Cold Weather Generator Preparedness Guide

This video demonstrates how to safely shut down a home standby generator that is running during a power outage for maintenance. It details a specific cool-down period and fuse removal to prevent battery drain, followed by instructions to completely power down the system. Finally, the video shows how to restart and reactivate the generator, so that it's ready to resume powering a load after maintenance is complete.

• Clear debris and any obstructions away from the generator.
• Keep at least 3 ft. of clearance around the generator.
• This also includes moving plants and decorations away from the generator.
• Ensure the inside of the enclosure is free of debris (such as leaves, sticks, dirt, etc.).
• Check your battery for proper charge and clean any corrosion on the terminals.
• Replace a dirty or damaged air filter.
• Inspect lines and connections for fuel or oil leaks.
• Check spark plugs and re-gap or replace if they’re out of tolerance.
• Empty sediment trap.
• Monitor oil level and keep extra oil available, especially if your generator is running continuously.
• Set up a maintenance check with your local dealer.
• Schedule LP gas deliveries well ahead of cold weather.

From downed trees to fuel shortages to power outages, cold weather events can cause serious delays for propane suppliers. Do not wait until the last minute to schedule a fuel delivery. Keep your LP generator and propane appliances running – connect with your supplier well ahead of a potential storm.

Don’t Rely Solely on Manual Tank Checks

Checking your propane tank for proper fuel levels is not always possible. Consider when:

• Inclement weather makes it dangerous to walk out to the tank.
• The dial is inaccessible due to a stuck tank lid or significant snow built up/around an underground tank.
• You or your family aren’t at home while LP appliances are running, or the generator turns on and starts burning fuel.
• The tank dial is physically difficult for you or your family to access.

Avoid the Hidden Costs of a Run Out

They’re frustrating, costly and likely to happen when you need your LP generator and LP appliances most. When a run out happens, you may have to pay for:

• A qualified technician to perform a leak test. Some jurisdictions require this test after an out-of-gas call before propane/fuel delivery occurs.
• An expedited/emergency delivery fee that could cost up to $300.
• Replacing spoiled food in your refrigerator and freezer.
• A costly hotel stay if you’re without electricity for an extended period.

Utilize the Generac LTE LP Fuel Monitor

Take control of your fuel consumption, plan for deliveries and protect against runouts by conveniently measuring the remaining fuel level in any propane tank – no matter what LP appliances are connected. With this effective tool you’ll enjoy:

• Easy installation in under 5 minutes on any above-or below-ground tank.
• Mobile Link integration to see your tank level in real-time, from anywhere via phone/computer.
• Text and email notifications that alert you when your tank level drops below a certain threshold.
• Peace of mind that you will be prepared for the storm and protected against run outs.

Tank Monitoring is the easiest, most reliable way to ensure you always have enough propane to weather the storm.

Using a portable generator for emergency power? It’s important to be aware of potential hazards. Always keep these basic guidelines in mind when running your generator and be sure to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual first.

• Never run a generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas such as garages.
• Only use outdoors far away from windows, doors, vents, crawl spaces and and other openings.
• Always use a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm indoors, installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
• Keep the area surrounding a generator clean and free from debris and keep a clearance of five feet on all sides to allow for proper ventilation.
• Generators can be used across a wide variety of weather temperatures but should be protected from the elements when not in use to prevent shorting and rusting.
• Operate the generator only on level surfaces and where it won’t be exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, dust or corrosive vapors.
• Inspect the generator regularly and contact the nearest authorized service provider for repair or part replacements.
• Always disconnect the spark plug wire and place it where it won’t contact the spark plug to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting or repairing the generator.
• Do not connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring or into a regular household outlet to avoid electrocution and shock hazards.
• Only start or stop the generator when there is no electrical load connected.
• Do not operate the generator in wet conditions, such as rain or snow.

Please remember: Using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes.

Now more than ever, our homes have become our sanctuary. Understanding the extreme weather conditions we’re up against – and how they impact our potential power supply – is crucial in making the proper preparations. Please remember that predictions are not a certainty. Inclement weather can impact any portion of our country during any season. The best thing you can do is to simply be prepared.

Cold Temperatures

For winter season in the US, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts below average temperatures for parts of the country due to the expected La Niña conditions. Even without snow or ice, extreme cold can cause pipes to freeze and damage property. What’s more, it poses a significant health threat to anyone outdoors or in an unheated home.

Snow

Additionally, the NOAA outlook suggests multiple regions across the continental US could see above average precipitation this winter. In the form of heavy snow, it can accumulate on power lines and cut off electricity to homes, limit or knock out communications and can make travel for supplies or emergency support treacherous.

Ice

As we’ve seen in previous years, ice storms can devastate entire communities. With freezing rain and ice storms can come significant property damage, loss of critical infrastructure operations and, more importantly, loss of life. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an ice storm is a freezing rain event (rain that freezes on surface contact) with significant ice accumulations of ¼” or more. While extreme cold and severe winter weather can affect virtually anyone around the US, the FEMA National Risk Index assesses the potential impact ice storms pose to your location.

The best time to take charge of your storm response is well before the winter and cold weather arrives. Stay ahead of impending weather events with the supplies and information you need to keep you and yours ready for anything.

Start Now

• Identify your nearest warming centers, when they will open and, if applicable, which ones allow pets.
• If you use a fireplace or wood stove for heating, be sure to have your chimney or flue inspected annually ahead of cold weather.
• Build an emergency kit. See a list of recommended items to include at the end of this guide.
• Gather local area maps in case mobile devices lack service or electricity.
• Have relevant family and trusted contact information handy in a wallet or purse. Create a communication plan in case of an outage.

Working Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms Save Lives

• Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound.
• Install both on each level and outside separate sleeping areas.
• Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Never ignore an alarm. Get outside immediately when it sounds. Then call 911.

Insurance Purposes

• Be sure to make a list and photograph your most expensive items. Prioritize high-priced items such as jewelry, collectibles, electronics, power tools, lawn mowers, etc. Show the items up close and where they are in the home. In each photo, include a piece of paper with the current date and the value of the item. Take photos of receipts if available.
• Account for possessions both inside and outside of your home and talk with your insurer ahead of time to understand the claims filing process. A printable form to list your household inventory is located at the end of this guide.
• Photograph important legal paperwork such as wills, birth certificates and proof of insurance.

Source: https://bit.ly/4b8aWne

When a Winter Storm Watch is Issued: Winter storm conditions are possible within 48 hours or less. Although a watch does not guarantee your location will be impacted, it’s best to act now. Get any last-minute supplies to prepare your home or assemble emergency kits. Lines may already be long and supplies running short.

When a Winter Storm Warning is Issued: Winter storm conditions are occurring or about to occur. Finish preparing and remain indoors and off the roads as possible.

When a Blizzard Warning is Issued: Blizzard conditions are occurring or expected in the next 12 to 18 hours. Preparations will begin to get difficult due to increased wind and lines for supplies.

Give you and your family ample time to prepare ahead of time. Be sure to:

• Bring pets indoors.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.
• Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for sanitation purposes.
• Turn off and properly secure propane tanks.
• Unplug small appliances in the rooms you do not plan to use during a storm.
• Check the yard and landscaping for any trees that should be trimmed.
• Fill and safely store gas cans if you rely on a portable generator.
• Charge cell phones, key electronic devices, external power banks or backup batteries.
• Ensure you have an emergency plan for medical devices that require power.
• Leave the heat on in your home and set to at least 55°F if you plan to be away during a cold weather event.
• Know how to shut off water valves in case of a pipe burst.
• Consider whether you should allow faucets to drip or trickle during cold weather to prevent freezing.

Sheltering in Place

If you decided to ride out the cold or the storm at home:

• Stay inside and limit your time outdoors.
• Monitor updates with a radio or television. Have a battery-powered emergency radio in case of power outage.
• Save cell phone battery as much as possible in case the power goes out.
• If power is lost, unplug all outlets to reduce the chance of damage due to a power surge when power returns.
• Have a safety plan if you’re using a portable generator for backup power.
• Turn off electricity if pipes burst and begin to flood the house.
• Evacuate if the home is damaged or an emergency official gives the order.
• Go to a neighbor’s home or follow the emergency official’s directions.

Staying Warm

During a winter storm, keeping warm is a top priority. If your home loses heat, take action to maintain as much warmth indoors:

• Remain inside as much as possible and minimize opening doors and windows except when necessary.
• Shut the doors to unneeded rooms, using just the most essential areas.
• Line the cracks under the doors with towels or other fabric to reduce cold air flow.
• Cover windows at night to keep out cold air and drafts.
• Dress in loose, light layers that can be easily removed. Sweating and overheating can ultimately lead to chills, so monitor your exertion and reduce layers appropriately.
• Stay hydrated and be sure to eat, as proper nourishment helps the body generate its own heat.
• When using a heat source like a space heater, fireplace, or wood stove, be sure to keep blankets and other items away from the heater and ensure proper ventilation.
• Never use a generator inside the home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can kill in minutes.

Never use a generator inside the home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and can kill in minutes.

If you must go outdoors during a winter storm, take extra precautions to stay safe.

• Walk carefully on walkways that may be coated in snow or ice. Even if you don’t see ice, be aware that it may still be there causing slick conditions.
• Avoid overexertion, as sweating can cause a chill and hypothermia.
• Know and monitor for signs of hypothermia, including shivering and confusion.
• Be aware of the signs of frostbite, including pale, cold skin that may be numb or tingle, painful or even burn.
• Drive only if necessary and only during daylight hours. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes rock salt, sand, shovels, and blankets.
• Change out of any wet clothes as soon as possible to keep your body insulated and to maintain body heat.

First and foremost, if your home sustains severe damage OR you suspect a gas leak – please leave immediately – go to a designated public shelter and contact local officials. Beyond that:

• Report downed power lines to the utility company or local police/fire departments.
• Carefully clear snow from around any propane tanks, taking care not to puncture the tank or line.
• Check on neighbors.
• Report losses to insurance. Make a list of missing or damaged property, and take photos of your home, yard and street.
• Do not drive down closed roads – they may have downed power lines or trees.
• Consider using contractors to clean up large debris, including fallen branches.
• If power is out, unplug all major appliances before turning the electricity back on to minimize possible surge damage.
• If pipes burst and the home flooded, call a professional electrician to check the residence before turning electricity on.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.

In Case of Extended Power Outages:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Only use portable generators outdoors and away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges when the power returns.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

Food Safety

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food in your refrigerator is safe to eat for only four hours without electricity. After that they recommend discarding meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers. However, a full freezer will hold a safe temperature for 48 hours (24 hours if half full) IF the appliance door remains closed. In the event of a power outage:

• Do not plan to keep food cold outside in ice or snow. Food could be exposed to varying temperatures and unsanitary outdoor conditions.
• Use a thermometer to check if food is 40 degrees or below before consuming.
• Consider backup options to power your refrigerator, especially during long outages.

Child Safety

Help keep children as calm as possible before, during and after severe weather with a little guidance and reassurance to ease fears and stress.

Child-Friendly Evacuation Kit

• Pack water, snacks and first aid items including bandages and antibiotic ointment.
• Include toys, games and other comfort items that don’t require batteries or power.

The ASPCA estimates one third of cat and dog owners don’t have a disaster plan in place for their animals. During cold weather events, pets are safest by your side at home. Bring pets inside before winter weather hits, and make sure to plan for their comfort and safety in case the power goes out.

Emergency Kits Should Include:

• 7 days of food and water (with a can opener, if needed)
• 1 weeks’ worth of medication
• Pet carrier/kennel
• Extra leash
• Pet ID tags, rabies vaccination tag and collar
• Spare bedding
• Medical or vaccination records (may be necessary to enter pet-friendly shelters).

A power outage is inconvenient for you but can be deadly for aquarium fish. To maintain the delicate balance in an aquarium, you need to keep your filtration system and heater running 24/7. Whether the outage lasts for a few hours or a few days, there are several things you can do to minimize the damage:

• Unplug your filter and rinse it before restarting
• Maintain stable water temperature by covering the tank with a blanket
• Make up for lost oxygen with a battery-powered air pump
• Have a Generac generator to keep the power on

Know the terms used by meteorologists and be prepared for whatever is coming your way.

Blizzard Warning: Issued for frequent wind gusts of 35 mph or greater, accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, often reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile for three or more hours.

Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Ice Storm Warning: Issued for expected ice accumulation of a quarter inch or more which could result in snapped power lines, making travel dangerous.

Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when lake induced snow squalls or heavy showers are expected to result in significant snowfall accumulation.

NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, an agency within the Department of Commerce that works to understand and predict changes in climate, weather and oceans. The National Weather Service (NWS) is a branch under NOAA.

Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground, causing moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Wind Chill: A measure of how cold people feel due to the combined effect of wind and cold temperatures.

Wind Chill Watch: Issued when there is the potential for a combination of extremely cold air and strong winds to create dangerously low wind chill values.

Wind Chill Warning: Issued when a combination of extremely cold air and strong winds are expected to create dangerously low wind chills, which could result in frostbite or hypothermia.

Winter Weather Advisory: Issued when light amounts of winter precipitation or blowing snow could cause slippery conditions and impact travel. Proceed with caution.

Winter Storm Watch: Issued when a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or ice. Prepare to encounter winter conditions.

Winter Storm Warning: Issued when a winter storm is expected to produce heavy snow, sleet or ice. Take action to navigate the storm safely.

Source: https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-ww