Are you hurricane-ready? These apps and gadgets might help
Here are a few low-tech and high-tech solutions to some of the problems that accompany hurricanes.
via
Power
Solar-powered generator
Solar-powered generators are quickly becoming a trustworthy addition to the hurricane preparation arsenal. The best part: they are almost noiseless and come without the health hazards of traditional gas-powered generators. Of course, they are dependent on sunlight, so you may want to keep a gas-powered generator on hand for backup.
There are a lot of solar generator options out there, and the price range is dramatic. Just make sure that whatever you buy meets your power requirements, whether you need to keep a refrigerator online or just plug in a fan and charge some phones.
Solar generators are pricier than traditional gas-power generators, but they should save you money over time. And to reiterate: they are noiseless! Try to convince the neighbors to get one too and avoid turning the neighborhood into a mechanized mosquito opera.
Cost:
Solar-powered charger
On a smaller scale, you can harness solar power to charge phones and tablets with a solar charger. A charger and power bank by Soluser sells for about
Lighting
Solar lighting
Solar lighting is another good option for the dark days after the storm passes. This spiffy looking light from
Emergency lights
Emergency lights stay on when the the power turns off, relying on built-in battery power. Most have an average life of about three hours without power, so you will want to save these only for important uses. A 20-watt bulb from superbrightleds.com has an internal rechargeable battery and comes with a remote with on/off switch and dimming options.
Battery-powered string lights
This one may seem unconventional, but string lights are nice because they distribute light more evenly than a light with a single bulb. Most of them come on flexible wire that will wrap around just about anything, making them great for any room in the house or apartment. They can also add some festive spirit to an otherwise dark and soggy occasion. A set from Target is
115-hour candle
This is just what it sounds like: a candle that miraculously lasts for 115 hours. It costs about
Essentials
A good radio
Radios aren't just radios anymore. They can do all kinds of other nifty things, too. This one from Kello receives AM/FM and NOAA Weather Radio transmissions and has a built in flashlight, alarm clock function and USB port for charging electronics. It can run on regular power, battery power or elbow grease with a hand-crank. It goes for around
Water resistant backpack
Before a hurricane, it is a good idea to prepare a backpack with emergency essentials for each member of your household. Truly waterproof bags are very expensive so water resistant is the next best option. If you can't get water resistant, then secure electronics and other items in plastic baggies. Items to consider for your backpack: identification, water bottles, snacks, a cell phone, an extra emergency cell phone, a poncho, walkie talkies, a flashlight, a whistle, a knife and a compact sleeping bag.
Two-way radios
Long range two-way radios are not a bad idea in case your group winds up splitting up for any reason. You can stay simple or pay more for extra features. Simple long-range radios start around
Apps
Download on Google Play or the
MyRadar
Download on Google Play or the
Download on Google Play or the
Gas Buddy
Download on Google Play or the
Sortly
Download on Google Play or the
Creature Comforts
Rechargeable fan
Pair a few of these little fans with a solar battery charger to keep things cooler once the AC shuts off. A rechargeable min-fan by Opolar sells for about
Moisture wicking cloth
This is potentially the most important item on the list, as it will significantly cool down beer when all the ice runs out. Simply soak a cloth, wrap up the beer and leave it in a shady spot for awhile, re-soaking if needed. Thanks, thermodynamics! You can also slap them across your head or neck to make it through hot nights. A set of three costs about
Manual coffee grinder
Day one without power: your precious
Sleeping bag
If you wind up having to camp out at a friend's house or a shelter, a light and compact sleeping bag, like the envelope sleeping bag by Camtoa, will come in handy. It goes for around
Book light
There's no better time to get to work on that stack of books that's been piling up than while waiting a couple days for the power to come back on. A hands-free book light sold by Ledgle would come in handy while trying to complete all kinds of tasks in the dark. It costs about
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