WAUKESHA, Wis., May 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheltering in place
is an agonizing challenge all on its own, but without reliable
power supply, life at home can become chaotic. With an active
hurricane season predicted by Colorado State
University hurricane researchers and
AccuWeatherTM, the potential for widespread power
outages and the risk to areas hit by major storms may leave
homeowners in a heightened state of anxiety, only to be calmed by
feelings of preparedness.
While large populations across the U.S. continue to battle the
coronavirus outbreak, the start of hurricane season is just
beginning. The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project team predicts 16
named storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs
between June 1 and November 30. The
research models indicate as many as eight storms will become
hurricanes and four will reach major hurricane strength
(Saffir/Simpson category three or higher). This outlook anticipates
major power outage events and points to early homeowner
preparedness as a key aspect for surviving the storms with
resilience.
"The time to start preparing for hurricane season is now," says
Russ Minick, Chief Marketing Officer
at Generac Power Systems. "In almost all cases, we can
significantly reduce panic by focusing on preparedness and urging
our customers to make the necessary plans early and
responsibly."
Each year, Generac Power Systems joins organizations like FEMA
in encouraging early preparation for the storm season, when
resilience to power outages can substantially increase safety. With
new and helpful hurricane preparedness information, the company's
website will serve to help homeowners accomplish the goal of power
outage preparedness at www.generac.com/hurricane-prep
Preparing for an Unprecedented Challenge
Severe storms in 2020 will prove to be a difficult task on
several fronts, including the threat to outdated electrical grids
on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, possibly causing severe power
outages and creating a mountain of problems during a time of social
distancing. In California, an
abnormally dry "rainy season" may be a catalyst for power outages,
as utility companies look to Public Safety Power Shutoffs to
mitigate the risks of wildfires.
Power outages from storms or wildfires may put a strain on the
ability of emergency officials to evacuate affected areas, deliver
food and critical supplies as well as provide medical equipment.
Evacuations in large groups can also be a problem as states have
social distancing and stay-at-home orders during the pandemic.
Power Outage Solutions and Technical Support Go
Virtual
Over the past decade, a high frequency of electrical
infrastructure failures and weather-related power disruptions have
proven costly, but businesses and homeowners have affordable new
solutions for power outage resiliency. At the forefront of category
innovation, Generac has developed carbon monoxide-detecting
portable generators, WiFi-equipped home standby generators with
remote monitoring capabilities, a propane tank fuel level monitor
as well as a profound move into clean energy solutions
with new solar + battery storage capabilities, featuring its
new PWRcell solution.
According to Jake Thomas,
director of service operations at Generac, the options for
emergency power have grown and thus, company experts are on hand
and ready to help. "It's important to consider all available
options when thinking about emergency power needs. While portable
generators can easily power up a few appliances and can be
purchased online and at big box or local hardware stores, automatic
home standby generators offer greater peace of mind and can run
continuously until utility power returns."
Thomas recommends learning more by scheduling an appointment
with an independent authorized Generac dealer to properly size an
automatic home standby generator or its solar + storage battery
solution. "With high regard for safety during shelter-in-place
orders, we've developed a comprehensive virtual in-home assessment
that is replacing our consultants' in-person visits. Our network of
local dealers will work with homeowners to not only understand
their needs, but to go along on a virtual tour of the home, its
electrical panel as well as the area outside the home where the
unit may be placed."
At its headquarters, Generac employees routinely prepare for the
possibility of storm-related power outages. The customer service
team opens up to a wide variety of generator-related questions,
regardless of what brand the caller may have, making technical
support a priority when needs are high. In addition, the company
maintains its Storm Response Team program, a volunteer-based group
that assists industrial and residential dealers on their service
calls after storm-related outages put stresses on the available
labor force . The teams deploy to the affected regions with an
abundant supply of essential tools, equipment, generator parts and
expertise.
To learn more about protecting homes and families from power
outages in 2020, go to www.generac.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley
Kast: akast@punch-pr.com | 608-633-2404
About Generac
Generac Power Systems, Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) is a leading global
supplier of backup power and prime power products, systems,
engine-powered tools, and solar energy storage systems. In 1959,
our founder was committed to designing, engineering and
manufacturing the first affordable backup generator. More than 60
years later, that dedication to innovation, durability and
excellence has resulted in the company's ability to expand its
industry-leading product portfolio into homes and small businesses,
on job sites, and in industrial and mobile applications across the
globe. Generac offers single engine backup and prime power systems
up to 2 MW and paralleled solutions up to 100 MW, and uses a
variety of fuel sources to support power needs for our customers.
Generac hosts Power Outage Central, the definitive source of U.S.
power outage data, at Generac.com/poweroutagecentral. For more
information about Generac and its products and services, visit
Generac.com.
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SOURCE Generac Power Systems, Inc.