I don't understand all the scare tactics power companies use to keep people from energizing there own circuit panels. I feel these lies are ruining the power companies reputations. I think the thinking goes like this: we tell a white lie to the populace and there will not be the possibility of one of these silly yahoos leaving the main breaker closed when on generator. So 1000's of people freeze for days when they own generators they are afraid to use. It is really reprehensible.
If a lineman doesn't check a line for voltage before grabbing with his bare hands who is the fool?