Standby Generator System Specialists, Florida Tampa serving Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, Gainesville, Port St. Lucie, Sarasota

Are Generators Worth it? Just ask the State

We have spent a lot of time talking about disaster plans and how you need to be prepared. But what about the community, service providers, property managers and the like? What happens with them when disaster strikes? It seems like a lot of people don’t know, but the state of Florida put together a plan a few years ago. Now they are making sure that the plan is ready in the event that something does happen.

What we are talking about is F.S. 526.143(2). Granted it doesn’t look like much in this form, but it is one way that the state of Florida is making sure that generators are around to back us all up if a hurricane passes through. The law requires certain gas stations and buildings to have standby systems in place.

• If a gas station is within a half of a mile of an interstate or evacuation route, it must have a backup generator that is capable of running the service station for consecutive 72 hour periods.
• If a building is more than 75 feet tall and has an elevator, it must also have a generator that would allow the elevator to work for limited time periods during the day.
• All of these generators have to be hooked up to a working transfer switch and receive regular maintenance.

Yes, the actual law is a little more specific and not every single station is required to have a generator, but you get the point. And don’t worry, the state gives tax incentives that make up for the cost of the equipment.

Think about it. If gas stations maintain power, our emergency infrastructure can still function. Fire trucks, ambulances and police cars will be able to get where they need to be to save lives. With working elevators everyone will be able to get out of a building, even those who have trouble with stairs. Rescue efforts will be easier and the loss of lives will be reduced. We like to think that some of our work could be responsible for saving our neighbors in the face of disaster. We also like living in a state where there is a plan in place in case something does happen. Peace of mind is worth far more than a generator costs.

SOURCES
ACF Standby Systems
Florida State Motor Fuel Supply Program PDF
WPTV.com West Palm Beach

Tags: ACF Standby Systems, gas stations and hurricanes, generators and hurricanes