From our family to yours, we hope you survived hurricane Sandy safe, healthy and dry. We are so fortunate around the metro New York area that there were not more fatalities. Homes and infrastructure can be rebuilt, vehicles can be repaired or replaced, and trees will grow back. Human life is another story, and we are fortunate in that regard.
We know that the vast majority of homes in our area are still without power – and it appears they will remain dark for an extended period of time. Karl Chevrolet is OPEN for business and our team is available to assist in any way we can. Here are some of the ways we can help during this time:
- Our showroom is open during business hours with coffee and cell phone or laptop charging is available.
- While our main internet connection remains down, we do have limited WiFi access via a temporary 4G cellular hotspot – you are welcome to take advantage.
- Our service staff is ready to assist with any needed vehicle repairs – including routine maintenance or storm related repairs.
- If you have suffered any type of storm related vehicle damage, our staff can assist with professional appraisal and valuation estimates to ensure you get the maximum insurance settlement.
- For those customers who may have experienced a total vehicle loss, we are offering a special rebate voucher to help with a replacement vehicle.
If you are running a generator at home, PLEASE do so safely! Be sure the generator has proper ventilation and is far removed from your living space. Also:
- Generators require routine maintenance including frequently checking oil and fuel levels.
- Be sure to follow your Generator’s manufacturer’s guidelines for proper maintenance.
- If you need oil, we have plenty available.
- If you have used generator oil you need to dispose of, we will take it at our service desk to dispose of properly. In most cases, we can burn it in our waste oil furnace.
Here are some Generator safety tips from the US Fire Administration:
Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.The U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) would like you to know that there are simple steps you can take to prevent the loss of life and property resulting from improper use of portable generators.
TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS:
• Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Install battery-operated or plugin (with battery backup) carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:
• Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure.
• Dry your hands before touching the generator.
• Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cord. Make sure entire extension cord is free of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially a grounding pin.
• NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workers and others served by the same utility transformer.
• If necessary to connect generator to house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriate equipment. Or, your utility company may be able to install an appropriate transfer switch.
TO AVOID FIRE HAZARDS:
• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
• Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, nonglass containers.
• Store fuel away from any fuelburning appliance.