How to Disaster Prep Your Home

You don't want to scramble to search for supplies and prep your home when the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch — you want to be ready. Here's how to disaster prep for a tornado or other weather emergencies.

Storm and Tornado Generator Prep

When you prepare for tornadoes and other storms, securing a reliable power source is crucial in case of a power outage. Generators can offer the power you need to preserve and cook food, as well as power lights, sump pumps, security systems, and more. Follow these steps for emergency generator prep.

Regularly Inspect Your Generator

Routine maintenance will keep your generator in good shape, address any problems, and mitigate future repairs. You should switch your generator around once a month to remove any trapped moisture. Recharge the battery and lubricate the engine. Also, be sure to replace your battery at manufacturer-recommended intervals. It's best to ask a professional to inspect your generator every six to 12 months or after 500 hours of operation.

Purchase Enough Fuel

Whether your generator runs on natural gas, propane, or gasoline, purchase enough fuel to run your crucial appliances for a few days. While propane and gas don't go bad quickly, you should ensure your gasoline is fresh, as stale gasoline can damage your generator.

Keep the Gas Lines Clear of Debris

If your gas tanks and pipes are above ground, it's important to check that tree branches, rocks, and other objects are not obstructing gas flow.

Place Your Generator in a Safe Spot

Allocate a safe area to place your generator. Because generators emit carbon monoxide, put it outdoors. Your chosen outdoor spot should be free of foliage and easy to access. Also, take measures to safeguard your generator from rain, as any rainfall, from a light mist to a downpour, can damage your generator. Tornado preparedness includes covering your generator so it can run during a storm.

Stock up on Safety Supplies

Stay ahead of a weather event by securing electricity, water, and food. Also, ensure you have a first aid kit, local maps, and flashlights with fresh batteries. To safeguard your generator during a storm, rely on GenTent to weatherproof your backup power.

We offer weatherproof, flame-retardant generator covers for portable generators, inverter generators, and larger generators, all kitted and assembled in the USA. For more information about how we can secure your emergency power, contact our helpful staff online.