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Your Power Outage Plan
Southern Living, Jul 2007
Are you prepared for stormy weather? We've gathered hints and tips for dealing with rainy-day issues, plus information about generators. They can save the day when the lights go out.
CREATE A SURVIVAL KIT
When storms arrive, don't stumble through the dark searching for flashlights and batteries. Keep a kit in an easily accessible spot. We put together must-haves in a plastic tackle box. What you need: a flashlight or small, battery-operated lantern; batteries in various sizes; a small radio; and candles and matches. Include a deck of cards just for fun. Now is a great time to teach the kids a game that doesn't require expensive electronic equipment.
DID YOU KNOW?
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You don't have to go without your cell phone if the battery dies during a power outage. For less than $30, you can purchase a battery-operated charger for emergencies. Most require one AA battery and will provide your phone with enough power for another two hours of talk time.
POWER HUNGRY
Have your own power plant in the backyard with a standby generator. During a blackout, the generator takes over and runs until electricity service is restored. A standby generator (it resembles an air-conditioning unit) is installed outside on a concrete slab or blocks and is powered by natural gas, diesel, or propane fuel. The generator is wired to the electrical panel in the home through an automatic transfer switch. A manual transfer switch is a less expensive alternative to the automatic switch, but, as the name implies, you must manually turn it on and off. The automatic transfer switch constantly monitors the power coming into the house, doing the work for you.
Generators vary based on how much power they provide (from 8.5 to 10O kilowatts). A 10 kW to 16 kW standby generator is appropriate for the average home. Expect to pay up to $10,000 for a 16 kW unit (including installation). Let your local utility company know you have a standby generator. This protects the safety of line workers in the area.
Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2007
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved
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