When building your emergency kit, you want to ensure you have everything you need to ride out the storm. Non-tech items like bandages and high-calorie energy bars are a must. But have you given thought to the tech-infused devices you’ll benefit from during an emergency? These items can light up a dark environment, help you stay informed, and keep you comfortable.
Some of the tech-forward items on your list may seem obvious. Others might not be on your radar, but they should be. Let’s start by going through them.
1. LED Headlamps
Imagine it’s pitch black. The power’s out at your house. Perhaps you’re out in the middle of nowhere, stranded without a car. The light from the night sky won’t provide enough illumination to walk to safety.
But say you have rechargeable LED headlamps on hand. You’ll have a reliable light source to navigate your environment in the dark. Whether you’re sheltering at home, helping neighbors, or in the elements, a headlamp will provide enough light. Rechargeable versions are more convenient because you can save on extra battery costs. The key is to remember to periodically recharge the lamps, so they’ll be ready for use.
Unlike flashlights, headlamps can keep your hands free. You won’t have to fumble as you reach for items, assist others, and lift pets out of harm’s way. Headlamp devices also come in various brightness levels, extended run times, different colors, and waterproof versions.
2. Weather Radios
Portable weather radios are good to have in case cell and internet services go down. Although your smartphone might stay charged, it won’t give you updates without service. Portable weather radios keep you tuned in to current weather conditions and news updates. This information can be critical, especially during fast-moving storms.
For instance, hurricanes can change direction without much notice. In addition, these systems can produce multiple tornadoes. With a radio, you’ll know when you should take shelter or stay where you are. Portable weather radios use power from various sources, including batteries and smaller solar panels.
However, there are crank versions that use the power of human energy. Crank versions require effort to stay on. On the flip side, hand-crank radios ensure you’ll never be without a power source. You can find weather radios at hardware stores, online retailers, grocery chains, and sporting goods stores.
3. Battery-Powered Fans
Between 2013 and 2020, the length of the average power outage went up by 89%. Plus, the U.S. had 64% more power outages from 2011 to 2021 in comparison to the previous decade. The causes include severe storms, extreme winter weather, increased demand, wildfires, and motor vehicle accidents. Notice most of the reasons relate to weather, which is becoming more life-threatening.
Once the power’s out, conveniences like air conditioning and ceiling fans won’t work. In environments where the temperatures and humidity levels rise, you can quickly become uncomfortable. A battery-powered fan can help you keep cool while the AC isn’t available.
Battery-powered fans are usually portable, running off traditional or rechargeable batteries. Some have built-in power banks with USB ports you can use to recharge other devices. Be mindful of the need to recharge the fan, especially during extended power outages. Have a secondary power bank nearby so you can charge the batteries back up if needed.
4. Power Banks
Your emergency kit isn’t complete without several power banks. These are portable devices with enough power to recharge other devices, including flashlights, phones, and radios. Since you don’t know how long an emergency will last, your kit should have multiple banks for your devices.
Although you can also stock up on extra batteries, fully charged power banks can be more convenient. You don’t have to switch out batteries in the dark, which can be challenging. Sometimes it’s difficult enough to see what direction the plus and minus sides of the batteries go in full light. With a power bank, all you have to do is plug in.
At the same time, you’ll want to keep the right cables for your devices in your kit. These cables could be a mix of USB and lightning versions, depending on the devices’ ports. Should you need to evacuate quickly, those extra cables will be ready to go with the other kit items. Like other rechargeable devices, it’s best to periodically charge up your emergency power banks so they’re ready to use.
5. Satellite Communication Devices
Your phone is great for communicating. Yet, when internet and cell service go down, smartphones are out of commission. You can’t send a text or make a phone call when you might desperately need to. It’s why having backup devices that don’t rely on wireless infrastructures can be a lifesaver.
Those devices use satellite networks to send communications, including voice-to-voice calls. With a satellite communication device, you can contact first responders and any family member with the same service. These items do typically require a separate subscription to keep the service active.
Yet, the cost is usually less than your average cell phone plan. With the ability to send text messages linking your exact location on a map, satellite communication devices are worth it. Should you need emergency crews to rescue you, having this ability could save your life.
Tech Devices for Emergencies
Deciding what to put in your emergency kit means thinking through every potential scenario. What you’ll need to survive, stay informed, and keep comfortable means expanding your list to tech-forward items. These devices will substitute for modern conveniences when utilities and communication infrastructures are out. Not having them can literally leave you in the dark.
