Just my 3 cents...

a pure emergency generator for a day or so occasional use is one thing
and can best be accomplished by a harbor freight cheapie. dont go big
just large enough to run a couple lights, and one major load like
fridge at a time. gas will be hard to get and the larger the generator
the bigger the gas hog. so a moderate to small generator is best.

for long term large loads a fixed natural gas standyby system is ideal
and costs the most. like 10 grand installed but fuel supply isnt such a
issue, gas tends to be highly reliable.trying to supply 5 or 10
thousand watts for a week? unless you own a gasoline station it isnt
going to happen gas stations use electric to pump gas so it might not
help.

Now for the vast majority a in between is really whats necessary.
moderate loads, quiet, to get by while power is out.

Most of you already have the engine, its in your own car or truck
sitting in your driveway!

Its quiet, moveable to get more fuel, and by its usual uses will
probably start when needed might have 10 or 20 gallons in the tank
too!

Add a power inverter that converts 12 volt car power to 120. Get 2
units a small one to run some lights, for while your sleeping, under a
60 bucks for 500 watts, use when car isnt running and then buy a bigger
one for heavy loads it may cost 500 bucks but you can use the car to
chase fuel. trying to keep 20 or 50 gallons of gasoline around your
house isnt a good idea and besides it will go bad just sitting around,
even with fuel stabilizer In a emergency the last thing you need is a
gummed up fuel system from old gasoline!

anyhow I have a couple generators a 2000 watt one its been extremely
useful for portable needs

and a 4000 watt one that hasnt been needed yet.

but the most used is a inverter for my vehicle! and it cost the least!

For many in a emergency just a couple lights and perhaps a radio or
small TV would help so much!

Pep boys sell 1000 watt inverters for $99!

sure its a compromise but so is life! But a inverter helps requires no
maintence, no excess stored fuel and will probably work when needed
even after being buried in a closet for years!