Every year in September, we get reminded to be prepared. Sponsored by FEMA, National Preparedness Month is about taking steps to prepare for emergencies in our homes, businesses and schools.
You’ve been there: it’s winter, the power went out, and you have no way of knowing how long it will be before it’s restored. It’s an inconvenience for sure, but after a few hours it can also become a serious situation.
Be Ready to Use Your Stove or Insert!
Many times, no power means no heat – and it can get cold in a hurry. With a little preparation, you can be ready this year. How you prepare will depend on what kind of hearth product you have.
- Wood-burning stoves and inserts: If you have a wood pile, you’re in good shape to keep your house warm during a power outage. Just load and start heating!
- Pellet stoves and inserts: They require electricity to light the flame and many models are available with battery backup systems. For example, Quadra-Fire pellet stoves and inserts outfitted with Advanced Energy Technology, like the Mt. Vernon AE, have built-in battery backup systems. Consult your owner’s manual to determine what size and how many batteries are needed. Also, sometimes power outages can cause power surges that may damage circuit boards and motors. For this reason, it’s a good idea to unplug your pellet stove during a storm, or plug it into a surge protector. Another option for lighting your stove is to plug it into a generator, if you have one.
Keep in mind that batteries should be used only in the event of a power outage, as battery longevity can be affected by the temperature of the appliance. So, remove the batteries from your hearth product when you’re not using them during a power outage.
When it’s cold outside and there’s a power outage, we love and appreciate our hearth products more than ever. Be prepared and stay warm this winter!
