The World Doesn't Have to Stop Just Because the Lights Went Out

Harness the Power

How many of your friends have a generator to use in case of a blackout? Not too many. This is why we are often the helpless, stranded and dying victims of situations that are little more than inconvenient nuisances for whites. When america catches a cold blacks catch pneumonia. It dont hafta be that way. We are not as poor as we think we are. If we stop chasing the bling bling and the fling fling we will have enough money to invest in things which may not bring immediate gratification and profit but will save a lot during times of emergency--maybe even our lives.

To own an electric generator, whether we buy one or build one, will make us far less dependant on Big Brother for our well being and the well being of our families. And decreasing our dependancy will bring us all the freedom we say we want but aren't willing to sacrifice for. A generator is not just a luxury toy for the rich. Think of all the things in your home that run on electricity. How many days could you survive in a prolonged blackout without your air conditioner, refrigerator, stove, hot water, devices that use rechargeable batteries, computer, etc. Our brothers and sisters in New Orleans had to wait five days.

What Will Go

Water -few people realize that electricity is necessary to bring water to their faucets, especially in an apartment building where water is pumped to individual units. As soon as the blackout hits fill as many containers as possible with water and take a shower to take advantage of the delay before the pumps fail.
Refrigeration - during the summer months when blackouts are most likely to occur you might want to keep some hot/dry ice handy to preserve food if a blackout occurs.
Phones (cell and conventional) - in a widespread blackout phone service is not immune to the need for electivity. You'll' want to have alrernative means of communicating with family, friends and the media: walkie talkies, cb or shortwave radios, etc
Gas stations - yes, it takes electricity to run a gas pump. So never allow yourself to run on E at anytime but especially during extreme weather. Always wherever you go make sure you have enough gas to get back home

Important Information

How to Survive a Blackout
Potentially life saving information about preparing for and surviving a prolonged power outage.
Ready Made Generator
How to choose and install a store bought generator
Safety
Portable generator safety tips
safely operate a portable generator
Standby generator safety tips
safely operate a generator that is installed as a permanent fixture to your home

Although there are many ways to build your own generator I will not cover them here. I do not have the expertise to guarantee the safety of such do it yourself devices and do not want to be responsible for some curious child getting electrocuted. If you want to build a generator yourself you will do well to consult a licensed electrician about its construction and operation.