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Hurricane Season 2024: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

May 31, 2024

As we approach the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, experts are forecasting a potentially record-setting number of storms and landfalls, especially impacting the Southeast and Gulf coasts. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is an 85% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, with predictions of 17 to 25 named storms. Of these, 8 to 13 could become hurricanes, and as many as 7 might develop into major hurricanes.

In 2023, weather-related disasters displaced over 2.5 million people nationwide, with more than a third remaining displaced for over a month. These powerful storms impact not only coastal regions but also cause damage hundreds of miles inland.

The American Red Cross is preparing to respond to hurricanes this season and urges families to get ready too.

It’s critical to make your own emergency preparations. Here are some steps to be prepared before, during and after a hurricane:

Before

  • The key to staying safe is having an emergency plan in place and being well-prepared.
  • Having a source of backup power during a hurricane is crucial for maintaining safety, comfort, and communication. It ensures that essential appliances like refrigerators, medical devices, and lights remain operational, preventing food spoilage and supporting health needs.
  • Stay informed by listening to local news and weather reports for potential hurricane watches and warnings in your area.
  • Determine if your area is prone to hurricanes and sign up for local alerts.
  • Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house.
  • If you live on the coast or in a low-lying area near the coast, be ready to move inland or to higher ground. High winds can create large waves, which may become storm surges when they reach the shore.
  • Have your emergency kit ready. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least 3 three days. Kits should include practical items such as drinking water, food, cash, and a portable radio. However, they should also include items that are unique to your own families’ needs. This could include baby items, medical prescriptions, pet food, etc.

During

  • Be ready to evacuate on short notice.
  • Stay informed by keeping up with the latest warnings and advisories through radio, local news channels, or by following local news outlets and emergency officials on social media.
  • Follow evacuation orders from authorities or community leaders and steer clear of flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
  • If the eye of the hurricane passes over, there will be a temporary calm lasting from a few minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place away from windows, but not in the basement, during this period. Be aware that once the eye passes, strong winds will resume from the opposite direction.

After

  • Stay updated by listening to the radio, watching local news channels, and following news outlets and emergency officials on social media.
  • Be aware of potential secondary hazards such as flooding, landslides, and structural damage.
  • If the power goes out during a hurricane and you need to use a generator, be sure to follow these safe generator practices like use it outdoors, protect from moisture, secure placement, avoid overloading, use correct cords etc.
  • Avoid damaged areas and fallen power lines, and be cautious of debris like sheet metal, glass, and other sharp objects.
  • Avoid using water that could be contaminated and discard any food that might be spoiled, including items from the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Photograph any damage to both the building and its contents for insurance purposes.

When the power goes out, essential appliances like your refrigerator, electric stove, lights, and air conditioning become unusable. Food in your refrigerator will spoil, and replacing it can be very costly. Without the ability to charge your phone, use your computer, or access local news, you’ll be cut off from vital communication during a hurricane power outage. Without air conditioning, your home can become unbearably hot, and the high temperatures and humidity can also damage the interior of your home.

At Champion Power Equipment we provide the power that can help “weather” a hurricane:

  1. Generators: During a hurricane, having a Champion generator can be a crucial asset. Champion generators are known for their reliability and ability to provide backup power when it’s needed most. With various sizes available, you can choose a generator that suits your specific needs, whether you want to power just a few essentials or your entire home. Champion generators run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, providing flexibility in fuel options. With a Champion generator, you can ensure that you have a reliable source of power to keep your home running smoothly, even during the most challenging weather conditions.
  2. Inverters: Using a Champion inverter during a hurricane can be a lifesaver. Its efficient and reliable power delivery can keep essential appliances running, providing comfort and safety during power outages. With its ability to produce clean power suitable for sensitive electronics, a Champion inverter can be particularly useful for charging phones, powering lights, and running medical devices. Additionally, its portability allows for easy transportation, ensuring you have power wherever you need it most during a hurricane.
  3. Home Standby Generators: Having a Champion home standby generator during a hurricane provides invaluable peace of mind. This reliable source of backup power ensures that your home remains powered, even amidst prolonged outages. Connected directly to your propane or natural gas system, a Champion home standby generator eliminates the need for refueling, allowing it to operate continuously throughout the storm. Its automatic start feature ensures that power is restored swiftly after an outage, safeguarding your family and property from potential dangers associated with prolonged power loss. With Champion’s dependable performance, you can weather the storm with confidence, knowing that your home standby generator is there to keep your lights on and essential appliances running smoothly.
  4. Storm Shield – Severe Weather Cover: A Champion storm shield cover for your inverter and generator provides critical protection during severe weather. It shields the equipment from heavy rain and high winds, preventing water damage and electrical faults. It ensures the equipment remains operational and safe throughout the storm, ultimately extending its lifespan and maintaining your power supply during emergencies.

At Champion, our dedicated customer support team is always here to help. We know how frustrating it can be to wait for assistance, so our highly trained professionals are available 24/7 to provide expert support. You can reach us by phone or through our live chat feature for prompt help whenever you need it. If you prefer to troubleshoot on your own, our Help Center offers a wealth of articles and resources for quick solutions. Additionally, our YouTube channel provides instructional videos on topics ranging from maintenance tips to troubleshooting technical issues.

Having a reliable power source during an emergency is invaluable, as the safety and security of your family are more important now than ever.

*Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see or smell. Generators must ALWAYS be used outdoors, far away from occupied buildings with engine exhaust pointed away from people and buildings.