New Jersey is known for a lot of things, not the least of which is its diversity of weather. From the blistering hot days of summer to the wet and wild hurricane season to the ice storms and frigid blasts of winter air, the Garden State’s weather can vary dramatically. And while diversity can keep life a little more interesting, it can also bring with it plenty of challenges. For most of the year, New Jersey is prone to power outages, whether they occur as a result of summer’s thunder-and-lighting deluges, winter’s frigid ice storms or the six-month-long hurricane season which officially extends from June 1 through November 30.
If you’ve ever experienced a power outage, you know how important it is to take steps to prepare for a hurricane or other weather-related issues before a storm hits. Here are five things you should do to make sure you, your home and your family are prepared the next time those lights flicker into darkness:
- If you have a generator, make sure you know how to use it. Read the manual and make sure it starts and operates the way it’s supposed to. Schedule a maintenance appointment to make sure the components of your unit are functioning properly, and consider learning how to do simple maintenance tasks yourself in case your unit malfunctions or needs a simple repair during an outage. Check out this list of generator safety tips courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). If you don’t have a generator but you’re interested in adding one to your home, call Corbin Electric at (732) 410-7695 to learn more about units that can suit your needs.
- Put together a power outage “kit” that contains flashlights, fresh batteries, bottled water and a can opener. Also include some blankets, and don’t forget pet food. Place everything in a sturdy, waterproof container that can be grabbed in a moment’s notice in case you need to evacuate.
- Use candles safely. Candles can be a good source of low-level lighting, but it’s important to ensure they are constantly monitored. Even leaving a room with candles lit for a few minutes can result in a devastating fire. Be sure candles are in stable containers and located away from small children and pets – especially those with tails which can easily drift into open flames.
- When an outage does occur, consider unplugging major appliances that aren’t being powered by a generator. Sometimes when power returns after an outage, it can create a surge that can damage appliances that are connected to the electrical system in your home. Unplugging appliances that aren’t being powered by a generator can prevent surge-related damage.
- Finally, have a plan. As they say, the time to plan is before the storm hits, so take some time to sit down with your family members and discuss your needs to decide what action you need to take to be prepared, including a list of possible places you can go to recharge phones and other portable electronics and to connect with the Internet. If you have a home-based business, be sure you have a backup plan to continue operations or at least notify your clients of any potential delays.
Taking steps to prepare for a storm takes some effort, but it’s time well spent. To learn more about how a home generator can help you, your family and your business avoid disruptions during a power outage, call Corbin at (732) 410-7695.