6200 or via the website,    

Information is available for federal disaster recovery assistance.

Following a hurricane, the City of Maitland coordinates two methods of debris collection:

1) Waste Management provides residential curbside bulk debris collection on Wednesdays. Small amounts of yard debris can be bagged or placed in curbside collection containers weighing no more than 50 pounds each. Tie together tree limbs in bundles measuring no longer than 4 feet.

2) Contracted debris haulers collect piles of large vegetative debris at the curb:

• Piles should be placed away from mailboxes, street lights, storm drains and underground water meter boxes. 
• Do not push piles into streets or block piles with vehicles.
• Separate yard waste from non-vegetative debris (i.e household waste, fencing, play equipment etc.). Piles with non-vegetative waste mixed in cannot be picked up by the city’s debris hauler.