A series of summer thunderstorms is wreaking havoc throughout the United States, knocking out power in Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania.

ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com -- an online generator superstore -- provides some expert advice on how to protect a finished basement from flood damage.

Layer One: Emergency Power

According to Jon Hoch, founder of ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com (http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com), forget the kegerator or plasma television. A sump pump is the most important appliance in a basement. Without it, a basement is as safe as the Titanic in an iceberg field.

A simple 30-minute thunderstorm can quickly destroy weekends worth of sweat equity - unless a sump pump has backup power.

"Backup battery systems work - for a couple hours," said Hoch.

"If you want automatic AND long-term protection, consider getting a standby generator. Yes, they cost more. But, they also protect your whole house, not just one appliance."

Standby generators (http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/catalog/pickperfectstandby.php) can automatically keep a basement dry, beer cold and the TV tuned into the big game.

Layer Two: Warning Systems

"You're the captain of your own ship," said Hoch. "You need good instruments to ensure that your vessel is staying afloat. Even with emergency power, it can't hurt to be alerted if your ship is sinking."

ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com (http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/catalog/default.php?manufacturers_id=19) carries a complete line of home monitoring devices, ranging from simple sump pump alarms to sophisticated systems that automatically call a cell phone if a basement is flooding.

Layer Three: Flood Insurance

Homeowner's insurance will reimburse a storm victim for any wind damage, but not flood damage.

Most insurance companies require a separate flood insurance policy to protect a basement from rising tides.

"Check with your local insurance agent to see if you're basement is covered during a flood," warns Hoch.

ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com is an online generator superstore operated by Power Equipment Direct, Inc. (http://www.powerequipmentdirect.com).

The Bolingbrook, IL-based e-tailer also runs PressureWashersDirect.com (http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com), AirCompressorsDirect.com (http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com) and SnowBlowersDirect.com (http://www.snowblowersdirect.com)