It is never too late to make sure you're prepared for a hurricane. I know first-hand that being prepared makes the difference between just surviving, and surviving comfortably. While we all are aware that we should stock up on water and non-perishable food, we sometimes forget about some of the "other essentials" — things that make you safer or make your life a little easier under "not-so-perfect" living conditions. Here are some things that maybe you haven't thought about... but, maybe you should.
1. Emergency Weather Radios
Emergency management officials and Florida's meteorologists all agree that a weather radio is a must-have for the safety of your family any time of year. Recent tornado victims in North Central Florida credited their survival to the few minutes of warning given by their weather radios. Here you can compare the features and prices of some of the best by Eton.
2. Casio Portable Television
When your electric and cable go out, be able to tune in to your local television station for storm updates. This compact portable LCD television is perfect to have around the house or when camping or traveling... and especially in an emergency. Its splash-resistant housing is perfect for by the pool... or in the rain.3. Hand-Crank/Solar Radio/Flashlight
Eliminate the need to buy and store batteries with a wind-up radio/flashlight. Some even recharge your cell phone! Batteries recharge by simple hand crank or use of solar panel. It's that simple!4. Coleman 2-Burner Compact Gas Camp Stove
In our world dependent on electricity, this is something that can be used any time you lose power. This Coleman 2-burner compact gas camp stove uses a small 2.5 pint Coleman fuel canister that will burn two hours on high or 7-1/2 hours on low. Not only can you heat soup or cook meals in a pouch, you can boil water for drinking in only four minutes.5. Battery-Powered Fans
The weather in Florida is very warm during hurricane season. In fact, if you are without power (and therefore without air conditioning) after a storm, it can be HOT — and the extra humidity that hurricane rains can bring can only make it worse. A fan could certainly make a bad situation a little better.This fan runs for 24 continuous hours, using just alkaline batteries. It is powerful and features two speeds and multi-positions. It is portable, easy to store or pack and perfect for power outages or camping.
6. Eclipse Solar Backpack or Messenger Bags
When a hurricane strikes, you are often without power for days. Cell phones and PDAs are a great way of keeping in touch with family, friends and the world, but not if their batteries are dead. Living in the Sunshine State it would only make sense that we should be able to harness the sun to charge these items. These solar backpacks and messenger bags not only do that... they can hold a stash of personal emergency supplies so that you are "ready to roll" if called on to evacuate. A bit pricey, but well worth the investment since they would make great camping or traveling bags as well.7. OPTI-UPS Solar Charger
Not only will this handy device keep your cell phone charged, it can also charge MP3s, iPods and other 3C products.8. Solio Portable Solar/AC Chargers
This unit stores power from the sun or electric socket, allowing you to recharge your mobile phone and other hand held devices anywhere, anytime... and gals, they also come in pink.9. Coolers
When the electric goes out, having a cooler and at least a couple of bags of ice on hand is a must! Here you can choose from a wide variety of coolers, including some that will run off of your car's auxiliary power or electric models that could plug into generated power. Any of these can also do double-duty. Use them when you camp, tailgate or simply throw a party.10. Water Purification Tablets
In case of a hurricane, water lines become contaminated from flood water and lack of power to run local government purification systems. It might be days before power is restored and the water you stored in the bathtub and containers may be your only source for many days. Boiling water for several minutes is the best way, but these convenient, rapidly dissolving tablets instantly kills most contaminants and are a safe alternative.