Experts share heater, sump pump tips

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - As Hurricane Sandy approaches western New York, some people believe it is “better safe than sorry.” Experts are reminding western New Yorkers to stay safe, and plan ahead.

Most western New Yorkers have many stories to tell about bad storms. Kenmore resident Roger Bandruff said, “We’ve had the October Storm and stuff like that.”

“That was by far the worst storm,” said another resident.

“We lost power for seven days,” explained one western New Yorker.

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Do you know how to brave a storm, and do it safely? Generators are selling out. If you are among one of the lucky who has one, keep a few things in mind.

Home Depot Store Manager David Flynn said, “It's just like a car, don't use it in an enclosed space it produces carbon monoxide.”

Flynn explained, “It can melt siding from the exhaust it can create fires from sparks.”

If you have a sump pump, you may want to think about a back up.

Flynn said, “In the event that you do lose power, the stores do have water back up pumps that can operate off of water power.”

If you use propane or a natural gas heater, ventilation is key depending on the kind of weather.

Flynn described the options, “There's two types of natural gas heaters, vent free and vented. If it's vented make sure you've got open doors open airways coming in.”

If your basement floods, you may want to call in and help.

“If you have water and you have power concerns at the same time, contact the power company. Worst case they can come and shut off power at the pole to make sure you won't be doing anything that will put you in harms way,” explained Flynn.

Flynn says to always double check your owners’ manual on heaters, generators and sump pumps, because each model can operate differently.