With Hurricane Erin forecast to intensify into a major Category 4 storm, facilities from the Carolinas to New England are facing a significant threat of prolonged power outages. The time to prepare is now. High winds, dangerous storm surges, and coastal flooding can create widespread grid failures that last for days, not hours.
A prolonged outage can be catastrophic for any business, leading to lost revenue, spoiled inventory, and a complete halt in operations. This guide provides a critical checklist to ensure your facility’s power systems are ready for the storm’s impact.
Understanding the Threat
Forecasters are issuing urgent warnings about the storm’s potential. According to a recent report from Accuweather, Hurricane Erin is expected to become a powerful Category 4 hurricane, generating dangerous surf and a significant coastal flood risk. For businesses in the storm’s path, this forecast means the likelihood of a sustained power outage is extremely high.
Your Pre-Storm Emergency Power Checklist
Whether you have an existing system or need an emergency solution, follow these steps immediately.
For Facilities WITH an Existing Generator
- Perform a Test Run: Do not wait for the power to go out. Start your generator and let it run for at least 20-30 minutes under load to ensure it is operating correctly.
- Check Your Fuel Levels: A generator is useless without fuel. Your on-site diesel tank should be at least 90% full to handle a multi-day outage. If you have a natural gas unit, ensure there are no issues with your supply line.
- Inspect the Battery: The most common point of failure is a dead battery. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure all connections are tight.
- Clear the Area: Make sure the area around your generator is free of any debris that could become airborne in high winds or obstruct airflow.
- Verify Your ATS: Confirm your Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is set to “Auto.” This ensures the generator will kick on automatically the moment utility power is lost.
For Facilities WITHOUT a Generator
At this stage, securing an emergency rental generator is your most viable option. It is critical to act now.
- Assess Your Critical Loads: Know the minimum power (in kW) you need to run your essential operations (e.g., refrigeration, servers, core lighting).
- Contact a Rental Provider Immediately: As the storm approaches, the demand for rental generators will skyrocket, and inventory will disappear. Secure your rental unit as soon as possible.
- Plan for Fuel: Confirm a reliable diesel fuel delivery plan with your rental provider to keep the generator running for the duration of the outage.
We’re Here to Help
The team at Generator Source is actively monitoring Hurricane Erin and is prepared to support businesses in the storm’s path. Our fleet of rental generators is ready for emergency deployment.
If you need emergency service, fuel, or a temporary power solution to protect your facility, contact us immediately. Stay safe.