WAUKESHA, Wis., Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite
increases in their frequency and severity, many people who have
never experienced a power outage still view outages as merely
inconvenient. But they are more than inconvenient; they leave
homeowners unable to live life as normal. Research shows that in
any given month millions of Americans could be without power, with
or without a major storm. Beyond disrupting everyday life, a
power outage lasting just a day or two could cost a homeowner
several thousand dollars.
Extended power outages can impact your checkbook in many
ways:
- Lost refrigerated and frozen goods.
The USDA recommends throwing away refrigerated foods stored for
more than two hours at over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, because
refrigerators and freezers can't stay cold without electricity. For
a family with a full-stocked freezer and fridge, that means a loss
of at least $200 in tossed food.
- Damage to your home. Without power,
sump pumps can't run, putting homes at risk for flooding, and fans
and dehumidifiers can't operate to help dry out a wet basement. A
power outage during a severe storm can destroy basements and pose
significant hazards to homeowners. Basic costs to pump out and
thoroughly dry a basement lightly flooded with clean water can
start between $500-$1,500 and increase to $2,000-$10,000. But a
flooded basement can be prevented, even during the most severe
storms, with a home backup generator.
- Expenses from staying at a hotel or eating
out. If you don't have heat or running water, you might have to
move the family into a hotel for a night or two. Add restaurant
tabs to that and you've lost another couple hundred dollars.
- Additional costs for short-term goods.
If you choose to remain in your home, you will need to invest in
batteries for radios and flashlights, coolers to store food, and
ice to keep that food cold. Incidental costs can range from
$200 to
$500.
- Loss of income. Depending upon the
impact on your home and family, you might have to spend a few days
away from work. If you work from home, you stand to potentially
lose your entire income during a power outage.
Having an automatic home backup power system like Generac's
Guardian Series can help to avoid these costs, and other costs,
related to power outages. Generac is urging Americans to take this
time to proactively prepare their homes and businesses from
weather-and power-related disasters, both big and small.
A few essential precautions you should take in preparation for
severe weather is to stock up on items, like food and water, and
make necessary fixes, like boarding windows. Listen to a NOAA
battery-operated weather radio for critical information from the
National Weather Service. Also, avoid using electrical
equipment and telephones. You should use battery powered TVs and
radios instead.
See more of these helpful tips from Today's Homeowner Danny
Lipford:
http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/FX-Generac-092914.mp4.
Visit the Generac website at www.generac.com to learn more about
how backup power systems can help you avoid additional costs
related to power outages.
About Generac (NYSE: GNRC)
Since 1959, Generac has been a leading designer and manufacturer
of a wide range of generators and engine powered products. As a
leader in power equipment serving residential, light commercial,
industrial and construction markets, Generac's power products are
available through a broad network of independent dealers,
retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies. The company
markets and distributes its products primarily under its Generac
and Magnum brand names. For more information on Generac and its
product line, visit www.generac.com Become a fan on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/generacpowersystems. Follow Generac on Twitter
@generac.
Photo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140304/CG76575LOGO
Video -
http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/FX-Generac-092914.mp4
SOURCE Generac