May 1-7 is 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Week – Get Prepped

Hurricanes happen every year, and “I wish I prepared better for that” is a regret you don’t want to have after a hurricane. With winds that can reach over 250 mph, a potential deluge of rain, and tides that can surge miles inland, hurricanes can be devastating forces of nature. Every hurricane is a potential lesson in preparedness, and with a season that stretches from June 1 to November 30, prudence dictates preparation.

Hurricanes are equal opportunity when it comes to destruction but wreak particular havoc with coastal flooding and winds that down power lines with tree branches and unsecured objects. Reduce risk by:

• Having branches near power lines cut back
• Securing or storing objects such as outdoor furniture
• Pre-packing sandbags to protect water entry points
• Upgrading to siding, windows, and doors rated for storms and high winds

The best way to ensure consistent electrical access is with onsite backup generation or with renewables and battery storage. Whether you’re in a residential home or running a business with refrigeration or other critical energy needs, backup energy can be comforting, property protecting, and lifesaving.

Ensuring access to backup power can be as simple as maintaining a supply of batteries for flashlights and lanterns or as complex as having a standby generator large enough to power your business. Battery backup systems for essential devices like sump pumps and medical equipment are other options to keep in mind.

Backup systems can be powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind power or by generators that run on fuel like gasoline, propane, or diesel. If gas stations lose power, fuel may not be available, so it’s important to have enough fuel on hand to run your generator for at least a week.

You should also have a plan for how you will use your backup power. Prioritize which appliances and devices are most important for you to keep running. Keep in mind that you will need to ventilate any area where you are using a fuel-powered generator to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. No matter what option you choose, be sure to have enough fuel on hand to run your backup system for at least 72 hours.

Being prepared for power outages is important. Having an emergency kit including a flashlight and first aid kit for your business will be helpful during a power outage.

An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). Inverters are used to power devices that require AC, such as laptop computers and cell phone chargers. Power supply chains can be disrupted, so it’s important to have backup supplies of fuel or other energy sources on hand. Ensure that portable devices are charged and auxiliary batteries for charging devices are also kept fully charged. 

Automatic transfer switches (ATS) can be used to seamlessly connect backup generators to a business’s electrical system. This ensures that power is restored quickly and safely when the grid goes down.

Aside from playing a key role during storm season, onsite generation can also help businesses avoid peak demand rates, and leverage participation in a demand response program. For additional onsite electrical capacity, look into additional integrated energy components known as distributed energy resources (DERs).

Look at your insurance policy coverage and imagine if the worst happens – are you covered? To be on the safe side, make an appointment with your agent to review your policy.

Local media broadcasts are helpful, but checking with the National Hurricane Center or the NRG Storm Center can usually provide more frequent updated storm information. 

Downed power lines and gas leaks need to be reported immediately to restore service and prevent injury. Additionally, know where your circuit breaker and gas meter are, and be sure access is clear for emergency shutoff.

Hurricanes can be unpredictable, changing direction and building strength during the course of a day.  So, even if you’re hundreds of miles away from the predicted path of a tropical storm, that can change in a matter of hours. During hurricane season, it’s best to be well prepared and remain vigilant. 

For more resources and preparedness ideas, please review our storm preparedness checklist.

May 1st through 7th is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Join NRG Energy and prepare your business for hurricane season. Hurricane Preparedness Week is the perfect time to educate yourself on hurricanes and start prepping for the season. Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to communities in their path. Understanding backup power and safety precautions will help you prepare for this and future hurricane seasons.