Another key safety note: Portable generators and where to safely use them.
I posted in another thread, but it was an add-on, and I'd hate for it to be overlooked if it might save a DUer.
If you have a portable generator that you got in time to save your ass in a power outage, make sure it vents to the outside and doesn't blow back in (even more of an issue if it's blustery, as it usually seems to be at the height of the storm), unless you want to die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Actually it wouldn't hurt to get a CO sensor for $15 ANYWAY; you don't even have to mount it, just put it loose somewhere reasonable (mounted is better, but loose is okay as better than nothing). The better solution, by far, is to not tempt fate and not run a portable generator in your attached garage, on your porch, and certainly not in the house or basement.
Also see the good Doctor's comment of wiring a generator right into you electical panel. If you're unfamiliar with the process you can easily blow your whole electrical system or start a fire when the power comes back on.
Finally, not that it's as big a problem, but a lot of (cheaper) generators don't offer sine wave power conditioning. This is a way of evening out the out the electrical; failure to have this can unexpectly trash delicate electronic equipment (e.g.: your computer). Just something to keep in mind.
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Because if you're looking at a food source, you're probably more likely to find rats in NYC than loose hamsters. That said, hamsters might taste better than rats, if grilled nicely with a sauce on a bun. 
