Consider Getting a Generator For Backup Power

Backup power generators aren't cheap, but they can provide critically important electrical power after a hurricane knocks our power.

Source: AARP.org | May 25, 2006

Who: Peter Summers, 59

Where: Vero Beach, Florida

Hit by What Storms: Frances, Jeanne, Wilma

What Happened: Frances slammed Summers' home 10 days after he moved from Louisiana. Jeanne followed 10 days later, then Wilma in 2005. Power was out for a week.

What Helped: Summers bought an 11,000-watt, propane-fueled generator. Transfer switches turn it on when power fails. It runs lights, a freezer, refrigerator and backup window air-conditioning unit that efficiently cools part of his home, but doesn't require as much power as the main air-conditioning unit.

Tony Weir, marketing director for the Powermate Corporation, maker of Coleman Powermate electric generators, suggests these tips:

• Newer, overhead-valve engines start easier and run quieter than side-valve engines. If you can ' t pull a cord easily, consider an electric-start model.
• Only run your generator outside. Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open, or a sunroom, even with windows open. Engines produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you in minutes. Carbon monoxide from electrical generator engines killed 12 people in Florida in 2004 and 2005.
• Pick the right size unit. A 5,000-watt unit ($600-$800) would run a refrigerator, freezer, some lights and a TV or radio simultaneously. A power-company audit can help determine what you need.
• Add stabilizer to stored gas or diesel fuel. Run the fuel tank dry before storing to keep fuel systems clean.
• Use heavy, 10- or 8-gauge extension cords. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the copper wire inside. Check for heat building up when cords are in use; if extension cords run under or on top of carpeting or other combustible materials, they could start a fire.
• Or install a transfer switch, as Summers did. An electrician can install a transfer switch to safely provide power through existing wiring.
• Buy generators and other hurricane supplies tax-free during Florida ' s hurricane-preparedness sales-tax holiday May 21-June 1.

Words to Weigh: The 2004 hurricanes knocked out power in Vero Beach for weeks. Without air conditioning, Summers sweltered. Nights were miserable. "It was so hot. No air was moving. I couldn't sleep. At night I'd go out and dangle my feet in the pool and fall asleep that way," said Summers. That's when he decided to get a generator.

Related Articles

• Five Steps for a Safe Hurricane Season
  Follow these five steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during the Florida hurricane season.
• Review your insurance
  It's boring. If you don't do it, you may wish you had.
• 'Harden' your home against hurricane winds
  Pick the right type of hurricane shutter to protect your home.
• Prepare two hurricane kits
  One helps if you evacuate. The other helps when you get home.
• Evacuate — the smart way
  Evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds of miles
• Provide for your pets
  Make plans to take care of your pets.
• Document your home and possessions
  Photograph your home for insurance records.

Other Resources

• PowerProtection.org
  Provides links to generators for sale and other sources of power.
• MyFlorida.com
  Department of Revenue provides information on the state's tax breaks for hurricane preparedness supplies May 21 - June 1