Home Generators: Preparing For Severe Weather

Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable. Due to snow, ice, and high winds, downed power lines are to blame for power outages that can last for hours or days. Warm weather months is generally free from such harsh and long-term outages, however powerful thunderstorms can cause similar devastation.

A home generator is not only a convenience, but can be a life line for those that encounter loss of power throughout any season.

Braving The Cold

The thought of a power outage may bring positive memories. Thoughts of gathering everyone in the living room to play board games by candle light or tell stories with flashlights. It may even feel a little like camping. However, in cold weather, this type of togetherness could get old pretty quickly. It’s hard to have fun and create fond memories when you’re chilled to the bone. Even with today’s fireplaces, most of them aren’t built to heat entire rooms, only providing so much heat to go around.

Winter outages are known for kicking homeowners out, forcing them to retreat to hotels, friends, or family’s homes while repairs are made. You may be up for the trip, but what about your home? Your pipes could freeze causing thousands of dollars in damages. What about your pets? They may not be able to join you on your mini trip, and many small animals are able to survive intense cold.

Financial Hardships

Beating the heat in the summer may be harder than it sounds. You may be able to cool off by sleeping in the basement for a couple days, if you have one, but your home may not be so lucky. Not only would you miss your home amenities like a microwave and cell phone charger, but after 24 hours, your freezer will produce spoiled food. If you have more than one freezer, that’s just more food to worry about.

Today’s generators can run on propane gas or gasoline and can be installed with a transfer switch so they come on after a power outage regardless if you’re home or not. That way, if your home loses power while you’re away, you’re home and everything in it will be safe.

Protect yourself, your family, and your home by investing in a home generator and allow Next Gen Electric to provide the installation. We’ll be happy to provide new or updated outlets for your generator to ensure you’re ready for any season.