We are a currently two months into the official hurricane season. From the beginning of June to the end of November, it is not only advisable but necessary to be ready for a hurricane. During and especially after a storm has passed over, there is a good chance that you and your business may be left without electricity.

A lack of electricity can cause multiple problems. Consider these potential benefits that you can experience in the event that you are left without power after a storm if you are prepared.

· Increased Revenue- If you provide products or services that people will need after a storm, it will be increasingly difficult to operate without power. Obviously, if you cannot do business you will lose revenues. A working generator can provide you an influx of cash to pay for your own post storm repairs.

· Social Responsibility- Your customers depend on you in good times and bad. If you are able to do business during a blackout or after a storm you will there for your customers and they will remember that. This will help down the road as it has the ability to create positive sentiment.

· Decreased Damage to Your Facility- Without power you will be less able to address damage inside your actual facility. This can lead to structural damage and loss of equipment and files. With a working generator you can carry on operations as soon as possible.

In order to avoid these and other issues you should take some time to prepare your generator. If you have not done it yet, take the time to follow these tips to stave off unnecessary hurricane damage

· Make sure that your generator is a deliberate part of your emergency plan. Does it have the capacity to meet your needs. Perhaps you bought the generator several years ago and have purchased more or larger equipment since. Ensure that your generator has the wattage capacity needed to operate your equipment/facility. Be sure to clear your equipment with your local electricity supplier to ensure you meet code. For a new or additional generator we suggest you consider one of these.

· Properly store your generator. Is a mounted generator in a location that is above potential flood levels or your portable generator stored in area that will not be underwater? If not, relocate it immediately. Also, be sure that your generator is in a location that can accommodate the potential exhaust. This will keep your air breathable while you work after a storm.

· Check to make sure your generator works. Start the generator to make sure that it will be ready when you need it.

· Have the generator inspected by a professional. Even if you generator starts you may want to consider service. Carburetor and other common problems can be avoided with timely checkups by certified service technicians.

· Be fuel ready. Regardless of which type of fuel powers your generator in times of need, have extra on hand. Being prepared will pay dividends when the lights go out. Also, you may need to remove old fuel that has been stagnant in the tank of your generator. Certain types of fuel need to be replaced if left in the generator for an extended period of time.

Your generator may be just one part of your hurricane preparation, but remember how important electricity will be after a storm. Electricity will power televisions and radios that will deliver news, refrigerators that will store food and even air conditioning which may be one of the few creature comforts available directly after a storm. More importantly, it will be impossible to get computer servers and alarm systems back online or to get employees back into a functioning office without electricity.