Greater Houston area
Houston storm prep: renting a generator safely
The Greater Houston area sees hurricanes (June–November) and winter freezes. Rental generators go fast once a storm is named, so line up a provider early. Here is what the public record shows, the safety rules from federal agencies and the Red Cross, and local companies that state emergency service.
What the record shows
- During Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, more than 4.5 million people in Texas lost power, some for as long as four days (FERC: Final report on February 2021 freeze).
- At least 210 people died during that event; causes included hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning (NERC/FERC: The February 2021 Cold Weather Outages in Texas and the South Central United States).
- In July 2024, Hurricane Beryl left 2.6 million customers without power in Texas (U.S. Energy Information Administration (Dec 1, 2025)).
- U.S. electricity customers averaged 11 hours of interruptions in 2024, nearly twice the prior decade’s average; Hurricanes Beryl, Helene and Milton accounted for 80% of those hours (U.S. Energy Information Administration (Dec 1, 2025)).
- The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA National Hurricane Center).
Generator safety checklist
Run it outdoors only
Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Source: Ready.gov: Power Outages
Never in a garage, porch or carport
Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed spaces. Don’t operate a generator on a porch or in a carport.
Point the exhaust away
Direct the generator’s exhaust away from your home and other buildings’ entrances.
CO alarms on every level
Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
No backfeeding
Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “backfeeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.
Use a transfer switch for house wiring
If you want to permanently connect your generator to your home’s house wiring, have an electrician install a power transfer switch.
Cool before refueling
Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
Source: Ready.gov: Power Outages
Keep it dry
Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
Source: Ready.gov: Power Outages
Right cords
Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads.
Houston providers that mention 24/7 or after-hours service (18)
- Power Plus · 20–3,250 kW stated · “Houston, TX - Power Plus Call 24/7”
- Worldwide Power Products · 10–2,000 kW stated · “Behind our extensive rental product selection is our experienced team that can be reached 24/7/365 for emergency support”
- Worldwide Power Products Rental Division · 10–2,000 kW stated · “Behind our extensive rental product selection is our experienced team that can be reached 24/7/365 for emergency support”
- Aggreko Rental Solution - Pearland · 25–1,500 kW stated · “Through Aggreko Remote Monitoring, we’ll track performance around the clock and provide rapid support to solve issues”
- Mustang Cat - Houston · 11–3,520 kW stated · “Our experienced technicians offer complete maintenance & repair services available 24/7”
- Mustang Cat Rental & Parts Store - Baytown · 11–3,520 kW stated · “Our experienced technicians offer complete maintenance & repair services available 24/7”
- Mustang Cat Rental & Parts Store - Channelview · 11–3,520 kW stated · “Call our team 24/7 for on-site service if you experience a breakdown or need to maintain your machinery”
- Mustang Cat Rental & Parts Store - Houston Southwest/Missouri City · 11–3,520 kW stated · “When you rent from The Mustang Cat Rental Store, you’ll benefit from access to up-to-date machines, four-hour rental replacement, and 24/7 r…”
- Mustang Cat Rental & Parts Store - League City · 11–3,520 kW stated · “You’ll also appreciate the convenience and flexibility of 24/7 ordering — the online Cat Part Store is always open for business!”
- Mustang Cat Rental & Parts Store - Long Dr. · 11–3,520 kW stated · “You’ll also appreciate the convenience and flexibility of 24/7 ordering — the online Cat Part Store is always open for business!”
- Mustang Cat Rental Store - Houston Northwest · 11–3,520 kW stated · “We also promise to make our equipment rentals available around the clock”
- Mustang CAT Rental Store- IAH · 11–3,520 kW stated · “Our experienced technicians offer complete maintenance & repair services available 24/7”
- Stag Power Rentals · 3–2,000 kW stated · “For continuous, round-the-clock operations, our triple shift option ensures your generator is available 24/7”
- Stewart & Stevenson Power Rental · 20–1,000 kW stated · “Delivered Fast, Supported 24/7/365 866-782-8660”
- Sunstate Equipment · 2–320 kW stated · “With easy scheduling, on-time delivery, 24/7 live local field support, the latest technology and more, our rental experts are ready to help …”
- Space City Equipment Rental Services · 1.5–1,000 kW stated · “With professional support available around the clock, you can count on our team to provide expert guidance, rapid response, and a commitment…”
- Sunstate Equipment Specialty Texas · 2–320 kW stated · “Our Friendswood team is geared to provide the right equipment at the right time, backed by a 24/7 live, local support crew to ensure your pr…”
- Comet Party Rentals · 10 kW stated · “RAIN POLICY: You can reschedule your rental due to rain at no extra cost as long as 24 hour notice is given”
Towable units with delivery (12)
FAQ
How far from the house should a generator be in Houston?
Ready.gov says generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
Can I plug a rented generator into a wall outlet?
No. The American Red Cross says never to power house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet (“backfeeding”); it puts utility workers, neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution. Have an electrician install a transfer switch instead.
How many Houston generator rental companies mention 24/7 or after-hours service?
18 of the 62 providers we list mention 24/7 or after-hours service on their own website, and 26 mention delivery (checked 2026-10-22).
Compare all 62 Houston providers