What about an interlock kit somethign like this:
http://www.nooutage.com/interlock_kits.htm#What does a typical
installation look like?


That looks like a good route to go.

Don't scrimp with the extension cord route. When you're in the middle of a
long power outage you don't want to make life worse not being able to turn
stuff on.

P.S. My dad was a utility line foreman for thirty years. They will "fix ya"
so you won't get power for weeks if they see the suicide plug route. The
goal is to do it well enough that the whole neighborhood knows. You'll have
a little note in your meter loop panel that says "high sider" so even the
local private electricians won't touch your problem.

Karl