Quick Cheat Guide Template for Emergencies:
Below is a template for making a Quick Reference Guide for your Home. A Quick Cheat Guide for your family can help you know what to get, and the most important items to be aware of before you use the equipment.
Hurricane Irene is moving up the coast and hopefully it pass fast. I thought I would attach a template in case any of you are preparing as well. Emergencies often require fast action – little time to read a manual or consider safety concerns. People get stressed, short tempered and hurried. Having a Cheat Guide can make things much easier and a first page should highlight the items you will need for the machine: Oil, Gas, Extension Cords, etc. and where you store these items so that people can act fast if they need to. This is a Quick Cheat Guide for a Home Generator, in the case of the generator, I also attached any pictures, graphs and “how to pages” from the manufacturers reference guide.
To download, right click the link and choose ‘save as”.
Below I have pasted the first couple of pages in case you are using a mobile to access this and can not download the link. Just replace generator information with any emergency info you want to have a template for:
Front Page of a Quick Cheat Guide:
Template for creating a “Quick Emergency Reference Guide” for your home
>Google the User Manual or Guide for “Whatever Equipment” you use (the example here is a Portable Home Generator) Your Guide information/ input your information/ include any Figures and Important Instructions about your machine. It is a good idea to keep a “Quick Reference Guide” stored with your emergency kit.
Title : How to Use Our Home Generator in case of emergencies.
Quick Reference: PORTABLE GENERATOR SERIES xxx
(include make, model, series #)
This is a “Quick How to Use” Guide only: Safety, Oil, Gas, Power Cord, Figures, How to Operate
We have 3 copies of Complete “Manufacturers User Guides” with pictures/figures.
They are stored at: 245 xxx Road, my town, state :
(Note where you store complete Guides)
- 1. Complete Copy Taped to Generator
- 2. Complete Copy in Kitchen Closet- Top Shelf with Key Holder
- 3. Complete Copy in my Home Binder (with my Binders-Linda)
Gather Things You Will Need To Operate Generator: ( note where you store them)
Get Oil: 10W-30 recommended)
Get Gasoline: Always use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. (portable tanks are in garage)
Power Cord: (cord is currently stored with generator in garage)
Power cord that came with generator: The 25-ft. extension cord (Model RDEC25) has a 240 Volt, 20 Amp twist lock plug on one end and a 240 Volt, 20 Amp twist lock receptacle on the other end. It also has a 12 Volt DC engine control connector on each end. When using this cord, the removable control panel can provide power through the 2 x 120 Volt duplex GFCI outlets on the control box. Caution: Use only with RDEC25 accessory cord. Do not exceed separation length of 75 ft. or a combination of three RDEC25 accessory cords.
Set Up Generator: Ground the Generator and Run in an Open Area: Monoxide
Checking/adding lubricant
See Figure 11. (figures and basic operation steps attached)
Engine lubricant has a major influence on engine performance and service life. For general, all-temperature use, SAE 10W-30 is recommended. Always use a 4-stroke motor lubricant that meets or exceeds the requirements for API service classification SJ.
This engine comes with a feature that will shut off the engine when a specific oil level is not maintained. The engine will not restart until an appropriate oil level is reached.
NOTE: Non-detergent or 2-stroke engine lubricants will damage the engine and should not be used.
> Unscrew the oil cap/dipstick and remove.
> Wipe dipstick clean and re-seat in hole; do not rethread.
> Remove dipstick again and check lubricant level. Lubricant level should fall between the hatched areas on the dipstick.
> If level is low, add engine lubricant until the fluid level rises to the upper portion of the dipstick.
> Replace and secure the oil cap/dipstick.
checking/adding fuel
See Figure 12.
> Remove the fuel cap.
operation
> Fill the fuel tank to 1 in. below the top of the fuel neck.
> Replace and secure the fuel cap.
NOTE: Always use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher. Never use old, stale, or contaminated gasoline, and do not use an oil/gas mixture. Do not allow dirt or water into the fuel tank. Do not use E85 fuel.
using fuel stabilizer
Fuel gets old, oxidizes, and breaks down over time. Adding a fuel stabilizer (not included) extends the usable life of fuel and helps prevent deposits from forming that can clog the fuel system. Follow fuel stabilizer manufacturer’s directions for correct ratio of stabilizer to fuel.
> Add stabilizer to fuel tank, then fill with gasoline following previous instructions.
NOTE: Fuel stabilizer and gasoline can be mixed prior to filling the tank by using a gas can or other approved fuel container and shaking gently to combine.
> Replace and secure the fuel tank cap.
> Start and run the engine for at least 5 minutes to allow stabilizer to treat the entire fuel system.
OXYGENATED FUELS
Some conventional gasolines are blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If using an oxygenated fuel, make sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirements. Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the pump. The following are the EPA approved percentages of oxygenates:
Ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume. You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume.
Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name “Gasohol.” Do not use E85 fuel.
MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) 15% by volume. You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume.
Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume. You may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5% methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of the generator or your fuel system.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.
NOTE: Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates stated previously are not covered under warranty.
