AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Recent extreme weather events have highlighted the importance of being prepared for power outages.
In a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, an electricity outage means a loss of communications and access to vital information.
That’s why having an emergency tech kit is so important.
Find a box, an old suitcase, or a shelf in your closet and pack it with your following essential tech items:
Portable charger: This is a lifesaver during a power outage. Choose a high-capacity charger that can power your devices multiple times before needing to be recharged. Cables: Don’t hunt around for the right cable. Have spares for all your devices, including USB, USB-C, and Lightning cables. Emergency radio: A hand-crank or solar-powered weather radio is a must. It can give you weather alerts, charge your phone, and double as a flashlight. Eton, which partners with the American Red Cross, makes a variety of gadgets and devices to use in emergencies. One of them is a portable weather radio combo that works without needing electricity. It has a built-in battery, runs on AA batteries, and can also be charged with a small solar panel. If none of these are available, you can use the hand-crank to operate the radio, flashlight, short-band radio, NOAA radio, FM/AM, and flashlight. We’ve had one of these portable radios for over 10 years. I found that just turning the handle for a few minutes gives you access to emergency information and a flashlight. These radios also have a USB output to charge your cell phone. Flashlight: Include a few reliable flashlights in your kit. Rechargeable flashlights are great for reducing battery waste. Look for rechargeable flashlights that allow for backup AA battery power. Power Station: If you are experiencing extended power outages, consider investing in a portable power station. These will power important appliances like your refrigerator, keep your food safe, and keep your home comfortable. Anker and Eco-Flow make whole-house portable generators as backup power sources. These connect to the internet and the National Weather Service. If a storm is in the forecast, the generator will automatically charge. A small generator can be moved from room to room and can run small electronics like laptops, phones, TVs, and refrigerators for hours. TV with Antenna: Having a TV with an antenna gives you access to local news and information even when the internet is down. Connect your TV to a portable power station and use the antenna to access local news from the air. Solar Panels: If you expect an extended power outage, a portable solar panel can charge your power station and keep your devices running. Storage: Store your tech kit in a waterproof, easy-to-reach container, such as an old suitcase or a sturdy box. Maintenance: Check your kit regularly to make sure batteries are charged, devices are working, and cables are in good condition.
Your emergency technical kit is only as effective as your preparation, so make sure you understand what’s in it and how to use each item.
Additionally, consider downloading local news and weather apps for real-time updates.
Taking the time to build and maintain an emergency tech kit will not only protect your devices, but it will also provide you with safety and peace of mind in the event of an unexpected power outage.
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