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CHARLOTTE, NC – Watching the tragic events unfolding across the state of Florida may have people across the country wondering what they would do if power and cell towers suddenly went out for an extended period of time.
You may have kept an emergency kit somewhere when you needed it, but did you include any tech gadgets? Do you have emergency apps on your phone? It is worth considering.
Even a few hours of power loss can cause problems. Losing the internet and the ability to connect with family can make any bad situation worse. When cell towers go down, it can take your last internet connection.
If you have a power outage, a power station can help keep your devices and mobile devices running. EcoFlow DELTAPro charges quickly through a standard electrical outlet. Since it is not a gasoline powered generator, you can charge it and store it in the closet for months. These electric generators/power stations keep things running for hours and are light enough to carry from one room to another. They also charge phones and laptops for days.
When my power went out for 2 days due to a storm, the power station kept the refrigerator running for 13 hours. When the battery finally died, I took it to a neighbor’s house that had electricity. Charged to 100% in less than 2 hours.
During extended power outages, solar panel screens can keep those power stations running. These weights are light and can be stored in a small space until you need them.
If you don’t have a portable power station, you should have at least two chargers and portable batteries ready for your phone.
Keep a few power cords in your emergency kit and keep them there. Consider a multi-plug cable with USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors for iPhones. These are relatively cheap and you don’t need multiple charging cables for the different devices you use.
The Zello app is great for emergencies, even if cell towers go down. Once the wireless companies are up and running with temporary cell towers, the Zello app only needs a signal unit to send text and voice messages, so you’ll have more success than you would with phone calls. The Zello app is like having a walkie-talkie that goes anywhere. Emergency and volunteer agencies use the Zello app to find and dispatch people who need help. There are also animal rescue groups that use the app to respond to calls for help. There are several Zello communities that specifically help Florida residents.
Application What3Words sends your location in the form of three words. The creators of this app created a global grid using GPS coordinates. Instead of sending a series of digits, you send just three words to indicate your location. Even if you don’t know where you are, the app will find your exact location and mark it with three words that you can text or say. Even if you don’t have the app, you can click the link or search for the three words online. It doesn’t need much signal to work.
Weather radios are a must. Eaton makes portable weather radios that don’t require batteries. Eaton radios have flashlights, AM/FM and weather band radios with a small solar panel to help keep the phone charged and not charged. Even if the battery dies, it is recharged by a solar panel or hand-crank.
I have a very old Eaton emergency radio that has been in storage for many years. I found it, turned the crank for about 15 seconds and had access to the National Weather Service and local AM/FM stations. They are about $50.
You won’t need them until you need them, but if you do, you’ll be glad to keep these tech gadgets close at hand in case of an emergency.
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