While it might be nice to have full power during a shortage, it may make more sense to have a generator just big enough to handle storage of electricity and basics. I am concerned about the long term (6 Months is a long time) availability of fuel. So, it seems to me that I need enough electricity to be able to turn on gas appliances and basic lighting circuits. The question is; How much amperage is that? If panic conditions prevail there is sure to be some generator appropriation going on. How can I secure the generator? Thanks John

-- Anonymous, March 19, 1999

Answers

John, You can get information on generator sizing and normal appliance loads at virtually any store that sells generating units. As far as securing the equipment, you can't, or any fuel storage either. In the event of martial law under executive orders, anything and everything can be confiscated, and will be. I see no way to protect against that possibility. This is an area that has not received any serious public discussion so far. I have emailed my own senators to request that they place some sort of congressional oversight on this matter, but so far have seen nothing being done about it.

-- Anonymous, March 19, 1999

john, i think you would find a web site called " the juice page" to be very informative about generators, fuel storage, sizing, how to hook them to your house, dont miss the bbs there is a tremendous amout of info available on this site.

alex cocco

-- Anonymous, March 20, 1999

There's a lot of issues to consider. Clicking on the graphic below will take you to the "Zapped" webpage, which will give you some idea of the things you have to consider.

"ZAPPED: A Household Primer for Dealing With Long Power Outages"

(There's also a RealAudio clip of the video - click on the graphic for more info.)

-- Anonymous, March 20, 1999