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Prepare for Severe Weather and Widespread Power Outages

Prepare for

Tropical storms and hurricanes can bring strong winds and cause flooding, which can damage power lines, resulting in widespread power outages. Preparing for severe weather early is key to keeping you and your loved ones safe and comfortable while you ride out the storm.

Be Prepared for Hurricanes

It's Not a Matter of If. It's When.

Severe storms are on the rise. When they meet our outdated electric power infrastructure, the result is often widespread power outages. The time to prepare is before severe weather hits. Backup power is one way to be ready for storms, but there are many steps you can take to protect yourself and your family when the weather turns particularly nasty.

Prepare Your Home and Family for Severe Weather

Create a Family Disaster Plan

  • Decide ahead of time where to go if you are at home, school, work, outdoors, or in a car when severe weather hits.
  • Agree with family members on a designated place to meet if separated. Include a place directly outside the home and in your city or neighborhood.
  • Designate a friend or relative outside the area as your contact if you are separated.

Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning

  • WATCH – Conditions for severe weather are possible in the specified area within 36 hours.
  • WARNING – Severe weather conditions have been reported by spotters or radar and are expected in the area within 24 hours.

Inspect Home and Yard for Potential Hazards

  • Remove outdoor items such as lawn furniture, trash cans, toys and hanging plants as they may become airborne during a storm.
  • Trim or cut down weak trees and branches that could easily be broken off by high winds and damage homes.
  • Keep rain gutters, outside stairwells, window wells, drain lines and down spouts clear to prevent flooding in high rains.

Protect Your Home's Openings

  • Protect or cover windows, entry doors, sliding glass doors, garage doors and gable end vents.

Secure Backup Power

  • Flashlights cannot power refrigerators and candles are fire hazards.
  • The American Red Cross suggests that permanently installed stationary home generators are better suited for providing backup power to the home than portable generators.

Download the Severe Weather Preparedness Checklist

Stay Informed About Power Outages

Keep up-to-date on the latest power outages that can affect you and your family by following Generac on Twitter.