Storm Prep: What You Need In Case Of Emergency
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Photo via CBS DFW, Credit: Sean Bentley, Dallas
In light of the recent storms, we thought we’d dedicate this week to emergency preparedness. Since we’re not experts, we deferred to someone who is – Practical Survival Blog. Below you’ll find links to products they recommend the most. Note: CandysDirt.com may collect a small commission or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are priced correctly and in stock at time of publication.
Last Sunday Dallas was hit with a storm that most of us likely never thought would happen. Amazingly, injuries were at a minimum so shout out, Dallas for keeping it safe. In the aftermath, a lot of us questioned whether or not we were adequately prepared so this week we’ll talk through what you can keep on hand just in case.
Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart Portable Generator
$894.20 + Free Shipping
The Generator: Amazon has this model listed as the Best Overall. It’s an inverter generator which means it’s more expensive, but also quieter. With a 1.5-gallon tank it will run for up to 10 hours and you can run your appliances and devices directly from the generator.
What Buyers Are Saying: “I bought the P3000 generator for Hurricane Irma. I simultaneously ran the items listed below, and the generator never passed a draw of 40%. The only time I exceeded 90% was when I ran a microwave oven. On a continuous 40% draw, 1.5 Gallons of fuel lasted approximately 7.5 hours. The unit was so quiet, the neighbors didn’t know it was running until they stood within 25 feet. I ran the generator for 91 hours straight (except during refueling) and there wasn’t a single issue. Items: Full size refrigerator, 300 watts of lights, 2 box fans, two 40” flat screen TVs, 1 cable modem/router, 1 laptop, 2 Roku Boxes.” –TC-FL
Vont 2 Pack LED Lantern
Price: $19.97 + Free Shipping
The Lantern: The Vont Lantern is super bright and has 30 “crazy bright” LEDs. It’s compact and “cuts through 360 degrees of darkness.” It’s also lightweight, waterproof, “indestructible” and compact. Like no kidding on the compact. Vont says when it’s collapsed, it’s as small as your phone.
What Buyers Are Saying: “I can’t say enough good things about these mini LED lanterns. When I rate a product, one of the most important criteria is value for the dollar. These lanterns certainly deliver. They are light, compact and very bright. My decision in purchasing these was that they are plastic. No rusting of the base or the body. The batteries seem to last forever…” –JS SAYN
22-Piece Ratcheting Wrench Set
$92.15 + Free Shipping
The Set: While most of us have tools on hand, here’s something to think about – keep them handy. In the event of an emergency, you might need a wrench to turn off the water or gas. This is a mega-set so not necessarily a necessity but you know, Dallas, bigger, etc.
What Buyers Are Saying: “I’m a millwright/diesel technician. Bought these as ‘yard’ wrenches because they were cheap enough to break or lose and not be upset. Over the last year, I have beaten and abused these poor things far more than I had any right to, and they still look almost new…They’re my go to wrench in and out of the shop and I’ll be ordering sets for home as well. If you don’t want to spend Snap-On money but need a tool that holds up like one, these are the wrenches for you.” –Dustin R
Crank Self-Powered Radio
$15.99 + Free Shipping
The Radio: “A crank radio? It’s 2019!!” Yes, this might seem like an odd addition to the list, but this particular model has a cell phone charger. That means you can keep your cell phone charged even while the power’s out. Also, the manufacturers call out that they help people get through hurricane and snowstorm season.
What Buyers Are Saying: “Very nice emergency radio. Stations come in clear, the battery lasts for a long time and it’s very easy to charge with the hand crank or the solar. I just left mine in the sun all day while I wasn’t using it and the battery hasn’t died since with quite a bit of radio use. The LED light is a nice addition. This is something you don’t want to be without in an emergency.” –BASE 5_NYC
Moving Blanket
$35 + Free Shipping
The Blanket: It’s 72” by 80” and guess what it can cover? Your refrigerator. It will help keep your perishables safer in the event of a power loss. Another tip from Practical Survival Blog: Fill your freezer with ice. A full freezer stays cooler longer.
What Buyers Are Saying: While there aren’t any reviews for keeping your fridge cool, this multi-use blanket has some great reviews. “This is a heavy, well-made blanket. My husband and I purchased the blanket because we wanted to avoid damaging the walls in our house while moving furniture. We also use the blanket to protect the inside of our vehicle when loading/unloading furniture. This works perfectly!” –Amazon Customer
