Speaking of hot coffee when the power goes out -- GAS ONE Portable Gas Stove There are less expensive versions that use pretty much the same design, but aren't stainless steel. I have one and have used it during power outages -- two thumbs up.

in case you need to run your alternator for an extended period of time, or have a family member not able to fill the hot engine from a 6 gal can, a squeeze bulb siphon hose might be your answer...section of 5/16 or 3/8 fuel line, squeeze bulb, 1/4 fuel line to carb and adapter barb

A neighbor and I just went back out and shoveled more debris and leaves from our street's gutters. We're cursing the fall leaves that people didn't take care of before the storm hit.

Also, gutters flow a lot better if car tires are not pressed right up against the curb.



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These are very handy stoves to have but could be somewhat tricky to get going in the dark (when lights go out) for the uninitiated. i.e. loading the gas cartridge.

If using the GAS ONE Portable Gas/Campingaz type Stove then it will need constant attention for indoor use as it won't have a flame failure protection device.

For bug in emergencies I will be using one of these.

http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Double_Burner_Europa_Gas_Boiling_Ring_with_FFD.html

With a 15Kg LPG Bottle this will easily give over 1-2 months cooking use.

For long term use i.e. Electricity being out for more than 2 weeks I will also fall back on some LPG Lanterns. The Latern will consume 85 grams per hour @a light output of a 100W incandescent light bulb, so would give about 1 Months use @ 6 hrs per day.

I will generally always have available a couple of 15KG LPG bottles of LPG stored in these;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calor-Provence-Portable-Flueless-Heater/dp/B0045U4O4E/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kh_2

LPG bottles have some major advantages over other liquid fuel sources, whereby the energy is converted to modern push button electrical living.

i.e. Storage of Generator liquid fuels, Generator reliability and maintenance, noise of operational use, toxic fumes and exhausts etc.

That's going to be an issue in out neighbourhood as well. It's happened before with much less rain than we're expecting this time around. Everyone left the leaves on the ground to enhance the kids Halloween experience. Joy!

I just showed a co-worker the LED lamp I keep on my desk. She said "For what?" When I said "in case the power goes out where you're here alone tonight" she said "Oh yeah. I didn't think of that. Maybe I should get a flashlight for home too?" Yup, she asked it like a question. Makes my head hurt.

Yep, for longer term I have a Coleman 2 burner propane stove with a converter to use a standard 20# tank. But for short power outages, this class of Butane stove is easy to set up and very convenient.

That's like my neighbor. He went out and bought a generator, which was great. But, he didn't get any extra gas or extension cords. Not sure what he was thinking.

From Anne Arundel County, just outside Annapolis, MD:

Up until 1:05 EST I would have said the all was ok--light rain, light to occasional strong gust. Minor problem this AM with the sump pump float valve, which didn't turn on the pump and, after some encouragement from a few blows, started the pump before the basement flooded. (Note to self: find backup.)

Then, for no apparent reason, the power went out (1:05 pm est). 30 seconds later, the genny started and about 3 minutes after that I finished rebooting the modem and router and I'm back up on-line. Just in time to get a skype call from our 4 year old grand neice (helped by her Dad) in eastern europe who was worried about the storm. (Apparently getting big coverage there.)

My favorite siphon:

http://www.superjiggler.com/
http://www.simplesiphon.com/products/

Bunch of other similar siphons, just use Google.

The metal valve is the way to go, plastic just doesn't have near the flow.