By Jake Sepulveda

Generators come in many shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular types is still the mid-sized gasoline powered kind. These, just like any type of generator, can provide much needed power during an emergency or disaster situation…in fact many hospitals, banks, office buildings, and storage units have these fueled up and at the standby just in case.

Gas-powered generators can provide the emergency lighting needed to perform an operation, beef up security, light the way, heat a unit, or even cook a meal, but these mechanical marvels are anything but quiet while operating. And while these chugs and hums might not seem like a big deal at first, they can quickly turn things sour.

The constant din of an active generator, can echo into the distance for miles…potentially calling forth bandits, vigilante survivors, and droves of needy under-prepared individuals…not to mention hordes of the undead, directly to your doorstep.

Now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t use a gas-powered generator during emergencies, in fact it’s far from it…as long as you take a few precautions first.

Gas-powered generators should be operated in well-insulated and thick walled areas such as basements, quiet rooms, root cellars, and some garages. You want to put as much padded space between your generator and the outside world as you can, just remember that you’ll need to be able to vent the fumes as well. Adding thick heavy blankets or other types of insulation can help to further decrease the escape of noise into the world, and you should only use your genny when you have to.

You may not always feel the need to hide your whereabouts, but when you do you, following our advice can help keep your secret location a secret…even if for just a little bit longer.

So play it cool and play it quiet…or your undead neighbors might come knocking.