power outage

[shevonne]

It really sucks here in CT. We are out of power from the October snow storm. Not sure when we will get it back. Could be days, once again. I have two maltipoos now and they are not about going poopoo outside, just got them on Wednesday. Another thing, I know they are suppose to be hypoallergenic but I have developed a rash on my face that itches, I think they are the cause.

[Still in the hunt]

Thats why I bought a generator over the sumer,, only to have it break down about a week ago, Overstock agreed to take it back and what do I get from UPS on Friday,, a replacement free of charge,, sounds good right?,, I get it out of the box, we fire it up and it sounds like every bearing is coming apart,, thats when I noticed the frame its mounted on is all bent up,, but at least this one works,, I still might send it back and get a better one, hope your power comes on soon,, sucks without power,

[Scottietottie]

Hi

I saw on the news that you are having power outages. I hope you get your power back soon. Lousy start to winter.

Take care - Scottie 

[Luna]

I heard about the snow over there, but not about the power outage. I hope it gets back on soon..

Luna

[Sooki]

Sorry about the power.  Shevonne - have you given the pups a bath yet?  You might try bathing them in a mild unscented soap and see if that helps your rash.  Whoever you got them from may have treated them to make them more "acceptable".  That's assuming you can get some hot water!  I hope your power comes back soon.

[Patze]

Hi Shevonne,

I'm sorry that you lost power, that must be maddening!  I too hope that you get power soon!

By the way, can you take the pups to a groomers to get bathed?  I wash the cat once every month or two as the dandruff gets out of control and I start to have problems.

Hang in there and take care of yourself -

Patze

[Pisces24]

Oh Gosh. Sorry to hear about your power outage.  I sure hope it gets back up PDQ.

Since generators are so expensive, I wonder if the kerosene heaters are a better buy. I know a couple that love theirs but they only use it for the 2 dogs.

yes bathing the dogs might help but you probably want to wait until you get some heat. To be honest, I'd try Dawn as it might help the best w/out harsh chemicals, etc.

[rnathans]

Out of power since yesterday here in PA as well. We are talking about getting a generator as we were out of power for four days during Hurricane Irene. What do they cost?

[irish]

Getting a generator involves figuring out just what you want to run during loss of electricity. Depends on whether you want to run the furnace or have a well, etc.

The prices start fairly low but they are smaller generators. My son just got a bigger one that cost a couple thousand dollars but he has electric heat and lives in the country. He wanted to be prepared for those long seiges.

I want to get one also but my hubby is dragging his feet. My feeling is that we are going to start having more rolling brownouts off and on over the whole nation in the years to come. Part of the oil and gas issues in this country will trickle down and affect us all at one time or another. Pays to plan ahead or have alternative places to stay in case of problems.

I am awaiting someone to give the "stats" on how to figure what size generator a person needs. Irish

If you do a search under Fleet Farm stores you should find a few weekly sales ads with some prices. The bigger ones can be found on Northern Supply---think that is one of the companies names.

[eyeamdry]

We are lucky in Mich.  No snow, no power outages, but we get out share.

We do have a generator.  One thing I would recommend is that people think about is:  do they have the strength to pull those awful ropes like an old lawnmower?  You don't want to have a heart attack getting the generator to run.  My hubby got one like that after I told him to get one with a switch.  Well a couple of years later, he trades up and we now have one with a switch.

A cheap one might do if you have a little house (we do) but we also have well water, so we need the generator to run the pump.  You want to think of the minimum of things you'll want to use.  Re: tv, a couple of lamps, your pump if you have a well and any things young children might need to keep extra warm etc. 

[anita]

We live deep in the mountains of VA and also lost power (and land line phones) this weekend due to the snow.  Luckily we have a generator.  We put several thousand into a nice one that will run the AC or furnace, frig & separate freezer, well pump, microwave, TV and a few lights.  It's a 16 KW stand alone with an automatic switch over, so there is no pulling or even going outside to turn it on.   We lose power frequently so it's been a life-saver on many occasions. 

Generators can be expensive.  You have to determine what you NEED to have power (well pump, freezers, heat, etc) and base your size upon that....with a little extra to have a few outlets, lights, etc.

[arina83]

We lost power for most of yesterday. The generator kicked in, and everything was fine for several hours. Then the generator broke down, and we had no power or heat. Luckily, our house is very well insulated, since it was in the 20s last night.

Got power back around 1 am. Hoping everyone else gets power back soon.

[Still in the hunt]

Sizing a generator depends on what you want to run on it,  for every KW,, this means a 1000 watss of power,, so intherory you can run 10, 100w light bulbs,, the one I have is only 1200 watt,,which for me is enough to run the furnace, (you just have to be sure if you do run the furnace that you make sure the furnace is not hooked up to house power while its on generator power,, if power comes back on it a good chance the generator will be throwan half way across the state,

Well pumps are usully 240V,, and draw very little amperage, so if you do buy a generator, make sure it has a 220vold outlet,, and also a way to plug the pump in ,usually a two pole switch can be made up for that, I could go on and on about this,, its what I used to do,, and its good to make my brain work some, if anyone needs any advice or suggestions,, let me know,, check out overstock, they have alot of generators and free shipping right to the door,, if you get one of tehre credit cards you even get 20 bucks off your fist purchase,, and they do bend over backwards to please you,

[rnathans]

Thanks for all the replies. It certainly gives me an idea of what to think about.

[irish]

What supplier are you talking about that will sell the overstock generators??? Are you talking about all suppliers with overstock.

Glad to see you using your brain and giving us some knowledge. Can you just imagine all the wisdom and knowledge that is contained within the brains of all of the people on this site who are unable to work anymore.

Maybe we need to set up threads for question/answers in various areas of expertise that is contained on this site.

Hey navyman, can you give us some info on those new expensive light bulbs??? Irish