From severe thunderstorms to howling winter winds, there are many ways you can lose power to your home.
Although power outages might seem rare, they can happen at any time. Natural disasters like ice storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes can knock out power, so as trees falling on power lines. Even a minor issue with your heating system or a fuse box could lead to a power outage.
When a power outage hits, the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared. You could end up in a difficult situation in the event of a blackout because you can't rely on your heating and cooling systems.
Here are a few important tips to help you prepare for a power outage, including investing in a reliable generator for your home.
BUILD OR RESTOCK YOUR EMERGENCY KIT
Before the storm, it is crucial you have a well-equipped emergency kit on hand. Your kit should contain the following items:
Minimum two litres of water per person per day
Medications
Battery-powered flashlight and radio
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Special items such as baby formula or medical equipment
Important documents
Personal hygiene items
Keys to your house and car
A copy of your emergency plan
You might want to have a checklist in place and consider adding additional items depending on your and your family's needs.
In addition to that, you should stock up on non-perishable foods and have a minimum three-day supply. Ensure your pantry has items like canned meats or fish, canned vegetables and fruit, protein or granola bars, dried fruit, etc.
INVEST IN A STANDBY GENERATOR
Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to prepare for power outages is investing in a reliable generator. This means choosing a residential generator that fits your home's power needs.
The best generator is one you can depend upon to continue operation in a power outage – reliably, safely and with plenty of fuel on hand. That is why when it comes to power outages, standby generators are an excellent solution to ensure your house has enough power in case of an emergency. You'll have lights, access to appliances, and your heating and cooling system up and running.
Paramount Power Systems is an authorized Kohler residential dealer. Kohler generators can keep you and your family safe and comfortable even during intense storms. You can use this sizing chart to determine which size generator will work best for your house.
CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE POWER SOURCE
In the dead of winter, you might need an alternative source of heat to keep your family warm. If a home standby generator isn't an option, you might want to consider investing in a portable generator.
Portable generators provide enough power to keep the essentials up and running. They can keep the lights on, power one or two appliances, and allow you to charge phones.
This makes it a great alternative power source for those items you can't go without, such as certain electronics, medical devices or the air conditioning system, which otherwise wouldn’t function without electricity. So, if you are not expecting a prolonged power outage and can get along without whole-home power for some time, a portable generator can be a good option for you.
PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGE WITH US
Power outages are often inconvenient and can be potentially dangerous. People who live in areas prone to severe weather, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and thunderstorms, have to plan ahead and prepare for these situations.
Follow these tips, and you'll be well-prepared for the next power outage. Of course, it's a good idea to invest in a generator early, so you have it at home when the storm hits.
If you are looking for a generator in Toronto and want to discover which option is the best for you, you’ve come to the right place. With over 33 years of experience in the industry, Paramount Power Systems is your go-to source for reliable backup power systems. Contact our team today to discover a range of products and services that can help you prepare for upcoming power outages.