LAKE MARY, Fla. -- Hurricane specialists predicted a busy season, which could mean a shortage of hurricane supplies, such as batteries, plywood and generators.

During the busy 2004 season, generators were difficult to find, and residents could find themselves in a similar situation this year.

Video: Generators Can Provide Needed Relief

While generators are great to have during a power outage, they're not cheap.

Generators can be purchased at home-improvement stores, and store clerks said Central Florida residents are largely unaware of a generator's capabilities. They said they're frequently peppered with questions, such as what exactly can be powered by a generator.

"If you have a portable generator, it's not going to run your central air, but it will run a fan for you," said Mike McFadden, an employee at Home Depot in Lake Mary. "It will run a portable air conditioner to keep you comfortable."

Experts offered a few tips for using generators.

• Keep it outside: The fumes can be deadly.
• Lock it up: Secure it to a tree or pole to avoid theft.
• Use good quality extension cords: Inexpensive cords can overheat and cause problems.
• Get it serviced: Generators sitting around for a year may have difficulty starting up.

People should think of their generator in the same way they would think of a car or lawnmower.

Generators are a good resource in case of a major storm, but consumers should be reminded of the cost. A typical generator is priced anywhere between $600 and $2,700, depending on how many items it can power.

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