WAUKESHA, Wis., Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Meteorologists
predict Hurricane Joaquin will gain strength as it makes an
expected turn toward the U.S. East Coast this weekend. With the
severe weather threat looming, millions of East Coast residents
living in Joaquin's path need to act now to protect their homes and
families.
"Hurricanes are unpredictable, so it's especially important for
residents in areas that are in the projected path of the storm to
prepare as early as possible," said Clement
Feng, Generac's senior vice president of marketing. "Proper
preparedness can make all the difference in severe weather
situations."
While many forecasters expect Joaquin to intensify and make
landfall along the East Coast by late this weekend, there is still
uncertainty about its exact location and strength. Regardless, the
next few days are a crucial time for residents to revisit their
severe weather preparedness plans and ensure their homes and
families are ready for the dangers and potential power outages
frequently associated with hurricanes.
For those not sure where to start, Generac's disaster
preparedness experts recommend the following essential pre-storm
tips to ensure homes and families are protected from the storm:
- Charge your electronics: Like storms, the power outages
associated with them are very unpredictable. Our homes and
lifestyles today are more reliant on technology than ever, so
charge your cell phone, computer and other electronic devices
before the storm hits. Put new batteries in flashlights and have a
backup case of batteries in a watertight container.
- Remove outdoor furniture and loose foliage: Hurricane
winds can reach 100 miles per hour or more depending on the storm's
category. Outdoor furniture or loose foliage can become a
projectile, causing damage to your home or nearby buildings. Bring
them inside to eliminate the risk.
- Stock up on essentials: Having gallons of water, a
storage room with food, extra batteries and waterproof emergency
numbers on hand is a smart idea on its own, but will come in extra
handy if you can't leave your home during a hurricane.
- Choose a backup power source: Generators can be
lifesaving when severe weather causes an outage. From keeping
refrigerated medicine cold to powering lights or a cell phone
charger, generators are an important lifeline to keep families and
homes safe and protected. Both portable and home standby generators
offer benefits, and residents of all kinds are encouraged to
include this technology as part of their preparedness plans.
It is also important to remind portable generator users of
proper safety procedures to ensure their family's continued safety
while using their generator. Generac provides the following
portable generator safety tips:
- NEVER run a generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas such
as garages.
- Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel
expansion.
- Do not smoke near fuel or generator.
- Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your
household wiring can be deadly to you and others. Home standby
generators are a better option if you're looking for something to
connect directly to household wiring.
- Only start or stop the generator when no electrical loads are
connected.
- Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable
appliances and electronics.
- The generator must be properly grounded. If the generator is
not grounded, you run the risk of electrocution.
- Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
- Allow at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides of the
generator when operating.
Preparing your family now, before the storm hits, is the best
way to prevent damage, power outages and stress during Hurricane
Joaquin. Generac has local dealers in your area available to speak
with consumers and the media about specific local threats and power
outages during and after the storm.
Learn More
For more facts and advice, visit
www.Generac.com/be-prepared or call 888-GENERAC.
About Generac (NYSE: GNRC)
Since 1959, Generac has been a leading designer and manufacturer of
a wide range of generators and engine-powered products. Generac's
power products are available through a broad network of independent
dealers, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies. For
more information on Generac and its product line, visit
www.generac.com Become a fan on Facebook at Generac
Residential Products and follow Generac on Twitter @Generac.
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