Storm Season Checklist: Is Your Home Ready for an Outage?

Simple Steps to Keep Your Family Safe and Powered Up

When severe weather hits East Tennessee or Western North Carolina, power outages aren’t just possible—they’re likely. Storm season brings heavy rain, high winds, downed power lines, and unexpected blackouts that can last for hours—or days.

At McCay Southern Generators, we help homeowners prepare before the storm hits. Use this simple Storm Season Checklist to make sure your home and family are ready.

1. Test Your Standby Generator

If you already have a Generac standby generator, storm season is the perfect time to:

• Run a manual test (your generator should also self-test weekly)

• Check for warning lights or strange noises

• Make sure your fuel source (natural gas or propane) is connected and sufficient

• Review your generator’s last maintenance date

Need a tune-up? Schedule a service visit with us and we’ll make sure everything’s running perfectly.

2. Prep an Emergency Kit

Always have a storm emergency kit ready. Stock it with:

• Flashlights + extra batteries

• First-aid supplies

• Bottled water and non-perishable food

• Battery-powered phone chargers

• Important documents in a waterproof bag

• Any medications or medical supplies you might need

Don’t forget to include items for pets and young children.

3. Secure the Outside of Your Home

Strong winds can turn everyday items into dangerous projectiles. Walk your property and:

• Trim back tree limbs near your roof or power lines

• Store or secure patio furniture, umbrellas, and grills

• Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding

4. Back Up Important Electronics

Power surges during outages can fry sensitive electronics like TVs, routers, and computers. Use surge protectors and consider backing up your digital files.

With a standby generator, your home's transition to backup power is smooth and safe—no need to worry about data loss or fried circuits.

5. Review Your Power Plan

If you don’t have a standby generator, now is the time to consider one. Portable generators can offer short-term help, but they require manual setup, fuel, and can pose safety risks. A permanently installed Generac generator offers automatic, reliable protection the moment your power goes out.

Don’t Wait Until the Lights Go Out

A little preparation now can save a lot of trouble later. Let McCay Southern Generators help you weather the storm with confidence.

Call us at (423) 455-5336 or schedule your free in-home consultation. We’ll make sure your generator—and your family—are storm-ready.