6 Sure Signs You Should Invest in a Generator
Home generators are more popular than ever, and there are lots of reasons why. But if you still can’t decide whether or not to take the plunge, we’ve compiled a list of the top reasons why investing in a generator might make sense for you:
- You have weather. That may sound like a smart-aleck thing to say, but seriously, if you have thunderstorms, ice storms, snowstorms, hail storms, hurricanes, nor’easters, tornadoes or just about any other type of major storm event or severe weather in your region, you’re at risk for a power outage. Having a backup generator on hand will ensure you’re ready to “weather” any storm (pun intended) by providing you with the considerable peace of mind that comes from knowing your appliances, heater and lights will still be operable while repairs are being made to the grid.
- You live in an area where sudden outages are not uncommon. In some areas of the U.S. where severe weather occurs on a regular basis, sudden power outages become much more of a reality. Sometimes these outages are due to storms that are almost predictable in their seasonal regularity; other times, outages can be caused by rolling blackouts or brownouts designed to prevent the power grid from breaking down or occurring as a result of aging infrastructure. Rolling outages are especially common in major metro areas during summer heatwaves when air conditioner use is at its peak. Having a portable generator means you can still enjoy power in your own home even when the grid goes down.
- You or a family member relies on medical equipment that uses electricity. From powered stair lifts to breathing devices to refrigeration to keep medicines from spoiling, having a generator on hand is essential for ensuring you’re not left facing a harmful or potentially life-threatening power outage.
- You’re in a flood area. Some areas of the country are just more prone to floods and the power outages they can cause, and having a generator on hand makes sense, especially considering that flooding can cause outages to be prolonged. Your generator will come in mighty handy when it’s time to pump out your wet basement. Even areas that aren’t prone to flood can have flash floods that can be devastating (consider Arizona’s experience this past autumn).
- You work at home. Nearly a quarter of the U.S. population works at least part of the time from a home office. If you depend on your home to earn part of your living, having a backup home generator means you don’t have to worry about losing customers when the power goes out. Plus, a generator used for business purposes may be deductible under the home use of business deduction (IRS Publication 587).
- You rely on a freezer. A freezer can be a great tool for saving money by buying in bulk. But when a power outage causes all your food to spoil, the cost savings go down the drain. Having a generator protects your investment and preserves your cost savings.
These are just a few of the most popular reasons to invest in a portable home generator. Depending on your needs, you can probably think of lots more. When you’re ready to learn more, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.
Winter Storm Juno
IMPORTANT STORM MESSAGE:
We are preparing for a major winter storm in our service territory. We are reminding all of our customers to remember to clear all snow away from your generators.
Our storm restoration plan has been activated, and our crews are on stand-by to respond should outages occur.
If you experience an outage, please report it to JCPL at 888-544-4877 (888-LIGHTSS) or on their website at http://bit.ly/1H0yme9.
We recommend following these tips from JCPL to be prepared for outages before they happen:
- Light. Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy. Use care when burning candles; open flames are a dangerous fire hazard.
- Warmth. Have extra blankets or a sleeping bag for each person. Do not use gas stoves, grills or other open-flame appliances as a heat source. They could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas could build up in your home.
- Water. If you have a water well and pump, keep an emergency supply of bottled water.
- Food. If your home has an electric range, stock an emergency supply of convenience foods that do not require cooking.
- News and information. Keep a battery-powered radio with extra batteries on hand. You can:
- view current outages on our 24/7 Power Center outage maps on a smartphone,
- follow us on social media for updates during significant storms,
- or get updates on outages you reported via text message or email –learn more about this service here.
- Means of communication. While a cell phone will work as long as its battery is charged and the nearest cell tower has power or backup power, many cordless land-line telephones require a plug-in power source to operate, and may not work if a power outage occurs. You may want to keep a plain, hard-wired telephone handy to report your power outage (888-544-4877) or to call for help in an emergency. These phones operate on power delivered through the phone line.
(Source: http://bit.ly/1CZa2Tv)
If your generator fails to start, call us at Corbin Electrical Services for 24 hour service at 732-536-0444.
Enjoy the snow and remember Safety First!
4 Tips to Help You Upgrade to Better Security Lighting
The primary purpose of security lighting is to provide enough light to prevent and deter crime as well as provide security for workers, visitors and other people in the area. Unfortunately, all too often, security lighting simply addresses the task of “feeling” safer rather than “being” safer. And there’s a big and important difference between the two. Feeling safe can actually place you at greater risk for crime since you’re operating under the illusion that you’re safe, when actually the lighting might be just bright enough to offer a criminal a clear view of what he or she is doing, but not enough to keep them away. Being safe, on the other hand, ensures the types of lighting in use as well as their placement and design maximize visibility for everyone, providing a major deterrent to criminals.
If you haven’t upgraded your lighting lately, the new year is a great time to review your needs as well as some of the new design and fixture options that can help boost security for your property, your employees and your loved ones. Here are four tips to consider when deciding whether your security lighting needs an upgrade:
- Safe lighting does not mean blindingly bright. One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing security lighting is to opt for the strongest lighting available. Instead of providing extra security, lights that are too bright can make it more difficult for eyes to focus and see clearly, making it more difficult to see potential dangers. Plus, super-bright lights can cause problems with neighbors and may even result in “light trespass” or nuisance charges, which means your effort – and cash – will be for nothing.
- Safe lighting doesn’t mean saving money by installing poor fixtures that only “look” safe and bright. Good, effective security lighting isn’t always cheap, but many people try to cut costs by opting for the least expensive fixtures they can find, a move that can result in inadequate lighting and shadows that actual favor criminal activity. Invest in high-quality fixtures that offer direct lighting without glare and without the risk of burnouts or breakage that often go hand-in-hand with cheap fixtures.
- Safety lighting and security lighting are not the same thing. Safety lighting for use on steps and other areas where hazards can be a problem should not be confused with security lighting, which is typically brighter and covers a larger area. Don’t think that because you light up stair treads, that’s enough lighting to make stairwells safe and secure from criminal activity.
- Take care with positioning. Not only do you want the area to be properly lit, you also want to be sure there’s enough light in areas where security cameras are in operation. A combination of visible cameras and good lighting is often enough to make even the most committed criminal turn back.
The take-home message: Good lighting can significantly increase security; poor lighting always compromises it. To learn about all the lighting options we offer and how they can help your property stay safe and secure, give us a call.
Stay Safe: How to Avoid Electrical Fires this Winter
Household fires can be devastating, even when they cause limited damage. Holiday decorations pose specific risks for electrical fires this time of year, but there are other common causes as well. Understanding the risks and learning how to manage them or avoid them altogether is the best way to prevent household electrical fires this winter. Here’s what you need to know:
Have your wiring checked.
If you’ve recently moved into a new home or if you live in a home with older wiring, having your wiring checked by a licensed electrician can help identify potential problems and fix them before they cause fires. Older wiring may have worn insulation that can cause shorts, and many new homeowners may be surprised to find that a previous owner made some DIY upgrades that aren’t anywhere near safe. Plus, thanks to the rise in electronic devices, the electrical demands of today’s homes far surpass those of just a decade ago, and using power strips or outlet adapters can easily cause older circuits to become overloaded and overheated. Have your wiring checked now for your own safety and peace of mind.
Use extension cords sparingly.
Holiday lighting often uses a lot of extension cords. Make sure they’re in good shape and designed for the job they’re doing – for instance, handling heavier loads or for use outdoors. Also be sure not to overload cords by following the manufacturer limits when stringing cords together. If you find yourself using extension cords for regular household needs, call an electrician and have a new outlet installed in a more convenient location.
Check electrical cords for signs of damage.
From lamps to clocks to TVs and other electronics, our devices get a lot of use, and over time, cords can become crimped, worn or frayed. Check cords regularly and get rid of devices that have worn cords, or take them to a professional who specializes in rewiring devices. Throw out older devices since they may be prone to hidden electrical problems that make the device dangerous to use.
Clean your dryer vent.
Lint-filled dryer vents are a leading cause of household fires. Clean yours regularly – not just the one on the machine, but the big vent hose that leads outdoors as well. Use a special cover on the outside outlet to prevent rodents from using the vents for nests.
Look into GFCIs.
Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, automatically shut off power when they detect electrical currents are following an unintended path, such as through water. They’re especially important in the kitchen or bath where water contact could result in electrocution.
Don’t DIY.
Finally, if you need an upgrade – even something that seems relatively simple – or if you’re having repeated problems, like a malfunctioning outlet or switch, don’t try to save a few dollars by doing it yourself. One improperly designed circuit or loose connection could wind up destroying your entire home. Instead, call Corbin Electrical Services at (732) 536-0444 to schedule a wiring checkup and evaluation.
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