Generator inlet and interlock kit: backup power without a $1,500 transfer switch

A listed interlock kit for your panel brand mechanically prevents the main and the generator breaker from both being on, so you cannot backfeed the grid and kill a lineman. Add a 30A or 50A inlet box outside, a 2-pole generator breaker at the top of the panel, and a cord. During an outage: main off, generator breaker on, start the generator, turn on the circuits you need one at a time.

Never, ever use a "suicide cord" (male on both ends) into a dryer outlet. Permit required almost everywhere; inspectors like interlocks.