One should probably have just a very small generator. I’ve got a larger one I’ve had for ages, and it’s relevant to 1-2 week “problems”, but if there is the slightest chance that a grid down situation is longer term I think it’s imperative that something like gasoline or diesel be saved strictly for motive fuel or extremely high value work. Motive to get one out of an unsurvivable area, high value work being things like pumping water, milling/splitting wood or running machine tools.
You can use a small ~1Kw gen for charging batteries, radios, etc. and 5 gallons of gas will probably run it for 40-80 hours depending on load.
If you have a large one, you can quickly exhaust your fuel hoping the electricity is coming back on and then be hosed. Also, after a certain amount of grid down a decent sized generator is going to be a screaming advertisement that someone is warm and well fed.
Mine; I guess; is medium sized; but gas powered.
Good point!
I’ve a wood burning fire place.
The Lord delivers me; sometimes to my doorstep; plently of fuel.
(While I am thankful, I do wish it was cut and split and stacked.)