Generator - Do we need?

Usually the condo association has a generator. It may be only for water pump, security lights, treatment plant or it may be big enough to take care of everything. Check with your association. I think most would exclude private generators on the gallery as they are noisy and dangerous.

My neighbors on Water Island have told me stories where people almost came to fisticuffs after Marilyn over the use of generators. The noise level can wake the dead (or the sleeping). Also, a couple of other things we learned from the "Big 4 of 2004" in Florida,
o the exhaust from generators can kill. (People were running them in their garages with the garage door shut.)
o gasoline generators, unless frequently and thoroughly maintained, didn't work when needed. IMHO, propane generators are the way to go.

When the power was out here in Ariz. for almost a week two summers ago due to wind damage on the power lines, I ran my generator day and night. However I ran a extension cord over to my neighbor who had to hear the noise. That kept his refridgerator going. He never complained.
That generator was a big noisy type. The one I plan to bring down to our condo is a small Honda that you can hardly hear run.
Yes the fumes are something that you have to be careful with. I would plan to share it with anyone close by that it might offend.

I have used my generator for thirteen hours in its first six months. Purchased a quiet Honda generator so as to minimize the disturbance to both myself and my neighbors.

If you want a generator to work when you need it you do have to exercise it regualrly and perform preventitive maintenance.

Jim

Will check with the association. Had seen some in the Home Depot flyer down there ranging in price from $880 (small one) to $2800....they all look like lawnmowers so I can imagine the noise. Thanks all for your input!

Deb