FEMA Endorses Individual Purchase of Electric Generators

Emergency Generators, an Alternative Worth Considering

Release Date: November 9, 2011
Release Number: 4021-71

NEPTUNE, N.J. – In the past, enduring a power outage was as simple as starting the fireplace. Not anymore. Fewer and fewer homes have either fireplaces or access to an alternate method of heating and cooking. New Jersey residents affected by the storms of 2011 may want to consider purchasing an emergency generator.

Without electricity, air conditioning and cooking systems may fail, televisions and landline telephones won’t work, basements can flood and security systems can falter. Even those with natural gas heating systems are not immune to concerns.  Many of the systems have an electric ignition switch and may have electric blowers to diffuse the heat; without the use of those, the system may be useless.

You don't realize how much you rely on electricity until it's gone.

Generators may be purchased as backup systems, for use during emergency outages, and are available locally at home improvement stores or online.  Prices and sizes vary. Consult a professional to find the unit best suited to your needs.

Experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advise to never run a generator inside a building – not even a garage; the fumes can be deadly. They also recommend hiring a professional electrician to connect the system to your home’s breaker box, a project that typically takes less than two hours.

Tips and other information relating to protecting your property from natural hazards with use of a generator may be found in the online library at www.fema.gov

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 09-Nov-2011 15:02:48

 

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I've got mine; have you got yours? After spending thousands of dollars to replace spoiled food from two refrigerators and one freezer and on hotel bills, we finally caved in and purchased a natural-gas fired electric generator and service contract. We've been without power everytime there's been a major power outage in our area and many times for no apparent reason. For the major outages, we've always spent from three to 5 full days in the dark and cold/heat. 

After my in-laws went without power for 4 days and hundreds of $ for replacement i bought mine the first time the store got replenished. Now I am "that" guy but "that" guy has power :)

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