Electricity – it’s easy to take for granted until a power outage takes it away. Do you have a plan for powering your home during a blackout? Installing a backup generator is a reliable way to keep your home comfortable, your lights on, perishable food refrigerated and the hot water running until the power comes back on.

Not convinced a backup generator is necessary? Consider 10 situations where it will come in handy:

1. High winds can wreak havoc on power lines, leaving you without light, heat, or air conditioning. Even though repair crews work around the clock to restore power, some homes hit by tornadoes and hurricanes are left in the dark for days or even weeks.
2. Even lesser wind storms can blow power lines around so much they break or snap overhanging tree branches and cause a blackout.
3. From damaging power surges to downed power lines, lightning storms are a major reason for the power to go out.
4. Ice can build up on power lines and make them snap. Heavy snow can also break tree branches and take out power lines in the process. Regardless of how the power goes out in the winter, a backup generator can provide lifesaving heat and hot water.
5. Lengthy power outages are common when infrastructure is damaged in an earthquake. A backup generator can provide power to your home for days, putting you in the best position to make it through the restoration process.
6. Flash floods or runoff from snow melts can damage above- and below-ground electrical equipment, resulting in a power outage. When this happens, floodwaters can make it difficult for repair crews to access affected areas and perform repair work.
7. They may seem cuddly and cute, but squirrels, birds, and other small animals can cause power outages when they climb on power lines and build nests on utility poles. Besides severe weather, animals are the second leading cause of power outages.
8. When the demand for power outweighs the available electricity, widespread blackouts can occur. This is becoming increasingly common as electricity needs continue to rise above available supplies.
9. Power lines wear out over time after being subjected to weather, animal, and insect damage for many years. While ongoing maintenance helps to prevent power outages, equipment failure is still possible.
10. Utility poles often line streets, making them susceptible to damage when a driver swerves out of control. Having a backup generator at home ensures you won’t go without power, even as crews work to repair the damage.