Any ideas on how to stay cool when the weather is 110 degrees and no power? found the article to bring back lots of memories of living off a generator for 11 days following Hurricane Juan. Keeping food cold in the fridge and freezer was the hardest part, along with tolerating the noisy generator. It kept my nerves on edge.
carolynFebruary 19, 2021
Doris, Yes some cities have restrictions on the amount of fuel you can store. If this is the case you can store the allowed amount of several forms. Store charcoal, wood, propane, gasoline, candles (yes they can provide heat) and even rubbing alcohol for a paint can heater. Charcoal, wood and propane can be used for cooking in a fire pit or barbecue. Remember propane and charcoal should not be used inside your home and wood only in the fireplace with the flue open. Thanks for the reminder.Thanks for the reminder.
Jan KuesterFebruary 18, 2021
This was a very informative article and tremendously appreciated. To prevent misinformation from being promulgated about solar power and the batteries being used/charged, I would humbly share the following couple of points I suspect that the friend who had a disastrous but blessed week must not have had a solar power system designed with an adequate charge controller/inverter and also perhaps had solar panels which were receiving minimal solar gain on a daily basis. As one who has had quite a bit of experience with living with solar power in very cold and snowy north central Washington state and who lived 100% off grid in a very modern 2200 sq ft home with an average family size of 5, I want to reassure all readers that a well designed solar power can be easily lived with and indeed, that the batteries can deliver power for household use while they are also being charged. For the past 18 months my dear husband and I have been (and will continue to be) full time RVers with a wonderful off grid solar system Because we are mobile, we must be careful to avoid parking under shade trees - a very different experience from living in a house! Bless you Carolyn for all you do and all you share. <3
DorisFebruary 18, 2021
In our small town of 12,000, we are only allowed to store 10 gal. total of any fuel. Even if it's for lawnmowers, snow blowers, grill, etc. I think probably you can't store fuel in the amounts you said you used unless you were in a more rural area. Everyone needs to check their city codes. My neighbor had a propane tank blow up a few years ago and the blast was felt a block away!
A ChipmanFebruary 17, 2021
If shopping for a generator, it is my experience that an inverter generator is best for running and protecting electronic equipment. Resistance-type equipment fares best when using common generators, whereas electronic equipment may be damaged by common generators.
LeAnnFebruary 17, 2021
That was full of excellent advice and gave me several ideas of things to check on with our ow preparations.
Lori Finlay HamiltonFebruary 17, 2021
thank you Carolyn for this timing, informative article!
Comments | Return to Story
Penny LFebruary 26, 2021
Any ideas on how to stay cool when the weather is 110 degrees and no power? found the article to bring back lots of memories of living off a generator for 11 days following Hurricane Juan. Keeping food cold in the fridge and freezer was the hardest part, along with tolerating the noisy generator. It kept my nerves on edge.
carolynFebruary 19, 2021
Doris, Yes some cities have restrictions on the amount of fuel you can store. If this is the case you can store the allowed amount of several forms. Store charcoal, wood, propane, gasoline, candles (yes they can provide heat) and even rubbing alcohol for a paint can heater. Charcoal, wood and propane can be used for cooking in a fire pit or barbecue. Remember propane and charcoal should not be used inside your home and wood only in the fireplace with the flue open. Thanks for the reminder.Thanks for the reminder.
Jan KuesterFebruary 18, 2021
This was a very informative article and tremendously appreciated. To prevent misinformation from being promulgated about solar power and the batteries being used/charged, I would humbly share the following couple of points I suspect that the friend who had a disastrous but blessed week must not have had a solar power system designed with an adequate charge controller/inverter and also perhaps had solar panels which were receiving minimal solar gain on a daily basis. As one who has had quite a bit of experience with living with solar power in very cold and snowy north central Washington state and who lived 100% off grid in a very modern 2200 sq ft home with an average family size of 5, I want to reassure all readers that a well designed solar power can be easily lived with and indeed, that the batteries can deliver power for household use while they are also being charged. For the past 18 months my dear husband and I have been (and will continue to be) full time RVers with a wonderful off grid solar system Because we are mobile, we must be careful to avoid parking under shade trees - a very different experience from living in a house! Bless you Carolyn for all you do and all you share. <3
DorisFebruary 18, 2021
In our small town of 12,000, we are only allowed to store 10 gal. total of any fuel. Even if it's for lawnmowers, snow blowers, grill, etc. I think probably you can't store fuel in the amounts you said you used unless you were in a more rural area. Everyone needs to check their city codes. My neighbor had a propane tank blow up a few years ago and the blast was felt a block away!
A ChipmanFebruary 17, 2021
If shopping for a generator, it is my experience that an inverter generator is best for running and protecting electronic equipment. Resistance-type equipment fares best when using common generators, whereas electronic equipment may be damaged by common generators.
LeAnnFebruary 17, 2021
That was full of excellent advice and gave me several ideas of things to check on with our ow preparations.
Lori Finlay HamiltonFebruary 17, 2021
thank you Carolyn for this timing, informative article!
ADD A COMMENT