Turbulent Hurricane Season Increases the Need for Generators
Photo of Hurricane Taken from Space
Over the last year, the National Weather Service has noticed changes in our weather patterns that have given way to a more violent and turbulent hurricane season. Hurricanes can produce extremely high, dangerous winds, along with lightning, hail, and massive flooding.
Power outages are all too common once a hurricane has stricken, and they are to be expected. The high winds can take down power poles and cause damage to power plants. It can take weeks and, in many cases, months before power company personnel are able to fully restore power.
This is why the demand for backup power generators has become so high. In fact, the 2005 hurricane season saw more generators purchased than the previous four years combined! The need for this backup power is obvious, particularly after the nation watched stunned at the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Since the weather service has predicted potential years of increased activity, businesses and homeowners alike have been flocking to generator resellers and distributors in search of a reliable standby power source.
In years past, some generator manufacturers have had to actually ship in extra generators to provide enough supply for the demand that they had in hurricane-prone areas. Many people are starting to purchase them earlier in the year to beat the rush of people who want them at the last minute.
The Importance of Backup Power
Everyone knows that power outages happen during a hurricane, which means the loss of hot water for showers and cleaning, no more refrigeration so food goes bad, no radio or television, and no lights so that people can see at night. With a backup generator, power can be restored to a home and can last as long as the generator has the appropriate fuel (natural gas, diesel).
Since the next few years promise to be just as turbulent as the last for hurricanes, it’s advised that everyone purchase a generator well in advance, so that you are prepared and will have the advantage of being able to keep the power on.
Preparing for Hurricanes with a Diesel Generator
Hurricane season can be fierce, particularly for those living on the east coast of the United States. Aside from possible property damage and the unfortunate loss of life, power outages are all too common.
Benefits of Diesel Generators
Fortunately, new and used diesel generators are available for purchase that can at least ease some of the inconvenience and possible danger that comes with losing power. There are many benefits to purchasing a diesel generator. First and foremost, they do not have any spark plugs or complicated wiring that need to be replaced and maintained.
This is important in relation to hurricanes, because when a power outage does occur, you don’t have time to worry about replacing parts or troubleshooting. Another plus for diesel generators is that they use about half as much fuel as gas generators do, meaning that they’ll last a whole lot longer while you and your company or family are able to have working power during a hurricane.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Diesel is safer than gasoline and much easier to store. It is also less expensive. Because diesel is less noxious, it burns cleaner and is less of a fire hazard than gas. While gas is explosive, diesel is flammable, so follow all safety precautions carefully to reduce the risk of fire.
At the beginning of every hurricane season, it is advised to change out the generator’s oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. This will ensure that it runs smoothly and does not encounter any problems when in use.
Hurricanes and Power Outages – Why They Happen and How to Prepare
Causes of Power Outages
There are very few forces of nature that can harness the power of a hurricane. Hurricanes typically cover a large land mass and can contain winds over 100 miles per hour. Heavy flooding, lightning, and hail are also meteorological activities that take place within a hurricane.
Preparation Tips
There are, however, ways to prepare in the event of a power outage due to a hurricane. First and foremost, be sure to purchase a generator that can provide backup power. It’s a good idea to also install an automatic transfer switch, so that when power loss does occur, the generator will automatically turn on and there will be very little interruption.
After Hurricanes, Backup Power is a Must-Have
When a natural disaster such as a hurricane occurs, backup power is an absolute necessity.
Safety Guidelines for Using Generators
Never use your generator indoors. This can cause deadly gases to leak that can cause death in a matter of minutes. Always be sure to operate your backup power generator outside.
When Disaster Strikes – Developing a Business Response Plan
Creating a Detailed Plan
Sometimes nature takes its toll on us in violent and unpredictable ways. As a company or business owner, it’s important to develop a business response plan to protect you, your employees, and your business.
Employee Roles and Responsibilities
An important thing to remember when developing a business response plan is to delegate responsibilities ahead of time to various employees. Leaders and teams should be designated if you have a larger number of employees, so that everyone remains calm and organized.
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