“Real Winter” is On Its Way
2019 is set to start in dramatic and blustery style with the Met Office warning that this could be the coldest winter on record.
Those dreaming of a white Christmas were, once again, disappointed, but according to weather experts, winter has barely even started. It doesn’t seem long ago that we were all talking about the Beast from the East wreaking chaos across the country, and it is set to return with a vengeance.
Bookmakers have slashed the odds on a white January, and Harry Aitkenhead of Coral went so far as to tell the press it is now “odds on” that this will be the coldest winter since records began. Media hype or genuine threat? It’s better to be prepared.
Power outages inevitable
Heavy snow and strong winds are a combination that threaten any infrastructure, and if the weather experts are correct, some power outages are inevitable. Having no electricity for a matter of minutes is one thing, but when there is the possibility that it will run to hours or even days, a backup is a must. It is at times like these that generator hire services are in extreme demand, so it pays to make your preparations well in advance to ensure you do not get taken by surprise.
The effect of power cuts
Of course, this is particularly important for more vulnerable people, for example the oldest and youngest members of our community, but the truth is none of us are as geared up to manage without electricity as we might have been 20 or 30 years ago. Fewer homes have alternative heating options such as open fireplaces, and for the growing number of people who work from home, having electricity to power the router and laptop is essential.
There is also the question of all that food we tend to stockpile. Having a chest freezer full of food is definitely a bonus when extreme weather strikes, but only if the power keeps flowing. According to foodsafety.gov, the average freezer will keep food frozen for up to around 48 hours without power – but only if you keep the door closed and your freezer if packed full. For a half-full freezer, it is more like 24 hours.
Getting prepared
If you call a generator hire company or go to your local hardware supplier when the snow has started to fall, be prepared to join what could be a lengthy queue! There is no time like the present to get prepared.
Buying your own generator is a shrewd investment as long as you are prepared to ensure it is properly maintained and ready for action. The problem that many homeowners face is that it stands for months unattended to and is then pressed suddenly into action – if it has not been properly maintained and serviced, you might find you are no better off when it refuses to start. Hiring a unit that is appropriate for the size of your home and having a maintenance agreement in place is the best way to be certain that your emergency backup is ready to be pressed into action whenever you need it.