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Well, the way the Weather Channel is trying to scare as many people as possible, I am sure many more generators will be sold in South Texas today.

Owner stupidity is one reason, not thinking is another. Being excited at seening lights come on in your neighbors house causes many people to forget details.

Hookups without a lockout or transfer switch could cause deadly accidents. Kinda like wandering around for a few hours/days in a cocked position. Bad things can happen.

Not just illegal, but VERY illegal.

I have not heard of it happening, but your having power, and noise from a generator, might cause a LEO, or someone from a power company investigating how wide ranging a power outage is, could cause you a problem.

Wow, what a long sentence. Need to work on that.

If you do make a pigtail to plug into your electric dryer outlet, MAKE A CHECKLIST. It is very illegal to hook up this way. Too many linemen have been knocked off a pole by people connected this way, and not properly disconnecting from the grid.

First, turn the main power off at the box. Turn the breakers off to the AC, water heater, stove and any other 240v breakers you have. Go around you house and unplug anything that is not needed. Don't forget answering machines, clock radios, computers, and any TV you will not be using.

This will allow you to selectively use a refrigerator, fans or ceiling fans, a TV or radio for local news. If you have 'smaller' TVs, use it, and not a big screen.

It is best to start the generator, give it a couple of minutes to settle down, then plug into your house system.

Be careful where you place your generator. They will walk off during the night if not chained very well to a heavy object like your trailer hitch. Be sure to keep in your driveway and not where fumes can be breathed.

Don't get caught hooking up this way. Investigate how much it will cost, and how difficult it is, to add a transfer switch to your breaker box. This is the safest and most legal way.