The Best Time to Prepare for a Hurricane is Yesterday

WAUKESHA, Wis., June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Powerful storms and hurricanes turn ordinary life upside down, and Tropical Storm Andrea reminds us all to plan ahead to stay safe from the storm.

Hurricane Sandy (2012) left 8.1 million people without power and $25 billion of lost business activity. Hurricane Irene (2011), which was of similar size to Hurricane Katrina, left 3.5 million people without power and caused $9.8 billion in damage.

As this season's first notable storm leaves behind a drenched Florida and promises the same for the Northeast, it brings with it the reminder that tropical force winds and the dangers of flooding make power outages imminent during hurricane season. Life without the safety and security of power can be prevented if you and your household are prepared.

Preparing for outages and taking other precautions can save lives and reduce the damage caused by hurricanes.

Here are steps individuals and communities should take, courtesy of the National Hurricane Center and storm preparedness experts at Generac:

• Install a Generac home standby generator or use a portable Generac generator. Generators help keep the lights on, stop food from spoiling in the refrigerator, provide air conditioning, and ensure life's basic needs continue to function.
• If you already have a generator, inspect it to make sure it is in good working order. Generac recently introduced the industry's only 24/7/365 customer support. Generator owners with questions can call 888-GENERAC any time of day or night and get assistance from a Wisconsin-based Generac employee.
• Know your home's vulnerability to storm surges, flooding and wind. Have a written plan based on this knowledge.
• Check the supplies in your disaster supply kit, replace batteries and use food stocks on a rotating basis.
• Listen to your local radio station that offers NOAA weather updates. It will be an excellent source for real-time weather information and warnings.
• Make sure to create a plan for your pet's safety for before, during and after a hurricane.
• If a storm threatens, heed the advice from local authorities. Evacuate if ordered.

Local Generac dealers across the country are available to talk about how generators can help you be prepared for the upcoming hurricane season. Generac's Hurricane Preparedness Expert is also available to talk about how preparing for the storm can help families stay safe. To set up an interview, please contact Julie Ferris (414-227-1533) or Heather Gaedtke (414-227-3505), listed above.

Additional information on hurricane preparedness is available at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

About Generac
Since 1959, Generac has been a leading designer and manufacturer of a wide range of generators and other engine-powered products. As a leader in power equipment serving residential, light commercial, industrial and construction markets, Generac's products are available through a broad network of independent dealers, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies. The company markets and distributes its products primarily under its Generac and Magnum brand names. Generac is committed to developing a long-term vision that promotes environmentally responsible products, processes and partnerships and strives to be a positive contributor of sustainable growth in the power equipment industry. For more information on Generac, please visit http://www.Generac.com. Follow Generac on Twitter @generacpowersys. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/generacpowersystems. For more information on Magnum, please visit http://www.m-p-llc.com/.

SOURCE Generac