WAUKESHA, Wis., Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Meteorologists predict Hurricane Joaquin will gain strength as it makes an expected turn toward the U.S. East Coast this weekend. With the severe weather threat looming, millions of East Coast residents living in Joaquin's path need to act now to protect their homes and families.

"Hurricanes are unpredictable, so it's especially important for residents in areas that are in the projected path of the storm to prepare as early as possible," said Clement Feng, Generac's senior vice president of marketing. "Proper preparedness can make all the difference in severe weather situations."

While many forecasters expect Joaquin to intensify and make landfall along the East Coast by late this weekend, there is still uncertainty about its exact location and strength. Regardless, the next few days are a crucial time for residents to revisit their severe weather preparedness plans and ensure their homes and families are ready for the dangers and potential power outages frequently associated with hurricanes.

For those not sure where to start, Generac's disaster preparedness experts recommend the following essential pre-storm tips to ensure homes and families are protected from the storm:

• Charge your electronics: Like storms, the power outages associated with them are very unpredictable. Our homes and lifestyles today are more reliant on technology than ever, so charge your cell phone, computer and other electronic devices before the storm hits. Put new batteries in flashlights and have a backup case of batteries in a watertight container.
• Remove outdoor furniture and loose foliage: Hurricane winds can reach 100 miles per hour or more depending on the storm's category. Outdoor furniture or loose foliage can become a projectile, causing damage to your home or nearby buildings. Bring them inside to eliminate the risk.
• Stock up on essentials: Having gallons of water, a storage room with food, extra batteries and waterproof emergency numbers on hand is a smart idea on its own, but will come in extra handy if you can't leave your home during a hurricane.
• Choose a backup power source: Generators can be lifesaving when severe weather causes an outage. From keeping refrigerated medicine cold to powering lights or a cell phone charger, generators are an important lifeline to keep families and homes safe and protected. Both portable and home standby generators offer benefits, and residents of all kinds are encouraged to include this technology as part of their preparedness plans.

It is also important to remind portable generator users of proper safety procedures to ensure their family's continued safety while using their generator. Generac provides the following portable generator safety tips:

• NEVER run a generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas such as garages.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel expansion.
• Do not smoke near fuel or generator.
• Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others. Home standby generators are a better option if you're looking for something to connect directly to household wiring.
• Only start or stop the generator when no electrical loads are connected.
• Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics.
• The generator must be properly grounded. If the generator is not grounded, you run the risk of electrocution.
• Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
• Allow at least 5 feet of clearance on all sides of the generator when operating.

Preparing your family now, before the storm hits, is the best way to prevent damage, power outages and stress during Hurricane Joaquin. Generac has local dealers in your area available to speak with consumers and the media about specific local threats and power outages during and after the storm.

Learn More
For more facts and advice, visit www.Generac.com/be-prepared or call 888-GENERAC.

About Generac (NYSE: GNRC)
Since 1959, Generac has been a leading designer and manufacturer of a wide range of generators and engine-powered products. Generac's power products are available through a broad network of independent dealers, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies. For more information on Generac and its product line, visit www.generac.com Become a fan on Facebook at Generac Residential Products and follow Generac on Twitter @Generac.

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SOURCE Generac

Heather Shannon Gaedtke, Cramer-Krasselt Public Relations, 414-227-3505, hgaedtke@c-k.com; or Jodi Marose, Generac Public Relations Manager, 262-544-4811 x2771, Jodi.Marose@generac.com