TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — In the midst of rising COVID-19 cases, it’s important to not forget we’re a month into hurricane season. Generators can be a critical tool to ride out a storm.
They can be used to power small appliances and your mobile devices until power is restored. Generators can get expensive depending how powerful they are.
Jim Clarke of Batteries Plus Bulbs in Tallahassee explains an cheaper alternative that your family could consider.
“You can run some things like a light or a laptop, “ said Clarke. “Things like that that you would normally plug into a power strip you can run those off of an inverter, which will convert the deep cycle battery or you can use a marine battery.”
However, if you do decide to purchase a generator Clarke says to map out your objectives first.
“I got one myself last time,” said Clarke. “We had a 5500 watt generator and we were able to power the refrigerator and a portable wall A/C unit and a couple of lights. So you can at least be somewhat normal.”
Generators usually cost around $150 and up.
Clarke says if you do have a generator, make sure you go get that carburetor cleaned out. If it’s run by battery, make sure to replace those at the start of every hurricane season.
