Depending on where you live in the big city or country is having a back up generator something you need to consider? Honestly I think yes it is something you should consider looking into. Continue reading on why it may be something to look into.
Generators, back up generators, power outages.
Lets be honest every single home owner will eventually experience a power outage. Now will they be prepared for it or not will depend on the home owner. Some will and some wont. Some will have their flash lights, ways to keep warm, emergency kits prepped and ready. Then there are some who depends on the power company to get the power back on quickly or go to a family or friends house and wait it out.
I have lived in several different states and each one came with their own natural disaster challenges. This is what has given me the idea to discuss why it is something to think about investing in for your home. While living in Maryland we had several times a year hurricanes. Each and every time one came in we lost power. I remember when hurricane Sandy rolled in we had no power. Not for days but for weeks. It was hot, humid, there was no ice for miles, we had to drive an hour to get dry ice to keep our fridge cold. Every single store was ransacked. There was hardly any food and most stores that did have power were ones with generators. We ended up going down to North Carolina and stayed with a few friends. Power was not just out in parts of Maryland but in several of the surrounding states. Our friends who were out in the country all had back up generators for their homes. This really hit home with us, here we were not prepared at all and having to travel during this scary time. From that moment during hurricane Sandy and several other natural disasters we lived through on the East Coast. To coming back home to Utah and having no power during the winter due to accidents or mother nature doing her thing. We learned how important to us it was to look into getting a back up generator.
There are some locations who are not allowed to have one where they live and some don't want to have the added maintenance of one. However if you are allowed to have one and are willing to care for one here are my thoughts on why its important to consider purchasing one.
You store a lot of food in the fridge or deep freezer
We personally store a lot of fresh produce, frozen meals, and we have a deep freezer for our meat. Are you someone who does this as well? When the power goes out it is very difficult to keep these things cold for long periods of times. It is not cheap to replace a lot of food especially now days with inflation. Ice may not be available to all when you need it. If store supplies become scarce you may be without any food. (Covid gave us this experience)
You use live-saving medical equipment that needs power
Are you someone that depends on a CPAP or other medical equipment that needs power to function? Or is it someone else in your home that needs a medical device 24/7 or at night? If you or someone in your home depends on medical equipment daily then you should really consider looking into options to keep those going during power outages. It can be difficult at times to take all of these items and move them to another persons home.
Winter and the cold it brings
Here in Utah we have had some mild winters the past few years yes. However it does still get well below freezing and at times in the negatives. What would happen to your home if you have the power go out for several hours or days? Do you have an alternative ways to heat your home and cook yourself food? Chances are if your power is out it also is at surrounding stores, restaurants, and fast food joints. Most homes here in Utah have fire places and they can help you heat your home. However a lot of these require power to turn them on, unless you know how to turn them on without power. This all depends on the type you have some can and some cannot. Make sure you become familiar with yours.
Texas and their ice storms are a good example why it is important to consider having a generator. Last year they had their power out for several weeks. It was very cold and a lot of people were affected by this. Utah is no exception, we have had a few ice storms but not to the extent of Texas and they ones they have. We do however get large amounts of snow several times during out winter.
If the power goes out during the winter what is your back up plan? A generator is something to think about for those times.
Essential home equipment
Does your home have any essential equipment that is constantly running for its protection? A good example is a sump-pump. Homes in some areas even here in Utah need one and sometimes two running all of the time. During a massive storm if your power goes out they stop working. You are then in danger of your home flooding due to ground water rising and coming into the home. This is more of a preventative way of looking at having a generator.
Now if you do decide to go ahead and purchase one here are a few thing to think about when prepping for one. How much power do you need and for how long? Which type of generator do you want some need fuel, propane, or natural gas, and regular maintenance. Which of those options will cost you more in the long run and which type best fits your location and needs. They also are loud and emit fumes, so placement is very important. You can also choose from a permanent generator or a portable version. Look at the size of your home and make sure the one you choose can power your home. If you have out buildings that require power try looking at getting a second generator for those. Make sure the location of your generator you can easily access during a natural disaster or heavy winter. It is up and away from water and animals that could cause it harm.
Power outages can cause serious issues and a home backup generator is a great way to safeguard from loss. Do you need a backup generator? Consider why you want one and then do your homework. Generators are an expensive investment but may be important for your family.