Big box retailers Home Depot and Sam's Club have recalled 51,750 generators because the fuel gauge can leak excessive amounts of gasoline, posing a fire hazard to consumers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today.

The Homelite and Husky (Home Depot) and Black Max (Sam's Club) brand generators were distributed by Homelite, a South Carolina firm. They were sold from July 2008 through May 2009 for between $480 and $1,600. Check the recall notice for model numbers and date codes.

The CPSC is advising consumers to stop using the generators and contact Homelite Consumer Products (Homelite and Husky brands only) or Black Max (Black Max brands only) for a free repair kit. For more information regarding Homelite or Husky generators, contact Homelite Consumer Products at (800) 242-4672 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.homelite.com. Owners of the Black Max brand generators can contact Black Max at (800) 726-5760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visiting www.blackmaxtools.com.

Our take: As we've reminded readers in the past generators, even when working properly, can pose risks from carbon-monoxide (CO) poisoning, fire and electrocution. Owners of generators should not only heed this recall but follow these essential safety steps as well.

For more tips, watch our video on generator safety.