WAUKESHA, Wis., March 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter Storm Quinn is set to hit the East Coast on the heels of a severe nor'easter. Winter Storm Riley was responsible for leaving almost 3 million people without electricity, and Quinn has the potential to be just as dangerous.

While many are still trying to clean up from the previous storm, homeowners can prevent further damage and loss before the next storm arrives by purchasing an emergency generator. Here are some tips to choose the option that is the best fit for the homeowner's needs:

Portable Generators:
A portable generator can be a good option for those who are looking to power the most critical home items. They are simple to buy, easy to run and can power most essential lights or appliances via extension cords. Portable generators must be placed outside, far away from windows and doors and in a dry place. Generac has sent additional inventory to areas in the path of Winter Storm Quinn. These units can be purchased at dealer and home improvement centers.

Manual Transfer Switches:
A manual transfer switch can be used in combination with a portable generator to allow people to backup more items in their homes -- even hard-wired appliances like a furnace or well pump -- by delivering emergency power through the home's electrical system. There's no need to run extension cords from the generator to the lights and appliances. It is wired directly to the home's electrical panel and can power circuits of the homeowner's choosing. A manual transfer switch is the only safe way to deliver power from a portable generator to the home's electrical system, and while you will not likely be able to have one installed before Quinn, you can work with an authorized Generac dealer to buy a manual transfer switch and have it installed for future outages. Homeowners should not attempt to install one themselves.

Home Standby Generator:
While it's not possible to install a standby home generator ahead of this storm, there are certain to be future power outages. A home standby generator is a permanently installed solution and is connected to the home's existing natural gas or propane line. It sits outside the home, much like an air conditioning unit. These generators can restore power to the home -- units are even available that can back up the entire home -- within seconds of an outage. One of the more than 5,000 Generac dealers across the U.S. can perform a free in-home consultation for those interested in finding the right fit for their needs. During the consultation, the dealer can provide the correct size and cost for the homeowner and explain installation prices.

Just because the storm ends doesn't mean the threat does. The failing U.S. infrastructure makes access to power vulnerable in severe weather. Homeowners can take control and power their own home with the help of a Generac generator. Learn more at Generac.com.

About Generac
Generac Power Systems, Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) is a leading global supplier of backup power and prime power products, systems and engine-powered tools. Back in 1959, our founder was committed to designing, engineering and manufacturing the first affordable backup generator. Fifty-seven years later, the same dedication to innovation, durability and excellence has resulted in the company's ability to expand its industry-leading product portfolio into homes and small businesses, on job sites, and in industrial and mobile applications across the globe. Generac offers single engine backup and prime power systems up to 2 MW and paralleled solutions up to 100 MW, and uses a variety of fuel sources to support power needs for our customers. We are proud to be named, in back-to-back years, the Frost & Sullivan 2014 and 2015 North American Natural Gas Generator Set Company of the Year. Visit Generac.com for more information.

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SOURCE Generac Power Systems, Inc.