Taking the right precautions may be especially important this year. After a 2010 hurricane season that produced intense storm and hurricane activity but no direct hit on the U.S. coastline, forecasters at Weather Services International recently predicted two or three hurricanes could come ashore in 2011. Their forecast calls for 15 named storms, eight hurricanes and four intense hurricanes of category 3 or stronger this year.

"As families think about how to ease the pain of a hurricane making landfall in their area, one important consideration is how to prepare for or prevent a power outage," said Bill Reitman, president of Briggs & Stratton Home Power Products Group, exclusive licensee of Standby Generator Systems by GE.

An ideal way to ready your home for a power outage is by installing an automatic standby generator system. Standby generators keep the power on when a home's primary power source goes out, allowing homeowners to run appliances like air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, clothes washers/dryers and lights. That means there is less of a need for things like non-perishable foods or flashlights in the event of a power outage.

"An automatic standby generator is the most convenient way to keep your family safe and comfortable when a hurricane knocks out the power," Reitman said. "It keeps the home powered so the family can maintain a sense of normalcy as they cleanup after the hurricane occurs."

For those who need an immediate solution during an outage to power a few key appliances, a portable generator may be the best solution.

"When using a portable generator, it's important to observe a few key safety measures," said Eric Loferski, Briggs & Stratton Director of Marketing for Portable Power. "Only use generators outdoors, away from open windows and doors to avoid fumes. And don't forget to read and follow the manufacturer's operating and maintenance instructions to make sure your generator continues to provide the power you need, when you need it."

In addition to preparing a household to maintain power after a hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign offers a host of ways families can prepare their home for a hurricane. They advise:

  • Cover all of the home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect windows from high winds.
  • Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
  • Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed to increase wind resistance.
  • Further secure the home by closing shutters.