Why do they matter?

Residential power generators can provide essential electricity to keep your house cool when power outages occur due to extreme heat.

What do I need to know?

There are two types of residential generators.

Temporary power generators: Temporary power generators are designed to provide electricity to a limited number of appliances and devices in a home for a short period. These generators are typically portable and can be moved around as needed. They are powered by gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel and come in various sizes and capacities to suit different needs. Temporary generators are cost-effective and ideal for use during a brief power outage. Still, they are not intended to power an entire home for an extended period.

Whole-house power generators: Whole-house power generators are permanent fixtures installed outside a home and designed to provide electricity to the entire house during a power outage. These generators are typically connected directly to the home’s electrical system and are fueled by natural gas or propane.

Whole-house generators are larger and more powerful than temporary generators. They can run for several days or even weeks without interruption. These generators are a good choice for homes in areas where power outages are common or for families who rely on medical equipment that requires a constant source of power. However, they can be costly.

Where do I start?

You can purchase a temporary power generator and learn about critical guidelines for its safe use at a local home improvement store. Whole house generators are typically installed and serviced by electricians with special training.

Why does it matter?

Sandbags can be useful in redirecting stormwater, and debris flows away from your home. But be sure that the sandbags are properly filled and maintained.

What do I need to know?

• There are limits to what sandbags can do: sandbags will not seal out water.
• Sandbags deteriorate when exposed to continued wetting and drying for several months.
• If bags are placed too early, they may not be effective when needed.
• Sandbags are for small water flow protection: up to two feet. Protection from larger flow requires a more permanent flood prevention system.
• The filing and placing of sandbags is strenuous work and requires time and planning.

Where do I start?

• When lifting sandbags, use your knees and not your back.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Fill sandbags one-half full. Use sand if readily available, otherwise use soil.
• Fold the top of the sandbag down and rest the bag on its folded top.
• Do not tie the sandbag closed as untied bags form a tighter seal when stacked among other bags.
• Take care in stacking the sandbags.
• Lay a plastic sheet between the bags and the building to control the flow and prevent water from seeping into sliding glass doors.
• Limit sandbag placement to three layers unless you use a building as a backing or sandbags are placed in a pyramid.
• Tamp each sandbag into place, completing each layer before starting a new layer.
• Clear a path between buildings for debris flow.
• Consult with your local environmental protection department before disposing of used sandbags. Sandbags that are exposed to contaminated floodwaters may pose an environmental hazard and require special handling.

More Resources

• FEMA. Flood Response for CERTs.