How to Prepare for a Power Outage with a Generator

Before the Outage: Preparation Phase

Step 1: Size and Acquire Your Generator

If you don't already have a generator, this is the first step. Use our Generator Size Calculator to determine your essential load wattage, then choose a generator that meets or exceeds that number with a 20% buffer. For most homeowners, a 5,000–8,000W dual-fuel portable covers all essential needs.

Buy your generator before storm season, not during a storm watch. Prices surge and stock disappears within 24 hours of a major storm warning.

Step 2: Install a Transfer Switch

A manual transfer switch or interlock kit allows you to safely power your home's hardwired circuits (furnace, sump pump, hardwired lighting) from the generator. Have this installed by a licensed electrician well in advance — electricians are booked solid before and after major storms.

Without a transfer switch, you can only power appliances via extension cords — which is functional for refrigerators and small devices, but won't run your furnace or well pump.

Step 3: Stock Your Fuel Supply

Gasoline is always scarce during and after major outages. Here's your fuel prep plan:

• Acquire 4–6 approved 5-gallon gasoline containers (red plastic or metal, labeled "Gasoline").
• Fill them with fresh gasoline and add fuel stabilizer at the correct ratio.
• Store containers in a detached structure or outdoors, away from any ignition source.
• Rotate fuel every 6–12 months using it in your car and refilling with fresh, stabilized fuel.
• Calculate how many gallons you actually need using our Fuel Cost Calculator — enter your load, hours per day, and outage duration.

For a 7,500W generator running at 50% load for 16 hours/day, you'll burn roughly 9–10 gallons per day. A 5-day outage requires 45–50 gallons. Most homeowners with 20–30 gallons stored can sustain 2–3 days before needing resupply.

Step 4: Assemble Your Supplies Kit

Step 5: Test Before You Need It

Run your generator under load for 30 minutes at least once prior to storm season. This confirms it starts and operates correctly, keeps the carburetor clean, and gives you confidence in your setup. Discovering a problem during the test is far less stressful than discovering it when the power goes out at midnight in a storm.

During the Outage: Operating Phase

First 5 Minutes: Setup

1. Wheel the generator to its outdoor position (minimum 20 feet from all doors, windows, and vents).
2. Point the exhaust away from your home and any neighboring structures.
3. Verify oil level before starting.
4. Connect your transfer switch or extension cords before starting the generator.
5. Start the generator and verify it runs smoothly before applying load.
6. Apply loads one at a time, starting with the highest-priority appliances.

Prioritizing Your Load

Connect appliances in this order of priority:

1. Refrigerator and freezer — food safety is the first priority
2. Medical equipment — oxygen concentrators, CPAP, nebulizers
3. Sump pump — flooding risk during storm outages
4. Heating or cooling — depending on season and temperature extremes
5. Lighting — safety and quality of life
6. Communications — phone charging, Wi-Fi router
7. Everything else — TV, small appliances, etc.

Managing Fuel During Extended Outages

• Don't refuel a hot generator — wait at least 5 minutes after shutdown. Spilling gasoline on a hot engine causes fires.
• Track your fuel consumption rate and estimate when you'll need resupply.
• Shut the generator off overnight if temperatures allow — this cuts daily fuel consumption nearly in half.
• Check oil every 8 hours of operation. A generator low on oil will seize and is extremely expensive to repair.
• If a gas station near you has power, get in line early in the morning — lines form within an hour of opening during major outages.

Food Safety Reference

• Keep the refrigerator door closed — a full refrigerator stays safe for 4 hours without power.
• A full freezer stays frozen for 24–48 hours; a half-full freezer for 12–24 hours.
• Running the refrigerator on generator power for 2–3 hours every 6–8 hours (rather than continuously) is usually sufficient to maintain safe food temperatures and extends your fuel significantly.
• Use a refrigerator thermometer — food is safe at or below 40°F; discard if the temperature exceeds 40°F for more than 2 hours.

After the Outage: Recovery Phase

• When utility power is restored, turn off the generator before reconnecting via transfer switch to prevent surge damage to appliances.
• Let the generator cool for 15–20 minutes before storing.
• Check the oil level after extended operation — change if due.
• If fuel is left in the tank, add stabilizer or plan to use it within 30 days.
• Clean and dry the generator before storing. A moisture-free generator resists corrosion during storage.
• Record the hours operated and note any issues for the next maintenance interval.
• Replenish your fuel supply and supplies kit so you're ready for the next event.