Warren, OH -- (SBWire) -- 11/03/2017 --Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, floods, winter ice and many of Mother Nature's disastrous gifts can cause power outages. The question is who is prepared? How long will food stay fresh or frozen? Will the sump pump work to keep the basement from flooding? Are there in-home medical devices that do not have their own backup power? Does a home-based business need functional computers after a disaster? Most people no longer own a landline and depend solely on a cell phone. That being said, if the power goes out, how will the devices work? How will friends and family be contacted in an emergency situation?
The answer is to ensure an in-home generator is not only purchases, but also properly maintained. It is essential to check the oil, filters and purchase high octane gasoline. Add a good stabilizer, like Ethanol Shield, into the gas so it stays fresh. Make a list of essential emergency items should a power outage occur and invest in a tote or some type of container to keep items all in one place. Gather all necessary cords and plugs to get that generator going. Investing in duplicate cords and plugs is a good idea and will save time when the power goes out.
In anticipation of unpredictable, extreme regional weather events, Do-Cut's Power Equipment Warehouse recommends keeping a few spare, indispensable generator parts on hand to remain safe and to keep things running as smoothly as possible during the winter months. Once travel and communication are limited by such events, it becomes increasingly difficult to gather what is most needed at a critical time.
In addition to replacing wear items like oil, oil filters, air filters, spark plugs and fuses where applicable, owners should test a generator monthly to make sure it is working properly.
Home generators are divided into two basic types, and choosing which is best comes down to overall electrical requirements, available and convenient fuel sources and budget.
Some people can get by easily with a portable style home generator which runs on gasoline. If all that is required is a few lights, a refrigerator or freezer and sump pump, these units might be the best choice. They will save money in both the long and short term and can be used at other locations.
A home stand-by system offers more convenience, a nearly limitless running time and a more reliable fuel supply since they run on natural gas or propane. Providing 20kw or more, home stand-by units have the potential to power a whole house for days, weeks or even months and years at a time.
Automatic transfer switches are an added convenience and will activate even if someone is not present at the time of an outage. When the lights go out, they come right back on. More intelligently designed transfer switches can even manage electricity and allow occupants to alternate and choose which circuits receive power in order to save fuel or make the best use of available wattage.
Home stand-by generators are a permanent part of a home and require installation by qualified plumbers and electricians. Those interested in adding one should consult an electrician to determine power requirements and to work up an estimate for the total cost of installation.
Here are a few safety tips for properly running a generator:
- NEVER run a generator in a gome or even the garage. Run a generator safely outside, with the exhaust pointed AWAY from doors, windows and vents.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator with the properly rated extension cord OR have an electrician install an appropriate transfer switch. NEVER plug a generator directly into a wall outlet.
- Be sure all cords are free of cuts and have all prongs, especially the grounding pin.
- Let the generator cool before re-fueling. Gasoline spilled on a hot engine or area can ignite.
- NEVER store gasoline in a home or even an attached garage. Keep it AWAY from any fuel burning appliances like a furnace, hot water heater or woodstove – vapors can travel back to their ignition source and ignite.
- Always have a Carbon Monoxide detector in use when running a generator – this can save lives!
- Keep the generator dry and on a dry surface, under an open canopy or tent.
- Dry hands before touching the generator.
- Transport it safely if necessary – in the trunk of a car or bed of a truck, securely fastened.
About Power Equipment Warehouse
Power Equipment Warehouse and its affiliates are family owned and operated since 1947. Brands of power equipment supplies sold include: Toro, Husqvarna, Honda, Little Wonder, Mantis, MTD, JRCO, Ryan, Brown, Bluebird, Trac-Vac, Trimmertrap, Jungle Jims, Velke and many, many more. Power Equipment Warehouse is the trusted name in the outdoor power equipment industry.
Important Home or Office Generator Maintenance Tips