Can you turn you car into an emergency generator?

Our recent "Tip of the Day: How to safely use a generator during a weather emergency" provided you with details on the importance of generators during a power outage.

But what if you don’t have a generator like those covered in our ratings-based review of these emergency-power supplies? A December 23, 2008, post on the Green Inc. blog from The New York Times detailed how a Massachusetts homeowner rigged his Toyota Prius (full model information available to subscribers) to provide electricity to his storm-battered home.

This novel use of the hybrid car got me to wondering about weather-related emergencies and what types of system(s) you might have jerry-built to cope with the situations. It also struck me that maybe our trusty vehicles can be more than just people movers.

If you’ve got an interesting tale to tell, share your experiences by posting a comment below. Meanwhile, I’m going to explore ways to turn my mundane minivan into a profit-making venture, perhaps as rolling drive-in theater for families of five (popcorn and soft drinks not included).—Steven H. Saltzman

Essential information: Visit our Storm & Emergency Guide for expert advice on coping with natural disasters.

Written by larrylarr on January 4th, 2009 with no comments.
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Happy holidays to all—and keep warm

If you’re of a certain age and grew up in the New York City area, you probably remember watching the Yule Log on WPIX on Christmas Day. Channel 11 used to show a fireplace aglow for hours on end, a goofy yet—if not literally—warming looping log.

Some of us used to look for the spot where the loop ended and started again—perhaps not the most exciting thing to do on a holiday but if the bowl games were boring or the weather too nasty to go outside, this detective work did provide a diversion.

While most wood- and pellet-burning stoves won’t allow you to watch the burning logs, they clearly have grabbed the interest of many consumers who are looking for less expensive ways to heat their homes. If you’re considering adding one of these devices to your home, read our buyer’s guide and these blog posts on an innovative pellet-delivery system and the fluctuating price of fuel for these stoves.—Steven H. Saltzman

Written by larrylarr on January 4th, 2009 with no comments.
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