Whether we like it or not we live in a society where our very survival depends on our ability to use electricity or power. Preparing food, keeping warm, communicating or sometimes even breathing can be made next to impossible if the local power lines are in turmoil. What must it be like when the entire spectrum of technology is rendered useless, because there's no "juice" to make it all work?

In such a world, from which we can't easily back away from and much less at a moment's notice, a power generator isn't really a luxury. Or it might be, if the darn thing has to stay in one single place day and night, and can never be used any other way than what it was installed for. Having such a device in portable shape and size might be doubly convenient and life-saving, since its use isn't restricted to one area or one specific and permanent set of appliances. The benefits of such a happy little helper are many, and to be considered when shopping around for an alternate or emergency source or electricity.

Benefits at Home

Size doesn't necessarily matter for a power generator to be used primarily at home; the intended use will, on the other hand. Most portable power generators today will allow for a selective output, providing from very few to many appliances with the simple press of a button. No need to pay for an expansive wood stove to keep the family warm during a blackout; a simple lamp and heater can be plugged in to keep everyone safe and sound. Food won't be a problem either since toaster ovens and other cooking instruments will still be up and running. And contrary to gigantic gas-line powered generators, portable ones don't ruin your garden view or eat up precious space; store them wherever, whenever. They'll be discreet and inoffensive to the eye.

Family safety and welfare is a powerful and influent benefit, but other emergencies might arise as well. Farms also need warmth and power to keep livestock safe and sound, and to avoid loss income when production was made impossible. Be able to carry the power source around on farm land and installations will be food on the owner's tables, then on all of ours.

Homes use isn't restricted to emergencies though. Being portable means it can be carried around to use with power tools during renovations, keep the party going with lights and music out in the yard during summer time, or anything that requires juice when the home-bound socket is just too far away. Trim the hedges, blow the leaves or do anything with a power tool that requires electrical output, and do it as far from the house as needed.

Benefits Away From Home

Small rechargeable power packs can provide substantial economy of time, trouble and money when carried along on the road. A life saver when "someone" forgot to turn off the headlights on the car, or to get some modern help during a camping trip to cook, have a little light or keep warm. Emergencies on the road are not to be dismissed either, and can turn a nasty situation to a happy ending. Charging cell phones, using a laptop, enjoying music and light on a camping trip will be as easy as if done from home. And will be done in a way that won't be harmful to the environment, since portable power packs are essentially one big battery, sometimes even rechargeable with solar power.

Bigger needs will however translate to bigger means, and portable can still be the word. Gas-powered generators also come in many different sizes, some convenient enough not to require wheels. No need for a pre-installed gas line, just bring along what fuel might be needed. Green will again be an addressed concern, as most manufacturers and turning to cleaner engines for such devices, ones that will provide only the power needed and avoid pumping bad emissions needlessly into the atmosphere. Some models will even reduce noise pollution, when built with closed-casings.

Above All

Aside from preserving life at home or away and making it easier when nothing around can be used to help, the most important benefit of a portable power generator lies in its name: it is Portable. It can be carried, displaced, brought, dragged and dropped wherever needed, whatever the time and situation. And that alone is worth the strongest of considerations.