Tips to Prepare for Extended Power Outages
invest in an automatic standby generator that permanently connects to your home and turns on automatically when power is lost . Look for an automatic standby generator , like those available from KOHLER , that features fast startup speeds , has a commercial-grade engine to handle heavy workloads , provides high-quality power and is durable enough to withstand the weather disaster going on around you . KOHLER has generators that can withstand wind speeds of up to 181 mph .
Stockpile non-perishable food . A refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four hours if the door remains closed during a power outage . Don ’ t chance it . Stock up on non-perishable canned goods , protein bars , beef jerky and other food items with an extended shelf life . And don ’ t forget about bottled water .
I n the year 2018 , it ’ s very easy to take your home ’ s power
for granted . You flick the light switch and the lights come on . Same with the television and the microwave . It ’ s easy . And should a storm knock the power out , you expect that it will be up again in a matter of minutes or hours .
Oftentimes this is true , but believing this will always be the case is a mistake . Because while the nation ’ s reliance on its power system is greater than ever before , the threats facing it have grown as well .
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information , the U . S . suffered 16 weather- / climate-related disasters resulting in more than $ 1 billion in damages each during 2017 . Droughts , hurricanes , floods , freezes and wildfires ravaged different portions of the country , and for the people living in those areas , it meant going without power for an extended period of time , or worse , losing their homes .
It ’ s impossible to predict when the next major weather event or disaster may strike , so now is the perfect time to begin preparing your home and family for such an event . To prep for the worst , keep these four tips in mind .
Climate control . Extreme heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter are not only uncomfortable , but can be very dangerous . Should your home ’ s power fail during the winter , staying warm suddenly jumps to the top of your concerns . Be prepared by stocking up on warm blankets , sleeping bags or purchasing a portable , non-electric space heater that is properly vented . If you lose power during the summer months , retreat to a cool place like a basement , take a cold shower , drink a lot of cold water and consider purchasing a battery-operated fan . To ensure your HVAC system is fully operational during a power outage , consider installing an automatic standby generator .
Start your planning today . The idea of your home being in the path of a natural disaster is a terrifying thought , but a plausible one . That ’ s why it ’ s important you start planning today . Last year showed a dramatic increase in total weather damage and no one knows what 2018 will hold . If you wait until the disaster strikes , it may be too late . But if you take action now , you can enjoy the peace of mind that you ’ re ready for whatever Mother Nature delivers .
Stay in touch . During a power outage , it ’ s important to stay in the know about current weather conditions , road reports and emergency instructions . A battery-powered radio can keep you connected to local authorities and reports , so keep one stashed away and make sure you have extra batteries on hand . Also , purchase a portable charger to keep your cell phones up and running to communicate with family , friends and neighbors .
Set up your own temporary power . The longer a power outage lasts , the more potentially dangerous it is for your family and home . That ’ s why it ’ s a good idea to
42 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE | JUNE 2018