212cc, 4000 Watts Max/3200 Watts Rated Portable Generator Predator Generators - Item#69729

     When hurricane Ike rolled through Houston, TX back in September 2008 most of the city and the surrounding areas had no power for weeks.  Being new to Houston and the whole experiences of going through my first hurricane, as I look back, I realize how unprepared I was.  Other than some water and dry food, I had not considered the fact I would be without power for weeks.  Lesson learned and now I am ready for any type of black out.

     Generators vary in price range, mostly on the high side.  It's almost like purchasing insurance, you hate to buy it, but you are happy when you need it.  Well this time I am not taking any chances.  It comes in very handy and will pay for itself if you are in the construction or remodel industry.  Job sites do not always come with power so you have to supply your own.  If you are not in that industry, rest assured that your investment is worth it.  Most generators come with a 240 AC volt outlet in witch you can run your 240 AC volt tools.  For example, a 240 AC volt welder.  It also comes with 120 AC volt and DC outlets as well so all your equipment is covered.  Camping with a generator becomes an option.  It is useful where ever you need power and that is pretty much all the time.

   So, when I started to shop for my new generator, the prices seemed high and the different watts was confusing.  I decided to think about what I needed to survive in case of an emergency.  My first thought was refrigeration.  Keep your refrigerator working.  Cold water, ice, food suddenly becomes very perishable.  Also, you will not have to waste and restock your refrigerator after an emergency situation.  After that, it about live support, like air conditioning or if you are on any medical devise.  Last is any power for lighting, radio, or computer if the internet is available and cell phones.

     All things considered, my calculations totaled to be about 3000 watts of electricity if I was running everything at once.  Of course that is not going to happen.  So, I chose a generator that can put out 3000 watts of continuous electricity.  The 212cc, 4000 Watts Max/3200 Watts Rated Portable Generator Predator Generators - Item#69729 sold by Harbor Freight Tools was a good match for me.  It met my energy requirements, useful for my other tools like the welder, and will pay for itself as I start my new career in the construction remodel industry.

     As you shop for your generator, review all the things I covered here.  Consider it as insurance or an investment, usability, survival, and recreation.  All those put together, why would you not protect yourself in case of an emergency?  Be safe everyone and I hope this was helpful to you.