Be Prepared: A Severe Weather Checklist from Bolkema Fuel
Chantal. Humberto. Nestor. Sebastien.
No, they’re not the names of your hipster neighbors, or characters from a new show on Netflix – they’re hurricane names. More specifically, they’re names for 2019 Atlantic hurricanes that we could be hearing a lot more about once Atlantic Hurricane Season gets underway on June 1.
While the Hudson Valley does not typically find itself on track to bear the brunt of these powerful storms, the weather they push our way can still do significant damage to our homes, and could leave at least some of us without power.
One of the best ways to cope with a power outage, of course, is to install a whole house backup generator, which can automatically get your lights (and your refrigerator, cooling system, sump pump, etc.) back online in just a few seconds. In a time where severe weather is becoming more common, a backup generator is fast becoming a necessary piece of home comfort equipment.
If you’re not ready to invest in a backup generator, however, planning for severe weather becomes all the more important. Here are some steps to take in the coming weeks as we prepare for Mother Nature’s arrival in 2019:
- Stay informed about the approaching storm by listening to news online and in your local media. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of important severe weather resources on hand.
- Charge all family cellphones, laptops, tablets, etc. in advance of the storm.
- Have an emergency kit prepared and ready. To learn more about putting together an emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov.
- Test your smoke alarm and CO detectors every year; make sure they have fresh batteries before severe weather arrives.
- Consider purchasing disposable coolers and dry ice to preserve perishable food.
- Withdraw cash and gas up your car before the storm arrives; power outages can shut down power in banks and other important places.
- If high winds are predicted, secure or remove lawn furniture and other objects in your yard.
- Clear storm drains of any debris that could clog and back up rainwater.
- Establish a communications plan with family members and friends.
- If you have a backup generator,
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it safely;
- Have it professionally serviced at least once a year (twice would be better here in the four-season Hudson Valley) to keep it running reliably; and
- Make sure to re-fill it with propane after use.
Storm season is coming – be prepared! Contact us to get a FREE, no obligation estimate on a whole house propane backup generator today.