Many important points. These are small attached houses so the
neighbors are close. Not one of them would steal it and getting it out
of the backyard would be non-trivial anyway.

CY: A chain and padlock is a good idea. Also post an armed guard
(inside the house) for watch. Bring the generator in when not in use.
You'd be amazed. People drive around with car windows open to listen.
I know of two people in my area who have had generators stolen.

No one else has a
generator. Still, I wouldn't want a very noisy one. But if it's
summer, I don't really need it as much. Winter the windows will all be
closed, which is when I would need it more.

CY: It's still very possible your neighbors will be jealous or angry.
In the modern socialist society, anyone who is better off, needs to be
pulled down. Sad, but that's the way of the world.

We've had a blackout three times this year, only one lasted even two
days but that got annoying enough for me to think about this.

CY: My approach is to look at the needs, and then find creative way to
meet them. Light? Flashlights. Light and heat? Fuel lamps like oil or
propane lanterns. Daylight? Go to bed earlier than usual.

I do have natural gas but wouldn't want to think about running a line
outside. Propane seems much easier to deal with given the lack of real
need. Two spare tanks should cover any short term need.

CY: I sure hope things work out well for you. I'm curious of a couple
things. Whcih generator do you buy? And is it quiet or noisy? Does it
run well? Does your TV work well, or does it have a bunch of snow in
the picture? How long did the fuel tank last? Please be kind enough to
write, again, on thsi list. Tell us how things work out for you.