Since there is a lot of unrest in the world, our economy is in some trouble and I live in an area plagued by hurricanes… I want the ability to generate my own electricity to run my home. What I am searching for is not intended to be used under normal conditions, but as an emergency source of power that could do things like heat water for a shower, keep a house (or part of a house) warm or cool during the night…. stuff like that, not a full scale, every day, all day electricity source…. emergency.

I looked at generators, but when there is trouble, there is almost always a lack of gasoline. If supplies are cut off, it could be months to resupply and one can only keep so much gas around, and it is a fire/explosion hazard.

I want to create some sort of wood burning electricity generator. I was thinking a steam engine type setup. I could burn wood and debris to power it.

Are these available? Could I build one on my own? Maybe an oil drum, some pipes and a modified generator?
In addition, how much does it cost to rent an arc welder? How difficult are they to use?

And, where can I find an old oil drum…. to use as a boiler?