Power generators are manufactured to perform one task. That task is to generate electrical power for tools, homes, businesses and more. Having a generator, whether portable or permanently installed as part of the home, is paramount to emergency preparation. LP, or liquid propane generators are easy to maintain. Extra bottles, or tanks of propane easily store in bulk for emergencies. Propane does not go stale or present the hazards that trying to store gasoline does. Small generators attach to the popular 'barbeque' bottles, or 5-gallon bottles. Special adapters and hoses allow larger tanks to provide more fuel, thereby providing power for longer periods of time. In an emergency, if the electrical lines are down, propane bottles are available for sale or trade-in. . Gasoline power generators are the most inexpensive and popular. While the expense is lower, storing gasoline is never a good idea. If the electrical power is out, gas pumps are inoperative. The course of action is to fill gas containers outside the affected zone. Gasoline generators must be maintained on a regular basis, as they tend to 'gum up' with oil, dust, etc. Even with the drawbacks, these are still the cheapest source of emergency power. . Natural gas generators provide power to the entire residence in the event of an outage. Licensed professionals perform the installation, and the gas lines are attached to the house's own supply. If the power goes out during a storm, the generator automatically starts, and no one has to go out into the weather as with the other types of machines. Diesel generators are popular among RV'ers, as the fuel lines are attached to the vehicles fuel lines in motorhomes. Diesel stores better than gasoline, but not for long periods of time. As with gasoline generators, they require regular maintenance. Biodiesel, or vegetable oil with the glycerine removed, is a secondary fuel usable in these generators. In a pinch, straight vegetable oil can substitute, but not as a primary fuel. This is the only generator to use alternative fuels. . A reputable dealer can help find the power needs in case of an emergency, and select the right size and type of generator for every need. .