Portable generators are essential for powering household items and devices in emergency situations. Portable generators provide an emergency back-up in times of catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, power failures or incessant cold and heat waves for essential household items. For instance, a 3,500-watt generator could run multiple essential circuits simultaneously—most likely a fridge (700 watts), a few lights (60 watts each) and perhaps even a microwave at the same time (1,000 watts). This is to ensure that families can preserve the safety of stored foodstuffs, have lighting and for basic cooking during prolonged power outages.
The average home, by U.S. Department of Energy standards: 5,000 to 7,500 watts — just enough to power essential appliances during an emergency. Heaters, sump pumps and water heaters are a good example of these devices which are essential in cold weather or flooding situations. A 1/2 HP sump pump uses about 1,000 watts, so it easily falls within the requirements of most medium-sized portable generators.
They can also be used for medical equipment, which is life-saving in the case of an emergency. Portable oxygen concentrator = 300-watts respawn CPAP machine (used by some folks with sleep apnea) = about 30-60 watts. The dependability of these generators translates to maintenance of life-saving devices for individuals who use them, ensuring access to vital care even during outages.
With telecommunications, portable generators can power phones, laptops and connection to modems that allow a person to be in contact with emergency services, family or essential news. A smartphone, for example, only needs about 5 watts to charge, so one generator can power dozens of phone charges. A100 watt light bulb or a laptop(about 60 watts) can also be powered, this will give you the flexibility to work or communicate for an extended period of time.
In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit, those generators were invaluable critical tools in the relief efforts that followed — essential devices stayed powered and people could stay connected. Power is life, as Craig Fugate, a former disaster relief expert who worked for FEMA, notably put it: "Without power you lose communications, transportation and health.
Portable generators are a critical tool for emergency preparedness due to their effectiveness and flexibility. Numerous models in the best gas-powered RV-generator category feature integrated inverters for momentum, avoiding spike stops and making them absolute in managing flimsy electronic equipment routines of personal computers and Tv. Modern designs with more effective generator technology have made quiet, emissions-friendly models that can support household needs for days on end.
Knowing how high a portable generator can run and what it can safely power, serves as the first step for anyone getting ready before an emergency strikes. Related article: More about how a portable generator helps keep essential devices running during an emergency Portable generators or see all products and features available from portable generators for more details.