The Role of Backup Generators in Disaster Readiness
When a natural catastrophe hits, the loss of electricity is a significant setback for many households. Having a dependable generator on hand can be incredibly helpful in different situations.
Backup Power Supply
One of the most significant advantages of owning a generator is having backup power when the main grid goes down. If ice or snow causes powerlines to collapse, the backup power will ensure that your furnace continues to operate. It can also run your air conditioner in the summertime following a hurricane, preventing heat-related illnesses for your loved ones.
Preserves Food and Beverages
If you don’t have a generator, you risk losing hundreds of dollars worth of food or, worse, going hungry in an emergency. This is because your fridge and freezer won’t work when the power goes off. If the power stays off for a few hours, your food will go bad. A generator will maintain the operation of your refrigerator and freezer, ensuring the quality and safety of your stored food. This becomes even more critical in the aftermath of a disaster when restocking food supplies can be difficult. A generator will allow you to store meat, dairy, fresh vegetables, and cold beverages, which is comforting in a disaster.
Maintain Home Safety With Security Systems
Electricity is essential for home security systems incorporating cameras, alarms, and motion detectors. If the power goes out, these devices won’t be able to protect your home from intruders and vandals. When you have a generator and the electricity goes out, the security system can still function as usual. Doing so will make you feel safer and deter potential bad actors.
Vital Support for Medical Equipment
Many vital medical devices, including oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, ventilators, and others, work only when connected to electricity. Using a generator will keep these devices running even when the power goes out, protecting the people who rely on them from harm.
Stay in Communication With Friends and Loved Ones
Maintaining contact with loved ones and rescue workers is of the utmost importance in a crisis. A generator ensures that your phones, radios, and other communication equipment remain charged and operational. You won’t be left in the dark, shut off from the outside world, whether you need to contact loved ones to check their safety or ask for aid. Many people also use the internet to get updates on crises and disasters as they happen. With the help of a generator, you can keep yourself informed and make critical decisions by connecting to the internet and accessing news, weather, and emergency bulletins.
Keep the Lights On
Keeping the lights on during a disaster is much more than a matter of convenience. It also keeps you safe. In a power outage, a generator can illuminate dark areas of your home, such as the kitchen, restrooms, and stairs, making them safer for everyone. A well-lit home can also help alleviate anxiety and tension in an emergency. This is especially true for families with small children or older adults who might be afraid of the dark.
Prevents Basement Flooding
If your home’s electric sump pump is your primary means of preventing basement flooding, a power outage could spell disaster. The likelihood of water leaking into your basement increases if a power outage occurs alongside a heavy rainstorm or snowmelt. A backup generator means that your sump pump will continue working, diverting water from your house and avoiding disastrous floods.
Keep Hot Food on the Table
Cooking becomes more complicated when the power goes out, mainly if you use electric stoves and microwaves. With a generator, you can keep cooking hot meals for your family. They can continue eating healthy food even if the power goes out for a long time. In times of stress, being able to cook at home can help families stay calm and focused.
Maintain a Fully Functional Home Office
A power outage is a significant problem for people who do most or all their work from home. It cuts off electricity to their computers, printers, and internet connections, making it difficult to meet strict deadlines. With a generator, you can always keep your electronics working, even in an emergency.
1st Choice Service Group Heating & Air is here to answer any questions about generators. We also help homeowners with HVAC installations, ductless AC, electrical repairs, EV charging stations, geothermal heating and cooling, indoor air quality solutions, and more. Call us now to learn all about the generators available in Asheville, NC.