Saved By Our Generator

Following Hurricane Rita, 2005, we decided we needed a generator but felt confused about what would work for us. We bought a 5,500 watt generator from Sears. The cost of an electrician to hook it to the electricity in the house turned out to be more than the generator. But, it allowed us to create an emergency set-up that would maximize the wattage we had.

During Hurricane Ike, our 5,500 watt generator powered lights and power outlets in 3 rooms, 2 refrigerators, an electric cooktop, a microwave, 2 TV's, the aerobic water system, and a room air conditioner. We ran an extension cord from the kitchen to hook up the satellite TV receivers and a computer system. If the power had not been restored, we were going to run it to the washing machine. The generator ran 24/7 for six days.

The generator was powered by our propane gas tank. The tank was 40% full when the storm hit. After six days, the gas level was at 20%. With a full 500 gallon propane tank, it would have lasted for 3-4 weeks, running around the clock. Many people ran theirs only morning and evening and shut it off during the day. We could survive with a full tank of propane, running the generator morning and night for many weeks.

Grettle Payne