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How to Choose a
Generator
Determine what you will use it for to search for the right
sized unit
For example: running a 100 watt
light bulb, a 200 watt slow cooker, a 1,200 watt refrigerator
with a start up wattage of 2,900 watts and a 750 watt TV would
require 3,950 watts. Expect to pay from 400 to 500 Dollars
Portable generators are available for power outages as
well as campsite or jobsite use.
Permanently mounted stand-by generators provide automatic
power when the regular power supply is interrupted. Powered by
natural gas, they can power selected circuits within a few
seconds of a power failure. These are wise investments for areas
that may experience frequent power outages.
Depending on their wattage output, generators will run anything
from a small lamp to a number of large appliances. To determine
the size generator you will need, total the wattage of the
maximum number of items you will be running simultaneously. For
items with start up ratings higher than their run ratings, use
the higher rating to determine your power requirements.
Inductive load appliances and tools such as refrigerators, washers,
and power tools require additional wattage for starting the
equipment. The initial load only lasts for a few
seconds on startup but is very important when calculating your
total wattage.
Search for
Generators -
Home Depot Lowes
Sears, Hardware Stores,
Equipment Rental Companies
Items that you should always have available or can purchase-
Non-electric can opener, flashlights, radios, portable TV's,
cans of sterno, candles, dry food, canned food, bottled water.
Food and Water
Until the danger of contamination has
passed, don't drink or prepare any food with tap water that
hasn't been boiled. Don't let your pets drink tap water either.
As for brushing teeth, you'll need disinfected water. Don't wash
your dishes with tap water unless you are prepared to rinse them
in extra-chlorinated water (15 drops of chlorine bleach to the
quart should do the trick.) Contact lens wearers should use
disinfected water to clean their hands before handling them.
Washing them with tap water will lead to eye infection.
Tips after a Hurricane Do not examine your home
for damage with matches, candles, or other other "flame based"
lighting. Use flashlights.
Avoid downed power lines. If you stored water in open containers
such s bathtubs, do not drink without purifying first. |