| Whether it's hurricanes in the south, ice storms in | | | | services, keep in touch with loved ones, and stay |
| the east, or tornadoes in the mid-west, all areas | | | | informed through news and weather updates. If |
| of the United States are subject to power | | | | you have critical in-home medical equipment, of |
| outages due to storms. And, depending on the | | | | course that's a priority as well. A standby |
| severity, the electricity could be out for a few | | | | generator also ensures you have light, heat or air |
| days or even a week! Impact from natural | | | | conditioning, will keep food and medicine |
| disasters can be widespread, so it is vital to get | | | | refrigerated, and can even power a sump pump |
| ready in advance of the storm season, which | | | | to help keep basements dry. |
| varies depending on where you live. The Federal | | | | A backup power source such as a Generac |
| Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the | | | | generator is ideal for non-emergency situations, |
| Red Cross advises families to have a response | | | | too, so it really is worth the investment. You can |
| plan and an emergency preparedness kit. Power | | | | power tools, a radio, lights and more at a job site; |
| outages are a real threat during severe storms, | | | | on camping or fishing trips, you can use it for |
| so a backup generator is also an important | | | | cooking and heating or cooling an RV. Keep in |
| element of that emergency preparedness kit. Are | | | | mind that generators are sized according to |
| you prepared? | | | | wattage produced. The more watts, the bigger |
| The Red Cross says a kit should include enough | | | | the unit, so before buying first determine your |
| supplies for each family member for three days. | | | | potential power needs, and then purchase the size |
| Check your kit every six months and replace | | | | generator that can handle your wattage |
| items, such as fresh water, as needed. | | | | requirements. |
| Emergency preparedness kits should include | | | | Power outages are a real threat during severe |
| non-perishable food (dehydrated and | | | | storms, so backup power is an important element |
| pre-packaged meals backpackers use are ideal), | | | | of your emergency preparedness kit. Don't be left |
| water, first aid and medical supplies, clothing, | | | | in the dark without power. Stay connected and |
| blankets, tools, sanitation items and important | | | | stay safe. A backup generator can be a life-saver |
| documents. Having a power source during a | | | | during storm season and beyond. |
| storm enables you to contact emergency | | | | |