Power outages, no power for 20 hours. Here is what I have learned.
1. Having a big generator is great!
2. Having a big generator that you have not hooked up to your well, does not lend itself to a comfortable existence.
3. Trying to retrieve water from your pool to flush toilets before you open said pool is a pain in the ass.
4. Not testing what you thought you had to hook your generator up to your well is a glaring mistake.
5. Finding said electrical plugs in the correct size and orientation to fit your generator, during an outage where every Lowes, Home Depot, tractor supply is sold out of generators and parts…. Is not fun and a time killer.
6. Go big when buying your generator, we did, and I am glad we did so. What I thought we would be able to power, we can easily power, and maybe add the furnace, clothes washer and dryer.
7. You never have enough extension cords. (I had enough but barely)
8. It pays to spend the money and get heavy duty extension cords.
9. MONEY saving tip, pre plan the location of said generator, routing of cords. Down to the foot. Make your own cords by purchasing in bulk and buying make and female ends. Simply cut to length and put make and female plugs on, (it is simple) you just need a screwdriver and wire strippers.
10. Research how to hook up to your well… it does no good if you bypass the float switch which controls your pump.
11. Having a dedicated “lights out” box with lanterns, flashlights etc. is crucial. Invest in headlamps, and a small light for your pocket as an edc.
12. Store plenty of fuel and get a dual fuel or truck fuel generator. (Treat with Stabil rotate every six months)
13. Check on your neighbors. It costs nothing to be a good human.
14. Stand-alone led flood lights are the bomb and one dual set literally can light up a whole house. Uses less wattage and provides better light.
15. Ensure appliances you want to plug in, like your refrigerator, have ample water line length to easily pull away from wall to access the cord.
16. Dedicate some time and thought into how you will enter the house with your cords. Leaving them in a door that shuts is not appropriate and asking for cut cords. plus, it lets cold air in.
17. Buy a solar tender for your generator's battery. (Worth the 30$)
18. Prioritize what you hook up to your generator. Food preservation is paramount if you have a lot stored I. Freezers and refrigerators.
19. Test your entire process twice a year. Set up your generator (outside not in garage) run your cords, (get three-way splitters, very handy) shut your main power and test for a couple hours.
20. Maintenance on your generator is of the utmost importance, change the oil a couple times a year (it’s cheap and doesn’t take long) have an extra plug alr
eady gapped and handy. Unplug any battery to generator connection to avoid losing small amounts of battery life when not in use.
Hope this all helps some of you.
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