What Are Reasons for a Backup Generator?

• A backup generator can keep electricity flowing even when power lines are down. Power Lines image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com

  Most of the country is susceptible to one form of natural disaster or another. Mother nature does not obey the laws of man, and all forms of weather can destroy the electrical infrastructure designed to deliver power to your home. In the case of prolonged loss of electrical power, the surest form of emergency plan to keep your home powered is to have a backup generator available.

Hurricanes

• A hurricane cannot only take down power lines, it can wreak havoc on power-generation facilities and electrical infrastructure. As the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina graphically illustrated, any coastal part of the country is at risk from a disasters wrought by hurricanes. A backup generator can bring you peace of mind in the event that your home is in the potential path of a hurricane.

Tornadoes

• A tornado is another natural disaster that can devastate electrical infrastructure. A tornado can take down power lines and damage power-generation facilities. If you have a backup generator, you can rest easy with the knowledge that you will still be able to power your essential needs after a tornado strikes.

Ice Storms

• In the winter months, ice storms consistently damage power lines and cause significant damage to large swaths of the country. It will often take days, if not weeks, for the power company to repair damage to power infrastructure after a bad ice storm. A generator can sustain you through those dark days, when you are most in need of backup power.

Thunderstorms

• A bad thunderstorm is capable of downing trees and limbs, potentially taking down power lines. The electrical power you receive at home is only as consistent as the lines that deliver it. A bad storm can down these lines, requiring days or weeks for repair. A backup generator will deliver you through the days and nights before power is restored.