We are in the midst of hurricane season here in Florida, and while we have been lucky thus far, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place in case of extreme weather and power outages. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite tips to get you ready for a power outage – and how to keep you cool, even when the power goes out!
Prepare Ahead of Time
It’s always a great idea to take some time to prepare for the hurricane season. If you haven’t fully prepared, here are some things to keep in mind:
Generators:
Having a portable generator during a power outage can be a life-saver! Generators allow you to operate sump pumps, fans and air conditioners, and critical appliances like refrigerators which will keep your family comfortable until the power gets turned back on. Emergency generators come in a variety of sizes so you can choose the perfect one for your house size and electricity needs.
Like many appliances and machines that you use in your home, a generator needs to be maintained in order for it to run properly come crunch time. Stale fuel is one of the main reasons why gas generators won’t start, so keep in mind: always drain the fuel if you put your generator in long-term storage! For shorter term storage (like during hurricane season) using a fuel stabilizer can help prolong the life of your fuel. Make sure to set a reminder to start your generator and let it run for a couple minutes to prevent gum build up in the carburetor!
Other things to prepare before storm season:
Emergency supplies: gas, water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medication, etc.
Create an emergency plan in case of evacuation
Before a Storm:
If there is a forecasted hurricane nearing the Tampa Bay area, here are a few things to do before landfall:
Prepare For A Power Outage:
Unplug appliances to protect against electrical surges
Turn off any propane tanks
Fill your vehicle with fuel
Dial up the cold settings on your freezer and refrigerator so they will be able to keep food cold longer if you do lose power.
Power’s Out? How to Stay Cool:
In the event of a power outage, things can get pretty warm in your home, especially if you are trying to conserve fuel in your backup generator! Here are some tips to beat the heat during a power outage:
While this might seem obvious, stay hydrated! Proper hydration can help regulate your body temperature. Drink cold water if possible!
Close off the warmest rooms in your house to keep cooler air in a central place.
If the sun is out, be sure to close the shades, and open windows at night if safe to do so.
Invest in battery operated fans or misters.
Wear a wet bandana
Keep Reading > Home Hurricane Preparedness
We hope that these tips will help you and your family stay safe and comfortable during hurricane season! Stay cool friends!
Call on Super Heat & Air for all your emergency AC repair needs! We know how uncomfortable it can be to be without cool air in Tampa Bay, Florida and we’ll be at your home within an hour of scheduling, or your service is free! That’s our Super Fast Guarantee!
