[Jayt]

I bought a Rigid 6,800 generator at Home Depot last year for those same 2-3 storms. As I recall it was about $900. I've used it twice for a total of about 10 hours. It starts easy except when its cold, the oil gets pretty thick making it harder for the pull start. I would strongly suggest you get the transfer box as it makes switching over pretty much fool proof. BTW, I wound up spending almost as much on the 50' of cable and plugs needed to hook the generator to the house. Go longer on the cable so you can get the generator away from the house....distance will help diffuse the noise. When its cold and the power goes out....you will never regret buying a generator.