Hurricane preparedness

From WikiCover

RadioShack has created a checklist of electronic supplies that can help people prepare for and cope with the effects of a hurricane and other bad weather and emergency situations.

In Florida, many of these products are tax-exempt during Florida's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from June 1-12, 2007.

RadioShack recommends that Florida residents keep the following electronic items readily available at their home and workplace:

• Emergency alert radios/weather alert radios for advance warning of impending bad weather as well as other local, state or national emergency warnings and alerts.

• Two extra sets (or more) of batteries for each electronic device that requires them. Rotate batteries every 12 months (or sooner if products are used) to ensure a fresh charge when needed.

• Wireless phone in case land-line communications go out, as well as an extra phone battery.

• In-car wireless phone charger in case you lose electrical power in your home.

• Power inverter to allow you to operate such things as laptop computers and battery chargers from your car's power adapter in case you are displaced from your residence.

• Flashlights, extra bulbs and batteries. LED flashlights provide comparable light and require significantly less battery power. LED flashlights can last hundreds of hours off one set of batteries.

• Corded "land-line" (wired) telephone to allow communication even if you lose electrical power.

• Surge protectors to help protect expensive electronics and appliances during power surges that are common during bad weather events.

• Battery-operated television and/or AM/FM radio to keep track of local news, closings and alerts if the power goes out.

• Short-wave radio for emergency communication or for monitoring emergency channels.

• GMRS/FRS 2-way radios to stay in touch with friends and family in the surrounding area or (with some models) even monitor NOAA weather information.

• Video or digital still camera to inventory home and personal property before and after an emergency situation for insurance or recovery purposes.

• Home security system back-up batteries in case you lose power for an extended time.