The Difference Between “Watch” and “Warning” is Time
In Salt Lake City, we all know how quickly the weather can turn along the Wasatch Front. First comes the “Watch”—conditions are aligning for a heavy winter storm or severe canyon winds. Then comes the “Warning”—it’s happening right now.
The gap between those two alerts is where safety happens. But if you wait until the snow is piling up or the ground starts shaking 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 Rocky Mountain Power works to restore the grid.
Here is the Generator Supercenter “Life Goes On” Checklist to run through now, while the skies are blue.
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 widespread outage in Riverdale—whether from a tremor or a blizzard—a generator might run for 3, 4, or 5 days straight.
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 to keep that engine protecting your home.
3. Create the “Clear Zone”
Over the year, your generator likely became a magnet for garden hoses, patio furniture, and shrubbery. In our area, snow accumulation is also a major factor.
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 snow drifts or yard 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 storm.
5. Secure the Sanctuary
Generators keep the power on, but you need to secure the rest.
The Fix:
- Lock down patio furniture (our high winds can turn chairs into projectiles).
- 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 Weber County to prepare for the season. You don’t have to navigate the risks of winter storms or seismic activity alone. Swing by our showroom at 708 W Riverdale Rd to chat about your setup, or just give us a ring at 801-882-9222. Let’s make sure that when the weather turns, your life goes on without interruption.
