I agree. Non perishable foodstuffs and the ability to cook is far better. I imagine that the generator idea would be better in a compound/camp designed for survival, with serious fuel storage capabilities.
One thing we did in FL was buy battery operated fans. Not practical for long periods, but a very welcome luxury with no power for five days.
A good option for a small amount of electricity is a car battery and a power inverter.
In Florida an obvious choice for water storage is rain barrels. Properly configured you can collect rain water and keep it for the garden or use if in an emergency.
Down in the keys they use cisterns where the gutters all drain into it.