The problem with a portable generator is, well, they're portable. A Generac bolted to a slab never seems to go anywhere, portable Hondas disappear on a regular basis, and often at the most inopportune times.
Also, run your generator at least once a month for an hour or so. Keep up on the maintenance and have a set of common spare parts and required tools handy. If you need a generator, that means that you NEED a generator. It's only another useless hunk o' junk if it doesn't fire up and purr like a happy kitten when you need it.
If it's a gas powered genny, have plenty of gas available treated with StaBil or equivalent. Consider a dual fuel gas / propane unit. Propane is cheap and available, plus easy to store outside. Do the math on how much fuel you are likely to need for whatever event you want the generator for and keep 125% to 150% of that amount of fuel on hand and ready to go.
A running generator will draw the less foresighted like honey will draw bees. Be ready for that eventuality as well. The less noisy your generator is the less attention it will draw at the wrong times.
Check your local codes on the use of a generator. You might be surprised at what is legal and what is not. There's a lot of stupid laws out there.
Also, run your generator at least once a month for an hour or so. Keep up on the maintenance and have a set of common spare parts and required tools handy. If you need a generator, that means that you NEED a generator. It's only another useless hunk o' junk if it doesn't fire up and purr like a happy kitten when you need it.
If it's a gas powered genny, have plenty of gas available treated with StaBil or equivalent. Consider a dual fuel gas / propane unit. Propane is cheap and available, plus easy to store outside. Do the math on how much fuel you are likely to need for whatever event you want the generator for and keep 125% to 150% of that amount of fuel on hand and ready to go.
A running generator will draw the less foresighted like honey will draw bees. Be ready for that eventuality as well. The less noisy your generator is the less attention it will draw at the wrong times.
Check your local codes on the use of a generator. You might be surprised at what is legal and what is not. There's a lot of stupid laws out there.