There’s nothing quite like the first big storm of the year, heck there’s nothing quite like a big storm any time of year. Whenever it hits, however it hits, it’s always a good idea to stay prepared.  The first step is making sure your home is set up with a portable or standby generator. Generators are the best way to ensure that you don’t lose power during a power outage.  When a storm hits though you need more than just a generator to get you through it, that’s why we developed this guide and checklist for you.

Plan Ahead

• Develop an emergency plan that gives you security, access to a vehicle and provides a plan for safety for your entire family, including your pets. It’s important to keep in mind items that might need to be secured or bolted down. Also, during an emergency it’s always a good idea to have evacuation routes mapped out in every direction too.
• If your emergency evacuation plan involves you staying at home consider whether or not you have (at any given time) materials required to survive i.e.: extra blankets, batteries, flashlights, candles, non-perishable foods, clothes, water,  etc. etc.  If an emergency hits would you be able to take care of you, your loved ones and even your home for up to 14 days without running water or electricity? If not, time to start re-thinking your evaluation plan.
• An emergency plan is only as good as every member so it’s important to share your emergency plan, evacuation routes and food sources with your family. Choosing a “safe spot” to meet during an emergency i.e. a basement, is a good way to kick-off storm preparation.

Before the storm hits

•  Property  maintenance such as trimming your tree, preventing leaks etc. etc. can help make a natural disaster or storm go from bad to unmanageable.  Preparing your home 365 days a year for potential storms will help protect you when the unexpected hits.
• Keep your important family documents such as insurance policies, health cards, medications, birth certificates, passports etc. and lock them up in a something that can handle a little (or a lot) of water and/or potential disaster. Consider a heavy duty safe.
• As mentioned earlier, prepare enough food, water and supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days or two weeks. You never know what might hit, when it will hit or how long the hit will last. A few suggested ways to prepare are: purchasing bottle water, non-perishable foods, non-electric can opener, disposable dinnerware/utensils, necessary medications, personal hygiene supplies, blanket, tent, radio flashlight, cash, travelers checks, a canister of gas to fill up your car w/ gas (maybe two) etc.
• Secure and prepare your home
• If you have a portable generator make sure that you have it located and stored in a nearby place.
• If you don’t have a portable generator, and you’re able to, go out and buy one.

After the storm hits

• Evaluate your surrounding areas before sending the whole family out in the home or attempting to travel back home; the safety of your family should be your top priority.
• Report any hazardous or dangerous conditions such as power lines, road damage etc.
• Check your home for potential roof or window leaks. Turn off your circuit breakers, turn off wall switches and disconnect all electrical appliances that are still plugged in if you have found water leaks.

These are just a few suggestions about how to prepare for an upcoming storm in Northern California. It’s always our recommendation that homes have either a standby generator or portable generator to give them a piece of mind and restore power when they might need it most.  If you’d like to talk with us more about our residential and commercial generators, please let us know. We’d love to talk with you.

Norcal Electric & Pump Work is Chico, Paradise, Oroville/Yankee Hill and Northern California’s one-stop-shop for all your Electrical and custom construction project needs. From Generator sales and repairs to HVAC sales and repairs – we’re here for you every step of the way.  We pride ourselves on going above and beyond to provide our customers with practical solutions for their Electrical needs. Please give us a call today at one of the following numbers and we’d be more than happy to take care of whatever you need from generators, heating and air, electrical and lighting, and more! 

• Chico:                    (530) 345-5003
• Paradise:             (530) 872-3922
• Oroville/Yankee Hill        (530) 538-9350