Standby generators range from 8 to 125 kilowatts. It's important to choose a standby generator that meets your needs and lifestyle. If you simply want to power a few key appliances in a large home, or everything in a smaller home, an 8- to 20-kilowatt generator may serve you well. If you have a large home and want to keep everything powered up, a larger generator will be required.

To determine what size generator you need, contact a local power professional (dealer) or licensed electrical contractor familiar with standby generators. Before you meet with a contractor, you may want to get some estimates from an online sizing tool such as the calculator found here.

However, enlisting a licensed power professional is essential to determine the right size for your needs. They will also help you comply with any municipal codes governing proper installation, including:

• Noise ordinances (typically under 70 dBA)
• Positioning of the generator (flood risks)
• Electrical codes

In addition to selecting the size of the generator, don't forget about its appearance. A generator sits outside your home – permanently, so look for a unit with a bold, clean look and one that is corrosion resistant, particularly in salty air or moist environments.

Every year, millions of homes lose power for hours – or even days – at a time. It doesn't matter what part of the country you call home, everyone is susceptible to outages, particularly when it comes to severe weather. Being prepared is the best defense for such energy emergencies. Here are 10 things you can do to ensure the safety and security of your family during the next power outage.

1. Review your Weather Emergency Plan (i.e. numbers to call, meeting places, key contacts, etc.). Also, grab a backpack or purchase a large plastic bucket with a lid from a local hardware store or home center. Stuff the backpack or bucket with three days worth of food and water. Other items should include a flashlight, battery powered/hand-cranked radio, first aid kit, money, medications and a CD or USB drive containing important documents. Store the kit in a place that is easily accessible in an emergency situation.
2. Turn off major appliances such as water heaters, stoves and air conditioning units. Unplug other appliances such as TVs, stereos, microwaves and computers. This will prevent damage to appliances and possible overloads to the system when power is restored.
3. Have a battery-operated or weather radio, multiple flashlights and a battery-operated clock and fan, along with extra batteries.
4. Leave one light on so you will be able to see when power is restored.
5. Stay away from fallen wires, flooded areas and debris. Treat all down wires and anything touching them as though they have electricity running through it!
6. Do not connect portable generators directly to the electrical system of your home. Electricity could flow backward into the power lines and endanger lives. Either have a qualified electrician perform the work or plug appliances directly into the generator using the proper-sized and rated extension cords.
7. Inspect the area around your electricity meter. If you detect or suspect any damage, call your local utility provider.
8. Familiarize yourself with your main electrical panel. You may have to turn off the main breaker or have to reset circuit breakers after an outage.
9. If you're running a portable generator, be sure to use properly rated extension cords (electrical lode and length). Also, make sure the portable generator is properly vented to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Consider installing a permanent standby generator system for your home for the next storm to automatically supply power safely and worry-free for your family.