How To Prepare For A Power Outage?

Whether planned or not, power outages happen from time to time. They can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. If unprepared, you can incur huge losses when the outage goes on long enough and compromises things like freezer foods. So, you’ve come to the right place if you’re wondering how to prepare for a power outage?

The causes of a power outage are many, from unfavorable weather with strong winds or torrential rains to a falling tree that takes out your power lines. Being prepared for this inevitable occurrence is essential.

This article will provide tips on preparing for a power outage to protect your family and home. We will also share reasons to have a residential generator, the benefits of having one during a power outage, and generator safety measures.

How can I survive without power?

When you’re used to having power, nothing seems to work during an outage. The effect is especially true if your home runs solely on electricity. During a power outage, you should understand how to create energy, store food and water, and stay warm. While figuring all this out is daunting for many, it’s not impossible.

The best way to survive and thrive off-grid is with a residential generator. But with so many options out there, where do you begin? The answer lies in using an expert in the field. When you work with an expert, they will ensure you get a residential generator that suits your needs.

A professional will begin with a thorough assessment of your home’s needs and recommend several suitable leads to power your home during an outage. Additionally, they will give you a free installation estimate and provide maintenance services.

How To Prepare For A Power Outage?

Top 9 reasons to get a residential generator

You can’t control the weather

While a playful squirrel can put your power out, most power outages are weather related. Recent climate changes have increased the number and severity of extreme weather events, most causing blackouts for 24 hours or more.

You have a sump pump

You can also find an excellent battery storage system to provide alternative electricity from the Cummins brand. The power solutions provided by the Cummins generators make them ideal accessories for many homes and, quite frankly, businesses as well.

You have a sump pump

When you have a sump pump, you rely on it to keep your basement or crawlspace dry. A power outage affects your pump and puts your home at risk. If you have possessions in your basement, they are in danger of getting ruined when there’s no way to get the basement water out of your home.

You use groundwater

Underground water sources like wells are the most widely-used water sources for large residential homes. Lack of electricity means you can’t pump or filter water to get safe drinking water for your home.

You stock freezer foods

Freezer foods are a life-saver when you’re busy or pressed for time and need a quick meal. However, the FDA recommends throwing away perishable food items after 4 hours of your fridge not being connected to a power source.

You work from home

Every minute counts in business. Having a power outage for prolonged periods can cause immense losses. It affects your ability to do your work, communicate, and deliver to your clients.

Living in a high-risk or severe-climate area

Some places are more vulnerable to power outages than others. What’s more, there are states with extreme temperatures and having air conditioning is essential for your safety and comfort. The potentially devastating effects of power outages increase if you live in such areas.

Reliance on electrically powered medical devices

If you or a loved one rely on the assistance of a medical device to survive, a power outage can jeopardize your life. Having a standby residential generator ensures your device keeps running after an outage. Contact your doctor for advice on how to run your device on a generator.

Frequent traveling

If you’re often on the road or have a seasonal home, having a standby generator can protect your home from power outage-related emergencies. A generator will keep home safety devices like smoke detectors and security systems working whether or not you’re home.

Other benefits of backup generators are:

Uninterrupted power

A standby residential generator brings back the comforts of your home within the blink of an eye. The generator automatically kicks in during an outage to power your devices and appliances, ensuring you don’t miss a beat.

Increased safety

Investing in a standby generator keeps you comfortable and safe during an outage. A home generator will protect your home by keeping essential systems like security running during extended blackouts.

Standby generators sit outdoors, thereby reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when in use. A home generator also prevents power surges and voltage fluctuations, reducing the risk of short circuits and fires when power returns.

Maintaining a favorable temperature in your home

When summers are too hot or winters too cold, a backup generator helps keep your home habitable during a power outage. A generator also does this if you live off the grid or in areas with extreme conditions.

Lower risk of water damage

When winter comes with ice storms, there can be a power outage for days. The extreme weather condition also causes pipes to freeze and break. If you have a sump pump, a standby generator will help keep it running to remove water and prevent damage to your home.

Keeping your food fresh

Having food in your freezer or fridge during extended blackouts renders the food unfit for consumption. With a standby generator, you can keep your food fresh after a power outage. The generator helps you avoid throwing food out and saves you money.

Generator safety tips

Generators are helpful when the power goes out. However, they pose life-threatening hazards if mishandled. The following are ways to ensure safety when handling your standby home generator.

1. Never refuel a running generator. Standby generators use highly-flammable fuel. They also heat up when running and can ignite in case of a spillage. 
2. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that killers any living thing within minutes after breathing it in. The devices alert you know when there is dangerous smoke around your home.
3. Protect your generator. Since a standby generator sits outdoors, it is essential to shelter it from water and its sources. Touching a generator after contact with water can cause electrical shock. 
4. Use proper extension cords. Always connect the generator to your appliances using a heavy-duty extension cord. Using the right extension cord protects your generator from electrical damage.

If you’re looking for generator experts in Michigan, contact us. We’ll be happy to work with you to ensure you have reliable power for your home during an outage.

Osburn Services is Here to Answer All Your Questions

Working with a generator installation expert has advantages. Such a professional ensures you choose the right generator for your needs and helps you maintain your purchase to ensure usability for the maximum recommended lifespan. Through engaging a generator installation professional, you enjoy a free generator estimate pre-installation and after-sales service post-installation.

Osburn Services is a leading generator company with extensive experience installing and maintaining generators throughout the lower Michigan Peninsula. Throughout the years, we have consistently combined this experience with quality parts to help create an unbeatable installation and maintenance experience for all our clients. Today, we sit among a handful of authorized Cummins and Generac installers in Michigan, making us an ideal partner for the installation and maintenance of your generator.