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(ARA) - Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, strong electrical storms and blizzards. People living almost anywhere can be impacted by these forces of Mother Nature.
Families should stock their homes and cars with key supplies that may be needed during a disaster and the power outages that can result. And these weather-related events can pop up with little warning, and be very dangerous for a family that is unprepared. A family that talks over their emergency plans can calmly put that plan into action when an emergency hits.
Emergency preparedness experts suggest the following items be included as part of your home emergency supply kit:
* Several clean containers of water, large enough for a three to five day supply of water, or about five gallons per person.
* A three to five day supply of non-perishable food.
* A first-aid kit and manual.
* Flashlights. Experts recommend the new magnetic force flashlights, such as the NightStar, that never need batteries or bulbs. Place one flashlight near your breaker box and keep another with your supplies.
* A battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
* Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
* Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
* Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
* Waterproof matches.
* Special items for babies, such as baby food, formula and diapers.
* Disposable cleaning cloths, such as baby wipes, for the whole family in case bathing facilities become unavailable.
* Personal hygiene supplies such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
“One of our strongest testimonials is from a woman whose husband had just undergone major heart surgery,” says Steve Vetorino, inventor of the NightStar flashlights manufactured by Applied Innovative Technologies. “Shortly after coming home from the hospital, they were hit by Hurricane Isabel, which left them without power for a week. Unlike their battery flashlight that failed when they needed it, NightStar always worked and helped get them through a difficult time.”
The advantages of having a magnetic force flashlight in your storm preparedness kit are that they never need batteries or bulbs, and are always ready when you need them. By briefly shaking the NightStar flashlight, it provides 20 minutes of light on a single charge. When shaken, a high-strength magnet passes back and forth through a wire coil. The electrical energy generated is stored in a capacitor that be recharged repeatedly, will work in extreme temperatures and will never corrode -- even in humid or salty environments. NightStar flashlights now have state-of-the-art LED technology that puts the flashlights’ beam on par with conventional bulb flashlights.
Even if you are at home when disaster strikes and your home is well-stocked, you may still need the storm emergency supplies in your car. If your home becomes unsafe to enter, such as after an earthquake, your car may be one of your most important resources after a disaster.
Think of your car’s trunk as a big steel supply cabinet. Keep your storm emergency supplies in the trunk along with tools, jumper cables and a spare tire.
Always keep your gas tank full -- fill it when it reaches a half-tank. You’ll be grateful for the full tank if you are stuck in a traffic jam during bad weather. Keep your car mechanically sound and ready to use.
For more information about storm preparedness tips, NightStar flashlights and other accessories, please visit www.appliedinnotech.com, or call (303) 857-1405.
Courtesy of ARA Content