And then there is this story:
N.C. man testing generator burns down his house
HamptonRoads.com ^ | September 16, 2003
Posted on 09/16/2003 3:43 PM EDT by Sweet_Sunflower29
A Pitt County man preparing for Hurricane Isabel burned down his home while testing a generator, authorities said.
The generator malfunctioned and caught fire, sending flames quickly through his one-story house, which was gutted.
Hugh Mills Jr., who was the only one home when the fire started Monday, was not injured. The fire began in a garage after Mills plugged in the generator.
Simpson Fire Chief Johnnie Mayo described the house as a total loss with no belongings saved. By the time authoriites arrived, flames had engulfed the house, he said.
Authorities warned that generators should be used outside to prevent fires and accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Gallon-sized Ziploc bags are your friend ...
Won't be a problem for me - no power = no water!!!!
But seriously - your advice on testing new equipment today makes perfect sense.