For anyone doing the things, there is a good deal on Ebay for labor day right now. Refurbished Firman 2000w/1600w generator for $254.99. Free shipping and with Laborday coupon you can take another $38.25 off. Only draw back is 90 day warranty because it is refurbished. Affordable backup power, for grid outages.

Search - FIRMAN W01682F 2000/1600 Watt Recoil Start Inverter Generator - Refurbished