Your Step-By-Step Guide to Buying a Generator Don’t wait until a hurricane is in the forecast to buy one! By Brittany Anas diane555Getty Images Most of the time, when your power goes out, it resumes quickly—the biggest hassle may be resetting the blinking clock on your oven. But prolonged power outages during storms and natural disasters that last hours (and sometimes days) can cause major disruptions and pose safety hazards. In these scenarios, a generator can come in handy, helping to heat or cool your home, keep the food in your fridge from spoiling, and power your electronics.