Power When it Matters

A few months ago we discussed building a Family Emergency Binder and a Family Emergency Plan. Then, a few weeks ago, I wrote about what to do in case of power outages , wildfires, heatwaves, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Those posts discuss about how to protect your family from disasters and how to rebuild your life after an emergency. But now we’ve discussed how to prepare for these disasters, let’s talk about one of the biggest issues caused by these events: Power Outages.

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When disaster strikes—be it a summer storm, winter blackout, or unexpected grid failure—a generator can be the difference between chaos and calm. A generator can be your guardian in the dark, but only if you choose carefully, install properly, and use respectfully. Treat it not as an afterthought, but as essential disaster prep: calculated, maintained, and ready. Let’s walk through what every homeowner should know.

How to Prepare, Use, and Select a Generator1. Assess Your Power Needs

Start by making a list of essentials: refrigerator, sump pump, lights, communication devices, heating/cooling systems, medical equipment, etc. Add up their running wattages, and account for starting wattages, typically about three times higher for motorized appliances like refrigerators or fans. Home Depot recommends using up to 90% of your generator’s capacity to avoid overload. Generac suggests adding around 20% extra capacity for flexibility and safety.

Consumer Reports article on choosing a generatorHome Depot article on choosing a generatorBriggs and Stratton article on choosing a generatorReady.gov page on all types of generators and safety fact sheets. 2. Choose the Right Type of Generator

Recognize the major types and their use cases:

Portable Generators: Affordable and mobile, great for temporary power needs This Old House article on how to choose a portable generator.Inverter Generators: Quieter, more fuel-efficient, and produce cleaner power for sensitive electronics Interesting Reddit thread on choosing generators. New York Post article on best generators, including inverter generators.Standby Generators: Permanently installed, fuel-efficient, and automatically engage during outages. Ideal for whole-home coverage but come with higher installation costs and require permits and expert setup Current (June 2025) Houston Chronicle article on choosing standby generators. Short Wikipedia entry about standby generators (not my first choice for a source, but it’s short and basic) 3. Consider Fuel Types and Installation

Your fuel choice (gasoline, propane, or natural gas) depends on availability and convenience:

Natural Gas: Reliable fuel source, requires connection to home gas line, doesn’t require refueling but may be vulnerable if lines are disrupted during a disasterBriggs and Stratton overview of generators (same link as above, but worth a reread)Propane: Cleaner, portable, great if you don’t have natural gas access. However, you’ll need adequate tank storage and monitoring Briggs and Stratton overview of generators (same link as above, but worth a reread)If powering home circuits directly, always have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch or interlock kit. This prevents dangerous backfeeding and protects utility workers and your electronics.Ready.gov page on all types of generators and safety fact sheets. 4. Safety First: Operation Best Practices

Even with the right generator, you must ensure safe operation:

Never operate indoors or in enclosed spaces—dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate quickly American Red Cross fact sheet on using generators indoorsConsumer Reports article on generator safelyOSHA fact sheet on generator safetyAlways place the generator outdoors, on a dry surface, under a ventilated canopy—not under eaves or near windows/vents American Red Cross fact sheet on using generators outdoorsBetter Homes & Gardens article on using a generator outdoorsLet it cool completely before refueling to prevent fire risk from spilled fuel Interesting Power Equipment Forum discussion on letting the generator cool downUse heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with three prongs or plug appliances directly into the generator American Red Cross discussion of extension cordsBig Rapids Pioneer article on extension cordsInstall CO detectors near sleeping areas and central locations to alert you to danger American Red Cross directions on using CO detectorsForensics Detector article on using CO detectors5. Keep It Ready: Maintenance and PrepRun your generator periodically to ensure it’s functional when needed.Store fuel safely, in approved containers, away from living areas and sources of heat Electric Generators Direct article on storing fuel propertyInspect cords and plugs for wear and damage—never use frayed or compromised connections OSHA fact sheet on generator safety Big Rapids Pioneer on checking for damage.Schedule regular maintenance, especially for standby units—most manufacturers or dealers recommend annual servicing Generac article on generator maintenanceBig Rapids Pioneer article on generator maintenanceTrusted Generator Preparedness ResourcesConsumer Reports on calculating wattage and choosing the right size generatorAmerican Red Cross guide for safe generator operations and critical CO cautions Home Depot for wattage examples and usage calculation guidance Generac outlines 10 key considerations when choosing a standby generatorOSHA safety fact sheet detailing shock, fire, and CO hazards for portable generatorsElectric Generators Direct article on how to store fuel safely. Ready.gov page on all types of generators and safety fact sheets.