Get Ready for Winter Power Outages

Due to the extremely cold temperatures this winter, power outages can be much more dangerous in the winter than in the summer. Therefore, being prepared is not just a matter of convenience, it is a matter of safety. How does one prepare for a power outage due to inclement weather?

One of the best ways to be prepared is through the investment of an automatic generator. These generators are hooked up to your natural gas line and installed on the side or in the back of your home. Like portable generators automatic generators can be different sizes. Depending on the size, they could keep much of your home operating at full electrical capacity in the event of a power outage. You could also choose a smaller size to just keep the necessities (heat, refrigerator etc…) running. The best part of automatic generators is the fact that they turn on and off automatically with the power, and because they are hooked up to your natural gas line, they do not need to be constantly re-filled with fuel.

Though automatic generators are an incredibly effective means of keeping you and your family comfortable and safe during a power outage, it may not be an investment that you are quite ready for. The good news it that there are other tricks for staying warm and being prepared. Check out this advice from The Weather Channel (Winter Weather Safety: Before) about preparing for Winter Storms.

Emergency Supplies

If you know a winter storm will arrive in your area soon, make sure you have the following ready, especially in the case of a severe winter storm:

Firewood, if you have a fireplace.
Food that is non-perishable, if you lose power.
Emergency equipment such as generators and flashlights, tested and ready for use.
Water for drinking and cooking, collected in bottles in case your pipes freeze.
Make sure to charge your mobile phone, laptop and other mobile device batteries.

Prepare Your Home

Make sure your home’s attic and walls are properly insulated.
Let your faucets to drip to prevent freezing water from causing pipes to burst.
Make sure your pipes are properly insulated and leave cabinet doors open around pipes to ensure they receive warmth from the air flowing through your home. Learn more about taking care of pipes here.
Apply weather stripping to exterior-facing windows and doors, and put storm windows in place as needed.
Set up emergency heating equipment, such as a fireplace with wood or coal and a camp stove with fuel.
Purchase space heaters as needed and learn how to use them safely ”“ keep space heaters away from furniture, drapes and all flammable objects, and never leave them turned on in a room where no one is present. Never drape wet clothes, gloves, hats or socks over a space heater to dry.
Learn how to shut off your home’s water valves in the event that a pipe breaks.

The Weather Channel offers more tips in regard to Winter Storms as well. At FLAME we pray that everyone stays safe and warm!

If you are interested in learning more about generators, or have a serious furnace issue, please do not hesitate to contact FLAME!