Preparing for Severe Weather in Your PA Home

Written on: June 3, 2019

Andrea. Dorian. Imelda. Rebekah.
No, they’re not the names of characters from a new show on Netflix – they’re four of this year’s Atlantic hurricane names, and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be hearing more about at least a few of them once Atlantic Hurricane Season gets underway on June 1.
While Pennsylvania does not typically find itself on track to experience the worst of these powerful storms, even remnants of them can still have a significant impact on our property – including power outages.
One of the best ways to cope with power outages is to invest in a whole house backup generator, which restores power mere seconds after the grid goes down. That will not only keep your lights on, it will keep your refrigerator, cooling system, sump pump, home security system, and more up and running. In a time where severe weather is becoming more common, a backup generator is fast transforming from a luxury to a necessity for your PA home.
Whether or not you’re ready to install a backup generator, though, planning for severe weather is the key to minimizing its potentially disastrous effects. Here are some pointers for severe weather preparedness for you home:

1. Stay informed about the approaching storm by listening to news online and in your local media. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of important severe weather resources on hand.
2. Charge all family cellphones, laptops, tablets, etc. in advance of the storm.
3. Have an emergency kit prepared and ready. To learn more about putting together an emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov.
4. Test your smoke alarm and CO detectors every year; make sure they have fresh batteries before severe weather arrives.
5. Consider purchasing disposable coolers and dry ice to preserve perishable food.
6. Withdraw cash and gas up your car before the storm arrives; power outages can shut down power in banks and other important places.
7. If high winds are predicted, secure lawn furniture and other objects in your yard.
8. Clear storm drains of any debris that could clog and back up rainwater.
9. Establish a communications plan with family members and friends.
10. If you have a backup generator,
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to use it safely;
    • Have it professionally serviced at least once a year (twice would be better here in the four-season Hudson Valley) to keep it running reliably; and
    • Fill it with propane before a major storm arrives, and after you use it.

Atlantic Hurricane season is coming – be ready! To learn more about professional generator installation, or to order propane for your existing generator, contact the propane pros at Ace-Robbins today.