Hurricane season is always unpredictable, but one thing is for sure—Long Island residents need to be ready for anything. According to the US EPA, the North Atlantic has seen about six to seven hurricanes each year since 1878, with roughly two making landfall in the United States. Power outages during hurricanes and severe storms are common, and having a reliable generator in place can make all the difference. It ensures that you’re not left in the dark, both literally and figuratively, during the storm. To make sure your generator is ready when you need it most, it’s important to take the right preparation steps well before hurricane season begins. Here’s what you should do to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Schedule a Professional Generator Inspection
Routine maintenance is essential to ensuring your generator performs at its best during an emergency, especially in preparation for hurricane season. Scheduling routine professional inspections before the storm season begins ensures your generator is fully functional when you need it most. A trained technician will thoroughly inspect your generator, starting with checking the fuel and oil levels to ensure your system is ready to run without interruption. They will also assess the battery’s health, as a weak or failing battery can result in startup issues. Then the transfer switch will get tested, which is responsible for seamlessly switching your power supply from the grid to your backup generator during an outage. Regular cleaning of air filters and spark plugs is another important step, as clogged or dirty filters can reduce efficiency, and worn-out spark plugs can cause poor engine performance. By proactively scheduling an inspection and addressing any issues, you ensure that your generator will be ready to deliver reliable power during critical situations.
Test Your Generator Regularly
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to find out if your generator is ready to go. In addition to having professional technicians perform load bank testing during scheduled maintenance checks, testing your generator once a month is a simple way to identify potential issues before they become critical. To perform a simple test, start your generator and let it run for at least 15 minutes. During this time, listen for any unusual noises or irregular running patterns, as these could signal an underlying issue. Next, check for any visible damage or leaks around the generator, ensuring that everything looks intact. If you notice anything unusual during the test, contact a professional for repairs right away. Regular testing helps ensure your generator will be reliable when you need it most, preventing unnecessary surprises.
Stock Up on Fuel and Supplies
Fuel shortages are common before major storms, so it’s important to keep an adequate supply on hand. For gasoline generators, store fresh fuel in approved containers and use a fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation. If you have a propane generator, check your tank levels and arrange for a refill if needed. For diesel generators, ensure proper storage and refresh the fuel as necessary. It’s also a good idea to stock up on spare oil, filters, and other maintenance supplies—stay proactive and stay prepared.
Clear the Area Around Your Generator
Your generator should always have proper airflow to prevent overheating and carbon monoxide buildup. Before hurricane season, make sure the surrounding area is clear of debris, leaves, and other obstructions. Regularly inspect the area around your generator to ensure it remains clean and clear throughout the season, as this can significantly reduce the risk of performance issues or safety hazards. Proper maintenance of your generator’s environment is key to keeping it running smoothly.
Update Your Emergency Plan
Having a generator is just one part of your hurricane preparedness plan. To ensure your household is fully prepared, create an emergency kit with essential items like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, and first aid supplies. Make sure everyone in the household is familiar with how to safely operate your generator to avoid accidents during an emergency. Taking these extra steps will help your family stay safe and organized when a storm strikes.
Invest in a Whole-House Generator
If you rely on a portable generator for hurricane preparedness, now may be the time to consider upgrading to a whole-house standby generator. Unlike portable models, standby generators automatically turn on when power is lost, providing uninterrupted electricity to your entire home. Commander Power Systems specializes in installing and maintaining standby generators to keep Long Island homes and businesses powered through any storm.
Long Island hurricane seasons can be unpredictable, but with proper generator maintenance and preparation, you can ensure your home stays safe and powered during any storm. Commander Power Systems is here to help with professional generator inspections, maintenance, and installations. Contact us today to schedule a pre-season generator checkup and ensure you’re storm-ready!