While New England isn’t in the traditional hurricane belt, the region is far from immune to tropical systems. Late summer and fall regularly bring tropical storms and post-tropical cyclones that pack heavy rain, sustained winds, and widespread power outages. Getting your generator ready before hurricane season is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner.
Schedule a Pre-Season Service
The single most effective thing you can do is schedule a professional maintenance visit before peak storm season arrives. A Pow’r Point technician will check oil, coolant, filters, battery, spark plugs, and the transfer switch—everything that needs to be in top shape before your generator faces an extended run.
Verify Fuel Supply and Tank Levels
For propane-powered generators, confirm your tank is filled before storm season. Propane delivery can be delayed or unavailable during active storm events. For natural gas generators, there’s typically less concern about supply, but it’s worth knowing your utility provider’s emergency contact in case gas service is disrupted.
Test the Automatic Transfer Switch
Your automatic transfer switch is what tells the generator to start and connects it to your home’s electrical panel. If this component fails, your generator can run perfectly but still not power your home. Have it tested as part of your pre-season maintenance.
Know Your Generator’s Capacity
During extended outages, homeowners often add loads they didn’t plan for—space heaters, extra refrigerators, charging stations. Overloading your generator can damage it or trigger an automatic shutdown. Know what your unit is rated for and prioritize the loads that matter most.
Clear the Surrounding Area
Before a storm arrives, remove any loose debris, tools, or furniture near your generator that could become a projectile. After the storm, inspect the area before the generator runs for extended periods and ensure drainage around the pad is adequate to prevent flooding.
Don’t wait for storm warnings to start preparing. Contact Pow’r Point now to schedule your pre-season generator service and head into hurricane season with confidence.
