A few thoughts on disaster prep:
We have a propane/gasoline generator for the house, and a 500 gal propane tank. Tank rental cost is $75.00 per year as opposed to $50.00 for a 250 gallon tank. The larger tank pays for itself by allowing me to time our purchases of propane for late summer when prices are lowest. Essentially we always have 250 gallons of propane in reserve for emergencies, more in the winter.
The well is on a separate transformer too far from the house to run from the house generator, but I do have a second generator that will power it. I have the pump controls wired so there is a cord and plug in the normal circuit, just unplug and plug into the generator to run from it. Keep two or 3 5 gallon gas cans around with stabilized fuel, good for years. The well will produce drinking water at 5 rpm, so running it for a 15-20 minutes a week is all that is really necessary. Keep in mind, that your bathtub is fine for storing water for toilet flushing, which will keep the ladies happy. Men use the comfort tree in the woods. All you need is a bucket to fill the toilet tank.
But, in a real emergency, I have a small electric fuel pump from a car which I can use to take gas out of a car and into a can to feed the generator. Always keep the car at least 1/2 full. No excuses, no exceptions. Use the gas from the cars first because it is not stabilized, then from the cans. Before you say: "just siphon the gas out" try doing that. You do not want a snootful of gas in an emergency.
Canned food, some freeze dried, and then dried beans and rice will last for quite a while. Don't forget your vitamin pills. They will make up for a lot of bad eating in a tough situation. Rice, beans and sugar can be stored in their original containers placed in a new galvanized garbage can. I have yet to see a mouse that can get into a tight new one.
