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Tips offered to properly store your generators

Hurricane Gustav is gone and most of people have electricity once again. So, those with a generator may want to haul it out to the storage room. There are a few steps to follow so it will be ready the next time it is needed.

A generator can be a blessing when your primary source of power is days or even weeks away. But, like most well-oiled machines, they need a little TLC after they're put through the ringer.

Ernie Butitta with K&D Hardware says the machines don't always get it. "60% of our repairs are because equipment was put up with fuel in them. A year later, it doesn't start." If that happens, the cost to fix it could really put a dent in your wallet. Depending on the brand, a carburetor kit could cost you anywhere from $30 - $40, but labor could cost up to $200.

A few easy steps could save you money. Butitta says the first thing you want to do is turn off the fuel tank. The rest is relatively simple. Grab a gas can and drain the leftover gas, so the generator is completely dry. Then, power it up to flush out the line that goes to your carburetor. "Now, when you refuel, you won't have build-up or loss octane, so it will start right up for ya," Butitta says.

Remember to unplug your spark plugs, drain the fuel, change air filters, and check the oil level before you roll your generator out to the garage, so it'll be ready to purr the next time "Mother Nature" strikes. Butitta says the same tips apply to chainsaws, trimmers, and blowers.

By Cheryl Mercedes - bio | email


WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Tips offered to properly store your generators

Louisiana homeowners warned about possible Blue Roof contractor scams

BATON ROUGE, LA - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is warning Louisiana homeowners to be wary about Blue Roof contractor scams.

Officials say there has been a report that there are people impersonating contractors working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Blue Roof temporary roofing program and installing improper roofs and having homeowners sign forms.

Corps officials at the Louisiana recovery field office in Baton Rouge are urging homeowners to be wary of people impersonating contractors or government workers and asking them to sign forms.

"The only time a homeowner will sign a form associated with the Blue Roof program is when they first sign up for the program," said Mark Davidson, Corps' spokesman. "There are no forms for the homeowner to sign when the contractors are installing the temporary blue roof or when the job is done."

Corps Blue Roof team members will have proper identification and uniforms. Citizens should not hesitate to ask persons approaching their property for proper identification.

If the homeowners have any doubts or think there is a potential contractor scam occurring, they should immediately contact local law enforcement officials.

The Corps' provides FEMA emergency support function 3 (ESF3) mission, response and recovery for temporary roofing. Additional missions include emergency power, commodities and technical assistance to facilitate a rapid recovery from Hurricane Gustav.


WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA

A Letter to the Customers of Certified Alarms

As we all know, we are in the direct path of Hurricane Gustav. At Certified Alarms we will be doing everything we can to accommodate our customers as quickly as possible once the storm has passed.

We know that there will be many power outages which means we will have lots of low battery signals. Please be patient with us as we work diligently to respond as quickly as possible to all requests. Also due to the high wind there will be false alarms from excessive movement of doors and windows as well as motion sensors.

Our central station is a state of the art technology center with the most highly trained staff available. They will be working as hard as possible to service you as quick as possible, so please be patient.

Once the storm has passed you can contact us by phone at 225-928-7867 or go to our website at CertifiedAlarms.com for service. Thank you very much and please stay safe.

Rusty Howard, Owner

Hurricane Supply Checklist

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

- non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
- foods for infants or the elderly
- snack foods
- non-electric can opener
- cooking tools / fuel
- paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag- 

insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items

- proper identification / immunization records / medications
- ample supply of food and water
- a carrier or cage
- muzzle and leash

It's not looking good for the game

"SATURDAY'S LSU GAME COULD BE POSTPONED, DECISION LIKELY FRIDAY MORNING.

Concern about contra-flow evacuations being needed earlier than expected, and a special needs shelter being set up on the campus of LSU, could lead to LSU's football game being postponed, a source close to the situation told WAFB 9NEWS Thursday evening.

'It's not looking good for the game,' the source said.

Louisiana State Police are set to meet with LSU Athetics officials at 10am Friday to discuss the matter.

LSU is set to take on Appalachian State Saturday afternoon at 4pm in Tiger Stadium."

Courtesy of WAFB.com

LSU Kickoff Remains 4 p.m. but Pregame Events Cancelled due to Gustav

Kickoff for LSU’s football season opener against Appalachian State remains 4 p.m., but pregame events scheduled for the Pete Maravich Assembly Center have been canceled in order for the facility to be prepared for use as a medical special needs shelter in anticipated impact of what is now Tropical Storm Gustav.
The Tiger Athletic Foundation, LSU Sports Properties, L-Club and Alumni Band had scheduled functions in the PMAC. In addition, the arena will not be available for use as an escape from the heat for fans to watch the game on video screens as previously announced. The Tiger One Village in front of the PMAC will operate as planned.
LSU officials, in cooperation with state and local agencies, continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Gustav.

Courtesy of Baton Rouge Business Report
http://www.businessreport.com/archives/daily-report/2008/aug/28/617/