In Florida and the surrounding coastal regions, hurricane season (from June 1st to November 30th) is a yearly reality that demands preparedness and vigilance. These storms can bring significant challenges, impacting homes, businesses, and communities. Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, such as getting a check-up for your generator, can make all the difference when a storm approaches. It’s essential to have a comprehensive plan in place, ensuring that you, your loved ones, and your property are ready to face whatever nature may bring. In this article, we’ll offer some tips to help you prepare for the upcoming hurricanes as well as reasons why generator maintenance services are crucial in these situations.

What to do during a storm?

Recent hurricanes, such as Hurricane Helena and Hurricane Milton, have highlighted the urgent need for residents to be ready. Hurricane Helena caused widespread power outages and flooding, while Hurricane Milton brought damaging winds and heavy rain, leaving many unprepared for the aftermath. Here are some weather safety actions to consider:

• When in a watch area, stay informed by frequently listening to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official updates on the storm's progress.
• Ensure your family vehicles are fueled and serviced, and secure your mobile home if applicable.
• Prepare to cover windows and doors with shutters or other materials, and stock up on essential supplies like canned food, toiletries, first aid kits, drinking water, and medications.
• Bring in outdoor furniture and lightweight objects, and keep an extra supply of cash on hand.
• If you have a generator, make sure to assess the surrounding area. Clear any debris away from the generator and inspect the environment for potential hazards that could affect performance during a storm. Look for signs of flooding or objects that might be dislodged by intense hurricane winds.
• Lastly, plan to evacuate if you live in a mobile home, on the coastline, near a river or floodplain, or in a high-rise building, as these locations are particularly vulnerable during hurricanes.

If you own a generator, here are several compelling reasons why investing in generator maintenance services before storms strike or during lulls between storms is essential for optimal performance and reliability.

• Efficiency & Reliability: Leaving a generator to collect dust can lead to a decline in its efficiency. Generators require regular servicing to operate at peak performance, which is critical when storms approach. By ensuring your generator is well-maintained, you’ll likely save fuel and reduce your overall operating costs, making your generator purchase more economical. This is especially important in emergencies when fuel supplies may be limited. Beyond that, it's crucial to have a generator that works in life-threatening moments like category-five hurricanes. Therefore, prioritizing maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also guarantees that it will perform reliably when you need it most, providing peace of mind during severe weather events.
• Prevent Mold and Mildew: When a hurricane hits and the power goes out, it can take only hours for mold and mildew to start to develop. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after a water intrusion event. If the power is out for days and your air conditioning isn’t running, the problem can escalate quickly, posing health risks to you and your family. Regular generator maintenance helps keep your home safe from mold and mildew growth during extended power outages. Additionally, you will avoid having to deal with the stress of costs and extensive repairs associated with mold remediation, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.

Generator Maintenance

Generators should be inspected, tested, and maintained regularly, but it’s wise to double-check everything when inclement weather is on the horizon. Services might include checking and changing fluids and filters, inspecting fuel lines, checking the battery’s charge (replacing it if necessary), and conducting a load bank test. If you don’t have a generator technician on call, schedule a service appointment with us to troubleshoot any issues before a storm hits.

Hurricanes are one of the most powerful and destructive natural forces. These storms can result in significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, often leaving communities without power for days or even weeks. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are well-prepared for hurricane season and ready to face any storms that come your way. Contact us today if you're in need of generator maintenance services.