Winter Preparedness can sound like a large amount of work. The truth is that this yearly task may be simplified by following some basic weather proofing safety measures and by purchasing a  Generac generator. The winter launches many unpredictable variables that can throw roadblocks in our everyday lives. These roadblocks include ice, sleet, freezing rain, strong winds, snowstorms, and brutally cold temperatures. The combination of any of these factors can lead to a blizzard, ice storm, or a polar vortex.

The most important concern during the harsh weather of winter is our family and friends. Winter can bring dangerous scenarios that can even leave you trapped in your home due to high volumes of snow or frozen doorways. Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen, cracked, or burst water pipes. In addition, when temperatures rise many times flooding is imminent after large amounts of snow. Winter storms can also lead to power outages making your  Generac generator vital to keep your family safe and secure during these times.

Minimizing travel is imperative during winter storms and you should keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle. Winter storms can worsen quickly creating dangerous ice storms or white out conditions, which can leave you stranded in your vehicle. Keeping your gas tank full will keep your vehicle’s fuel line from freezing and prepare you for an emergency such as a winter storm. Listening to a weather radio for serious information from the National Weather Service will help you to stay aware of up-to-date weather hazards.

Following a small list of winter preparedness tips, anyone can prepare for winter with a small amount of work. Completing everything on this list will keep you and your home safe during the harsh winter weather and more importantly will prevent many issues brought with winter weather. You should write down a list of supplies after studying your “to-do list”. The easiest steps include simply moving all furniture away from vents and running a small amount of water in your home (even a drip) to help prevent pipes from freezing. Have your furnace/heating system serviced at the beginning of each season to ensure it runs correctly, and have the filters changed (or simply change them yourself). Servicing should include having all heating equipment and your chimney cleaned and inspected, while also making sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside and is kept completely clear.

You can continue your winter preparedness by installing weather stripping and roof-heating cables to prevent ice dams on roofs and gutters. Installing storm windows or covering your windows with plastic from the inside will insulate your home and keep cold air out. An alternative from plastic to insulate your windows is to use bubble wrap, which is inexpensive and a great way to reuse recycled materials. Add rock salt and sand to emergency kits to help melt ice on walkways to prevent personal injury. Next, you should insulate your pipes and insulate outlets with gasket covers. In addition, placing a cover over attic stairs will help to keep drafts out and aid in optimizing energy efficiency in your home.

Take the extra step by looking for additional ways to prepare your home for the winter. You can survey your roof for any damage or missing shingles and have them repaired before the winter to prevent possible leaks and/or water damage. You should turn off all exterior water faucets and disconnect your garden hose while draining any excess water from it to prevent pipes from bursting. Nourish your lawn before the winter by mowing your leaves into mulch instead of raking. This can save you time taken from raking and allow you to keep your lawn happy at the same time. Draining your sprinkler systems and caring for shrubs and plants up until the first frost is important as well. A trick to spreading heat throughout your house is switching your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise if possible to create an updraft pushing the heat down from the ceiling. Finally, make sure all of your fire and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and check to make sure your fire extinguisher is working properly.

Listing the supplies you need for these tasks should be effortless. Your shopping will consist of purchasing a furnace filter, weather stripping, plastic for windows (or bubble wrap), roof heating cables, rock salt/sand, pipe insulation, gasket covers, and a cover for your attic stairs. These items can all be purchased at a cost-friendly price at many stores. Calling and shopping around may help you save money.

Investing in an automatic  home standby generator is probably the greatest way to prepare for this winter and future seasons. Generac home standby generators will provide automatic power for heat and electricity in an event of a power outage. Generac generators turn on in a flash after the power goes out and continue to stay on until all utility power has been restored. If your budget allows, you can get closer to optimizing energy efficiency in your home by insulating your attic to save as much as 30 percent on your heating costs.

For those of you that already own a Generac home standby generator, take steps to make sure your generator is working properly before a possible winter storm. Also, make sure your generator’s capacity fits your needs in times of emergencies such as winter storms. Your generator provides electricity that will play an important role after a severe winter storm. Electricity powers your refrigerator to provide you with food, and powers radios and televisions that broadcast you important news. Generators keep businesses running after a storm by providing electricity to run computer servers. They also protect businesses by getting alarm systems back up and running quickly.

Generac leads the way in power equipment serving residential, light commercial, industrial and construction markets. Generac's products can be purchased through a wide range of independent dealers, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies. The total of your basic winter preparedness can be done for less than $200; however, it is recommended to invest in installing attic insulation and a Generac home standby generator in order to get the highest level of protection from winter storms and to optimize energy efficiency in your home. Preparing for the winter can keep you safe and comfortable in your warm home all season long. It’s always best to prepare for the winter in advance; however, by following the tips and instructions above you can still prepare quickly if you’re already entering winter. There’s no need to roll the dice this winter and gamble the safety of you and your family, get easily prepared for this winter!