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Home Generators
Hurricane Safety Tips

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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.


PREPARATIONS - HOME SAFETY Food, Water, Pets, Drowning etc.
Hurricane Evacuation Check List
Hurricane Preparations Safety Pt 1
Hurricane Preparations Safety Pt 2
Drinking Water Hurricane Pollution
How to Choose a Generator
Protect From Flying Debris Wind Damage
Rebuilding Homes Hurricane Damage
Gulf Loop Florida Map

Florida Hurricane Home Insurance
Biggest Waves Hurricane Ivan

Back to Florida Hurricane Main Page

Home Generators Hurricane Safety Tips