Storm Preparedness – Tips & Tools To Keep You Safe

Plan. Backup Plan. Backup-Backup Plan.

Planning and preparing are the best ways to get ahead of severe weather season.  Knowing what to do in the event of a storm emergency caused by a tornado, hurricane, tsunami, flash-flooding, mud-slide, earthquake and anything in-between can mean the difference between life, death, or severe injury.

Here are some things to consider, depending on the type of severe weather you experience:

• Have a list of items to gather quickly, such as survival gear, food, water, medicine, and pet supplies to take to your family’s shelter or take with you during an evacuation
• Have a planned meeting location if you get separated
• Plan for short power outages by having battery operated devices ready to go, such as flashlights and cell phones
• Have a battery-operated radio to get updated weather information
• Discuss the plan with all of your family members

The spring and summer storm seasons are always unpredictable, so start these preparations soon. Check out the following tips and get ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you!

Portable Generators and Proper Wattage for Different Appliances

Your electricity just got knocked out by a storm. How long will you be in the dark? The freezer, TV, sump-pump, and all other major appliances have stopped working. Your food may thaw, your basement may flood, and your phone may lose power. What are you going to do? Purchase a Mi-T-M portable generator and never worry about power again!

When it comes to electricity, nothing is more truthful than the saying “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.” We can’t control the weather, but we can help you plan ahead and prepare for emergencies. Mi-T-M sells a large array of equipment that helps homeowners stay safe during storms and power outages. How? Our generators convert mechanical energy into electricity. Our unique inverters are designed with inverter technology for reduced size, weight, noise, and fuel consumption.

Our generators come in many sizes—from 2,000 watts to 14,000 watts— including portable generators for residential use and commercial models. These rugged machines provide safe and reliable backup for your home electrical needs. Different appliances require different levels of wattage as this graphic shows.

Do You Rely on At-Home Medical Equipment?

When you or a loved one rely on electricity for assistive technology and medical devices, a power outage is more than an inconvenience. It can be life-threatening.  First, always keep your medical devices in good working order and charged up, if possible.  Second, find out if the devices can be connected to a generator or an inverter without being harmed. And last, contact your local electric utility and EMS provider, and alert them that there is a medical device in your home that needs electricity.  When they know someone dependent on electricity for medical devices is in the area, they will attempt to restore power there faster.

However, storms aren’t the only things that cause power failures.  A Mi-T-M portable generator or inverter is a worthwhile investment when you or a loved one is dependent on electric medical devices.

Keep Your Business Open During a Power Outage

If you’re a small business owner, a Mi-T-M portable generator could keep your doors open during a power outage. If your inventory includes perishables, a generator is truly a necessity.  Contact Mi-T-M or one of our dealers to find out exactly what type of generator will keep you in business during a power outage.

Is Bigger Better?

Think about your electrical needs during a power outage.

• What are your “electric essentials?”
• Calculate the total wattage of all the appliances you wish to use—wattage can be located on each unit’s nameplate or found on the manufacturer’s website—then multiply that number by three.

The total will tell you what size generator you need.

You’ll need to put serious thought into what the conditions will be like when you lose power, which will help you determine your final purchase. Will the generator be a short-term solution for outages caused by lightning or a long-term solution for power-grid damage caused by earthquakes? Will it power your entire home or just a few devices? Our smallest units can easily power lights, your phone charger, and/or appliances like your radio. Larger generator units, for example, can keep your refrigerator and sump pump running while allowing you to watch TV to get crucial news. Regardless of size, Mi-T-M’s portable generators and inverter units provide the power you need and the peace of mind you desire.

After the Storm

Storm debris clean-up can be a big job but first, be sure to document all the storm damage before you start the clean-up process.  Unfortunately, if you need to use a chainsaw, the sawdust mess is almost worse.   Use a Mi-T-M pressure washer appropriately around your home or business to quickly remove sawdust, leaves and small branches from sidewalks, driveways, and vehicles.  Whether the job requires hot-water washing, cold-water washing, high or low pressure, a powerful gas engine or a quiet, electric engine, Mi-T-M has the right pressure washer for you.

While quickly removing unwanted water, a portable Mi-T-M water pump can also pump out storm debris and waste, depending on the model and size.  They’re gasoline powered, so you can start clean-up without electricity. There’s no need to set up a bucket brigade to get flood water out of your home or business-just use a dependable and compact Mi-T-M water pump.

Contact Mi-T-M or one of our dealers today. We’ll discuss the best power solutions for all your needs. Click here for more information about how to prepare for power outages.