The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center on August 9 updated its original outlook for the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. While the NOAA continues to predict an 85 percent chance that storm activity will be above average this season, it now expects 13 to 16 named storms, of which seven to nine could become hurricanes; three to five of the hurricanes are predicted to grow into Category 3 or stronger storms. (Read more from the NOAA here.)

I’ve had reason to think about nasty weather in recent months. First, a heavy rainstorm dumped 9 inches of rain in our basement. Then a neighbor’s tree fell on power lines during a Nor’easter, killing power to much of my street for more than a day. I was particularly concerned because the sump pump we'd recently installed couldn’t work without power. In the end, the basement stayed dry, as it did on August 8, when about 2 inches of rain fell on the New York City metropolitan area in an hour.

I could alleviate concerns about the pump not working by getting a portable or stationary power generator. If you live anywhere along the East Coast or Gulf Coast, you too might want to consider getting a backup power supply for your home. With any luck you won’t need to use it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you made the investment.

Before you shop, use our free calculator to tally up how many watts of power you’ll need. Then refer to the Ratings (available to subscribers) to find the best model for your home. Also, consider installing a transfer switch. This device eliminates having to run extension cords into and out of the house and makes it easier to power essential items like your refrigerator, air-conditioner or furnace, and lights.

Don’t neglect to maintain your generator--this basic work will ensure that you’ll have power when you need it. And remember, as the Consumer Reports On Safety blog has reported, using a generator can be dangerous. Here’s how to operate yours safely:

• Prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning by always running your generator outdoors and at least 15 feet away from the house. Never run it in the basement or garage or other enclosed space.
• Install a transfer switch to connect the unit to your home's wiring system. Never connect a generator directly to your home.
• Reduce fire risk by turning off a gasoline-powered generator before refueling.
• Store gasoline in an ANSI-approved container and in a cool, well-ventilated area.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Refer to our free Storm & Emergency Guide for expert advice on dealing with a range of storm-related topics, including:

• preparing for an emergency like a hurricane;
• caring for pets before, during, and after a storm;
• handling financial and insurance matters, and much more.