Hurricane Preparedness


Hurricane Idalia
Hurricane Idalia, image credit NOAA/RAMMB/Colorado State University

Our nation is buckling up for a new tropical storm/hurricane season. Hurricane Beryl has become the earliest forming Category 5 hurricane on record. After bringing catastrophic destruction in the Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl made its way through the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 hurricane and made landfall near Matagorda, Texas. Two days after US landfall, the post-tropical storm made its way to Ontario, Canada. The NOAA is forecasting 17 to 25 named storms in the Atlantic. Of those, eight to thirteen are forecasted to become hurricanes, four to seven of those storms could potentially become major 3, 4 or 5 category hurricanes.

While some residents won’t get the brunt of the storms, many still feel the effects. Surrounding regions often have power outages that can take days to weeks to restore.

HOW STORMS FORM


How storms form

Often, tropical storms begin as a tropical wave. This low pressure area moves through the tropics, that can form showers and thunderstorms. As these storms continue to move across the ocean, warm air rises into the storm.

The air rushing into the system rises and cools, forming droplets in the clouds, which feeds more heat to power the storm. Winds then steer the storm.

RISKS


Storm surges

This is when water is pushed towards the shore, rising the water level creating significant flooding. A storm surge
doesn’t just affect the coasts, it can also travel inland through rivers and bays.

Flooding

A lot of rainfall in a short amount of time can create significant flooding. Flooded streets pose a deadly hazard for those traveling on the roads. This is why it is important to evacuate before the storms make landfall.

Winds

You hear forecasters talk about hurricane categories. Each category has a range of wind speeds. While all hurricane
force winds are life-threatening, the higher the category, the more catastrophic the damage will be.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

CATEGORYWIND SPEEDRESULT
174-95 mphSome Damage
296-110 mphExtensive Damage
3111-129 mphDevastating Damage
4130-156 mphCatastrophic Damage
5157 mph or moreCatastrophic Damage

Tornadoes

Thunderstorms most often occur well away from the center of a hurricane, but sometimes can develop around the eyewall.

Waves

Rip tides can be deadly from distant storms. Always be aware of the weather further away, just because it is nice on the beach where you are, doesn’t always mean it is safe.

PREPARATION


First and foremost, everyone’s safety is the priority. Please listen to evacuation notices. Have an evacuation plan before you need it. If you are not in the path, but could still live with the aftermath, we want you to be prepared. Having an emergency kit is an essential, for all homes.

Water

Storms can impact the safety of city water with contaminants or could be shut off. Having a stock of water is a necessity.

Non-Perishable food

Food that have a longer shelf life, such as beans, nuts, peanut butter, granola bars, powdered milk, etc.

Solar-Powered Phone Chargers

With cellular phones being the most popular forms of communication, having non-electrical ways to keep your phone
powered is key to stay connected with emergency systems.

First Aid Kit

Your kit should be more than a few Band-Aids. Invest in a complete kit so you will be prepared for injuries.

Personal Needs

Take in consideration of you and your family’s needs. Make sure you have enough of your medication or other health
related items you may need.

When stocking up on food and water, it is always a good idea to periodically check your inventory’s expiration dates.
Even bottled water expires within a year. Games, books, and puzzles are other items to have on hand. Let’s face it, without technology, we can get bored pretty easily. Be aware of your personal circumstances too when getting an emergency kit together.

PRECAUTIONS


Power outages can affect appliances that remain plugged in when power is restored. This could damage the equipment and/or be unsafe for use afterwards.

Small Electronics

TVs, computers, game consoles, and other small appliances should be unplugged until power is restored.

Large Appliances

Refrigerators and freezers should remain plugged in. Food in the refrigerator is safe for only four hours without
electricity. To reduce loss of food, keep doors closed as much as possible and add blocks of ice. Discard perishable foods if they have reached 40°F or higher.

Surge Protectors

When power comes back on, the network voltage may be higher or lower than the ideal amount. A surge happens
when voltage coming in is too high and it can damage appliances and electronics. Surge protectors are recommended
for appliances or electronics that cannot be unplugged.

INVESTING IN A GENERATOR


A generator can pay for itself, especially if you live in an area that is prone to power outages. For instance, spoiled food in the refrigerator will have to be thrown away meats. Electronics and appliances could get damaged from a power surge.

There are different types of generators to consider:

PORTABLE

Portable generators can be light enough to move around, or have the ability to attach a wheel kit. These are also great if you need power around the house for odd jobs or for a home shop. You can find portable generators that use fuels other than gasoline, such as propane or natural gas, too.

STANDBY

A permanently installed generator can give you piece of mind if the power goes out while you are asleep or away from home. With the addition of a transfer switch, a standby generator will start running once the power goes out. Home
units are typically run on natural gas or propane, but diesel is another fuel source option.

PTO

For those who already have a tractor or are in the market for one, a PTO generator can be a cost effective way to get portable power.

MOBILE

Municipalities, farms, and businesses could benefit with a prime-powered, mobile generator. Mobile generators are able to provide power for larger, critical applications, and can be taken to the exact location.


The season has already been busy with storms, stay safe!

– BIG DOG

Find the Right Generator for You

As electricity demands grow, we are experiencing more power outages. Having a generator can keep you going.


As with anything, there are a few factors to take into consideration when deciding on the right generator for your needs:


What is your application?

Residential
Job site
Business

Do you know your power needs?

Having the correct size generator for your application is crucial. You want to eliminate any opportunities to overload the generator. The best way to find out how much amperage you use is to contact an electrician.

Here is a simple explanation on the behavior of electricity.

Electricity Infographic

What fuel source will you be using?

Gasoline, propane, natural gas, diesel, or power take-off from a tractor


GENERATOR TYPES

Gaseous StandbyDiesel StandbyPrime PowerPortablePTO
PermanentPermanentMobileMobileMobile
8kW – 150kW12kW – 600kW12kW – 400kW3kW – 22kW10kW – 165kW
NG or LPDieselNG, LP or DieselGasoline or DieselTractor Driven

Gaseous Standby

Standby

Standby generators are usually permanently installed with a transfer switch to automatically switch power from utility to the generator very quickly. This limits the amount of time you are without power. These are becoming more favorable for residential applications and popular for off-grid living.

Diesel Standby

Diesel

Diesel standby generators are similar to the gaseous standby generators. They are usually permanently installed with a transfer switch to automatically switch power from utility to the generator very quickly. This limits the amount of time you are without power. Diesel standbys are offered in larger power nodes, available up to 600kW!

Prime Power

Mobile Prime

Prime power generators are used as the sole source of electrical power. Mainly seen as mobile or trailer-installed units. These types of generators allow the user to confidently power a days worth of work. Don’t let a power outage ruin your day or bottom line.

Portable

WL22000VE/A

A portable generator is primarily used as prime power on job sites or shops. They can also be a backup power source for your home or business in the event of an emergency, paired with a manual transfer switch.

PTO

30 pto generator

PTO generators are driven by a shaft attached to a tractor’s PTO. These generators serve as back up or prime power, depending on the need. Every 2 HP you get 1 Kw. There can be cost savings. You might already have a tractor, plus there are low servicing maintenances. WINCO has been building number 1, world-wide, generators since the 1950s. We also have propriety gearcases, which we mill in-house.


Why Winco?

In-house engineers
In-house parts, warranty, tech support
A knowledgeable sales staff
Hands on factory, we each have a hand in it
Every unit is tested before it leaves our factory
Family and Veteran-owned company


Still have questions on what is the right generator for you? You can find a dealer near you with our Dealer Locator or contact us at 507-357-6821.


-BIG DOG

Old, But Not Completely Obsolete


WINCO has been in business since 1927, starting with wind turbines to power a family farm’s radio batteries. As we have grown through the years, generators have been created and became obsolete while new generators were being designed.

One of the great perks of owning a WINCO generator is the longevity of support. We have 50+ year old units still out there; powering homes, businesses, farms, etc. The key to a long life is simple; conduct routine maintenance and replace parts as needed.

PARTS SUPPORT

With over 20 years of experience at WINCO, our parts department is a wealth of knowledge of our generators, new and old. You would be amazed at all the part numbers they can rattle off from the top of their head.

Not too long ago, a customer needed AC brushes for his obsolete Winpower GE6W4 restoration project. We had the parts he needed, along with rectifier diagrams, and he was able to finish the project.

Now, we must state that we can’t get every part from the past. As years go on, some suppliers went out of business. But, we will do our best to help you.

Photo courtesy of Terry from Iowa

Our parts department has a library of all parts list of generators built.


TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Beyond getting parts, we also can help with technically questions on older models as well. Our technical support team is knowledgeable not about our generators, but also has an education in AC & DC electrical theory as well as working experience with electric motors and controls.

Being a company that likes to hang on to things, really benefits our customers. You can find manuals and other product support documents on our website by searching your model.

This 45 year-old unit came out of Dow Chemical in Midland, MI. Our technical support team was able to help with this customers questions.

Photo courtesy of Scott from Michigan


Need help looking for your model on our website? This blog will show you how to find your model or you can also go the the Service Support tab.

You can also call us at:
Parts Department: 507-357-6831 ext. 1.
Technical Support: 507-357-6831 ext. 3.


– BIG DOG

WINCO’s Lil’ Dog is Getting a New Engine

No, the Lil’ Dog isn’t on the dangerous breed list, but it will lose its CARB certification. As engine manufacturers are going through tough times, tough decisions need to be made. Because of these new changes, the W3000H will be equipped with a new engine next year.

This does not change the dynamics of the small, hand-held, portable generator that you all know and love. It is still light-weight, coupled with a Mecc Alte industrial gen end, industrial Honda engine, and able to power those lil’ jobs.

W3000H/C

  • 2400 Running Watts
  • 20 Running Amps
  • 120V
  • 0.75HP Motor Starting
  • EPA Approved
  • CSA TUV Certification
  • 1 Year Commercial Warranty
  • 68 lbs

W3000H/D

  • 2200 Running Watts
  • 20 Running Amps
  • 120V
  • 0.75 HP Motor Starting
  • EPA Approved
  • CSA TUV Certification
  • 1 Year Commercial Warranty
  • 68 lbs

We still have CARB approved W3000Hs available, but quantities are getting low. If you need CARB approved W3000Hs now, act fast before they are all gone!

To quote the W3000H/D or to find more downloads, click to go to it’s product page.


– BIG DOG

W10000VE

Our portable generators are one of our most popular products. With a long-lasting, durable design, these generators have proven themselves in the roofing industry for decades. But that is not all that they can be used for.

The Big Dog industrial portables will work for many applications; including being apart of the spray foam industry. If the power goes out you can also use these as back-up power for necessary appliances.


With design updates and larger output, the W10000VE has been evolving into one of our best selling portable. We engineered the W10000VE with a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine, coupled with an industrial Mecc Alte gen end. The robust receptacle package is GFCI protected. It includes our YourGen meter, which allows you to keep tabs on engine RPMs, load balancing, frequency, voltage, operating hours, and alert when oil changes are needed.


If you are looking for a portable generator that you can depend on, don’t pass up on the W10000VE.


Big Dog Paw
– BIG DOG