Plan to Protect Your Home and Family

Power outages can strike at any time, but they're especially common during severe weather events like storms, hurricanes, and winter blizzards. Being prepared can make a world of difference in keeping your home and family safe and comfortable.

Don't let power outages disrupt your life. We've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you weather any storm. Take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, and be confident in your ability to handle any emergency.

Develop a family emergency plan that includes important phone numbers such as doctors, family members, etc.), an evacuation route and an agreed-on meeting place in case you lose communication with loved ones.

Create a kit by filling a duffle bag or lidded container with three days’ worth of food and water. Your emergency kit should include a flashlight, battery-powered radio and clock, extra batteries, a first aid kit, cash, medications, and a CD or USB drive with important documents. We’ve got a Disaster Supply Checklist to help you create your kit.

Turn off major appliances such as your water heater, oven and air conditioning units. To safeguard your appliances and prevent potential electrical hazards, it's essential to unplug electronics like TVs, stereos, microwaves, and computers before a power outage.

These devices can be vulnerable to surges and spikes when the power is restored, potentially causing damage. By unplugging them beforehand, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs or replacements. Be sure to leave one light on so you can easily see when your power is restored.

Familiarize yourself with the location and operation of your main electrical panel. This panel contains the main breaker and individual circuit breakers that control the power supply to different areas of your home.

In the event of a power outage, you may need to manually turn off the main breaker or reset tripped circuit breakers to restore power. If you're unsure how to do this, consult your homeowner's manual or contact a qualified electrician for assistance.

Consider installing a Kohler standby generator to protect your home. A standby generator is a powerful and reliable solution for ensuring uninterrupted power supply to your home. Kohler Standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home and run on natural gas or propane. Unlike portable generators, standby generators automatically turn on within seconds of a power outage, even if you're away from home.

A transfer switch, integrated with the generator, monitors the utility power supply. When the power goes out, the transfer switch seamlessly transfers the electrical load from the utility grid to the generator, ensuring a continuous and seamless flow of electricity to your home.

A Kohler generator can power virtually everything in your home, from essential appliances like lights, heating/cooling systems, and sump pumps to security systems and other electronic devices. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted comfort, safety, and convenience even during power outages.

When using a portable generator, always prioritize safety. To prevent electrical hazards and ensure proper operation:

• Use the right extension cords: Match the amperage rating of your extension cords to the electrical load of your appliances.

• Ensure proper ventilation: Always operate generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use them indoors or in enclosed spaces.

• Avoid electrical issues: Never connect a portable generator directly to your home's electrical system. Plug appliances directly into the generator's outlets to minimize the risk of electrical shocks or fires.

Family Emergency Plan (PDF) Disaster Supply Checklist (PDF)