Name the essential job
Start with a specific need such as a medical device, light, refrigeration, or communication.
90-Day Household Preparedness · Energy · Page 21
Generators and Fuel: Plan the Safe Way
A printable field-guide page with practical household steps, planning context, and a direct link back to the full 90-day edition.
By Dan Whelan, founder of New World Survival
Researched from government agencies, university extension services, and other published sources. See our sources
Why this matters
Make the next decision clearer.
A generator plan begins with safety, not purchase price. Know the essential loads, approved cords, fuel limits, outdoor operating location, carbon-monoxide alarms, and when to stop and seek a safer location.
Reduce demand first
Choose the smallest safe way to meet the need before adding more equipment or fuel.
Test safely
Read the manual, verify alarms, and practice the setup before you need it.
Put it on paper
A plan you can use and review.
Use this simple table to record the decision, the household-specific detail, and the next time you will test or update it.
| Essential job | Safe source | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Communication and light | Battery lights, power banks, radio, and labeled cables. | Test charging and spare batteries on a routine. |
| Health and food | Only the equipment and loads the household must keep running. | Confirm safe capacity, run time, and backup options. |
| Heat or cooling | Layers, safe rooms, cooling locations, and approved equipment. | Review the plan before seasonal temperature changes. |
Printable reference
The original field-guide page.
Use the original layout for its complete worksheet, visual table relationships, and print-ready details. The web article explains the same planning work in a responsive format.
Download the full guideFor current advice during an actual event, check relevant public guidance and local instructions.
