Prep Your Gas Generator Before the Next Power Shutoff

Essential Maintenance, Fuel Storage, and Safety Tips for Wildfire Season

If you live in Conejo Valley, you already know the drill - when the Santa Ana winds roar and fire danger spikes, the lights might go out. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have become a familiar part of wildfire season. And when they hit, a gas-powered generator can be a real lifesaver.

But here’s the thing: simply owning a gas generator isn’t enough. You need to be prepared - and that means more than just dusting it off when the lights flicker. Let’s walk through how to get your generator ready before the next outage, so you’re never left in the dark.

Gas Generator Maintenance: Don’t Wait for the Wind to Start Howling!

Your generator won’t help you much if it won’t start. Give it some TLC now so it’s ready when you need it most:

1. Change the Oil: Check the oil level and quality. Old, sludgy oil can cause engine damage or make the generator hard to start. Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for changing it - usually after every 50-100 hours of use.

2. Clean or Replace the Air Filter: Dust and debris clog filters fast, especially in dry, windy weather. A clean air filter ensures your generator runs efficiently.

3. Inspect the Spark Plug: A worn or dirty spark plug is a common culprit behind starting issues. Swap it out if it looks corroded or blackened.

4. Check the Fuel Filter: This little part keeps gunk out of your engine. Replace it if it’s dirty or clogged.

5. Charge or Replace the Battery: For electric-start generators, a charged battery is key. Check the voltage and test the starter regularly - no one wants to pull-start in the dark.

6. Do a Test Run: Fire it up and let it run under load for at least 30 minutes. Plug in a few devices to see how it handles. Better to catch a problem now than during an outage.

Fuel Storage: The Power Behind the Power

Your gas generator’s only as good as the fuel you feed it. Here’s how to store gas safely and smartly:

• Use Fresh Fuel with Stabilizer: Gasoline goes stale in as little as 30 days. Add a stabilizer to extend shelf life up to 24 months - and label the container with the purchase date.

• Store in Approved Containers: Use DOT-approved gas cans and keep them in a cool, dry, ventilated space. Avoid garages with pilot lights or water heaters nearby.

• Rotate Your Supply: Use the “first in, first out” method. Old gas should be used up or safely disposed of before restocking.

Beyond the Generator: Your PSPS Prep Kit

Even the best generator is just one piece of your wildfire-season safety plan. Here’s what else you’ll need:

• Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Never run a gas generator indoors or near open windows. Install detectors in sleeping areas - CO is odorless and deadly.

• Heavy-Duty Extension Cords: Not all cords are up to the task. Choose thick, outdoor-rated cords to safely power your devices.

• Flashlights & Batteries: Skip the candles and keep a stash of working flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries handy.

• Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essentials: water, non-perishable food, medications, pet needs, and first aid.

• Contact List: Keep key phone numbers printed and accessible, including local emergency services and medical contacts.

• Neighbor Check-In Plan: Coordinate with neighbors to share updates, resources, and check on one another - especially those with mobility or medical needs.

Final Thought: Prep Now, Stay Safe Later

PSPS events may be unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. By tuning up your portable generator, storing fuel safely, and preparing a full emergency plan, you’re setting yourself - and your family - up for comfort and safety when the power goes out.

Don’t wait for the next wind advisory. Take a few hours this week to get generator-ready. You’ll thank yourself when the lights go out, especially when your fridge, lights, and coffee maker keep humming along.

Ready to get your gas generator PSPS-ready? Call Rob (805) 244-8038 at SureStart Generators today for expert mobile maintenance and tune-ups in the Conejo Valley.