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Governor Cooper has declared a state of emergency in NC, and we are all buckling down for severe wind and rain this afternoon. Experts are predicting widespread power outages, and I think it's safe to say that NC's infamous wild winter weather is upon us! Here's some advice from the electricians at Gwyn Services to help you feel prepared for the unknown and ready to be cozy and safe by taking a few steps to prepare for potential power outages this winter...
1- COLLECT SUPPLIES- When severe weather threatens, it's good practice to assemble supplies you may need in case the power goes out. This includes blankets, candles, lanterns, batteries, water bottles, and needed medicines, and keep them in a safe, easy-to-find location.
2- CHARGE PORTABLE DEVICES- Be sure to plug in and charge all laptops, tablets, phones, and other rechargeable devices so that they are ready to use in case of emergency. Charge (or consider purchasing) external batteries that you can use to power devices in case of a lengthy blackout.
3- MAKE A MEAL PLAN- Ensure that you have enough non-perishable food on hand to feed your family for several days. If you use an electric stove, think through alternative ways to cook- could you use your propane grill? Warm up food in your fireplace? Come up with a meal plan for at least 48 hours using food you have on hand and methods to prepare it without electricity.
4- TOUCH BASE WITH NEIGHBORS- If the last few pandemic years have taught us anything, it's the importance of community! Touch base with your neighbors and see if they need help or could offer assistance. There may be a neighbor just a few doors down with a backup generator who is about to be come your new best friend!
5- MAKE IT FUN! One of the most fun aspects of severe weather in NC is that they can feel like surprise holidays! Make the most of a day stuck at home with the ones you love by doing activities together- pull out the board games, a jigsaw puzzle, curate a stack of books to read or cook a meal together.
6- LONG TERM PLANNING- While it may be too late TODAY to take steps to avoid the danger and inconvenience of an extended power outage, there are options for the future! These include installing surge protectors to keep your expensive electronics from getting harmed in a power surge, installing gas logs for an alternative heat source, or installing a home generator.
When it comes to emergency generators, there are 3 basic options: Good, Better, and Best! Here's a quick overview...
GOOD- purchase a portable backup generator from a hardware store or other third-party supplier. These products use gasoline for fuel and typically cost several hundred dollars. Your home systems and appliances have to be manually connected to the generator and it has a limited power capacity.
BETTER- Consider having a Generator Interlock Switch installed in your home. A Generator Interlock Switch allows you to switch to auxiliary power without dragging extension cords all over your house. This option provides basic emergency power without the price tag of a more expensive whole-home generator system, and is one of Gwyn's most popular residential products in our electrical department!
BEST- Install a Whole Home Standby Generator. Gwyn's electrical department has been busy installing whole home generators over the past few years. While more expensive than a portable generator, a Whole Home Standby Generator will run for much longer, and provide uninterrupted power for your home. We are proud to offer both Generac and Kohler Home Standby Generator Systems.
While our electricians at Gwyn Services are unable to do anything to restore your home's power in a widespread power outage, please know that the electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs at Gwyn are on the job 24/7 for your home emergencies.
(336) 774-1818
3941 Westpoint Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
105 Legacy Ln, Morganton, NC 28655
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