The Difference Between “Watch” and “Warning” is Time
In Ontario, we all know the feeling when the humidity drops and the Santa Ana winds start kicking up dust along the I-10. It isn’t just a weather event here; it is a grid event. First comes the Red Flag Warning, followed quickly by the notification from Southern California Edison (SCE) that a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is imminent to prevent wildfires.
The gap between receiving that text message and the power actually cutting out is where safety happens. But if you wait until the winds are howling at 60 MPH to check your equipment, you are too late. You don’t want to be the person trying to find the generator keys in the dark or realizing the unit is out of oil while the grid is down for safety.
Here is the Generator Supercenter “Life Goes On” Checklist to run through now, while the skies are clear and the winds are calm.
1. The “Listen” Test (Don’t Trust the Light)
Most owners look at the green light on the side of their Generac and assume everything is fine. But a green light just means the electronics are happy.
The Fix: Go outside. Open the lid. Manually switch the generator to “Run.” Listen to the engine. Does it sound smooth? Does it hunt for an idle? A rough idle now means a failed start later. (Don’t forget to switch it back to “Auto”!)
2. Check the Oil (The #1 Failure Point)
During a PSPS event in the Inland Empire, a generator might run for 3, 4, or 5 days straight depending on fire conditions.
The Fix: Check your oil level today. More importantly, do you have a spare quart of synthetic oil and a filter kit on the shelf? If the unit runs for 100 hours straight, you will need to service it during the outage.
3. Create the “Clear Zone”
Over the winter and spring, your generator likely became a magnet for garden hoses, patio furniture, and shrubbery. In our dry climate, this isn’t just an airflow issue; it’s a fire safety issue.
The Fix: Clear a 3-to-5-foot radius around the unit. The engine needs to breathe intake air, and the exhaust needs to vent heat. If dry leaves or debris block the airflow, the unit will overheat and shut down to protect itself.
4. Verify Your Monitoring
Is your GenMon app connected? Did you change your home Wi-Fi password recently and forget to update the generator?
The Fix: Open the app today. Ensure it shows “Ready to Run.” If it’s offline, reconnect it now so GSC can monitor your status during the shutoff.
5. Secure the Sanctuary
Generators keep the power on, but you need to secure the rest against the Santa Ana gusts.
The Fix:
- Lock down patio furniture (flying debris causes damage).
- Charge all handheld devices (as backups).
- Download the GSC Community Survival Guide.
Need a Professional Eye?
If you performed the “Listen Test” and something didn’t sound right, do not wait. Our service trucks are already deploying across San Bernardino County to prepare for fire season.
We believe that even when the winds are high and the grid is down, your home should remain a safe haven. If you want to ensure your system is ready for the next SCE shutoff, stop by our showroom at 2645 E. Riverside Drive, Suite B to chat with the team, or give us a ring at 909-206-1468. Let’s make sure that when the weather turns, your life goes on without interruption.
