One of the most important steps to take while living in an area with high risk of a storm (hurricane, tornado, tropical storms) is to PREPARE.

Being ready for a severe storm or tornado at any time saves yourself the stress of figuring out a game plan or response in the midst of a natural disaster.

Ready Power put together this Severe Storm Prep Checklist so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing you’ve prepared for a severe storm, hurricane, or tornado.

1. Severe Storm Emergency Kit

This emergency kit will be filled with items that can help you and your family stay healthy and safe during a disaster.

You can put this kit together over time by grabbing one item every time you go to the grocery store- or buy it all at once if you are closer to hurricane season.

☐ Non- perishable food items- During a severe storm, we suggest being picky about what you keep in the fridge. Your generator will keep the fridge going, but won’t have the same amount of power and longevity as it does when the electricity is on. Ex: Canned fruit, canned vegetables, spam, rice, etc

☐ Manual can opener

☐ Water- Get a gallon every time you go to the grocery store. You’ll need at least one gallon a day for drinking and cleanliness.

☐ Hand-crank or battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries.

☐ Whistle

☐ First Aid Kit

☐ Portable charger for everyone’s mobile phone

☐ Cash

☐ Card games, crossword puzzles, books, anything to keep you occupied

☐ Garbage bags/buckets and toilet paper for personal sanitation

☐ Wrench & pliers- to turn off utilities

2. Evacuation Plan

Storms are unpredictable and can be dangerous while moving in groups. In many instances families and pets can get separated if there is not a premeditated plan of evacuation. Here’s what we suggest: Keep this plan in a binder in a safe place in your home.

☐ Decide where you will take shelter and KNOW how to get there. You won’t want to waste phone battery on navigation.

☐ Print out a map and create a route of evacuation from your home or business to your decided shelter.

☐ Make a plan of communication during the storm. 

☐ Contact list with emergency numbers and people you want to know are ok. (Include phone number, name, possibly email)

3. Park your vehicles and outdoor equipment in a safe area

4. Clean up any debris or loose items outside your home or business

Ready Power
Ready Power is proud to be a Generac Power Pro Dealer. Generac is one of the most trusted automatic standby generators on the market. While providing home and business owners with high-quality Generac generators, Ready Power has over a decade of experience professionally installing other name brand generators and providing regular maintenance to generator owners all along the gulf coast.

It’s no surprise to find out that residential standby generators hit record-breaking sales in 2020. Brands like Generac reported a 12.7% growth in revenue in residential generators last year. It’s safe to assume, after the power outages that happened at the beginning of this year across the U.S., along with the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, people want to feel safe. Looking into an automatic standby generator is a step in the right direction to providing your household with a sense of comfort.

It’s important to note, an automatic standby generator is an investment. Like any big investment, it’s important to have easy-to-find, concrete answers to your questions. Our team takes backup power very seriously and wants to provide the proper insight into the basics of knowing what an automatic standby generator is.

What Is An Automatic Standby Generator?
An automatic standby generator provides your home or business with reliable power during a power outage. These generators are permanently installed on the outside of the home or business enclosed in a weatherproof case. Every generator varies in size depending on every home or business owner’s usage and preference.

Automatic standby generator’s power derives from their own independent fuel, either natural gas or propane. Unlike traditional portable generators that thrive on gasoline. An automatic standby generator saves you trips to the gas station for a refill.

Who Should Have A Standby Generator?
It would be ideal for a home or business to have a standby generator if they are located in an area where natural weather-related disasters are likely to occur. More than likely if you are located along the Atlantic coast or along the Gulf of Mexico chances are you probably experienced irregular weather patterns that bring forth sporadic power outages at least once in your lifetime. For some people living in these locations, one unpredictable power outage is one too many.

If a member of your household is a special needs family member, ensuring their medical equipment is operating during a power outage can prevent life-threatening situations. When a power failure occurs, an automatic standby generator turns on in a matter of seconds providing you and your home with backup support.

When it comes to owning your own business, it’s important to protect your assets. During a power failure, there is comfort for business owners who have had a professional install of an automatic standby generator. Knowing day-to-day operations can continue gives you and your business an opportunity to shine bright in your community.

Is A Standby Generator Difficult To Install?
An automatic standby generator installation is meant to be taken very seriously. There are many factors that are to be considered prior to a professional installation. Don’t be alarmed, Ready Power provides a customer-centric experience with every installation. We act as the liaison between you and local government ordinances. We’ll expedite the process of city/parish codes, regulations, permitting, and installation for you.

In the end, having a professional installation of an automatic standby generator is well worth it. A professional and “legal” installation of an automatic standby generator can actually increase your home’s resale value. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report, in 2017, homeowner’s with permanent backup power generators received roughly 54% of their investment back from their resale value.

Ready Power
Ready Power is proud to be a Generac Power Pro Dealer. Generac is one of the most trusted automatic standby generators on the market. While providing home and business owners with high-quality Generac generators, Ready Power has over a decade of experience professionally installing other name brand generators and providing regular maintenance to generator owners all along the gulf coast.

You never know what you need until you do not have it. Beyond just batteries, candles, and water, outlasting a tropical storm requires diligent preparation and predicting the needs of those in your household. If you have experienced a power outage, then you know just how disruptive it is to go without it – especially if you are part of the 40% of U.S. homes with electric water heaters.

The recent arctic chill revealed a gap between the public need and the actual capabilities of power grids in the South. Though we cannot avoid hurricanes, we can certainly take preventative measures to minimize the burden. With less than 100 days left until the start of hurricane season (June 1st through November 30th), we want to make sure you are fully armed with the knowledge to handle Mother Nature’s turbulent temper.

Download Our Preparing For Hurricane Season Tip Sheet

We believe the following to be best practices when preparing for hurricane season:

Water Storage

1-1-1 Rule
The CDC recommends storing 1 gallon of water per (1) person each (1) day. So if you live alone, 3 gallons of water is the minimum recommended amount. If you live in a 5-person household, then 15 gallons is the minimum recommended storage amount. If you can, store enough water for two weeks to ensure you will not run out. If you live with pregnant women, sick persons, or in hot climates, you will likely need more water.

Grab 5-Gallon Water Jugs For Storing
Rather than buying individual water bottles – which is not very cost-effective – grab the large 5-gallon jugs that you can refill after consuming. You can find water dispensers at most grocery stores. Otherwise, use containers you have on hand and mark them as drinking water with the date. Replenish stored water every six months. Ensure the containers are tightly sealed, out of direct sunlight, and not exposed to toxic materials. Containers preferably with a tapered top will make dispensing easier. Otherwise, use clean materials if scooping out water to drink. Never touch clean drinking water with your hands.

Household Bleach to Disinfect Tap Water
For added reassurance, keep unscented household chlorine bleach (between 5% to 9% of sodium hypochlorite) to disinfect water if you run out of your stored supply. You can find the proper bleach-to-water ratios on the CDC website.

Food and Medication

Backup Generator
From saving the food in your home from spoiling to powering your devices and protecting any medical equipment, home generators make an otherwise uncomfortable situation more tolerable. You can purchase – or finance – a home backup generator to power an appliance or your entire home.

Purchasing a home generator is something you will want to do in advance. The sooner you begin the process, the more time you will have to work with our team in making an informed decision on the power options that best suit your needs. And, if you secure your home with a generator well before hurricane season, our certified technicians will have plenty of time to schedule an installation without the high demand and hectic time restraints that always come right before hurricane season. If you have any questions on home standby power or would like to learn more, visit our website. You can find information and contact someone on our team who is more than happy to answer your questions.

Nonperishables
Stock up on canned food, dry mix items, and other staples that do not require cooking for ease of consumption. These foods are the first to go when a weather threat is imminent, so grab these long before the skies turn grey. Keep enough to last you at least 72 hours. Try to avoid foods that will make you thirsty, like salty chips and crackers. If you do not know what to purchase, consider buying:

• Canned fruit, meat, veggies
• Dried fruit
• Protein bars
• Canned juices
• Peanut butter
• Granola and cereal
• Drinks with electrolytes
• Nutritional shakes that do not need refrigeration
• Ready-to-feed formula for infants

If you suspect the quality of any of your food, do not risk getting sick in the middle of a severe storm. When in doubt, throw it out.

Cooking
If you plan to do any cooking without an alternative power source, your options include candle warmers, fondue pots, or a fireplace with proper cookware. If weather permits, charcoal grills, and camp stoves will work as well, but only outdoors.

Quick Tips

Do

• Keep food in sealed, covered containers
• Keep all dishes and utensils clean
• Toss any food that has had contact with contaminated floodwater
• Use ready-to-feed infant formula
• Keep a manual can opener!
• Stock paper plates, cups, utensils, paper towels

Don’t

• Let garbage accumulate in the house
• Purchase canned food with dents
• Consume perishable food that has gone two hours without refrigeration

Medications
In addition to the list below, be mindful of the products you use throughout your day and make sure you have enough to last for several days. Keep the products in a clear, weatherproof tub so you can quickly locate an item when you need it. Run through the following to make sure you have what you need:

• Contact lenses and disinfecting solution
• Menstrual products
• Asthma inhaler
• Epipen
• Blood sugar monitor
• Antibacterial wipes
• Band-aids and antibiotic ointment
• Thermometer
• Bandages and gauze
• Tweezers and scissors
• OTC medication (ibuprofen, antacids, anti-diarrhea, allergy medication)

For Pets

Items you need:
Just like for your non-furry family members, you will want to keep an excess amount of water and food for your pets in the event of a natural disaster – enough for two weeks. Bedding, prescriptions, documents (like vaccine and health records) in waterproof bags, leashes, collars, carriers, and toys will make this stressful time a bit easier for you and your beloved animal. You will also want plastic bags, excess litter, newspaper, and potty pads when your animal needs to relieve themselves. Keep this away from where the family will be sheltering during the storm so everyone can stay in good health.

Microchip your pet
Getting one implanted is relatively inexpensive and can make reunification easier in the event of separation. Be sure to have the microchip number on hand and that the information is up to date. You can also keep a photo of you two as further proof of ownership.

Locate a place for your pet to stay
Many evacuation shelters do not allow pets that are not service animals. Have a family member or friend who is willing and able to watch your loved one if you need to evacuate your home. You can also find pet-friendly hotels or animal clinics for additional boarding options. You will want to run through this checklist provided by the CDC to make sure you have everything you need in case you need to board your animal.

Helpful tips

• Remove any plants or chemicals that could make your animal sick
• Never leave your pet outside
• Separate dogs and cats. The bad weather could affect their behavior
• Use moist food to reduce the amount of water your animals need
• Do not give them tap water unless you know it is safe
• Make sure vaccinations are up to date so they can get boarded if necessary
• Have an anti-anxiety vest on hand if your pet gets nervous during bad weather

In case of evacuation

Prep your home

• Cover your windows with storm shutters or plywood.
• Turn off your gas, electricity, and water if you see flooding or need to evacuate.
• Move outdoor furniture into the garage.
• Designate a shelter area that is away from windows and safe for pets.
• Make sure your fire alarm and CO detectors have fresh batteries.

Prep your car
If roads are safe to drive, run through the following:

• Have a full tank of gas.
• Make sure your car is in good working condition.
• Keep your car in the garage or undercover.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car with things like jumper cables, flares, an ice scraper, a phone charger, blankets, and water.
• Leave any evacuation materials you do not immediately need in the car for easy evacuation.

For Fun
Though immediate physical needs are essential, do not neglect your mental health. Keep your favorite books, board games, and crafts handy to stay occupied while passing the time. Make it competitive by challenging a family member to see who can work out the most often during the outage or have someone in the house lead everyone in a funny jazzercise session.

You can also stock up on:

• Books
• Puzzles
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Board games and cards

Stay busy by:

• Teaching your dog new tricks
• Do impersonations of famous people or family friends
• Tell stories
• Use things around your house to set up a makeshift bowling alley
• Make gratitude lists
• Use the time to sort through any clutter in your house
• Practice yoga or workout

While this may seem extensive, keep in mind that most of these items you already have or shop for. Get it done quickly by purchasing extra next time you shop or make a day out of it by getting everyone in your home involved with preparation and planning. Protecting your home with a generator and your hurricane preparedness kit will make surviving the storm a breeze.

Helpful phone numbers

Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
Animal Poison Control Helpline: 888-426-4435
Disaster Distress Helpline: 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746