What to Do If Your Generator Battery Is Dead After a Tornado in St. Louis

If your generator battery is dead after a tornado in St. Louis, start by ensuring safety and inspecting for damage. Then try to recharge the battery, clean and secure connections, or replace the battery if it no longer holds a proper charge. Seek professional help if you can’t restore power.

 

Safety First

 

Before you touch your generator or battery:

• Turn off and disconnect the generator from any electrical loads.
• Wear protective gloves and eye protection to prevent injury from sparks or acid.
• Make sure the area is dry and clear of debris, fallen branches or loose roofing materials.
• Keep children and pets away from the work area.

 

Assess the Situation

 

After a tornado, your generator might have been shifted, hit by debris, or soaked by rain. To assess:

• Check the generator housing for cracks or dents.
• Look for loose wires, broken terminals or signs of corrosion on the battery posts.
• Confirm fuel lines, oil lines and air filters are intact and free from blockage.

 

Identify Battery Problems

 

A dead generator battery can be due to:

• No charge: The battery voltage reads below 12 volts using a simple voltmeter.
• Corroded connections: White or green powder around terminals preventing proper power flow.
• Internal damage: Bulging case or cracked casing from freezing or impact.

If you find corrosion, clean posts with a baking soda solution (one tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water), scrub gently, then rinse and dry.

 

Attempt a Jump or Charge

 

To jump-start or recharge:

• Use jumper cables and a donor battery or car: Connect positive (+) to positive, negative (–) to engine block or ground away from the battery.
• Let the donor run for 5–10 minutes, then try to start the generator.
• If you have a battery charger: Set to the correct voltage (12 V) and charging rate (often 2 A for slow charge or 10 A for faster charge).
• Monitor charging – do not overcharge. A fully charged 12 V lead-acid battery should read around 12.6–12.8 V at rest.

 

Evaluate Battery Health

 

Even after a full charge, a damaged battery may not hold power. Test it by:

• Turning on a small load (like lights) and watching voltage drop. A healthy battery drops slowly and stays above 12 V under light load.
• Using a battery load tester, available at auto parts stores, to check capacity and cold-cranking amps (CCA).

If voltage quickly falls below 10 V or the battery fails a load test, replacement is necessary.

 

Replace the Battery if Needed

 

When buying a new battery:

• Choose the correct group size and terminal layout specified in your generator’s manual.
• Match or exceed the original battery’s cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating.
• Install in a well-ventilated, secure battery box or compartment to prevent vibration damage.
• Use anti-corrosion spray on terminals and tighten connections firmly.

 

Prevent Future Battery Issues

 

To keep your generator battery in good shape:

• Perform regular maintenance: clean terminals, check water levels in flooded batteries, and tighten connections.
• Use a smart trickle charger or battery maintainer if the generator sits idle for weeks or months.
• Run the generator under load for 10–15 minutes every month to cycle the battery and engine.
• Store in a sheltered, frost-free place or use a weatherproof cover rated for outdoor use.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

 

Contact a qualified generator service team if:

• You’re uncomfortable working with batteries or electrical systems.
• Damage extends beyond the battery to the generator’s wiring, control panel or engine.
• You need a complete system inspection after a severe storm to ensure safe operation.

Local experts in both St. Louis and Nashville can provide full residential and commercial generator service to restore reliable power after extreme weather.