It seems like weather patterns are getting crazier and more intense over the years– like every year, there’s a record-breaking snowfall, or a record-breaking heat wave, or a devastating hurricane, etc.

Because the likelihood of a power failure seems to be increasing, it makes sense to ensure that your home is fully prepared to survive “off the grid” for what could be an extended outage.

Why are power outages so common?

There are a few reasons for this problem, beyond the changes in weather patterns. One of them is simply an infrastructure problem. Our country is not equipped to handle the massive demand for electricity that our homes and businesses require. This fragile infrastructure is more likely to fail in inclement weather or in the event of a disaster.

 In fact, the causes behind power failures within the past few years have been fairly equally divided: roughly half were caused by inclement weather, and roughly half were caused by equipment failure as a result of failing infrastructure.

What can I do to prepare for a power failure?

There’s not much that you, as a consumer, can do about the national infrastructure. What you can do is ensure that your family is prepared to weather a blackout.

One of the best ways to accomplish this is by making good use of a generator. Having a reliable backup power source can help you ensure that your refrigerator stays on, keeping your food and medications safe, and that important appliances and medical devices can continue working as they should.

We’d recommend preparing for potential disaster well ahead of time. When inclement weather is announced on the news, people tend to flock to home improvement stores in search of supplies. You’ll get the best results– and avoid price gouging– by seeking out the perfect generator for your needs long before the weather event is even announced.

What kinds of generators serve as emergency power solutions?

There are a few different kinds of generators that might be useful for your needs during a power failure.

A standby generator is a heavy-duty one that works automatically– when the power fails, the generator starts up. These generators are powerful enough to keep your home fully operational for a long time– even lasting weeks if necessary. These generators are powered by a fuel like diesel, propane, or natural gas, ensuring that if you have access to fuel, you’ll have access to power. 

A portable generator, like you might guess from the name, is portable, while a standby generator is large and resides permanently outside of your home. Portable generators can be more convenient, but they don’t last as long, and require refueling. Typically, a portable generator running on propane can last up to 18 hours at a time, depending on the power it’s providing.

How can I survive a disaster with my backup power source?

In addition to securing a backup generator and sufficient fuel to get you through at least a few days of power failure, you should look into other ways to prepare for potential disaster. This includes keeping a supply of bottled water on hand (one gallon per person, per day, is recommended). It may also include keeping water filtration devices on hand to ensure access to drinkable water, and keeping a supply of nonperishables as well.

Where can I find the right generator for my needs?

At Northside Power, generators aren’t just something we do– they’re all we do!

We have extensive knowledge about virtually any kind of generator you might need in the event of disaster or power failure. We also offer emergency maintenance for our generators, which means that your access to power can remain interrupted even in a severe weather situation.

If you’re interested in preparing for outages and disasters, give us a call today to get started, or reach out for a free quote!