Winter storms tend to wreak havoc on communities, often leaving homes and businesses without power. A sudden winter power outage is disruptive to everyday life. Issues that tend to occur are pipes bursting in freezing weather, heater systems failing, and communication becoming harder. Fortunately, preparation and the right tools, such as a backup power source, will safeguard your home or business against the worst impacts of an outage.
Swaim Electric is your local, certified expert in the area to help you prepare for any winter storm. Generators are an invaluable resource for homeowners and business owners. As a bonus, if you work from home, as many do now, then you won’t lose any work time when the power goes out!
This guide will help you understand the common causes of winter power outages, what steps you can take to prepare, and the role of a generator in maintaining safety and comfort when the unexpected happens.
Why Do Winter Power Outages Happen?
Winter power outages can result from several factors, especially during severe winter storms. These are the most common causes of power loss during wintertime:
- Freezing Rain and Ice Storms: Ice accumulation can weigh down power lines, causing them to snap or collapse.
- High Winds: Strong winds can topple trees, which fall on power lines and equipment.
- Heavy Snowfall: Snow can also damage tree limbs or make power line repairs difficult for crews.
For both homeowners and business owners, a power outage typically leads to operational disruptions, lost productivity, or household inconveniences. Having a plan—complete with backup power—pays off during such events.
The Importance of a Generator During Winter Outages
Investing in a backup power source like a generator gives you peace of mind when the grid goes down. Here’s how a generator can help minimize the impact of a winter power outage:
- Keep Essential Systems Running: A generator powers essential items like heating systems, lights, and refrigerators, ensuring your home or business remains functional.
- Provide Safety: Prolonged power loss in winter can lead to freezing indoor temperatures and increased health risks, especially for vulnerable individuals. A generator ensures heating systems stay operational.
- Minimize Business Interruptions: For business owners, maintaining operations during an outage prevents hefty losses in revenue and productivity.
With generators offering such critical protection, however, keeping them in top shape before winter storms hit is just as important.
How to Winterize Your Generator
Winterizing your generator ensures it works efficiently when temperatures drop. To get the most out of your backup power source, follow these Generator Tips for winter preparation:
Change the Oil and Filters
Cold weather thickens oil, making it harder for your generator to start and run smoothly. Before winter begins, replace your generator’s oil with one meant for low temperatures. Also, inspect and replace air and fuel filters if necessary.
Inspect Battery and Connections
Cold temperatures can reduce battery efficiency. Check battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they’re securely connected. Consider charging the battery to its full capacity.
Use a Cold Weather Kit
Many generators allow for the installation of cold weather kits, which include battery warmers and block heaters to ensure smooth ignition even in subfreezing temperatures.
Protect Your Generator from Snow and Ice
Place your generator under a durable, ventilated cover to prevent snow or ice buildup. This safeguards it from damage while allowing safe air circulation.
Test Your Generator
Run a test during a mild weather day to ensure everything works properly. Regular testing keeps your generator ready when emergencies strike.
Preparation Checklist for Winter Power Outages
Being prepared for a power outage involves more than just having a generator. Here’s a preparation checklist tailored for both homeowners and business owners to help reduce the impact of a winter power outage:
For Homeowners
- Stock Emergency Supplies – Store essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits.
- Safeguard Pipes – Insulate pipes properly or allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Charge Devices – Fully charge cell phones and backup battery packs before the storm arrives.
For Business Owners
- Create a Continuity Plan – Identify operations that require continuous electricity and ensure backup systems are in place.
- Communicate with Staff – Inform your staff of emergency plans and share safety protocols for power outages.
- Backup Data – Ensure data is stored in a cloud-based system or a secure offsite location to prevent loss during an outage.
Planning ahead with these actionable steps minimizes the chaos and stress caused by unexpected outages.
How to Protect Your Property During a Winter Outage
A prolonged power outage combined with plummeting temperatures poses risks to your property. Here’s how homeowners and business owners can protect their investments:
- Unplug Electronics – Turn off and unplug electronics to prevent potential surges when the power returns.
- Use a Thermostat Backup – Install thermostats that monitor household temperature so pipes don’t freeze.
- Keep Refrigeration Closed – Limit opening refrigerators and freezers to preserve food for longer periods.
Proactive measures like these not only prevent costly damages but also improve your peace of mind during emergencies.
Prepare for the Worst & Enjoy Peace of Mind This Winter
Winter power outages are unpredictable but not impossible to handle. By preparing in advance—stocking up on emergency supplies, safeguarding your property, and winterizing your generator—you can ensure your home or business remains safe and functional when the lights go out.
If you don’t already own a generator, now is the time to consider investing in one to protect against winter disruptions. Being prepared today means staying warm, safe, and secure tomorrow. Call Swaim Electric today at (336) 233-2341 to discuss your generator needs and prepare for the next winter storm!
