When a power outage hits, getting left in the dark is just one of the concerns. An extended blackout is an inconvenience, but being without air conditioning, heating or necessary medical equipment is ...

This week's power storms serve as a good reminder to always be prepared in the event of a power outage. A generator can save the day in some cases, keeping the lights on and vital utilities running.

Mike De Socio is a CNET contributor who writes about energy, personal finance, electric vehicles and climate change. He's also the author of the nonfiction book, "Morally Straight: How the Fight for ...