An emergency is by definition an unforeseen circumstance. But you can prepare ahead for all kinds of contingencies, by maintaining your heating and cooling system in top condition. Maintenance is the best prevention and good maintenance can in and of itself head off emergencies. And one of the best emergency preparedness steps you can take is to make sure that your residential generator is in working condition and ready to go in case of an emergency.
Emergency preparedness: is your generator ready?
Blackouts can happen due to bad weather: winter storms, tornados, flooding and high winds can all do their share of damage and leave tens of thousands of homes without power. If your home happens to be one of them, you can count on all kinds of problems, including lack of heating and hot water, being unable to cook, and having food go bad in the refrigerator and freezer.
Thinking ahead with generator installation can help avoid all these problems. Residential generators should always be installed by a professional. Electric generators should be kept in readiness, with regular inspections and a full tank of fuel in case of any emergencies. Like installation, generator preventative maintenance should be done by qualified professionals to avoid any mishaps. There are many types of electric generators and your local contractor should be able to advise you on which one is right for you, given the size of your home and local conditions.
Beyond emergencies: maintenance is the best prevention
It’s not just your electrical generator that should be kept in top condition for emergencies. Your home heating and electrical systems are crucial to your family’s well being and safety. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to keep them functioning safely and efficiently. In fact according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, nearly 55,000 fires each year are due to faulty home electrical systems. These result in more than 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries each year, and do $1.4 billion worth of property damage.
Regular maintenance can identify and correct problems before they become emergencies. Even armored cable insulation should be inspected once every five years. It is worth recalling the old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to home electrical and heating systems and residential generators, truer words were never spoken.