Generator Maintenance for Hurricane Season

Generator Maintenance Tips for the Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is at its peak as of September 10th, meaning that though it has been a slow season, there is the potential for Florida to see a handful of storms roll its way. The last decade has been absent of the presence of a single hurricane, but Hermine has set in motion the beginning to an active season.
For many homeowners in South Florida, 2005 was most likely the last time your generator has seen any action. Do you remember the last time you even saw your generator? It’s probably covered in cobwebs and dust at this point, and will serve you very little purpose once the power goes out next as it is in dire need of some TLC.
Here are a couple of quick tips to follow to get your generator up to speed with the 2016 Hurricane Season:

Summertime Energy Savings

Summertime Energy Savings

Summertime Energy Savings

These tips are designed to help you choose effective ways to reduce your energy bills. Some measures may not be relevant depending on climate, the age of your home and appliances, and past improvements made to your home.

The savings numbers are based on your total summer electric bill. Equipment mentioned must be electric powered for estimates to be accurate.

FAST AND FREE

The average home spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. But you can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time!

Be a speedy chef

Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove.
Push a button to wash your dishes

Surprise! Your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let dishes air-dry to save even more!
Fill up the fridge

Having lots of food in your fridge keeps it from warming up too fast when the door is open. So your fridge doesn’t have to work as hard to stay cool.
Cutting back unnecessary energy use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption while saving money. Here are some additional suggestions you can do at home, at absolutely no cost to you.

How to Become an Electrician

How to Become an Electrician

How Do You Become an Electrician?

Here’s info from the U.S. Department of Labor:

Most people learn the electrical trade by completing an apprenticeship program lasting 3 to 5 years. Apprenticeship gives trainees a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the trade and generally improves their ability to find a job. Although electricians are more likely to be trained through apprenticeship than are workers in other construction trades, some still learn their skills informally on the job. Others train to be residential electricians in a 3-year program.

Apprenticeship programs may be sponsored by joint training committees made up of local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association; company management committees of individual electrical contracting companies; or local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association. Because of the comprehensive training received, those who complete apprenticeship programs qualify to do both maintenance and construction work.

extention-cord

Extension Cord Safety

Extension Cord Safety:

What You Might Not Know about Choosing a Cord

During the holiday season, families often string together extension cords without a second thought – after all, all cords are created equal, right? Think again.

Just because the extension cord has the length to reach the outlet across the room, it doesn’t mean it’s the right one for the task at hand. If the tool, appliance or holiday display is drawing more current than an extension cord can carry, it may cause the cord (and whatever is connected to it) to overheat and start a fire. Fortunately, all cords are labeled with wattage restrictions to help you make smart connection decisions.

To keep your family safe, UL recommends that you follow these simple steps when using any extension cord:

house-exterior

Electrical Safety Tips at Home

Electrical Safety Tips Anyone Can Follow

Hundreds of electrical fires happen each year resulting in countless painful injuries and thousands of dollars of lost property, but by following these simple electrical safety tips at home, many hazardous situations can be avoided.

Being safe when using electrical appliances, extension cords, light bulbs and other equipment is easy, and safety tips should be included in household rules, homeschool fire safety and daily behavior expectations for all members of the family. It only takes one mistake to spark an electrical fire, but simple prevention measures can be effective solutions.