should be start preparing for the worst?

[gwarnecke]

Mojo, you post to ask about winter storm prep every month or so - just go out and stock up on your supplies already!

Houston-nomad - for winter storms, an interlocked generator inlet makes the difference between running cords everywhere and at best running a few space heaters vs being able to run your (gas-fired) furnace and keep your whole house warm. If you have a generator, you might as well install an inlet. This can be tricky on some homes (for example, new construction homes that skip the main breaker inside the load center because they have an external disconnect), but if you can make it work it's the way to go.

Storing gas for a power outage is a pain (unless you have other power equipment that you can cycle the gas through). If you have natural gas anywhere near your meter box, consider installing a bbq-style NG quick-connect fitting and converting your generator to run on NG. For smaller open-frame generators, this conversion is as easy as buying a $30 tri-fuel carburetor on eBay and swapping it in (10 minute job). Then you don't have to worry about gas going stale and gumming up your fuel system, or sourcing gasoline during an outage.

If you have a mostly natural gas house (ie gas-fired furnaces, water heaters, stove, etc), a small generator can keep you very comfortable during a winter power outage. A huge 8-12kw unit is only needed if you must run a heat pump, water heater, electric dryer, pool pump, etc.

[mojo101]

my neighbor and I are looking for portable generators now,just have to decide which is the best for us.
Generac has an offer,extending warranty for one extra year,but no dealer ever bother to call.
I kind of interested in one which comes with solar panels,but not sure if it is any good.like you save the electricity from the solar panels in your generator?

[Ghost Town]

Originally Posted by mojo101

my neighbor and I are looking for portable generators now,just have to decide which is the best for us.
Generac has an offer,extending warranty for one extra year,but no dealer ever bother to call.
I kind of interested in one which comes with solar panels,but not sure if it is any good.like you save the electricity from the solar panels in your generator?

Hurry up, this Saturday the nightmare is coming!
It's going to be unexpected temperature drop.
But you have a couple of days to prepare..

[Driver 47]

Originally Posted by mojo101

Don't want your pipes to freeze ? Start by wrapping heat tape on the most exposed sections and insulating them
------------
what kind of heat tape can be used if there is no electricity to keep them heated?
I have insulation tapes,but it does not generate heat?

That's what the generator's for. Plus lights & appliances.

[Raider Scott]

It is going to be maybe 38 degrees Saturday night for maybe an hour or so.


I think most here will survive. LOL

[JL]

My subdivision lost power already this morning and we are no where near freezing...could just be a coincidence...still.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by JL

My subdivision lost power already this morning and we are no where near freezing...could just be a coincidence...still.

Where?

[crone]

check out Freeze Miser for your outdoor faucets.

At 30 bucks each it could get expensive. But never having to bother again could be worth it.

[JL]

Originally Posted by astrohip

Where?

Canyon Gate in Richmond area. It lasted for about 3 hours.

[mojo101]

I am in Richmond ,kind of,1093 and 1464,no problem.
as of now, it is warmer