3.5 Million Americans Lose Power Each Week

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- It is estimated that 3.5 million Americans lose power to their homes each week*. That remarkable figure from Briggs & Stratton Corporation (NYSE: BGG) reinforces the important role home preparedness can play to ensure families endure the next power outage — or home emergency situation — safely and comfortably.

"September is National Preparedness Month, which acts as a great reminder that preparing for an unexpected emergency ahead of time will help keep family members safe when the next emergency situation arrives at a their doorstep," said Amanda Grandy, marketing manager, Briggs & Stratton Standby Power division. "Our figures show 14 million residents will spend a portion of this month in the dark because of an unexpected utility power outage in their area and many of them will have wished they were better prepared for the interruption of power when it occurs."

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsors National Preparedness Month each September. The agency encourages all families to make an emergency preparedness kit and have a family communication plan.

"After a kit is secured and a communication plan is created, families should assess how to further improve their home's preparedness level, which could include investing in a backup power solution," said Dan Roche, director of marketing, Briggs & Stratton Portable Power division.

*Estimates are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to estimate power outage loss. Cost estimates were pulled from US News, 2012; STR Global, 2012; MoldReporter.org; and FloodSmart.gov. Costs vary from state to state and home to home. Briggs & Stratton is not liable for any damages that occur during a power outage. See www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com for more information on limited warranty coverage.

What is backup power?
Portable generators and standby generator systems are the two most common types of backup power solutions available to homeowners. Both keep a home's lights and appliances working in the event of a weather-related power outage or other emergency, but understanding their differences and capabilities makes selecting the best generator for a family's needs much easier.

Portable generators: The immediate backup power supply
Portable generators, often powered by gasoline, work well as an immediate solution during a power outage. They are generally low maintenance, compact and easily maneuverable on the property and are designed to provide reliable power a few essential items and appliances such as a refrigerator, TV and basic light circuits.

Portable generators can be harmful if not operated properly. Only operate the generator outdoors and away from open windows or doors to avoid carbon monoxide fumes from entering the home. Homeowners should read manufacturer's operating manual and instructions before operating and follow the generator maintenance.

Standby generator systems: The long-term backup power supply
For those who want a backup power source that offers uninterrupted power, a standby generator system is an ideal solution. The standby, or home, generator unit is connected to a home's existing propane or natural gas line so it turns on automatically within seconds when utility power to a home is knocked out. Homeowners can have peace of mind that their food won't spoil, air conditioning/heat will continue to run and the sump pump won't turn off.

Standby generators can power more of a home's high-wattage appliances, like AC units, stoves and dryers. But unlike portable generators, home standby generators need to be professionally installed, so families should allow for the installation process.

Briggs & Stratton offers both portable & standby generators, visit www.briggsandstratton.com for more information.

About Briggs & Stratton Corporation:
Briggs & Stratton Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world's largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiaries include North America's number one marketer of pressure washers, and it is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of power generation, lawn and garden, turf care and job site products through its Briggs & Stratton®, Simplicity®, Snapper®, Snapper Pro® Ferris®, PowerBoss®, Allmand™, Billy Goat®, Murray®, Branco® and Victa® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents.  For additional information, please visit www.basco.com and www.briggsandstratton.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120529/CG15020LOGO

SOURCE Briggs & Stratton Corporation

Related Links

http://www.briggsandstratton.com

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED