How to Prepare Your Generator For Hurricane and Severe Storm Season

Preparing for Hurricanes and Severe Storms

Storm season can be a challenging time of the year for those living in regions prone to weather-related natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. These severe weather conditions bring with them the potential for extended power outages that can last for days or even weeks, making it essential to have a reliable source of backup power. Investing in a generator and knowing how to use it properly can help you and your family remain safe during hurricane season.

Pre-storm generator maintenance

The importance of maintaining a generator can’t be overstated. By following these best practices, you can make sure your generator operates reliably before a storm begins and prevent unexpected breakdowns during crucial moments:

1. Inspect and clean: Regularly inspect your generator for signs of wear, rust, or damage. Remove any dirt, debris, or obstructions that could affect its performance.

2. Change the oil and filters: Change the oil, oil filter, and air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. This should usually be done after every 50 to 100 hours of use for portable generators. For standby generators, it is every 200 hours.

3. Test: Periodically test your generator by running it under load for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that it’s operating efficiently and help identify any potential issues.

4. Check the fuel: Make sure that you have an adequate fuel supply on hand and that the fuel is fresh. Gasoline should be treated with a stabilizer and stored in an approved container for up to one year. Diesel and propane can be stored for longer periods.

5. Inspect the electrical connections: Check all electrical connections for signs of corrosion or damage. Tighten any loose connections and replace damaged components as needed.

Generator safety tips

Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when operating a generator since improper usage can pose risks to both you and your family. Equip yourself with safety knowledge and be prepared to handle your generator responsibly during hurricane season with the following tips:

• Operate outdoors: Always operate your generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Keep it away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Use the correct extension cords: Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with a wire gauge suitable for the electrical load. Avoid overloading cables or connecting multiple cords together.
• Keep the generator dry: Protect your generator from moisture by operating it under a canopy or other shelter. Never touch a generator with wet hands or use it in wet conditions, as this can cause electrocution.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill humans and animals. To prevent poisoning, install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors on every floor in your home, ideally about 5-20 feet from fuel-burning sources like a furnace, water heater, or fireplace. Additional detectors should be placed outside of sleeping areas. The alarms will only be able to alert residents to problems after carbon monoxide reaches their sensors, so be sure to choose locations where the alarms will stay clean and unobstructed. Do not place the units in dead air spaces or next to windows or doors.
• Store fuel safely: Store fuel in approved containers away from living areas and any sources of heat or flame. Refuel the generator only when it is cool to avoid a fire or explosion.

READ MORE: How to Protect Your Appliances in a Power Outage

Create an emergency plan

Having a well-thought-out emergency plan in place is essential for efficiently handling power outages during storm season to streamline generator use and ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. Here are some considerations when making plans ahead of a storm:

Develop a plan for generator usage during a power outage:

1. Identify critical appliances and devices that need to be powered during an outage, such as refrigerators, heating systems, and communication devices.
2. Determine the sequence in which vital appliances will be connected to the generator.
3. Establish a routine for monitoring fuel levels, generator performance, and refueling procedures.
4. Develop a contingency plan in case the generator experiences any issues or fails to start.

Familiarize yourself with generator operation and safety precautions:

1. Have clear instructions on starting and stopping the generator, connecting appliances, and monitoring performance.
2. Educate family members on safety precautions, such as maintaining proper ventilation, keeping the generator dry, and not overloading the generator with too many appliances.
3. Designate a responsible family member to oversee generator operation and maintenance during a power outage.
4. Conduct regular practice drills to familiarize everyone with the emergency plan and generator operation to prepare for tornado and hurricane season.

Maintain an emergency kit with necessary supplies:

• Stock up on essentials, including non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
• Include tools and supplies for generator maintenance, such as spare fuel, oil, a funnel, and a fire extinguisher.
• Ensure you have extra extension cords, power strips, and any necessary adapters on hand.
• Keep important documents, such as insurance policies and emergency contact numbers, in a waterproof container within the emergency kit.

How to use a generator during a storm

During storm season, it’s essential to use your generator wisely. Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your appliance:

• Prioritize your power needs: Identify the most critical appliances and devices to power up. These can range from refrigerators and heating or cooling systems to lighting. Focus on powering only the essential items to conserve fuel and prevent overloading the generator.
• Keep track of your generator’s fuel consumption: Make sure you have enough fuel on hand for extended outages. Remember to let the generator cool down before refueling.
• Don’t overload the generator: Avoid exceeding the generator’s greatest capacity. This can cause it to overheat or fail. If necessary, consider upgrading to a larger generator or staggering the use of high-demand devices.
• Get familiar with safety precautions: Make sure that everyone in your household is familiar with the proper operation and safety procedures for your generator.
• Maintain the generator: Continued maintenance during storm season is vital so you’re always prepared for the worst. Make sure to inspect and clean the unit as well as change the oil and filters.

More information

We hope this guide helped you better prepare for storm season and take care of your generator so it’s ready for use whenever you need it. If you need repair help or replacement parts, visit AppliancePartsPros.com with your model and serial numbers. There, you can chat with a pro, speak with customer service, and check out our DIY blog.

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