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Hurricane Season Readiness: What You Should Do Now

June 1, 2023

Hurricane season is upon us, and with it comes the potential for power outages. When a hurricane strikes, you want to be sure that you, your home, and, most importantly, your family are prepared. The best way to ensure your safety from storm-caused power outages is to take care of important items now, while there’s still time. Here’s everything you need to know so you can be prepared.  

a satellite image of a hurricane in the middle of the night.

Plan Ahead

Evacuation Plan: Make sure everyone in the family knows the recommended evacuation route should an evacuation order be put in place. It’s also important to keep your gas tank full so you won’t have to wait in long lines at the pump during an emergency. 

Supplies: Keep water and other supplies on hand such as canned goods and non-perishable items. A well-stocked hurricane kit is also essential and can save you time later. Your kit should include a first-aid kit, medications, a NOAA battery-powered radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, a whistle, and don’t forget local maps in case your phone isn’t working.

Important Documents: Back up your computer and make copies of important documents like birth certificates, insurance cards, driver’s licenses, bank statements, etc. Store your copies in a secure location like a safety deposit box or another safe location outside of your home.

Prepare Your Home

Secure outdoor items like furniture, tools, grills, garbage cans, and anything else that could become airborne in strong winds. Have a professional inspect your roof and shingles to make sure they’re in good condition and are rated for high wind speeds. 

Find the Right Generator

When hurricanes strike, chances are you could be without power for days or even weeks. Having a reliable generator will provide peace of mind knowing you can charge phones, run appliances, and cool off your home when the power goes out. There are two main types of generators for hurricanes: portable and home standby.

Portable generators: A portable generator is perfect for backing up just a few essentials. You’ll be so grateful to have the ability to keep the lights on, phones charged, fridge and freezer cold, fans on, and TVs working. Portable generators come in various sizes and running capacities. Some are powered by gasoline and others by propane. If you like options, Dual Fuel generators run on either, and generators with Tri-Fuel technology have the ability to run on natural gas, gasoline, or propane. Determining which fuel type is best for you will help you select a generator. If you choose this solution, make sure you are well versed in safely operating a portable generator – far away from buildings, doors, vents and air intake openings.

Home standby generators: Home standby generators are a set-it-and-forget-it solution. This type of generator is a more powerful solution since it connects to your home’s propane or natural gas system. You’ll be able to power your whole house instead of a few select items. Plus, your home standby generator starts automatically when the power goes out and returns to standby when power is restored, ensuring security and convenience for your family during a hurricane power outage.

Implement Your Plan

Having a plan in place and implementing it early gives you the best chance of staying safe should a storm hit. Don’t let a potential power outage leave your family unprepared – prepare now. Thinking ahead and having the right equipment can help keep you, your family, and your home safe during hurricane season.

Quick Takeaways

  • Know the recommended evacuation route and keep your car’s gas tank full.
  • Keep a hurricane kit stocked with essential items including a first-aid kit, medications, a NOAA battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Copy important documents and store them in a secure location outside of your home.
  • Secure outdoor items and inspect your roof and shingles to ensure they are in good shape.
  • Consider getting a generator to back up your power in case of a power outage.

Don’t Let Grime Win: Pressure Washer Tips For Simple Spring Cleanup

May 1, 2023

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and spring has sprung! But, as you head outside for a breath of fresh air, you can’t help but notice the layer of pollen, mold, mildew, and dirt coating everything. Fear not. With a pressure washer in hand, you can tackle spring cleaning with ease.

a man using a pressure washer on a driveway.
Here are some ways to make your spring outdoor cleanup a breeze.

Choose the Right Nozzle

First, after you’ve read your owner’s manual, choose the right nozzle. Different nozzles create different spray patterns, so select one that suits the task at hand. A 0-degree nozzle is great for a deep clean on concrete or metal surfaces, while a 25-degree nozzle is ideal for general cleaning like washing your car or patio furniture. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging surfaces and save time by doing things right the first time. 

Be Safe

Next, safety first! Wear closed-toe shoes, safety glasses, and ear protection. You’ll also want to protect any electronics, outdoor furniture, and delicate landscaping from the water stream. Plastic sheeting and tape can help protect anything you don’t want to come into contact with your pressure washer.

Select Safe Soap

You don’t have to use detergents with your pressure washer, but sometimes it might be necessary. Remember to rinse from the top down and consider using environmentally friendly soaps to help clear away the grime. Choosing the right detergent also means you need to read the label and make sure the detergent you choose is biodegradable and the ingredients are environmentally friendly. You’ll also want to check the toxicity levels of the product to make sure it won’t cause harm to people, animals, or plants.

Walkways and Patios

Once you’re geared up and ready to go, start with the toughest cleaning jobs first. This allows you to get them out of the way and makes tackling everything else seem like a breeze. Concrete patios, driveways, or sidewalks are great places to start. Use a 0-degree nozzle to blast away dirt and grime, following up with a 25-degree nozzle to remove any debris left behind.

The Outside of Your Home

Now you can move on to the exterior of your home. Start at the highest point and work your way down, so you don’t wash debris onto already clean areas. A 25-degree nozzle is perfect for washing away all of the winter dirt from your siding, doorways, and windows.

Decks and Fences

If you have a deck or fence, be sure to give them some TLC too. Use a wood-safe cleanser and a 40-degree nozzle to gently clean away mold and mildew. Tackling these surfaces with lower pressure will prevent damage to wood and staining.

Vehicles

Don’t forget about your vehicles! Pressure washing your car, truck, or SUV is an easy way to get rid of grime, dirt, and salt buildup from winter roads. When washing your car, it’s best to use a 25-degree nozzle, working from the top down to avoid pushing dirt into crevices.

Bye, Grime 

After you’ve finished spraying everything down, turn off your pressure washer and disconnect it from the power supply. Always drain the water out of the pressure washer’s hoses and spray gun before storing it. 

Remember, don’t let grime win! Select the proper nozzle, gear up for safety, and work your way through your to-do list starting with the toughest jobs first. With a little effort, and a Champion pressure washer by your side, you’ll have your property looking fresh and clean and ready for spring. 



Ready, Set, Winch

April 17, 2023

Stuck, fallen in a ravine, or just need an extra boost? No matter what your situation is, having the right winch can come in handy. Let’s talk about why you need a winch, how to select and install the right one for your vehicle, plus a few helpful tips. 

Why a Winch?

A winch is a small but mighty machine that functions as an anchor point between a powered vehicle like an ATV or UTV and another object, such as a tree stump. Winches are often used when a motorized vehicle becomes stuck on uneven terrain, allowing the driver to pull themselves out of a tight spot. But winches can also be used to move large objects, help someone else who has become stuck, or even hoist something up high.

If you enjoy off-roading activities, with a winch, you can go farther and further, knowing you can get yourself out of any situation.

What’s Best for Your Outings – Galvanized Steel or Synthetic Rope?

The two types of rope material used in winches are galvanized steel and synthetic rope. 

  • Galvanized Steel: This kind of rope is tougher and sturdier than synthetic rope, making it better suited for heavy-duty applications. It’s less affected by abrasion, making it more durable. Plus, it may last longer overall compared to synthetic rope.
  • Synthetic Rope: Synthetic ropes are lighter and easier to handle due to their smaller diameter. They also require less energy to operate since there’s less weight involved, making them ideal for installations where space is limited. Plus, synthetic ropes won’t corrode and are often safer than traditional steel wire rope since the risk of injury is lower due to its softer surface.

When selecting a rope for your winching needs, consider factors such as the kind of environment you’re likely to encounter, the size of the load you’ll be hauling, and the length of the rope needed. 

What Size Winch Will Fit My Vehicle?

Before purchasing your winch, you must determine what size will work best for your vehicle.

 Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Consider the power of your engine — if your vehicle has low torque and power output, a larger winch isn’t necessarily the best choice. Instead, opt for a lighter model that’s specifically designed for your make and model.
  • Look at the drawbar rating on your vehicle — this number indicates the maximum pulling power of your vehicle in pounds per square inch (psi). Make sure you find a winch with a drawbar rating that matches or exceeds this number.
  • Measure the mounting area of your vehicle — you want to make sure the winch you choose fits snugly in the designated area. If it’s too big or too small, it won’t work properly.

By matching the specs of your vehicle to the ones listed on the winch product page, you’ll ensure that you find a model that’s suitable for your application.

Accessorizing 

Once you’ve selected the correct winch for your vehicle, you may need to purchase additional accessories to facilitate installation. These include mounting kits and cable extensions which increase flexibility during open-road operations. At Champion Power Equipment, we offer complete winch kits so you have everything you need, plus we offer accessories like wireless remote kits, mini-rocker switch kits, and rigging kits. Make sure you check for compatibility before buying accessories to prevent damage and voiding warranties. 

How to – First-Time Installation

When installing a winch onto your vehicle, it’s important to take time and follow the instructions correctly—the stakes are higher than simply messing up a few screws here and there. To ensure everything goes smoothly, remember to:

  • Tighten bolts evenly and securely.
  • Apply appropriate lubricant to ensure parts are moving freely.
  • Test the system once installed and inspect it regularly to identify potential issues.

If all of these steps sound like a lot to manage, fear not — we offer how-to videos if you feel the need for extra guidance. 

Ready to Winch? Do’s and Don’ts

Now it’s time to brush up on safety regulations. Here are some “do’s and don’ts” when working with a winch:

  • Do: Wear protective gear, including gloves, glasses, and long sleeves.
  • Don’t: Stand directly behind the winch when operating it.
  • Do: Use multiple anchoring points, such as trees and solid rocks, rather than attaching directly to the ground.
  • Don’t: Overload the winch, as doing so could result in serious injury or death.
  • Do: Monitor the tension continuously while using it and adjust as necessary.
  • Don’t: Pull sharp objects toward the winch, as they may cut through the rope.

Following these rules can help keep you safe while using a winch, while also preventing damage to property and the environment.

Whether you’re looking to get yourself or others out of a sticky situation, or just want to make sure you’re covered no matter what happens, investing in a Champion winch can be a great way to prepare for whatever you expect to face on your next ride. By taking the time to understand the different types of rope and sizes available, you’ll be able to pick the perfect Champion winch and accessories for your vehicle. And by following simple safety tips, you’ll get all the benefits of winching while minimizing the risks. Have fun and stay safe out there!