MILWAUKEE, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- It is
estimated that 3.5 million Americans lose power to their homes each
week*. That remarkable figure from Briggs & Stratton
Corporation (NYSE: BGG) reinforces the important role home
preparedness can play to ensure families endure the next power
outage — or home emergency situation — safely and comfortably.
"September is National Preparedness Month, which acts as a great
reminder that preparing for an unexpected emergency ahead of time
will help keep family members safe when the next emergency
situation arrives at a their doorstep," said Amanda Grandy, marketing manager, Briggs &
Stratton Standby Power division. "Our figures show 14 million
residents will spend a portion of this month in the dark because of
an unexpected utility power outage in their area and many of them
will have wished they were better prepared for the interruption of
power when it occurs."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsors National
Preparedness Month each September. The agency encourages all
families to make an emergency preparedness kit and have a family
communication plan.
"After a kit is secured and a communication plan is created,
families should assess how to further improve their home's
preparedness level, which could include investing in a backup power
solution," said Dan Roche,
director of marketing, Briggs & Stratton Portable Power
division.
*Estimates are for illustrative purposes only and should not be
used to estimate power outage loss. Cost estimates were pulled from
US News, 2012; STR Global, 2012; MoldReporter.org; and
FloodSmart.gov. Costs vary from state to state and home to home.
Briggs & Stratton is not liable for any damages that occur
during a power outage. See www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com for more
information on limited warranty coverage.
What is backup power?
Portable generators and standby
generator systems are the two most common types of backup power
solutions available to homeowners. Both keep a home's lights and
appliances working in the event of a weather-related power outage
or other emergency, but understanding their differences and
capabilities makes selecting the best generator for a family's
needs much easier.
Portable generators: The immediate backup power
supply
Portable generators, often powered by gasoline, work
well as an immediate solution during a power outage. They are
generally low maintenance, compact and easily maneuverable on the
property and are designed to provide reliable power a few essential
items and appliances such as a refrigerator, TV and basic light
circuits.
Portable generators can be harmful if not operated properly.
Only operate the generator outdoors and away from open windows or
doors to avoid carbon monoxide fumes from entering the home.
Homeowners should read manufacturer's operating manual and
instructions before operating and follow the generator
maintenance.
Standby generator systems: The long-term backup power
supply
For those who want a backup power source that offers
uninterrupted power, a standby generator system is an ideal
solution. The standby, or home, generator unit is connected to a
home's existing propane or natural gas line so it turns on
automatically within seconds when utility power to a home is
knocked out. Homeowners can have peace of mind that their food
won't spoil, air conditioning/heat will continue to run and the
sump pump won't turn off.
Standby generators can power more of a home's high-wattage
appliances, like AC units, stoves and dryers. But unlike portable
generators, home standby generators need to be professionally
installed, so families should allow for the installation
process.
Briggs & Stratton offers both portable & standby
generators, visit www.briggsandstratton.com for more
information.
About Briggs & Stratton Corporation:
Briggs &
Stratton Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world's largest
producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Its
wholly owned subsidiaries include North
America's number one marketer of pressure washers, and it is
a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of power
generation, lawn and garden, turf care and job site products
through its Briggs & Stratton®, Simplicity®, Snapper®, Snapper
Pro® Ferris®, PowerBoss®, Allmand™, Billy Goat®, Murray®, Branco®
and Victa® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed,
manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six
continents. For additional information, please visit
www.basco.com and www.briggsandstratton.com.
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SOURCE Briggs & Stratton Corporation