Winter conditions vary from country to country, and for those in America it varies from state to state. This as a result requires a lot of people to be prepared to not only plough the driveway, pathways and other areas required during the winter months. But also being prepared for the worse. With storms and freezing conditions, it can push the boundaries of what humans can endure. With local communities working together to help keep each other safe. Amongst machines, such as generators, keeping hospitals and schools powered when needed/

Thankfully generators and other machinery and tools help simplify our daily activities during these tough times. So much so, for many people these months may not change much in terms of daily routine.

But, focussing on the worst case scenario, this is a very dangerous period for those who are elderly or vulnerable. Especially during power outages and failures that rely on a back-up diesel generator. Being able to maintain the safety and maintenance of these standby generators is vital, especially since the winter conditions will require extra precautions and care. Keeping the home warm and at a stable temperature can be vital for a lot of the population, and help you save money also. Not to mention the many hospitals and schools that are in operation during these months.

Aside from having a well maintained back-up generator, the following areas can be covered to ensure a safe winter ahead, whilst at home:

• Have the heating system checked by a professional. Radiators are terrible at remaining efficient all year round. This is why it is vital to have a professional check their efficiency and make any changes required, to both the radiators and the boiler. The heating may not have been used much during the summer months, therefore any current problems will not be apparent. Having an efficient system during winter can help save you money, also.

• Having the correct insulation is another easy fix that will prevent the loss of heat from the home. This is one of the biggest issues with houses throughout the world. A lot of heat created by fire or the heating system is being lost as it rises to the ceiling. By installing the correct insulation within the walls and attic can help keep a lot of the warmth from escaping. And help reduce the need for the heating being on for extended periods in order to heat up the home.

• Try keeping the rooms not in use closed. This will allow for smaller areas of the home to heated much easier.

• Also, consider simply wearing more layers. By doing so can prevent the use of any heating for much of the winter season. This can be the biggest way to save money, that many never consider.

If in any scenario that the power goes out. It's vital to remember the following tips:

• Understand the reason for the outage. Have power lines been destroyed, or is it a problem that can be fixed quickly. Finding out how the power outage lasts will determine the correct approach.

• Have plenty of candles and torches at the ready, for when it becomes dark.

Do not open fridge and freezer doors longer than required. These may remain at their optimal temperatures for only several hours after the power goes out. The main reason for storing canned foods, as last resort.

• When operating a generator to provide additional power, remember to never operate it indoors, and ensure no fumes can enter the home. This can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. If you do not own a diesel generator, then it is recommended to use a diesel generator rental, for as long as required. If large storms have been forecast, then it would be wise to rent or purchase a generator before hand.