But It Won’t Keep The Lights On (NAPSA)—Being prepared means being in control to maintain peace of mind. There is nowhereto hide from 2 hi seasonal storms but, because they are coming regardless, it is possible to get ready to face them head-on. Increased dependenceon electronics has changedthe look of storm safety checklists, so it is a good idea to review some newtips. e Be sure devices are charged so they are ready for use. A true testament to how hur- ricane preparedness has changed in the last two decades, electronic devices have become a much more critical part of our lives. As the eardian Serlee Install a backup generator. Homestandby generators like the Guardian Series by Generac turn on automatically when the power goes out and will stay on until poweris forecast becomes moreserious, get all necessary gadgets powered up restored. They don’t require refueling Have a family communica- and normalcy can be restored within momentsafter the power goesout. “Severe weatherputs a lot of stress on a homeowner, but a standby generator reduces thatstress,” explained Jodi Marose, Generac Power Systems, and use only as needed. tion plan. Ideally, everyone will have fully charged devices, but if they don’t and family membersare separated, have a plan to check in and share status updates. Text mes- sages use less bandwidth than phone calls, so set up a group text for single message check-ins. Keep a paper copy of important contact numbers in addition to all the contact information stored on a cell phone. Identify someone outside the community who can serve as a point of contact if communication within the area is cut off. If local lines are jammedastheresult of a disaster, it can actually be easier to make a long-distance call to someone in anotherarea. Be sure the hurricane kit includes a battery-operated radio. It will be important to save power on phonesandtablets, so don’t wasteit cetting news updates online. Dig out the old AM/FM transistor and make so there is no need to worry about the gas station situation. A sense of safety Inc. spokesperson. “Maintaining powerallows you to maintain a sense of normalcy as you navigate your way through the aftermath of the storm.” Homesand families comein different sizes and so do generators. Generac.com hasa sizing calculator that will recommendthe best generator for the user’s backup powerneeds. Household items can be identified to keep specific items running during an outage, from furnace andrefrigerator to sauna andhottub. Live rep- resentatives are available to chat online or backupplans can be designed and sent via e-mail. Jeff Friges from Ashland, Ohio owns a Guardian Series 11kW. “I’ve had it for over a year now andit just sits there quietly untilit’s called upon sure the batteries are fresh. Get the gas tankfilled up. If power goes out for an extended when the power goes out. Then it turns lenged without use of their digital pumps. Take action ahead of time to avoid what is sure to be a Learn More For more facts and advice, into a power-pumping monster with- period, gas stations will be chal- out hesitation. Oneof the best investments for my family and my home.” chaotic scene. visit www.Generac.com or call (888) GENERAC.
