Natural Disasters & Selecting Your Generator Fuel Type

Understanding Earthquake Risk in the Mid-South

The mid-south region sits near the New Madrid fault line, with its epicenter in northeast Arkansas. This area has significant seismic history and ongoing risk that homeowners and businesses should consider when planning for backup power.

Historical Context

Between December 1811 and early 1812, four major earthquakes struck the region, each measuring 7.0 magnitude or greater. Ground shaking in the Memphis area reached IX on the Modified Mercalli scale—classified as "violent." A similar event today could cause:

Moderate to severe damage to substantial buildings
Partial building collapse
Structures shifted off foundations
Falling or collapsing walls

Current Risk Assessment

According to USGS mapping, the probability of an earthquake with magnitude 5.0 or greater within the next 100 years approaches 40% in northeast Arkansas, southeast Missouri, and northwest Tennessee. Memphis would certainly experience significant effects from any major seismic event in this zone.

How Earthquakes Impact Power and Fuel Services

Minor Earthquakes

A minor earthquake typically causes rattled nerves with minimal structural damage and limited service disruptions.

Moderate to Severe Earthquakes

More significant seismic events create widespread challenges:

Power outages across the region
Disrupted fuel lines and infrastructure damage
Natural gas shutdowns ordered by fire marshals as a fire prevention measure
Extended restoration times—bringing natural gas service back online could take months or even over a year, depending on the extent of line damage

Generator Fuel Options: What You Need to Know

Most homeowners focus on generators for ice storms, hurricanes, or severe thunderstorms. However, earthquake preparedness requires additional fuel considerations.

Natural Gas Generators

In the image above, natural gas flows from the gas meter (left) to the generator (right) view a connected fuel line.

Natural gas is the most common fuel choice for residential standby generators in metropolitan areas. These systems connect directly to your home's gas line, providing convenient, uninterrupted fuel supply under normal conditions.

Important consideration: In a moderate to severe earthquake, natural gas service may be shut down for safety and could remain unavailable for extended periods.

Liquid Propane (LP) Generators

The same generator models that run on natural gas can typically operate on liquid propane vapor. Switching between fuels may or may not require additional parts from your manufacturer—consult your dealer for specific requirements.

Propane advantages:

Independent fuel supply not affected by utility disruptions
On-site storage ensures availability during emergencies
Can be stored long-term without degradation

Tank options:

130-gallon upright tanks resemble a hot water heater
Larger tanks can be buried underground to eliminate visual impact
Landscaping solutions such as strategic shrub placement can hide above-ground tanks

Dual-Fuel Generators

Manufacturers like Cummins and Kohler offer true dual-fuel capability. These generators feature two separate fuel regulators—one for natural gas and one for LP.

How they work:

Natural gas serves as the primary fuel source
LP functions as automatic backup
If natural gas lines fail, the generator automatically switches to LP
Two independent gas lines connect to the unit (one NG, one LP)

Important distinction: Don't confuse dual-fuel generators with single-fuel units that can use either natural gas or LP. True dual-fuel systems maintain connections to both fuel sources simultaneously.

Planning ahead: If you're not ready to install a propane tank immediately, consider ordering a generator with dual-fuel capability. You can add the second fuel line at any time in the future.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators offer maximum independence from utility infrastructure, making them an excellent choice for earthquake-prone areas.

Diesel advantages:

Built-in subbase fuel tank (no external infrastructure required)
Often seismic-certified for earthquake zones
Diesel fuel delivery services available from local providers
Fuel remains on-site and under your control

Cost consideration: Diesel generators typically command a premium price compared to natural gas or LP options.

View our inventory:

Making Your Decision

When selecting a standby generator for earthquake preparedness, consider these key questions:

How long could you be without natural gas service? In a major earthquake, restoration could take months.
Do you want fuel independence? LP and diesel options provide on-site fuel storage not dependent on utility infrastructure.
What's your budget? Natural gas generators offer lower upfront costs, while dual-fuel and diesel options provide greater security at higher prices.
Is aesthetics a concern? Underground propane tanks or strategic landscaping can address visual preferences.

Get Expert Guidance

Selecting the right generator and fuel type depends on your specific situation, power needs, and risk tolerance. The generator professionals at Buckeye Power Systems can help you evaluate your options and choose the best solution for your home or business.

Contact us for personalized assistance:

Phone: 901-379-8097
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

We're here to answer questions about standby generators, generator sizing, fuel options, and all aspects of backup power systems.