Chris have you seen these:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...20&pcatid=8120
Basically it's a pump with a built in rechargeable battery. It runs on electricity until the power goes out, and at that time it switches to battery operation, and can run for 10 to 20 hours on batteries. Very cool, and probably a good idea to set up when it's really storming out (that's what I'm using). As far as long term, I'm thinking a generator for my house; temperature wise, I think it's probably a good idea. We don't use our house heater a lot, and my house is constantly in the 40's to 50's (last night), so if we lose electricity, it's game over. Yikes!