Should I put straps over my tarp?

It depends on the objective. Generally the straps are added to add a little safety if the power goes out. In this case, it may buy some time if the electricity is not off too long or the wind isn’t too strong. Many times the straps fluttering on top of the tarp wears holes in the tarp and would make the tarp more susceptible to ripping. For this reason, some are having the
straps built into the tarp. In general we feel a generator and transfer switch would be a better investment.