home depot sells auto standby generators pretty affordably today

when the power fails it starts and transfers key loads to back up power
automatically and will run forever quietely on natura gas or propane if
you have either. requires no work and no one home. so if power quits
and your not home your sump pump and furnace work normally even in sub
zero temps.

requires professional installation..... for safety reasons. and yearly
service, it exercises itself weekly starts and runs for a few minutes
so its good to go in emergency.

really nice they were quoting under 4 grand for smaller ones installed
but unsure if that price was accurate. seemed kinda low.........