Weather it better: Outdoor power equipment helps clean up after storms

WeatherItBetter.com offers checklist, safety tips for home & business owners.

Chainsaws, generators, snow throwers, utility type vehicles (UTVs), water pumps and other types of outdoor power equipment help home and business owners maintain properties and clean up after storms or weather-related emergencies. Home and business owners are urged to visit WeatherItBetter.com, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) hub for storm preparation, safe equipment usage tips and checklists to help them prepare for today’s unpredictable weather.

“Bad weather can hit anytime, anywhere, so plan for it,” says Kris Kiser, president and ceo of OPEI. “With any weather event, like hurricanes, snow and ice, we usually know they’re coming. Get fresh fuel, charge batteries and test outdoor power equipment in advance so you’re powered up and ready to use it. If the power goes out, you can’t get those things easily.”

In particular, says OPEI, when using a portable generator, homeowners should make sure they have weather-approved extension cords that keep it a safe distance from the house and users follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. 

Kiser says storm preparation boils down to thinking strategically about what equipment is needed. “Our industry is constantly evolving and innovating, and there’s a lot of equipment on the market today that can make big jobs easier, to help you ‘weather it better’ when storms hit,” says Kiser. “But you need to have the right equipment on hand before damaging weather hits.”

When the power goes out, a generator can keep the lights on and phones charged. A utility type vehicle can move people and supplies quickly and a water pump can get out flood waters from basements and other spaces. String trimmers, leaf blowers and mowers can remove combustible material away from a structure. Chainsaws and pole pruners can take down dead limbs and trim trees and bushes.

“Safety gear and following manufacturer’s directions is key to using outdoor power equipment,” adds Kiser. “It’s important to ensure everyone who uses equipment knows and follows all safety procedures.” 

Find safety tips, checklists and more at WeatherItBetter.com.

Media contacts

Ami Neiberger, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, ami@fourleafpr.com

Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com

About OPEI

OPEI is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles and golf cars. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI owns Equip Exposition, the international landscape, outdoor living and equipment exposition and administers the TurfMutt Foundation, which directs the environmental education program, TurfMutt. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.