Even a weak storm, much less a hurricane, can knock out power for days at a time. That makes owning and maintaining a generator a way of life in some neighborhoods, particularly in Northeast Florida.

To make sure your portable generator is always ready to run in an emergency, follow Consumer Reports' expert advice.

Here are the steps to properly use a generator after a hurricane.

A generator can keep your RV appliances running, but to protect yourself and your fellow campers, you should follow certain steps when hooking it up.