Press Releases
Early Winter Storms Cause Homeowners to Prepare for Power Outages
Briggs & Stratton GE-branded Generator Systems Facebook fans share stories highlighting the importance of being prepared
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 30, 2009 – Winter has already made its appearance this year and now many homeowners have to begin their winter storm preparation early. The 2008/2009 storm season left the Northeast states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine without power for more than 800 hours, affecting more than 1.3 million households.
During a recent Facebook “My Storm Story” promotion, Briggs & Stratton, the exclusive licensee of GE-branded Standby Generators, was made aware of many unique situations consumers have endured during past storm seasons. Facebook friends of Briggs & Stratton shared their spring-to-winter storm stories; with three Facebook friends each awarded a $500 gift card to The Home Depot for their winning stories.
“We were thrilled with the interest in and response to the My Storm Story promotion on Facebook,” said Michael Betker, marketing manager for Briggs & Stratton. “Nearly 300 visitors to our Facebook storm page shared some of their worst nightmares coming true, along with tips for ways to endure.”
Through a Facebook posting earlier this year, Truitt in Missouri recounted his February 2009 winter storm experience. Truitt writes, “Due to the extensive damage in the area we soon found out that we would be without power for at least a month. So we decided to buy a generator. It took us several days to even find one and then we had to drive several hours to go and get it. The banks didn’t have power either, so just being able to pay for it was hard. During the month without power, we had shortages of food, water and fuel in the area. This experience has taught me to be ready for emergencies and disasters because when one happens, you have to be prepared to be able to take care of your family.”
“Truitt’s account shows first hand that people can suffer power outages for undefined periods of time, making it crucial for homeowners to be prepared and in his case, the purchase of a generator came too late,” said Betker.
When power outages occur, back-up energy sources are vital. A standby generator makes a great substitute energy source. Briggs & Stratton’s GE-branded line of Standby Generators are designed to power a home more efficiently, automatically turning on when a power outage is sensed so life can continue as uninterrupted as possible until utility power is restored. Standby Generators by GE utilize proprietary computerized power controls to connect to the home’s utility panel. This allows the generator to function as an electricity ‘traffic cop’ when the power goes out, by automatically prioritizing and managing the unique energy demands of an entire home.
Standby Generators by GE consume up to one-third less fuel than competitive systems and are available in sizes ranging from 7kW for small and medium size homes to 45kW to handle the higher power demands of most luxury homes. Homeowners can visit www.ge.com/generatorsystems to explore the easy-to-use guide to determine their power use and standby generator needs.
With prices starting under $2,900, Standby Generators by GE are available exclusively through Home Depot or through its national network of dealers. Visit www.ge.com/generatorsystems for more information.
Truitt’s story also brings to focus other shortages such as food and water that can be encountered during power outages. When these outages occur, Briggs &Stratton offers simple advice to homeowners in order to assist them. A basic home survival kit should include water, canned or dried food, a handheld can opener, blankets, warm clothing, flashlights, hand cranked radio, spare batteries, first-aid kit and any indispensable prescription medications. Developing an emergency plan will ensure the entire family knows what to do when a winter storm hits.
About Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Briggs & Stratton Corporation is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group LLC, is North America’s number one manufacturer of portable generators and pressure washers, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of lawn and garden and turf care through its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group LLC and its Simplicity®, Snapper®, Ferris® and Murray® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents.
Contact:
Mary Christine for Briggs & Stratton
(414) 247-2108
mchristine@bvk.com
The information and images contained in and accessible through this Web site are made available for the sole purpose of providing accurate information and quality product images for use by accredited journalists in connection with the publication of articles relating to Briggs & Stratton Corporation and its products. The sharing, distribution, or reproduction of these materials for any other purpose, and specifically for any commercial purpose aside from publication, is expressly prohibited. By logging into this Web site, users acknowledge Briggs & Stratton Corporation's intellectual property rights in these materials and agree not to share these materials with any third party or to make, permit, or knowingly contribute to any unauthorized use of same.
