Generators can provide power for a home in the case of an outage. Here are some things to think about.
Many homeowners are purchasing generators as a backup power source. Due to storms and other electrical outages,
individuals are taking matters into their own hands in terms of supplying electricity to their homes. We are often quite dependent on electricity for our survival as our heat, lights, refrigeration and more are powered by its current. If a home is powered by natural gas, propane or solar power, it's not as much of an emergency when the electric current is shut off. Here are some possibilities to consider:
- Disasters that cause blackouts:
o Hurricanes and tropical storms: Hurricanes are wild storms that originate in as tropical storms and gain strength as they move through the Northwestern Atlantic. In order to be considered a hurricane, the winds must be moving 74 MPH whereas a tropical storm moves 39 MPH on up. Hurricanes often knock out power lines, blow residents and structures around and create flooding. Geologists state that a hurricane isn't actually named but rather a tropical storm is. If it escalates into a hurricane, it keeps the same name. For example, Irene was a tropical storm before it became a hurricane.
o Tornadoes: A tornado is a funnel shaped wind storm that occurs over land. In the United States, tornadoes are most likely to hit regions of the mid-west. In these regions, residents often have storm cellars to retreat to for protection as tornadoes have been known to turn a house into a pile of twigs in no time. Power outages are rampant during these natural disasters.
o Earthquakes: In regions such as California, fault lines in the land make the area more prone to earthquakes. When the earth decides to move around and shift its plates, buildings fall apart and electricity goes with it.
o Blackouts and brownouts: Blackouts are a complete cessation of electrical power in certain regions. Sometimes electric companies plan brownouts in order to reduce the crunch of energy being used and to prevent total failure of the systems. Rolling blackouts are also planned times of power outages in order to repair or install new systems or save an energy source from being overloaded.
- Besides purchasing generators: In order to be ready for any type of natural disaster and power outage, homeowners and residents of regions prone to natural disasters might want to take a few more precautions along with purchasing generators. Some examples include:
o Food: Having a supply of canned food and a manual can opener around to provide nourishment to family members will be a wise move.
o Water: Having multiple gallons of water available for drinking is a smart choice, too.
o Blankets and flashlights: Having extra blankets for warmth and battery powered flashlights will help in the event of weather induced calamities, too.
o First aid kits: Having basic first aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic ointment and gauze is a good idea.
Because of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and power outages such as blackouts, brownouts and rolling blackouts, emergency backup plans are needed. Having generators, canned food, water, blankets, battery powered flashlights and first aid kits will help individuals make it through until electricity is restored.
