To make sure your portable generator is always ready to run in an emergency, follow Consumer Reports' expert advice.

Wednesday marks the start of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. And now is the time to plan and prepare for how to stay safe both during and after a potential storm.

If you hard wire your generator, make sure you get a professional to do the job. And finally, make sure your smoke detector is working. A must during hurricane season and portable generator season.

As it turns out, though, setting up a portable solar power source as backup power for your home isn’t the same as setting up a portable gas-powered generator.

Total Wattage: 1,050 + 350 = 1400 watts The total wattage you need to run a small refrigerator would be 1400 watts, so you would need a generator that provided at least that many watts.

Learn essential generator safety tips to keep your family safe during Hurricane Milton. Avoid carbon monoxide, electrical hazards, and more with these expert guidelines.

The best portable generators can serve as backup for your home’s power in cases of emergency. We reviewed the top from Honda, Westinghouse, Champion, and more.