05/10/2022 / By Zoey Sky
When prepping before SHTF, remember to stock up on food, water and other survival gear, including a backup source of power. Consider getting a generator for your homestead or bug-out location. (h/t to Survivopedia.com)
If the power goes out, your appliances and devices will require power so food doesn’t get spoiled and you can communicate with your friends and loved ones. If you’re worried about a long-term power outage, a generator is a good alternative power source.
Preppers need to know the basics of buying and using them.
There are two basic generator formats: portable and standby.
You need to stock up on fuel for your generator.
Different generators run on different kinds of fuel, like gas, diesel and natural gas – all of which have their own pros and cons.
Portable generators run on either gas or propane, but some can use both fuel sources.
Gasoline is more expensive than propane, and it can be hard to set up a gasoline cache because you need to check its viability regularly. Storing gasoline can also be tricky since some local ordinances limit how much fuel you can keep. Finally, the shelf-life of gasoline is only about one year.
Propane is a better choice because it has an indefinite shelf-life. However, propane generators have a higher failure rate than gas generators because of their fuel delivery system.
If you are going to use your generator extensively, consider getting a gas generator and get a propane generator as a backup solution.
Determining generator wattage is also important if you’re going to rely on a generator if SHTF. With some math, you can figure out what generator works best for you and your household’s needs. (Related: SHTF essentials: 7 Alternate power sources for emergencies.)
Generators are sold by wattage, and the average family buys an entry-level generator after a power outage, which provides between seven to 12 kilowatts (kW). This kind of generator can power a refrigerator, an oven and two or three lighting circuits.
This means if your homestead requires more power, you need something bigger. A licensed professional will typically recommend a 48-kW generator to power the entire household.
Here’s a sample breakdown of how much power the average American home requires for daily use:
Calculate your wattage needs based on what is important and not on what you think is nice to have.
Like other tools and devices, generators also come with certain hazards.
Shock and electrocution
The improper use of power and the electricity produced by generators creates the same hazards as utility-supplied electricity. Using a generator will often bypass safety devices built into your electrical system, and ignoring circuity breakers is dangerous.
Keep these things in mind when using a generator:
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer and it claims countless lives annually. CO is a colorless, odorless and toxic gas that builds up if a generator is not properly ventilated.
Fire hazards
Generators can also be fire hazards, especially if you use them for bug-out locations, where the likelihood of starting a wildfire is high.
Generators are also noisy, so place them away from living or gathering places. Wear hearing protection when working near a generator. Keep these safety tips in mind before going off grid and getting a generator for your homestead.
Watch the video below to know more about proper generator prep before a storm.
This video is from the Heritage Hills Farm channel on Brighteon.com.
Prepping before SHTF: How to store fuel properly.
Emergency shelter essentials: 7 Things you need for hassle-free off-grid living.
Emergency preparedness: 10 Ways to heat your home after SHTF.
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disaster, electricity, energy supply, generators, homesteading, off grid, power, power grid, preparedness, prepper, prepping, self sufficiency, SHTF, survival, tips
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