[antisocial]

You should consider this:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/1200-watt-portable-generator-by-etq.aspx?a=522807

$139 bucks

[proudofthesouth]

I'm taking your advice and ordering one of these. However I'm generator ignorant. Would you kindly explain to me how I should set this up (I know it should be outside). What kind of cord(s) should I buy for it? Do I run a cord from a lamp, TV, computer, cell phone, etc to the generator outside? And what happens if it rains?

I asked the customer service there about how much gas it uses and thankfully only 1 gallon at a time which is nice as during emergencies gas is rationed here.

Thanks for your recommendation!