Is your generator ready for the weekend??

OK, let's be honest. When'd you last run your generator?  I know, you intended to exercise it every month per the owners manual but got busy and it hasn't been run since Y2K.  Or maybe you DID run it every month, stabilized the gas, and now realize the gas is from 2010 because you never lost power.    Here's a few reminders to help assure you'll have power if we lose it during this weekend's ice storm.

-Deal with your gas.  Stabilized in 2010 so it should be good?  It may not be gumming up your carburetor but it may also no longer be acting like gas.  I'd drain mine and start FRESH...not the leftover lawnmower gas but FRESH GAS from THE GAS PUMP and add stabilizer.    If you don't know how to drain your gas check out the manufacturer's website.  Our HONDA GENERATOR owners manuals are available free for download at powerequipment.honda.com under "product support"


-Remember your generator safety tips.  DON'T run it in an enclosed garage attached to the house and just because you can hear the TV over your HONDA Eu2000 doesn't mean you can run it in the living room.  Carbon Monoxide is no joke.


-Protect your generator from the elements.  It's supposed to rain hard on Sunday so your generator needs to dress for the weather just like you do.  It needs lots of air to breathe but doesn't really need to stand in the shower.  Mine fits great under my picnic table so I throw a tarp over the table and slide the generator under the table.  No picnic table?  How about a couple of sawhorses and a sheet of plywood.  Or a ladder across a couple lawn chairs and a tarp over that.  Remember the blanket tents you used to make in the living room as a kid - same theory.  You don't want to constrict air flow, just keep the bulk of the pouring rain off if you can.  


-Got a wood stove and a boy scout cookin' pot?  I do.  Cooked a whole turkey in the pot last weekend in the basement while I was at work.  Roughing it can be fun but sometimes you have to make yourself enjoy it.  Collect your candles, plan your meals and if you're fortunate enough to have wood heat and a Honda generator on hand you should be set.  Just do us a favor and check on others who may not be so fortunate.


Merry Christmas all and good luck this weekend!    And we've still got HONDA generators if you need one!