Individuals living along the coast in hurricane-prone areas understand the importance of being prepared. Hurricane preparation is a serious matter. Having the proper plan, supplies, and sometimes escape route is essential to survival or, at the very least, maintaining your comfort after a storm.
Within most plans for hurricane preparedness, you’ll find a list of necessary supplies like bottled water and non-perishable food items. There is usually an escape route planned should you need to evacuate at the last minute. Other homeowners even take security into consideration knowing that after-the-storm looting is a possibility. But what about home generators? How effective is a home generator after a hurricane?
What All Can a Generator Do?
Whole-home generators are capable of powering your entire home. Smaller, portable generators typically can power only portions of your home at any given moment. These devices can ensure your food stays refrigerated, your home properly climate controlled through an ever-running air conditioner, and that the lights and other electronics stay on and functioning. Considering how ubiquitous power loss is after a major storm, it’s clear to see the benefits of a home generator.
Generators Will Require Fuel
A generator is good only for as long as you can keep it fueled. Most generators run on either propane, natural gas, or regular or diesel fuel. Some generators even have multiple fuel options, like a tri-fuel generator, that will run on regularly gas, propane, or natural gas. Keeping fuel in mind, being prepared to use your generator after a hurricane means stocking up on fuel as one of your necessary supplies. Stockpiling fuel isn’t always easy, though.
Natural Gas
If your generator runs on natural gas, you should be affixed to a utility provider. This means you have an endless supply of generator fuel so long as the utility provider stays functioning. After storms, gas line rarely suffer damage as they are underground and protected from the storm, so usually you don’t have an issue.
Propane
A large 250 gallon or larger propane tank can be installed on your property. Making sure it is full is all you need to do then. 250 gallons plus can easily run your generator for a few weeks, which should be more than enough time for the power company to restore service.
Gas
Gasoline is the most difficult to deal with. It must be stored safely in consideration of the fumes and its flammability, and generators tend to burn through gas faster than the other fuel types. Most gas generators are best used for lessor applications like running them periodically to keep your fridge cold. Running them too often will keep you having to store substantial amounts of fuel.
Summary
In conclusion, generators are definitely a great resource after a major hurricane. However, they require some consideration as to what fuel type they use and making sure that fuel is available. Being prepared means thinking ahead, so start now in getting your generator in place and your fuel type lined up.
