As we enter 2007, it is hard to realise that just 100 years ago electricity was something of a novelty, confined to lighting and some industrial uses.
Indeed, it wasn't until "the Great Depression" that many, many parts of the US got electrical power for the first time.
Even today, there are communities that manage to get by without power.
I fail to understand the desperation some express, when the power is out for a few hours, days, or even weeks. I suppose that my opinion is mere whistling in the wind, though.
Generators of varying sizes are getting ridiculously cheap. Even the local Wal-Mart and auto part store is selling them. This fact suggests to me that the problems will get worse lng before they get better.
Education is probably the best solution; I like the idea of keeping the thing separate from the house wiring completely, and using extension cords.
Our biggest threat seems to come from those who try to 'clever up' that simple arrangement.
Apart from the dangers posed by improper connections of generators to the "grid," there are also the dangers posed by fuel storage, exhaust fumes, and simple crime. A man worried about his generator being stolen is more likely to try to run it inside. When the taks runs dry, there will be fires associated with refueling.
I suppose that places like "Wiki-how" are a good place to start educating folks.
