WIREGRASS — When the power goes out, most of us expect it to be an inconvenience that lasts a few hours. But after the recent hurricane and its effects on our area, many Wiregrass residents have discovered just how difficult life can become when the electricity stays off for days.
Without power, refrigerators and freezers stop keeping food cold, air conditioning shuts down, lights go dark, and everyday tasks suddenly become much harder. For families with young children, older adults, medical equipment, or special health needs, an extended outage can be more than uncomfortable — it can become a serious concern.
That’s why more people may be taking a closer look at whether a generator belongs on their list of household essentials.
A generator can make a big difference.
Depending on its size and capacity, a portable generator can provide power for essential items such as a refrigerator, a few lights, fans, phone chargers and certain small appliances. A properly sized standby generator can power more of a home and may turn on automatically when the electricity goes out.
For families living in the South, where hot weather can linger well into the fall and severe storms can threaten the power supply, having a backup plan can offer peace of mind when the lights go out.
But owning a generator also means knowing how to use it safely.
Generators produce carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that cannot be seen or smelled. They must always be operated outdoors, well away from doors, windows and vents. Never run one inside a home, garage, carport or other enclosed space, even with the doors open.
Portable generators should never be plugged directly into a household wall outlet. A properly installed transfer switch, handled by a qualified electrician, is needed to safely connect a generator to a home’s electrical system. Keep generators dry, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow the unit to cool before refueling.
It’s also important to choose the right size generator for your needs and keep an adequate supply of the correct fuel stored safely.
Don’t wait until the next storm is headed our way.
After experiencing an extended power outage, many people understand that preparing ahead of time can make a tremendous difference. Whether you decide to purchase a generator, invest in a battery backup, or put together a plan for staying with family during an outage, thinking ahead is important.
The recent storm was a reminder that we often take electricity for granted — until we no longer have it.A little preparation now could make the next extended outage safer, more comfortable and much easier on your family
