How to Prepare Your Industrial Generator for the Hurricane Season

Introduction

Do I need a backup generator? How much generator power do I need to keep operations running? Will a battery power station be enough?

These are crucial questions to ask yourself as hurricane season quickly approaches. Preparing your business with the right tools mitigates risks and downtime.

Your search for the best generators for hurricane season that provide reliable power backup with enhanced durability and safety features ends here.

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The impact of hurricanes is felt worldwide, but certain areas are particularly vulnerable to their wrath. In many parts of the United States, hurricanes are an annual occurrence, bringing strong winds, torrential rain, and, all too often, power outages.

A power outage can last for days or weeks as the storm wreaks havoc on the power grid, crippling vital systems and equipment. It is crucial to prepare for impending storms for those living in hurricane-prone regions, especially business owners.

How to Handle a Power Outage?

Preparing your facility and investing in an inverter generator is one of the smartest moves. Standby generators are often associated with power outages, especially during natural disasters. If your business relies on a generator for backup, ensuring it’s ready to go when the power fails is essential.

Taking care of the basics to ensure your generator is fit to run during a power outage is paramount. With such a solution, your facility’s equipment can remain operational and continue running smoothly during the storm’s aftermath, ensuring uninterrupted operations within seconds of a power outage.

Your standby generator becomes your shield, ensuring the smooth operation of vital systems, safeguarding delicate equipment, and ensuring business continuity.

How to Leverage the Potential of A Hurricane Generator?

Having the best hurricane generator is a good start, but getting through hurricane season requires much more than owning equipment.

Here are some essential steps to prepare your standby generator so you can weather the storm with confidence and peace of mind.

1. Schedule a Comprehensive Inspection

The optimal performance and dependability of standby generators depend on routine maintenance and upkeep, especially in contingencies like power outages or approaching storms.

Performing daily checks, such as inspecting the electric starter, fluid levels, and external damages, keeps electric generators running at their peak efficiency. Unexpected failures are avoided by conducting weekly inspections for battery charge and leakage symptoms. Testing coolant concentration and checking drive belt tension are part of monthly maintenance.

Engage a certified technician who can assess the generator’s overall condition and power output and conduct necessary tune-ups to address malfunctions promptly.

2. Develop an Emergency Plan

Establish an emergency protocol and contingency plan to avoid being caught off guard by generator failures during critical times. Collaborate with local generator dealers for repair services and consider a rental contract with a generator technician.

Explore portable generator rental options to bridge any gaps. Prepare a comprehensive emergency plan outlining responsibilities, an emergency evacuation route, and communication protocols. Keep it updated and ensure key personnel is well-informed.

3. Test Generator Functionality

Schedule annual load bank testing for your generator to simulate power outages and evaluate the generator’s startup time, load capacity, running power, and transfer switch functionality, particularly during periods when it’s been idle.

Conducting time-sensitive tests in advance allows you to identify and rectify any issues while ensuring it’s primed and dependable. Overload protection ensures it is ready to handle any high load demands that may arise when the hurricane hits without a moment’s notice.

4. Fuel Supply and Storage

When relying on stationary or portable generators, fuel availability is crucial. Ensure you have stored an ample diesel fuel supply, considering potential storage space limitations to avoid automatic low oil shutdown.

Collaborate with fuel delivery companies to understand their capabilities during power outages. Securing enough power for prolonged power outages is vital to keep your operations running smoothly.

Prioritize safety by having a professional inspect the natural gas piping and develop a fuel management plan to monitor fuel consumption. Remember to arrange for regular refills if necessary. Additionally, assess the fuel condition and consider implementing a fuel treatment program to mitigate the risk of contamination or degradation.

The Bottom Line

Proactive preparation ensures reliable backup power, whether a dual fuel generator or a small portable generator. Safeguard your operations and protect your business during turbulent times.

Dedicate time and effort to prepare your standby generator now, and you’ll reap the rewards of reliable power in the face of the storm. Partner with reliable industrial equipment providers to ensure you have the highest quality power equipment.

Turn to Swift Equipment Solutions to prepare for power outages with the best generators for hurricane season at your side.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Generators for Hurricane Season

What is the best type of generator for hurricane season?

A portable generator is often the best choice, offering flexibility and mobility during evacuation or power outages.

What fuel type is recommended for generators during hurricane season?

Opt for natural gas or propane tank generators since these fuel sources are generally readily accessible during emergencies.

What is the right size generator for my power needs during hurricane season?

Consider the necessary appliances and equipment you must power. Evaluate their aggregate wattage to determine the appropriate generator size for managing the load.

Should I consider a standby generator for hurricane season?

Standby generators are ideal for long-term power solutions and uninterrupted backup power. However, they demand professional installation and upkeep.

Can I use my generator inside during a hurricane?

No, operating a generator indoors poses a great deal of risk. Always run carb-compliant generators outside in well-ventilated spaces to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How should I choose a hurricane generator?

Consider the generator’s power and run time, portability, features, and energy and cost efficiency. Go through a trusted provider to ensure the highest quality power equipment.