Don't Get Caught Without Power
Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar offers tips to Sacramento-area homeowners for being prepared during power outages.
PLACERVILLE, Calif., Jan. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the California winter weather in full effect, many homeowners have already suffered damage due to heavy flooding in parts of Northern California. Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar can help make sure Sacramento-area residents are prepared for power outages.
"The onset of storms slamming parts of California have caused damage to homes and loss of power around the area," says Darrin Gilmore, owner of Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar. "Sudden power outages can be frustrating especially when they last a long time. Having a backup generator can provide peace of mind but they need to be used safely."
A home without power for a prolonged period of time can pose dangerous risks. Extreme temperatures during a power outage, hot or cold, can make the situation even worse. Not only will food spoil due to a lack of refrigeration, and home temperature control systems not work, but many people rely on electricity to help aid chronic health conditions.
For homeowners who are considering buying a generator, or who already have one, Gilmore offers tips on how to practice safe generator use during power outages.
- Buy the right generator. Make sure to get a generator rated for the amount of power you need. Pay attention to the electrical loads shown on labels of lighting, appliances, and your equipment that you plan on hooking up to the generator.
- Hire an electrician to set up a generator safely. Hooking up a generator to the home can be challenging. Consider calling a professional that can set-up the appropriate equipment in the appropriate place at your home.
- Beware of generator hazards. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic exhaust, electrocution, and fire. Never use a generator inside a house.
- Install battery-operated CO alarms or plugins. If CO gas enters your home and poses a serious health risk, the alarms will sound to alert you.
- Never use portable generators indoors. This includes an indoor garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or any other partially enclosed areas of the home. Opening doors and windows will not prevent CO buildup inside of a home. The CO from generators can lead to death.
- Keep generators away from openings. If you want to keep your windows open during a power outage, be sure to place portable generators at least ten feet away from windows, vents, and doors to prevent CO entering the home.
- Let the generator cool down before refueling. If gas spills on a hot generator it could potentially ignite and cause a fire.
- Plug appliances directly into the generator. Never try to power all appliances from a small extension cord that runs from the generator. If you use an extension cord, make use of a heavy duty, outdoor-related cord that is (in watts or amps) equal to the connected appliances.
- Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet. A hazard known as "backfeeding" can occur. It presents extremely dangerous electrocution risks to any nearby utility workers and neighbors on the same transformer.
For Sacramento-area residents in need of electrical and power assistance, and who are interested in learning more about how to safeguard their homes against current winter related weather, the professionals at Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar are available to help. For more information, please call at (800) 200-9696 or visit www.gilmoreair.com.
About Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar
Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar has been serving the Sacramento area since 1979, when John Gilmore took his years of experience in designing heating and air conditioning systems and opened his own company. It was, and continues to be, a family business. The business has grown to more than 90 employees, all dedicated to the "Get More with Gilmore" motto that promises outstanding customer service with a commitment to environmental protection and community service. To find out more, visit www.gilmoreair.com or call (800) 200-9696.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
[email protected]
SOURCE Gilmore Heating, Air, Solar
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