Benefits of Generac EcoGen Generators

October 30, 2020October 28, 2019 by Josh Keller

Exceptional Fuel Efficiency. Uncommonly Quiet Operation. Cleanest Power.

The Generac 15kW EcoGen automatic standby generator provides backup power for alternative energy systems.

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When living off-grid, you depend heavily on the weather to produce enough usable power for your lifestyle. That means you will probably need a secondary power source to keep your batteries charged and have regular maintenance checks to ensure proper functionality. The EcoGen home standby generator keeps your batteries charged while also requiring less maintenance. The EcoGen’s Off-Grid capabilities increase service intervals due to the extra oil reserve, improved long life starter, and engine valve durability. The Generac EcoGen also consumes less fuel when electricity demand is light, saving you money.

Whether the off-grid lifestyle is a choice or a necessity, you are responsible for producing the energy you consume—even when there’s no sun or wind. Ensure you never have dead batteries with the Generac EcoGen — the only automatic standby generator designed and warrantied specifically for off-grid use with an alternative energy system.

backup generators from home depot and lowes stores

How Does the Generac EcoGen Work?
In an alternative energy system, the generator is an important source of backup power when other resources are insufficient for the demand.
• Solar cells and/or wind turbines generate DC electric current.
• The DC current enters the inverter charger, and then the battery bank.
• The inverter takes DC power from the battery bank, converts it to AC electricity, and sends the AC power to your home’s electrical panel.
• If the battery level drops to a preset point, perhaps because there is no solar or wind power available, the inverter automatically signals the Generac EcoGen generator to start up.
• The Generac EcoGen delivers AC power to the inverter, which simultaneously sends AC power to your home’s electric panel and sends DC power to the battery bank until it is charged to an acceptable level.

Want to hear what the EcoGen sounds like?WARNING: You’re speakers are working fine, it really is that quiet!

Fun Things to Do When the Power Goes Out

October 30, 2020July 24, 2019 by Josh Keller

Generac automatic backup generators for when the power goes out.

So it’s been storming for a while, when suddenly—boom!—the house goes dark. Your power is out. What can you do while you’re waiting for power to be restored? Here are ten ideas for the next time you’re in the dark.

1. Play a Game – Board games, charades, hangman, tic-tac-toe… any game can be an a fun bonding experience with family and friends while the power is out. Ever ehard of the game “So There I Was”? Have each person write down at least one life event on a piece of paper. Place all the pieces in a hat or bowl. Pass the bowl around and have everyone draw one piece of paper. Then take turns telling stories. For example, “So There I Was…the Day of Graduation.” It’s a great way to get to hear stories about friends and family you might not know otherwise!

2. Read A Book – It’s simple, fun, and good for your brain! Using a flashlight, lantern, or just sitting by the window (if there’s enough light) to read a book can be a relaxing way to spend some time away from electronics. There are also book lights you can buy that clip onto your book for reading anytime, in any lighting.

3. Write a Letter – Older family members might appreciate a handwritten letter. It can also be a way to express important feelings or serve as a great tangible memory. Letters are sentimental and sometimes better than an email or text.

4. Eat all the Ice Cream and Popsicles – You don’t want them to go bad, so treat yourselves and eat them up!

5. Take a Nap – When the power is out, it is a great time to catch up on sleep.

6. Stargaze – If the storm is over and your power is out at night, take some time to check out stars and constellations when there’s less light pollution.

7. Come up with new recipes/meal ideas – Get talking about everyone’s favorite topic, food! Share what you’ve been craving for dinner and come up with new family recipes. Or, dig up an old cookbook or recipe cards and pick out some favorites to make after the power outage.

READY TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON DURING THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE?

Consider a Generac home backup generator. When you have the ultimate source for backup power, you’ll never go through a utility outage in the dark again. Your permanently installed unit will restore power within seconds. Check out our products to learn more.

What To-Do and NOT To-Do in a Power Outage

October 30, 2020June 3, 2019 by Josh Keller

You may not think about how much you depend on electricity until it is gone. So much of our modern life utilizes computers, TVs, game consoles, home appliances (most importantly refrigerators!), lights, and phones – which all require electricity. When they are gone, it can be unsettling and potentially dangerous. The following tips are the best things to do when a power outage strikes in our area.

DO:

Stock up on Water
On average, each person will need about one gallon of water per day to drink. If possible, get enough water to last a whole week; in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane, water treatment facilities can be offline or distribution systems can be damaged for several days. You may even want to get extra water for personal hygiene use.

Keep a Light On
By keeping a light on you will easily know when the power comes back on.

Turn faucets on
If we have a cold winter, you may need to think about the low temperature freezing your pipes. A good way to prevent freezing the cold is to turn your faucets on to a trickle.

Keep Away from Downed Power Lines
Always stay away from downed power lines.

DO NOT:

Don’t Light Candles
Candles can be a fire hazard and are not a strong source of light. Using a lantern for light instead is safer and more effective.

Don’t Let Your Phone Die
Save battery life in the event that your power is out for an extended period. Turn off your phone, and save it for emergencies.

Don’t Keep Electronics Plugged in
When power returns, it can cause a power surge that can damage electronics. Unplug your electronics or invest in surge protectors to prevent this from happening. Automatic standby generators can come with a whole-house surge protector.

Don’t Open the Fridge
Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. That way they can keep food colder for longer. A full freezer helps keep things insulated; each item inside it acts like an ice pack. If you suspect a power outage is likely to happen, you can fill water bottles with water and place them inside to create insolation for the food inside.

Don’t Put a Generator in your Garage
If you own a portable generator, do not ever run it inside your garage – even with the door open, ever. When the generator is running, it puts out a colorless and odorless lethal gas. Never run a generator inside of an enclosed space.

Don’t Backfeed your Generator
If you hook up your generator to your house incorrectly, it can backfeed into the power grid. When backfeeding into the grid, your generator can deliver a lethal amount of electricity to any workers that are trying to fix the situation.

With an automatic home standby generator, the majority of the above do’s and don’ts become non-issues. When an outage is detected, your home generator turns on and delivers power when you need it. When utility power is restored, your generator turns off by itself. This option is safer and easier to use for everyone involved.

Generac to Incentivize Homeowners Who Plan Ahead with Extended Warranty

October 30, 2020May 29, 2019 by Josh Keller

Generac (NYSE:GNRC) announced that it will offer a free 10-year extended warranty on the company’s Guardian-series home standby generators to homeowners who prepare ahead for all types of weather and non-weather related outages. Consumers must purchase by June 23 to take advantage of this offer.

Generac seeks to incentivize more homeowners to prepare for outages after some reports have shown many homeowners are completely unprepared for natural disasters, or the power outages that come with them. The free extended warranty, a $995 value, is intended to encourage homeowners to prioritize preparation.

“Every year, there are widespread power outages caused by storms and utility failures,” said Russ Minick, Generac chief marketing officer. “This year, we’re offering customers an incentive to plan ahead for those outages. By purchasing now, customers will get five additional years of warranty coverage. But more importantly, if they act quickly, it’s likely their generator can be installed in time for the height of the storm season.”

Home standby generators sense utility failure and turn on automatically in seconds to supply electricity to owners’ homes. “Home standby generators are a critical part of preparedness, but require planning to be installed ahead of storms,” said Minick.

Powered by natural gas or propane, home standby generators can provide power as long as there is fuel available during extended outages, and can power entire homes or specific circuits the owner selects. In areas affected by hurricanes, outages can last days or weeks, making a standby generator the best solution for long-term backup power.

or more information on Generac home standby generators or the full range of Generac backup power solutions, give us a call at 281-259-6500 or fill out the contact form on the right-side of this page!

Generac Celebrates 60 Years of Growth and Innovation

October 30, 2020May 12, 2019 by Josh Keller

WAUKESHA, Wis., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — In 1959, with just five employees in a barn in Wales, Wis., Robert D. Kern began manufacturing generators based upon his own unique designs. Sixty years later, the company he founded — Generac Power Systems — is a leading, diversified global supplier of backup and prime power products. Today, Generac is officially kicking off a year of diamond anniversary celebrations.

“Bob Kern has been and continues to be an inspiration to us at Generac,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, president and CEO, Generac. “He has often remarked to me how the company has grown to exceed his wildest dreams. This year, we are proud to celebrate the foundation he built here in Waukesha, which has led to the bright future we see as innovators and market leaders in power generation and outdoor power equipment around the world.”

Those first generators enjoyed wide success via a partnership with a variety of retailers — a relationship that lasted several decades. Generac continued to innovate its portable generators, and in 1989, launched the first ever automatic home standby generator. It was a move that created a market segment — of which Generac remains the clear leader.

“Generac created the market for home standby generators,” Jagdfeld said, “and today seven out of every 10 home standby generators sold is a Generac. It’s an incredible legacy, and one we celebrate every day — not just during anniversary years. In fact, a few years ago, our one millionth home standby unit rolled off the assembly line. We’re proud to bring peace of mind to customers across the country — and around the world — from our home in Wisconsin.”

Generac’s product offerings have expanded over the years in response to customers’ growing expectations and evolving industry opportunities. Today, customers can look to Generac for commercial and industrial generators up to 2 MW; light towers and mobile generators serving rental as well as oil and gas markets; and chore products, such as trimmers, mowers and log splitters.

Generac will celebrate its 60^th Anniversary with year-long commemorative events.

Read the full press release here: http://investors.generac.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=232690&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2383583

Acquisition of Neurio Accelerates Generac’s Connectivity Strategy

October 30, 2020May 5, 2019 by Josh Keller

WAUKESHA, Wis., March 13, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC), a global leader in the design and manufacture of a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial power products, announced today the signing and closing of a purchase agreement to acquire Neurio Technology Inc.

Neurio, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a leading energy data company focused on metering technology and sophisticated analytics to optimize energy use within a home or business. Neurio’s hardware and software solutions equip users with the intelligence to manage and control electrical loads, solar systems and batteries to optimize energy consumption and increase savings.

“The addition of Neurio’s data expertise, devices and advanced technologies will help us strengthen our home energy management capabilities and accelerate our efforts around connectivity and remote monitoring… all of which are critical parts of our “Powering Our Future” strategy,” said Russ Minick, Generac’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Customers using Neurio’s technology get real-time access to their power consumption data and have the ability to make informed decisions that allow them to save on their energy use.”

“The combination of Neurio’s intelligent energy management technology with Generac’s products, distribution, and market creation capabilities will create tremendous opportunities in how energy is used and managed in a home,” commented Keith Marett, CEO of Neurio. “We are excited about joining the Generac family to accelerate our efforts to bring these solutions to a broader market.”

About Generac (NYSE: GNRC)

Founded in 1959, Generac is a leading designer and manufacturer of a wide range of power generation equipment and other power products. As a leader in power equipment serving residential, light commercial and industrial markets, Generac’s power products are available globally through a broad network of independent dealers, distributors, retailers, wholesalers and equipment rental companies, as well as sold direct to certain end user customers.

About Neurio Technology Inc.

Neurio is a leading energy data company focused on developing fully-integrated software, hardware and data science elements to support energy monitoring and management. The company’s unique solutions provide customers with the ability to optimize energy consumption and reduce energy-related costs. For additional information, visit www.neur.io/.

Forward-looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release, as well as other information provided from time to time by Generac Holdings Inc. or its employees, may contain forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements give Generac’s current expectations and projections relating to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “confident,” “may,” “should,” “can have,” “likely,” “future,” “optimistic” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Any such forward looking statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) and assumptions. Although Generac believes any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect Generac’s actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, including:

frequency and duration of power outages impacting demand for our products;
availability, cost and quality of raw materials and key components and labor needed in producing our products;
the impact on our results of possible fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodities, product mix and regulatory tariffs;
the possibility that the expected synergies, efficiencies and cost savings of our acquisitions will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period;
the risk that our acquisitions will not be integrated successfully;
difficulties we may encounter as our business expands globally;
our dependence on our distribution network;
our ability to invest in, develop or adapt to changing technologies and manufacturing techniques;
loss of our key management and employees;
increase in product and other liability claims or recalls;
failures or security breaches of our networks or information technology systems; and
changes in environmental, health and safety, or product compliance laws and regulations affecting our products or operations.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, Generac’s actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in any forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of these and other factors that may affect future results is contained in Generac’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), particularly in the Risk Factors section of the 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in its periodic reports on Form 10-Q. Stockholders, potential investors and other readers should consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by Generac in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Generac undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Source: http://investors.generac.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=232690&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2391090

Generac Acquires Pika Energy, Enters Energy Storage Market

October 30, 2020May 1, 2019 by Josh Keller

WAUKESHA, Wis., April 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE: GNRC) (“Generac” or the “Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial power products, announced today the Company has acquired Pika Energy, Inc., a manufacturer of innovative battery storage technologies that capture and store solar or grid power for homeowners and businesses.

“Pika’s integrated battery storage solutions are a crucial component in developing a comprehensive system to store and consume clean energy,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, Generac president and CEO. “The visionary ideas and technology that Pika has developed give us a considerable edge as we expand into the rapidly developing market for energy storage.”

Pika is an expert in developing advanced power electronics, software and controls for smart energy storage and management, and their integrated energy storage systems allow users to easily capture, store and use solar energy to reduce energy costs and minimize grid disruptions. The company is located in Westbrook, Maine and was founded in 2010.

“Generac is dedicated to providing people with innovative and forward-thinking solutions to power their homes and businesses,” said Ben Polito, Pika Energy CEO and co-founder. “Pika energy storage technology, combined with Generac’s distribution strength and demand creation capabilities, will make this solution immediately available to more users. We are thrilled to be a part of the Generac team.”

“Pika, now together with Generac and Neurio, a leading energy management technology company recently acquired by Generac, share a vision to develop groundbreaking technologies that modernize the way electricity is generated, stored, and used in homes,” said Jagdfeld. “By combining Generac’s expertise in power products; Neurio’s unprecedented insight into home energy use; and Pika’s expertise in battery storage, we can bring to market the first truly intelligent home energy management system.”

The acquisition closed on April 26. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

About Generac (NYSE: GNRC)

About Pika Energy

Pika Energy is a manufacturer of clean energy products including solar inverters, DC converters, and smart batteries. Their products enable homeowners and businesses to collect, store and self-consume energy from clean sources in a cost-effective, efficient and user-friendly way. Pika’s distribution partners share their mission in providing a clean, smart, renewable energy management system and can be found across North America and Puerto Rico.

Forward-looking Information

Any such forward looking statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond the Company’s control) and assumptions. Although Generac believes any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect Generac’s actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, including:

frequency and duration of power outages impacting demand for our products;
availability, cost and quality of raw materials and key components and labor needed in producing our products;
the impact on our results of possible fluctuations in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodities, product mix and regulatory tariffs;
the possibility that the expected synergies, efficiencies and cost savings of our acquisitions will not be realized, or will not be realized within the expected time period;
the risk that our acquisitions will not be integrated successfully;
difficulties we may encounter as our business expands globally or into new markets;
our dependence on our distribution network;
our ability to invest in, develop or adapt to changing technologies and manufacturing techniques;
loss of our key management and employees;
increase in product and other liability claims or recalls;
failures or security breaches of our networks or information technology systems; and
changes in environmental, health and safety, or product compliance laws and regulations affecting our products or operations.

Any forward-looking statement made by Generac in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Generac undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

SOURCE: Generac Holdings Inc.

Backup Generator Hurricane Enclosures

October 30, 2020April 24, 2019 by Josh Keller

In December of 2018 Kohler introduced hurricane-rated enclosures for their standby generators:

KOHLER INTRODUCES HURRICANE-RATED ENCLOSURES FOR INDUSTRIAL GENERATORS

New options meet strict wind and projectile-impact requirements; maintain standard lead times

KOHLER is pleased to introduce new hurricane-rated enclosures for its comprehensive lineup of industrial generators. The durable aluminum enclosures meet the most stringent and widely recognized Testing Application Standards (TAS) within the Florida Building Code for wind load and projectile impact – TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203. As an added benefit, the new hurricane-rated enclosures are factory designed and built, allowing KOHLER to deliver the units within the company’s standard lead times.

“Building these new hurricane-rated enclosures in our factory is a significant advantage – it allows us to ship faster while also offering our customers the cost savings and peace-of-mind that comes with a fully-integrated KOHLER power system,” said Beth Splittgerber, product manager for KOHLER industrial generators. “The same engineering team that designed your new KOHLER generator also designed the enclosure, ensuring it will meet the exact specifications of the complete power system. For example, these enclosures maintain UL2200 compliance without the need for additional onsite certification, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.”

The new hurricane-rated enclosures are an ideal option for a broad range of KOHLER gas and diesel industrial generators. The entire enclosure was subjected to severe wind and impact testing and received TAS 201 Level E Certification, the highest available designation for projectile/missile impact. The testing was completed at a TAS accredited test lab and certification letters for the product were issued by a certified Florida P.E.

“We anticipate a very strong response to our new hurricane-rated enclosures from senior living communities and other healthcare facilities located near the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts,” Splittgerber added. “But, these enclosures are really a great solution anywhere an extreme level of protection against high winds and potential storm damage is valued. A power system is a mission-critical asset and it’s imperative to keep it operational for the health and safety of individuals or the viability of a business. We’re offering these new enclosures to give our customers the security to rest easy knowing their power system will be ready-to-go when it’s needed the most.”

The hurricane-rated enclosures are available now on qualifying new KOHLER aluminum enclosure orders.

A global force in power solutions since 1920, KOHLER manufactures complete power systems, including generators (portable, marine, residential, commercial and industrial), automatic transfer switches, switchgear, monitoring controls, and accessories for emergency, prime power and energy-management applications all around the world. The company is committed to reliable, leading edge power-generation products as well as comprehensive after-sale support.

Source: https://kohlerpower.com/en/generators/industrial/press-release/2016/2018pr/hurricane-rated

Power Up Houston 2019

October 30, 2020April 7, 2019 by Josh Keller

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Grasten Power Technologies (Grasten) is proud to once again be participating in the limited-time “Power Up Houston” event with Generac Power Systems (Generac). Grasten is a Power Pro Premier Dealer for Generac, which enables us to offer the best prices on the Generac Guardian, EcoGen, Protector, QT, Synergy, and PowerPact series backup generators for both residential and commercial customers year round. But, during this event, which lasts until May 5th (extended date, originally April 21st) 2019, Grasten is able to offer a free 10-year warranty and one free year of preventive maintenance to all new customers, a $1,395 value!

Our preventive maintenance plans ensure that your backup generator stays running at peak efficiency and is ready for both short-term power outages caused by a downed power-line, a cut cable, or spring shower, as well as more serious events, such as a hurricane, summer heat wave, or winter freeze. Additionally, the ten-year warranty gives you peace of mind in your investment, knowing that if something unfortunate did occur, you have a dedicated and qualified team of professionals supporting you. We are also happy to offer zero interest financing options beginning at $99/month!

As one of the top automatic standby generator dealers in the country, Grasten Power Technologies has been servicing the greater Houston area for 12 years. We provide sales, installation, maintenance, and repair services to any present and future backup generator owner. Please contact us for the details of the Power Up Houston sales event and secure the best deal on a Generac generator today!

The Ten Worst Hurricanes in Texas, Before Harvey

October 30, 2020November 3, 2017 by Josh Keller

Everyone along the gulf coast of the UNited States knows about hurricanes, just a couple months ago we were rocked by Hurricane Harvey. Hurricanes are huge storms that can be up to, or over, 60 miles across, and often have strong winds clocking-in between 75 and 200 miles per hour. Hurricanes form over warm ocean water before heading towards land. In addition to the rain, when a hurricane reaches land it pushes a wall of ocean water called “storm surge” ashore. Hurricanes are the most damaging natural disasters that impact the United States. Hurricanes not only bring on financial damage after the storm has passed, but can make a return to normalcy difficult with road closures, crowded medical facilities, power outages, and supplies shortages. Below are top ten storms to hit Houston Texas areas since 1990.

Tropical Storm Arlene (1993)

This storm brought about torrential rainfall to the Western United states gulf coast, particularly to the US states of Texas in June 1993. It started June 12th and ended June 21st that same year. It maximum wind speed was 40 miles per hour and has a minimum pressure of 1000 mb. There were 26 deaths attributed to the Arlene storm; 20 in El Salvador, 5 in Mexico and 1 in Texas. During this period of the storm, flooding from rainfall was also reported in Texas. The Texas division of emergency management estimated $22 million damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Tropical Storm Dean (1995)

Dean started July 28th and ended August 2nd. It maximum wind speed was 45 miles per hour and it minimum pressure was 999 mbar. Thankfully, there was no reports of injuries or deaths associated with Dean. However, heavy rainfall was a problem causing $500 million USD in damages.

Tropical Storm Charley (1998)

This was the third storm of the 1998 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Charles was the first of two tropical storms to make landfall in Texas during that season. It started on the 21st of August and ended on the 24th. The storm had a maximum wind speed of 70 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 1,001 mbar. There were 26 fatalities; 6 missing, and 20 were direct victims of the storm.

Tropical Storm Frances (1998)

This storm caused extensive flooding in Mexico and Texas in September of 1998. It lasted for only 5 days (September 8th to 13th). It had a maximum wind speed of 65 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 990 mbar. Two fatalities were recorded and over $500 million USD worth of damage was caused by the storm.

Tropical Storm Bret (1999)

This storm was very severe. Its maximum wind speed was 145 miles per hour with a minimum pressure of 994 mbar. The storm lasted for 5 days (August 18th to 25th). Bret threatened several cities along the Texas coastline, prompting over 180,000 residents to evacuate . Numerous shelters were opened throughout the region and prisons were evacuated as well. Seven fatalities and $15 million USD worth of damages were recorded.

Tropical Storm Allison (2001)

This storm devastated southeast Texas in June 2001. It lasted 14 days (June 4th to 18th). It had a maximum wind speed of 65 miles per hour and minimum pressure of 1,000 mbar. 23 people died in Texas due to extreme floods. The worst flooding occurred here, in Houston Texas, where over 35 inches of rain fell. The storm also caused over $15 billion USD in damage making Allison the costliest and second deadliest tropical storm on record in United States (at that time).

Tropical Storm Bertha (2001)

This storm was mild compared to Allison. It lasted for 5 days (August 4th to 9th), with a maximum wind speed of 47 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 1,007 mbar. Only one person died during this storm, due to heavy surf. The storm also caused damages of $200 million USD.

Tropical Storm Fay (2002)

Fay was a relatively light tropical storm for this list, but unique. It lasted for 3 days (September 5th to 8th). It had a maximum wind speed of 60 mph and a minimum pressure of 998 mbar. There were no fatalities, but the storm caused extremely heavy rain in inland areas; damaging properties worth more than $4.5 million USD.

Hurricane Rita (2005)

The storm was very severe with a maximum wind speed of 180 miles per hour and a minimum pressure of 895 mbar. It lasted for 7 days (September 18th-25th 2005). According to an October 25th, 2005 Disaster Center report, “4,526 single family dwellings were destroyed in Orange and Jeff ergonomic counties located in Southeast Texas.” In all, nine Texas counties and five Louisiana Parishes were declared disaster areas after the storm. In Texas, 113 were deaths reported, 107 of which were associated with the evacuation of the metropolitan area. Throughout the path of Rita, damage totalled about $15 billion dollars.

Hurricane Ike (2008)

Ike was massive, covering nearly the entire Texas coast – spreading from Corpus Christi all the way into Louisiana. With damage near $40 million dollars, Ike was until recently the fourth-costliest hurricane in the United States. And indirectly cost Texas (especially Houston) businesses millions by cutting down transportation, oil wells across the state and in the gulf, and interrupted several sporting events.

A backup generator can’t stop a hurricane, but it can help you, your family, and your neighbors stay safe when the storms hit.