MILWAUKEE, Nov. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of the
frigid winter weather blowing into the country's cities and
neighborhoods, Briggs & Stratton Corporation encourages
families to consider investing in a backup power solution to
prevent costly damages from frozen pipes and potential dangerous
temperatures that can arise when a home's power goes out in the
winter months.
"Many of us tend to take power for granted," said Dan Roche, director of marketing for portable
power and cleaning systems at Briggs & Stratton. "Electricity
keeps our lives and homes running almost without notice, but
without a backup power solution at the ready, a utility power
outage during wintertime can make a family cold and uncomfortable
quick. Homeowners should take extra steps ahead of the snow and ice
season to navigate the everyday activities that become problematic
without power flowing to the home."
Families that might endure a power outage in the winter months
should remember these helpful tips to stay safe and
comfortable:
BEFORE THE STORM:
- Stock-up on batteries and flashlights.
- Evaluate the family's non-perishable food supply and restock if
necessary.
- Review how to manually open the electric garage door.
- A practice run will help ensure a family knows how to properly
locate and operate any equipment required during the power
outage.
DURING / AFTER THE STORM
- Never use a gas stove, oven or grill to heat a home.
- During the first few hours of the outage, keep the refrigerator
and freezer closed. Snow can be used as ice to keep items cold in a
cooler.
- Choose mittens over gloves and wear layered loose clothing to
stay warm.
- Always operate your portable generator outside of your
home.
"Having a backup power solution ready ahead of a utility power
outage prevents most of the headaches that go with living without
power. With backup power, families won't necessarily need to worry
about potentially dangerous temperatures, for example," said
Melissa Thomas, marketing assistant
manager, Briggs & Stratton Standby power. "This gives families
the security they desire to comfortably ride out long winter
months."
The most popular backup power solutions are portable generators
and permanently-installed standby generator systems. Both types of
backup power can keep a home's lights, the furnace and necessary
appliances working in the event of a weather-related power outage
or other emergency. Understanding the differences and capabilities
between the two options makes selecting the best generator for a
family's needs much easier.
Portable generators: The immediate backup power
supply
Portable generators are generally low maintenance,
compact and easily maneuverable on the property. These units are
typically powered by gasoline and work well as an immediate
solution* during a power outage. Additionally, they are designed to
provide reliable electricity to a few essential items and
appliances such as a refrigerator, basic light circuits and
portable electric heaters at the same time.
While portable generators can provide users with flexibility and
comfort, they need to be used appropriately at all times in order
to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run a portable generator
inside a home or in a garage. As a member of the Portable Generator
Manufacturers' Association, Briggs & Stratton invites
homeowners to visit www.TakeYourGeneratorOutside.com to learn more
about portable generator safety.
Standby generator systems: The high-wattage backup power
supply
Families who want a backup power source that offers
uninterrupted power should opt for a home standby generator system.
Home standby generators need to be professionally installed, so
homeowners should allow time for the installation process and
associated costs. These home generators are connected to the
existing propane or natural gas line of a house. When utility power
to a house is interrupted, the home generator automatically turns
on within seconds. Home standby generators can power more of a
home's high-wattage appliances, like the furnace, electric water
heater, stove and clothes dryer.
Homeowners interested in finding the right backup power solution
for their family can visit www.briggsandstratton.com. There they
can navigate the decision-making process with the help of a
side-by-side comparison.
*If connecting a portable generator into your home electrical
system, have a licensed electrician install an Emergency Manual
Power Transfer System.
About Briggs & Stratton Corporation:
Briggs &
Stratton Corporation (NYSE: BGG), headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is focused on providing
power to get work done and make people's lives better. Briggs &
Stratton is the world's largest producer of gasoline engines for
outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiaries include
North America's number one
marketer of gas pressure washers, and it is a leading designer,
manufacturer and marketer of power generation, lawn and garden,
turf care and job site products through its Briggs &
Stratton®, Simplicity®, Snapper®,
Snapper Pro®, Ferris®, Vanguard™, Allmand™,
Billy Goat®, Murray®, Branco® and
Victa® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are
designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries
on six continents. For additional information, please visit
www.basco.com and www.briggsandstratton.com.
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SOURCE Briggs & Stratton Corporation