Bad weather can mean interruption in basic services like electricity. That can mean a number of complications for you and your family.

But fear not! On top of having a great homeowners insurance policy that covers damage and disruptions from storms you can pick up a portable, gas powered generator to get you through those difficult hours (or days) before basic services are restored.

Here are top tips from the experts at Bankers Insurance Group to help you pick the right portable generator and install it with ease.

Shipping can kill the deal quickly

Portable generators are heavy and shipping isn’t cheap! Make sure you’re ordering from a reputable company that offers free shipping. You can always pick a portable generator up at your local hardware store and do the heavy lifting yourself.

Wheels are a must have

The great thing about portable generators is… portability! Make sure your generator comes with a wheel kit to ensure easy transportation. If it’s not a part of the package you can often find third party manufacturers that provide a simple solution to make your generator more mobile.

Protect the fuel supply

Portable generators run off of gasoline. That means you’ll need a safe, sealed container with fuel stored in a dark, cool place away from other power sources. Gasoline can be a major fire hazard.

Extension cords aren’t always included

Remember that extension cords aren’t always a part of the deal, so be sure to have an extension cord at the ready. You may want to connect a surge suppressor for multiple devices, but be warned: too many things running at once will overload the generator and reduce its usable time.

You’re grounded!

Like other power sources portable generators should be properly grounded for safe operation. This usually means attaching a copper wire to a metal structural element or spike. Be sure to do it before powering the generator on!