Electricity is something we use every day. But when a power outage occurs, a portable electric generator can keep lights, refrigerators, and other appliances running. More importantly. If someone in your home depends on electricity for medical needs, a portable generator can provide power in an emergency. Portable generators come in many sizes. If you're thinking about buying a generator for backup electricity here are some things you should know to select the right generator for your needs and operate it safely. To purchase the right generator you need to add up the total power needed for the appliances you plan to run at any one time. This power is measured in Watts. The values can be found on nameplates attached to the appliance or in your owners manual. This information may also be available online or by contacting the manufacturer. If power is not listed in watts, find the average in voltage ratings on the nameplate. The power can then be estimated by multiplying the...