~~ ee ee ee Hints Protecting Your From Winter Weather (NAPSA_—Without warning, homeowners can suddenly be without power. When a homeloses power, food in the refrigerator spoils, security systems andlifesaving health equipment become disabled and sump pumps won’t keep basements from flooding. Losing power for days, weeks or even longer can be costly, inconvenient and dangerous. own- ers can protect against unforeseen power outages by installing a standby generator that automatically comes on when the power goes out. As last summer’s hurricane season and this winter’s severe ice storms proved, power loss can strike at any time. Here are some steps that homeowners can take to prepare their home for storm season: Secure backup power— The only way to ensure access to power when a power outage occurs is to install an automatic standby generator. According to the American Red Cross, there is almost no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or electrocution with a properly installed stationary generator, making them better suited for providing backup powerto the homethan portable generators. Recent technology advancements have made standby power generators more affordable. Despite their smaller size, today’s residential units are more powerful and practical and they will protect your family and valuables in the event of a power outage. A good example is the Generac Guardian Series 20kW unit from Generac Power Systems, a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial standby generators. When buying a home generator, choose one with a galvanizedsteel or aluminum exterior for enhanced corrosion protection. Look for an LCD digital control panel, an exte- a———2. ee Gusre 197 Series The latest technology has made home generators more efficient and moreaffordable. rior signal light for simple maintenance messages, reduced sound output—a generator should be as quiet as a car at idle—andat least a three-year warranty. Choose an automatic standby generator that operates on nat- ural gas or liquid propane vapor to avoid the fuel storage, spillage, spoilage or odors that are common with gasoline or diesel models. Because of their favorable emissions profile, gaseous-fueled generators are becoming increasingly popular as a “green”solution for backup power needs. Create a family disaster plan—The Department of Commerce recommends that family disaster plans include instructions for evacuations, health emergencies, and loss of water, gas, electricity and telephone. Inspect home and yard for potential hazards—Trim or cut down weak trees and branches and remove items like lawn furniture, which can become airborne and may damage a home. Severe weather can also bring intense rainfall, so keep rain gutters, outside stairwells, window wells, drain lines and downspouts clean to prevent flooding. For more information on generators, visit Generac.com or call 888-GENERAC.
