As fall approaches, so does the risk of increased power outages due to seasonal storms. Power outages can strike unexpectedly, leaving your home without electricity for hours or even days. This blog post will explore how to prepare your home for fall storm season and what steps to take when the power goes out. With a reliable home standby generator, you can keep your home safe and powered no matter what the weather brings.
Why Fall Storms Increase the Risk of Power Outages
Fall storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and even early snow, which can lead to fallen trees, damaged power lines, and extensive outages. It’s important to stay prepared because power outages not only cause inconvenience but can also jeopardize your home’s safety.
Steps to Prepare Your Home Before a Power Outage
1) Invest in a Home Standby Generator
A home standby generator is one of the best ways to protect your home from the inconvenience of power outages. It automatically detects when the power goes out and restores electricity within seconds, keeping essential appliances like your heating system, refrigerator, and security system running smoothly.
2) Stock Up on Essentials
Before storm season, it’s important to prepare a home emergency kit. Include items such as flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and bottled water. Additionally, make sure you have any necessary medical supplies and backup chargers for your devices.
3) Protect Your Electronics
Power surges caused by outages can damage sensitive electronics. Unplug devices such as computers and televisions before a storm hits to avoid potential damage. If you have a standby generator, it can prevent surges by ensuring a smooth restoration of power.
What to Do When the Power Goes Out
When the power goes out, it’s essential to stay calm and follow these steps to ensure your family’s safety:
Use Your Generator Safely
If you have a home standby generator, ensure it’s operating safely. Keeping it away from enclosed spaces, and installing it to code ensures proper ventilation and will give you peace of mind that it will function safely. Never use a portable generator indoors, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay Informed
During extended outages, staying updated is crucial. Use battery-powered radios or smartphones to receive weather updates and emergency instructions. A standby generator will ensure your communication devices remain charged and operational.
Preserve Food and Water
To prevent food spoilage, limit the opening of your refrigerator and freezer. A home standby generator can keep your kitchen appliances running, preserving your food supply during an outage.
Kohler’s 5 Storm Safety Tips
In addition to these steps, here are Kohler’s five essential storm safety tips for added protection:
- Stay Weather Aware: Monitor storm updates to prepare ahead of time.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Remove or secure items like furniture that could be hazardous in high winds.
- Install Surge Protectors: Protect your appliances from surges caused by power fluctuations.
- Have a Fire Extinguisher: Keep one on hand in case of electrical fires during a storm.
- Test Your Generator: Regularly test your home standby generator to ensure it’s ready when needed.
Protect Your Home This Fall with a Standby Generator
Don’t wait until the next storm hits. Be proactive and invest in a home standby generator from Oregon Generators to keep your home powered and safe during the upcoming fall storm season. Contact us today for a free consultation and find the right generator for your needs.
