Did you know that 99% of home fires are started by electrical problems? Did you know that power shortages are becoming more frequent? Did you know that your family’s safety should be a priority to you?
In these days of unreliable electricity, it is good to have a power backup plan. One of the best ways to make sure you can ensure continued access to the things you can’t do without (heat, air conditioning, cooking, etc.) is with a generator. Generators are an essential part of being prepared for any emergency. They allow us to continue life as usual when we might otherwise be forced to stop everything and wait for help that may never come. Even non-emergencies such as a storm that knocks out power for a few days can lead to many problems if we don’t have a generator – especially if we’re dealing with something like chest freezers full of food!
How unreliable power can be sometimes
To a large extent, we take electricity for granted. We flip a switch or press a button, and the lights come on. The refrigerator keeps food cold, and the microwave does its thing. The washer and dryer spin and hum along, cleaning our clothes. A lot can go wrong when it comes to electric power. In some places, power outages are a fact of life. They can last a few hours or stretch into days. Storms can knock down power lines, damage transformers, and even cause fires. Power surges can cause damage to appliances and sensitive electronics. Even if your home doesn’t experience any of these catastrophic problems, you may still experience frequent blackouts that can disrupt your life. It’s best to be prepared for the worst by having an emergency backup plan in place.
The different kinds of generators out there and when to use them.
Are you prepared for an emergency? A power outage can be a minor inconvenience for some, but it can also be life-threatening for others. If you’re looking for a generator to protect your family but aren’t sure what kind of generator to use, consider the following:
**Solar Powered Generators**
If you are looking into solar generators, many options are available that can meet your needs. You can find small units that produce about 1,000 watts for more minor needs or larger units that can produce 3,000 watts. Smaller models are great if you need a small amount of backup power for your home. Larger models are ideal if you need more power or plan to use larger appliances and devices when the power goes out. By choosing a unit that produces more than what you need, you can always use the extra electricity later on in the day or night when needed.
**Dual-Fuel generators**
Dual Fuel Generators: Natural Gas vs. Propane Generators
Natural gas generators are best suited for those who live in areas where they can get natural gas delivered through pipelines or underground utilities. They're also great for people who want to power their water heaters.
Propane generators are better suited for people who don't get natural gas service or who want to power their refrigerator, stove, and other appliances like that. Propane is also more portable because it can be stored inside a smaller tank called an RV tank. It's also easier to ship in large quantities because it takes less space than natural gas tanks.
**Gas Powered Generators**
Gas-powered generators are one of the most popular generators due to their convenience and versatility – they can be used indoors or outdoors and are relatively affordable. It’s essential to understand the difference between portable generators and stationary ones. A portable generator is intended for occasional use at your home; its small size makes it easy to transport to an alternative power supply site if needed. On the other hand, stationary generators are installed permanently in one location so they can supply power around the clock once connected to your electrical system (and plugged into an outside outlet).
Safety Tips.
- Never use a portable generator inside your home, garage, or anywhere near an indoor fireplace. Protect yourself against carbon monoxide poisoning by using a carbon monoxide detector.
- If you plan to leave home using a generator, either unplug all appliances or transfer them to another circuit using a heavy-duty extension cord.
- Generators need to be used outdoors and away from potential fire hazards like trees or bushes.
- Do not start the generator until you’ve confirmed that power lines are de-energized for your safety and the safety of your neighbors.
Power outage doesn’t have to paralyze your life if you have a backup plan.
Now that you know how to protect yourself against the possibility of a power outage, you don’t have to live in fear. You can do things to prevent or prepare for this situation, and you can even enjoy a sense of peace while it happens. Make sure that your family knows what their evacuation plan is if they need to get out of danger immediately. The last thing they want to worry about is how to stay safe without electricity.
As your trusted source for information about Generators, we’re always here for you. Feel free to contact us with any concerns.