Need for a Generator?
 

I am sitting at home in Chesapeake, VA still without electricity from our unwanted guest, Irene! :cus: Fortunately I have a generator so all the important things are working...refrigerator, cell phone, radio, fan and now my computer. :) (Wish I could plug in my AC!) I thought about selling our generator before we move to TV in January. My question is...is there a need to bring the generator with us? Look forward to hearing from you! :)

only if you will need some items for your garage sale
:laugh:

Haven't experienced such a storm yet...but I too have wondered about that question. I've seen advice here on getting ice for the coolers (for the food) but if you had a generator that wouldn't be necessary. I'm thinking that having one would be a "just in case" item.

Will be anxious to see if others who've actually lived here long enough and thru a hurricane cane give the advice.

I brought are little gen with us. Runs for 8 hours on a gallon of gas. Has a 220/115 outlet. Used it in NM when the power went out for extended periods of time. Think that it is a nice to have item, if you have one, since this is the lightening capitol of the states. Never know when the power could be out for several hours. A nice way to keep the refrig cold, food frozen, and if necessary power up the computer.

I would not buy one just for that purpose but since I had one, it might come in handy, so we brought it. Better prepared, than wishing that you had been.

Been here for 10 years and have never had the need for a generator.

Lived in Jax Fl for 36 years and never had a need for a generator.

If it makes you feel better and it is not too large bring it down.

I agree... we have been here 10 years, also, through 3 hurricanes and never lost power. Like an earlier post stated, they only seem good for selling something in garage sales. But watch, if you don't bring it with you, that'll be the time you lose power.,, lol

As someone else posted here...we are the lightening capital of the world. A couple of weeks ago---maybe three---we had a thunderstorm and a lightening strike in an area of Amelia was without power for maybe 2 or so hours. That was fine because Seco was on top of things and came right out to find the problem and fix it. BUT of course it was hot and muggy and the house started to become a bit stuffy. I have to wonder the BIG "what if" a once in a few years time-frame that we really would have the mega storm that would knock things out for a length of time. BUT good to hear from the person who has lived here for 10 years and has never seen the need. Maybe that gives us the hope we'd need to not having to purchase one!

I have lived in The Villages for 2 years. So far, I have not had a loss of power. I have had the GFI "pop" a couple of times when a strike of lightning was close. I have had the lights flicker on and off for a second a couple of times but no loss of power to need a generator.

However, if it makes you feel safer, bring it along. Do not forget to drain the gas tank completely before moving.

To me, having a generator is like having an insurance policy: It's a complete waste of money..............until you need it!! If you need it and you don't have one, you're not a happy camper. :cus:

Where we live in OH, our power goes out with some amount of regularity, not because of lightning but because of winds knocking down trees (or branches) which in turn takes out the above-ground power lines. We had a portable generator for our previous house here and have a permanent/automatic one installed at our current place.

It's all a matter of whatever makes you sleep well at night.

Bill :)

lightning rods
 

I noticed several houses with lightning rods attached. We have lived in Florida for 12 years and we really never gave it a thought.

Anyone with an opinion?
thanks

As always, thanks for all of your valuable info and opinions. So nice to have such good neighbors!:)

Lived in Fla. since 1953 and saw quite a few hurricanes in S. Fla. Up here it seems less vulnerable to hurricanes, and we also have underground power. I sold my generator before moving here. During power outages down there the generator was fine as long as you had gas, but if you ran it at night to keep the refrigerator working you'd keep the whole neighborhood awake. Honda makes the most quiet generators but costs more than double what you'd pay at Home Depot. I'd suggest a Honda, but only big enough to run the refrigerator, a fan and a few lights. Cook on the BBQ for all meals.

Another 10 year resident and have never lost power.

We are in Maine right now and just got internet and cable back but still no power...the generator is running like crazy...we have been out since sund
ay afternoon...

I hope you get your power back soon! We were without for two and a half days in SE VA. Fortunately we have a generator!