(NewsUSA) - Recent Generac/Harris Poll survey provides insights into preparedness for widespread power outages*

With the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season expected to have the highest activity level in recent history, now is the time to prepare with a plan to protect your loved ones.

Colorado State University’s annual Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts 23 named storms, with 11 which could become hurricanes and five possibly reaching major hurricane strength. This marks the highest ever outlook prediction the CSU team has issued since it began the forecasts in 1995.

When a hurricane or even a strong tropical storm strikes, it leaves a path of destruction that could leave homeowners without power for days – even weeks. Families are faced with difficult decisions like whether or not to evacuate, how to keep their pets safe and how to complete daily functions with no internet, household appliances, or even in total darkness.

A recent survey* commissioned by Generac and conducted by The Harris Poll illustrates that many Americans are not prepared for widespread power outages and are at risk for both their comfort and safety. More than half of Americans (52%) would only have enough food in their home for 1-2 days if there was a widespread extended outage in their area. 71% of Americans would be concerned with food spoilage if their home experienced an extended power outage, with half (50%) saying they would struggle financially to replace all of their perishable food lost due to an extended power outage. The survey data also revealed that 36% of Americans have medical devices powered by electricity that they or someone in their home use daily. Moreover, 77% of pet owners are willing to risk their own comfort to stay with their pets at home amidst extended power outages.

“With the highest-ever predicted hurricane season in nearly three decades, homeowners and business owners need to do everything they can to prepare now,” said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power for Generac Power Systems, a global energy technology company. “Making a plan ahead of time that includes a source of backup power is an important step to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and comfortable in the event of an extended power outage.”

Generac offers a free Hurricane Preparedness Guide to help homeowners prepare for the storm season. The guide not only highlights steps to take before, during and after a storm but also provides printable inventory checklists, comparisons on backup power options and power outage safety tips.

Power outage experts from Generac have provided tips on how to prepare for blackouts during hurricane season:

• Identify the safest location in the home to wait out a storm, and review emergency plans for evacuation, based on your local government’s recommendations.
• Identify when your nearest evacuation centers will open and, if applicable, which ones allow pets. As an alternative to an evacuation center, reach out to friends or family who live outside of the forecasted cone of impact and create a list of potential evacuation locations.
• Designate a main location and a backup location to meet after the storm.
• Gather local area maps in the event mobile devices lack service or electricity.
• Build an emergency kit with items such as a 7-day supply of non-perishables per person, three gallons of water per person, a fully stocked first aid kit and flashlights and extra batteries.
• If you are planning to stay in your home, ensure you have a backup power plan. Consider investing in a portable or home standby generator to back up critical components of your home.
• If you already have a generator, be sure it is well-maintained and you have an ample amount of fuel, so it is ready to work when you need it most.
• Review appropriate instructions on how to safely operate a generator to protect your loved ones and your home. Make sure to only run a portable generator outdoors, far away from any doors or windows and with the exhaust pointing away from the home.
• For more information on generator safety, visit https://www.generac.com/be-prepared/the-home/outdoor-power-equipment-safety.

With an expected 23 named storms forecasted for the upcoming hurricane season, it’s important to remember that it only takes one strong storm to cause serious destruction. In order to navigate a well-above average hurricane season, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Getting a home standby generator takes planning and a period of time to get installed, therefore you should reach out early for a free, no cost estimate so you are prepared with the information you need. https://www.generac.com/nationalpromo

*This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Generac from April 18-22, 2024, among 2,094 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact stephanie.rodgers@generac.com.