Do You Have A Generator Readiness Plan?
Having a whole house backup generator is a great way to face severe weather events here in the Northern New Jersey area, where power failure related complications could create dangerous problems for your home and family.
But a generator will only help you if it is ready to go when you need it most.
3 steps to outage readiness
To make sure it does, it pays to have a Generator Readiness Plan that includes three components:
- Pre-storm preparation
- During a severe weather event
- Post- event record keeping and maintenance
1. Pre-storm preparation
In advance of a severe weather event or season, take time to:
- Study – Review your generator’s operating instructions so you know what to do when the event arrives.
- Inspect and maintain your system – Your backup generator should be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Invest in professional generator service at least once – or better yet twice – per year (before winter and summer storm seasons).
- Run your generator – Run your backup generator immediately before a severe winter weather event to make sure everything is in working order and that you have enough propane gas to last several days or more after the storm passes.
- Have a “Plan B” – Know what you will do if your generator does not start.
2. During a severe weather event
- Keep access to your generator and fill tank clear – Keep a pathway open to your generator in case it has any operating problems.
- Monitor and document generator operation – Keep an eye on how your generator is working, and a record of when and for how long it runs. Document any problems that occur or repairs that have to be made.
3. Post-winter event record keeping and maintenance
- Review your Readiness Plan – After the storm, and again after the storm season ends, review what worked and what didn’t work with your Plan, making changes as needed.
- Maintain your system – Be ready for the next storm before it arrives
Contact Bolkema today If you need service or repairs for your whole-house backup generator or are considering investing in a new one for your Northern New Jersey home.