In December 2007, Kansas endured a week-long power outage from a huge ice storm. Lizzie was about 6 months old, and we were living with his parents in a beautiful log home. They had a gas-stove and some propane fireplaces, so we thankfully stayed warm and fed. But we were unable to shower. I remember using the showers at the local high school.
You better believe after 2 days the line outside home depot to purchase generators was a mile long! I remember hearing about how Home Depot sold out of portable generators within a few short hours.
If you depend 100% on electricity – no propane stove or fireplaces – how do you eat when the electricity goes out? Standby generators are a necessity. With a generator you once again have access to heat, to making your own food. And if you have one and your friends do not, you will be a super popular person on the block!
I am partnering with Kohler to help you understand more about standby generators so you can be prepared and won’t be caught off guard in extreme weather.
What is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator, which many experts feel is the best option for homeowners or small businesses, permanently connects to your home, similar to a central air-conditioning unit. It runs on propane or natural gas and connects directly to existing fuel lines in the home. When utility power is lost, a standby generator automatically turns on, typically within 10 seconds. You don’t have to be home to operate the unit. Depending on the size, a standby generator can power an entire home or a few key appliances.
Another instance that generators are necessary is the infamous tornado season! Those in the center of the USA know what I am talking about! Just imagine – your power goes out in the middle of a storm. Sure, you have a battery-powered radio, but how do you check in with family and friends if your phone dies? Or what if you forgot to buy more batteries? Having a generator gives you that piece of mind that you will be able to stay connected and accessible. And (even better!) it can be hooked up to run your sump pump (or in my case my well) so you can still shower and use the bathroom even without power! Yeah, that is totally my favorite. In 2007 I missed my indoor plumbing the most.
What to Look For When Selecting a Standby Generator (These are some of the key features found in a Kohler Generator)
If you’re thinking about getting a standby generator, there are a few things you should look for:
- A commercial-grade engine that provides clean, consistent power and can handle heavy loads.
- An attractive design. The unit will be installed outside your home, so looks truly matter.
- Corrosion-resistant housing, which is important in areas with salt water.
- Quiet operation.
- An extended warranty. Look for a standby generator with a minimum five-year warranty.
You share! Do you or someone you know own a a generator? Share your experience – have you ever had to use one?
FitFluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own.
Jennifer says
This is important down here where we get hurricanes all the time as well. I had no idea that Kohler made these types of generators.
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
Oh yes, especially in hurricane areas!
Andrea Kruse says
Wow! Destructive, but that is such a gorgeous picture. I am a bit of a fanatic since moving out to the country… in the Winter wind storms can take out our power and it takes a long time to be hooked up so I freak out about our freezers – stocked with food, but my kids’ special medical foods especially! I have thought about investing in a small generator to be prepared. Thanks for the info, Kohler is a great brand name and I will have to look more into it.
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
Good point about the food and medications! We depend so much on electricity, it is crazy!
Hanan says
What a great idea! We get really cold snow and ice here too in the winter, and this would come in handy in case the power goes out!
Jenny says
I remember that storm! We were so fortunate to keep our power, so we had a crowd using our showers and warming up. Although, clean-up was much less pleasant 😉 Jon and I were actually just talking this morning about getting a generator since they are calling for a colder and snowier-than-normal winter here. Hope you’re doing well, Annie!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
Thank you Jenny! Congrats on your baby!! I am sooooo happy for you! Yup, when you have electricty and others don’t, you become pretty popular pretty quick LOL
Melissa says
Wow, I don’t know what I’d do! We don’t own a generator but my husband’s grandparents do!
Alissa @ Fun Finds for Families says
We lived in Kansas for just a couple years – and experienced ice storms. I remember the city coming to a standstill during those days. And this is someone who grew up in Wisconsin, so I was no stranger to winter weather. I think we’ll be looking into a generator this year, just for peace of mind!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
It really is a peace of mind thing! Not having to worry about your food spoiling, how you will use the bathroom, bathe, drink water.
And yay for Kansas LOL!! I love it here. I really honestly do.
Kerri O says
Oh my gosh, perfect timing! We are moving and building a completely off-grid house. Definitely need one of these!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb says
Oh I would love to be off the grid!! I really would! Someday, that is my dream!
Bridget A says
My parents have a generator as a backup for their solar power! It’s important to be prepared!
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
Yikes, that looks like it was some storm! A generator is on my wish list. I’ll have to look into this one.
Samantha @ A Little Simplicity says
Our power went out a during the summer for a day… but some in town didn’t have it for 4-5 days. {we were lucky} But that makes me think what if it happens again and we aren’t so lucky. We may have to start thinking about investing in a generator.
Lolo says
That photo looks freezing! I think a generator is a great thing to have for emergencies.
Alicia says
I think I need to get one of these. I live in MN for gosh sakes!:)
Jennifer (Savor) says
My parents had no power for 3 weeks after the ice storm in Maine – NOW they have a generator.