Preparing a Generator Winter Readiness Plan
Posted: November 28, 2017
Having a whole house propane generator is a great way to protect your family, your home, and your belongings during a winter power outage – but only if it operates when you need it most.
To make sure it does, it pays to have a Generator Winter Readiness Plan that enables you to prepare for and respond to a severe weather power outage.
Here are some items to include in your Plan:
- Pre-season and pre-event preparation
- Review your generator’s operating manual – Don’t wait for the moment of truth to learn how your generator works.
- Service your generator – Invest in a professional inspection and repairs before you need to rely on it for winter use.
- Run your system – Would you try to start your car after three months sitting in your driveway during winter? Run your standby generator for a few minutes at least once or twice a month in winter to lubricate parts and make sure everything is in working order.
- Have a “Plan B” – Know what you will do if your generator does not start.
- During severe winter weather
- Keep access to your generator clear – Clear at least a 12” pathway open to your generator and keep its gas line accessible for refueling.
- Monitor and document generator operation – Keep track of how often and for how long your generator is called into service, along with any problems or repairs that may occur.
- Post-winter event record keeping and maintenance
- Review /Revise your Readiness Plan – After the storm, and again when winter ends, assess what worked and didn’t work in your plan, making changes as needed.
- Have your system maintained – Make sure you’re ready for summer storm season when it arrives!
Stay one step ahead of severe winter weather with a propane backup generator – installed and maintained by Parker Gas! Contact us today to learn more.
