Bracing for Hurricane Power Outages

With hurricane season officially underway, we are encouraging coastal residents to prepare their home for potential storm damage and power outages. "Hurricanes often create extensive power outages - even in areas away from the eye of the storm," said Steve Krawczyk, president of Coleman Powermate. "Homeowners should have a power outage kit, containing a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, food and water, and a back-up power system readily available at all times."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-average hurricane season this year with 11 or more tropical storms expected - at least seven of which are likely to become hurricanes. "We are advising generator owners to change the oil and occasionally start their generators to make sure the internal parts are properly lubricated." Krawczyk also recommends adding fresh gasoline or a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. "If you don't use a generator frequently, the gasoline can become stale, preventing the engine from starting when you truly need it."

According to a recent survey by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), many homeowners along the hurricane-prone Eastern Seaboard and the Gulf Coast have done nothing to protect their homes from upcoming storms and many are unaware of how to deal with hurricane emergencies.

The study Found that: 58 percent in the South and 67 percent in the Northeast have done nothing to prepare; 57 percent in the South and 77 percent in the Northeast have not prepared a disaster kit. "I don't know if they're waiting or hoping hurricanes won't hit them," said Krawczyk. "Every year we tell people not to wait until a storm is threatening to prepare, but it's clear they're still not doing that."

This helpful article was provided by DoItYourself.com community member John Hoch.