Backup generator for your STR?

[Kevin Luttrell]

For those with STRs in areas where the power frequently goes out, what do you do? Do you have a backup generator? Just keep flashlights and candles around? Let guests deal with it? 

We have a cabin in the Pigeon Forge TN area and since we purchased 10 months ago, the power has gone out maybe 5 or 6 different times. Once due to nearby fire, a few times due to storms / fallen trees on power lines, and a couple times for no known reason. Sometimes it's only out for a few hours, other times it's been out for days. Our cabin runs on 100% electric and has a well with an electric pump, so no power also means no running water. 

I'm debating purchasing a home backup generator, but it's expensive and I'm not sure I can justify the price. Although if this keeps happening and we have to refund a few guests every year, it may be worth it in the long run. 

Anyone have any other ideas? 

[Avery Carl]

I don't do a backup generator. I don't even trust myself to operate that properly. So I certainly don't trust 50 random strangers a year to operate it properly.