Winter Storm Preparedness in 10 Easy Steps

WAUKESHA, Wis., Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Each winter homeowners look forward to the joys the holiday season brings, but dread the impending storms of ice, snow and sleet that put their home and families in danger. While it pains homeowners to think about the work involved to prepare their home for the winter ahead, the experts at Generac note that winter-weather preparedness is more simple than many think, showing great return by saving money and providing invaluable peace of mind.

"Winterizing your home is very DIY-friendly," said Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and Generac partner. "Because it is so easy to do, homeowners should really make it a priority each year to keep their homes and families safe."

Homeowners face major dangers when winter weather rolls around, including damage from the weight of ice, snow and sleet. In the cases of major snowstorms, homeowners can even be trapped in their homes due to blocked or frozen entryways. Cracked or burst water pipes connected to anything from steam and hot water heating or a fire-protection system can be extremely costly. Even after the storm, melting snow can cause major flooding.

Though the list of winter weather dangers runs long, there are 10 easy steps that can ease or prevent these issues, all while creating a safer home environment during emergencies.

1. Install weather stripping.
2. Have your furnace/heating system serviced at the beginning of each season to ensure it runs properly, and have the filters changed.
3. Move furniture away from vents.
4. Add rock salt and sand to emergency kits to help melt ice on walkways.
5. Install roof-heating cables to prevent ice dams on roofs and gutters.
6. Insulate pipes and winterize your sprinkler system turning off the water supply and ridding the pipes of excess water by blowing compressed air through the sprinkler lines.
7. Run the water regularly to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Opening the faucet, even just a drip, will provide relief from the excessive pressure that comes with ice blockage and can prevent a burst pipe.
8. Insulate outlets with gasket covers.
9. Invest in an automatic home standby generator, like those from Generac, that automatically provide power for heat and electricity when there is a power outage. They turn on as soon as the power goes out and stay on until utility power is restored.
10. If you have extra money in your budget, go for attic insulation, which can save as much as 30 percent on heating costs. It's also suggested to place a cover over attic stairs.

"The average cost of basic winterizing for a home is about $150," Lipford said. "But, things like attic insulation and installing a home standby generator, like those provided by Generac, really make your preparation top-notch."

For additional tips and insight, Danny and Generac preparedness experts are available for interviews. Local Generac dealers across the country are also available to talk about how generators can help homeowners and business owners be prepared for the upcoming winter. To set up an interview, please contact Heather Gaedtke (414-227-3505) or Hannah Thulin (414-227-3530), listed above.

Additional information on winter weather preparedness is available at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

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/.

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SOURCE Generac

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