Jim,
One thing to note about generator noise reduction. It's not just a matter of
running quiet by normal standards. It's a matter of running quiet when nothing
else is making any noise. With the grid down, a lot of normal background
noise will be gone. That was one reason for my choice of solar electric power
over a generator. - Raymond
JWR Replies: Remember that light discipline will be
just as important as noise discipline, post-TEOTWAWKI.
It is important to have the materials on hand to black-out your windows. Regardless
of your
power
source,
if you have
power when nobody else does for blocks--or miles, then your house would be
a "come loot me" beacon at night. Buy a stack of 1/2-inch plywood and two dozen
2"x4"x8'
studs now. Carefully measure and cut inserts for
each of your windows, and label each of them for quick reference. The edges
can be
wrapped
with rags
or old
blankets. They can be tacked in
place (so that they don't fall inward) with finishing nails or power screws
driven in above, parallel to the sheet of plywood. At the same time, build
a framework of 2x4s so that
you can
make a
relatively light proof "airlock"--something a little bigger than a phone
booth. It can be covered in opaque blankets. That way you can open your front
door without fear of a blast of light escaping. T o be prepared for any
overlooked light leaks, buy a few cans of expanding insulating foam (such
as Dow "Great Stuff",
available at any hardware or building supply store such as Lowe's or Home
Depot)
and some dark spray paint.
Once
you have your blackout shutters up, do a check for light
leaks.
As a final test, look for light leaks while wearing night vision goggles. (You
will be amazed at what you missed!) It takes considerable effort to make a
house that light-proof. But perhaps that
is overkill,
considering
the capabilities of most would-be looters.
