Tips and tools to prepare for power outages

(BPT) - Storms have been packing big punches in recent years. While the debate about the cause might rage on, so do the natural elements that wreak havoc on private homes and public infrastructure. As has been seen in recent years, the aging of the American power grid has resulted in extended power outages - and that increasingly seems that this will be the new norm. However, going without power for long periods of time is non-negotiable for many Americans. Waiting out a power failure is only an option for so long - and for many people, it's not an option at all. When power goes out, preparedness goes a long way. As a new season of storms looms on the horizon, consider these tips to keep your household both safe and functional, whatever the weather. * Generate your own power. A portable generator can provide safety and comfort in both long- and shorter-term power outages. As an alternative energy source, it gives you the option to keep your household running far more smoothly than it would with no power at all. Models like the Powerhorse Portable Generator from Northern Tool + Equipment will power your refrigerator, fans, space heaters, room air conditioners, lights, TVs and more during an outage, with surprisingly quiet and easy operation. * Invert for an alternative power source. Inverters are another handy, portable option for added power. They convert power from sources like batteries into AC current, which can be used to power a wide array of necessities, from medical devices to phone chargers and beyond. The NPower Portable Digital Inverter features high surge capacity, overload and high-temperature shutdown, and even a USB port. * Be charged up. If you plan on using an inverter, be sure to keep batteries charged during stormy seasons. Having battery chargers on hand will help you be prepared to get through the aftermath of a power-disrupting storm. * Keep your home supplied. A stock of candles, batteries, flashlights, first aid supplies, prescription medicines and other helpful items like duct tape and a digital thermometer will serve you well in a short-term outage, but will also be essential if it lasts longer. * Remember food and water safety. Because tap water might become unsafe to drink, a stock of bottled water is a critical supply. If power is out for more than two hours, it's time to start thinking about food safety. Remember that meat, poultry, fish, and eggs need to be refrigerated at or below 40 F, and that frozen food has to be kept at or below 0 F to remain safe to eat, according to the USDA. When storms strike, it can result in chaos, no matter where you live. By taking steps to prepare ahead of time, you'll be able to cope with power outages and get life back to normal sooner than you might have expected. For more ideas and information, visit the Centers for Disease Control Emergency Preparedness page and www.northerntool.com.

Read more »

Preparation and technology can help you weather the storm

(BPT) - The last few years have brought record destruction from natural disasters. While disasters such as Hurricane Isaac, Superstorm Sandy or the Oklahoma tornadoes are tragic and unavoidable, there is value in being prepared for the challenges Mother Nature throws our way.

Technology can help you prepare for the unknown and get back on your feet more quickly. Whether it's building an emergency plan or securing your important documents, a little planning can make it easier to recover from a disaster. And fortunately, today, abundant technology tools are available to help you do just that.

According to Tony Surma, the chief technology officer for Microsoft's Disaster Response Program: "The best way to help you and your family after a disaster is to build an emergency plan today.- As part of your plan, technology can help you connect with loved ones, access critical information and preserve cherished memories after a disaster strikes."

Follow these steps to prepare for recovery:

• Create an emergency plan. The first step is to create a plan for you and your family. A good plan will include emergency contacts, planned meeting locations and personal health details, such as allergies and medications, for all your family members. Microsoft Excel offers a template that walks you through the process of creating a comprehensive plan. You can find it on Office.com.
• Make your plan accessible. Just as important as creating the plan is accessing it during a disaster. Save your plan to a cloud drive, like SkyDrive (skydrive.com), that will sync your files, so you can get to your plan on any computer or smartphone, even when Internet connectivity fails.
• Keep important documents safe. Scan your important documents - insurance information, birth certificates, passports, medical records and other essential documents - and organize them in a digital notebook, like OneNote (onenote.com), so they can be quickly searched to find information you need. -If you save them to the same cloud drive as your plan, they'll be accessible anytime, from anywhere.
• Build a communication plan. The ability to connect with friends and family during a natural disaster is critical to ensuring everyone is safe, or knowing when someone needs help. While your plan will have mobile phone numbers and a meeting place outlined, many natural disasters disable communications and make transportation difficult. Mobile applications like HelpBridge (microsoft.com/helpbridge) and Skype (skype.com) can help you quickly communicate when networks get overloaded. It is also important to share your family emergency plan with trusted friends, relatives and coworkers and keep contacts up to date on your computer or smartphone to provide as many points of contact as possible when cellphone and Internet access is inconsistent.
• Construct a disaster preparedness kit. While technology can help you get through and recover from a disaster, you can't forget the basics. Experts recommend having enough food and water to last 72 hours, as well as other essential supplies such as a first aid kit, flashlight and battery-operated radio. Check with your state's emergency preparedness office for a checklist to ensure you have all the right items and keep track of when items need to be replaced.

While no one can anticipate the next tornado, earthquake or super storm, a little planning and a little technology can make a big difference.

Read more »

Prepare Your Family for The Great Outdoors

(NewsUSA) - According to the Travel Industry Association, one-third of American adults take camping trips, making camping the nation's number one outdoor vacation activity.

Camping provides a budget-friendly chance to enjoy nature. Campers can pitch their tents anywhere, from backyards to national parks.

For families, camping should be a healthy way to enjoy nature -- not a stressful trip. With some careful planning, families can arm themselves against any unexpected mishaps.

Save on basic supplies at extreme-value retailers, which stock plenty of essentials for any outside excursion. Here are some of the must-haves found at discount retailers such as Dollar General:

• Sun protection. Sunscreen, hats and glasses complete any outdoor ensemble.
• Insect repellent. Nothing ruins the great outdoors like a close encounter with mosquitoes, gnats and ticks.
• Clothing. Getting dirty while camping is part of the fun, so dress children accordingly. Pack extra socks, T-shirts and underwear, and bring portable stain remover.
• Snacks. It's raining too hard to start a fire? Bring crackers, snack bars, cereal, nuts and dried fruit as emergency rations. Canned soups, vegetables and spaghetti also make for quick meals.
• Cooking basics. Nothing compares to campfire cooking. Rustle up vittles in inexpensive cookware available at discounters such as Dollar General. They can be used over an open fire, like skillets, pots and pans.
• Grilling supplies. A portable grill, charcoal, starter fluid and matches make for a better dinner than cold refried beans.
• Dinnerware. Stick with the basics at dinner. Use plastic or paper plates and utensils for easy clean-up.
• Drinks. Avoid dehydration with bottled water and juice boxes. Bring a cooler to keep drinks cold.
• Flashlights. Supplement starlight with flashlights, lanterns and plenty of batteries. For emergencies, bring along a wind-up lantern that doesn't need batteries.
• S'mores. S'mores are easy to make and are the perfect fireside treat. All you need are marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers -; and napkins.

Camping outdoors can produce the memories that become family legends. A little planning and a trip to Dollar General will keep campers happy to re-tell these stories around campfires for years to come.

Read more »

Recharging Your Batteries: How to Stay Powered Up

(NewsUSA) - Who hasn't experienced that moment of panic when your smartphone is about to die just

when you need it most? Without our tech gadgets -- and that includes everything from iPods to gaming devices to the latest tablets -- most of us feel absolutely lost.

The problem has been finding a quality universal battery pack that works well at recharging the whole gamut.

And that's as convenient to use whether traveling or in your own stomping ground.

And, oh yes, one that looks good, too.

Enter Rayovac (www.rayovac.com), which has long been the go-to source for reliable batteries. Its stylishly designed, white Platinum Rechargeable Power Pack may be no bigger than a cell phone -- though not so small that it gets lost in a pocketbook or suitcase -- but it's the complete and innovative solution that tech users have been waiting for.

With three hours of recharging via USB or outlet, the power pack is ready to give your gadgets an extra six hours of use. In fact, its 800-mAh internal Lithium Ion rechargeable battery means it's possible to charge an MP3 player, for example, three times on just one recharge of the power pack.

What's more, its accompanying adapters are good for all Micro USB, Mini USB and Apple devices.

Think of it. No more cameras dying half-way into your hiking or camping adventures because of batteries that need resuscitating. Ditto dead iPods and e-readers on road trips and long flights.

And as for those dreaded missed calls -- be they business or personal -- frequent travelers will be especially glad to have packed the Platinum Rechargeable Power Pack, which is only available at Walmart, along as a travel buddy.

Read more »

Find Your Way off the Beaten Path

(NewsUSA) - Hiking can provide hours of entertainment, healthy exercise and a chance to enjoy natural vistas -- but trail blazing isn't without hazards. Wildlife, unsafe drinking water, accidents and unexpected obstacles can all create emergencies.

But with some common sense and preparation, hikers and their families can safely enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next hike:

• Plan ahead. Choose a trail appropriate for your fitness level, and make sure that someone knows when you are leaving and when you plan to return. Don't hike alone. Check the weather before heading out.
• Dress appropriately. Wear boots with ankle support. If you're hiking in an area with different elevations, wear layers so that you can remove and add clothing as temperatures change. Don't wear cotton -- it takes too long to dry and can give you a chill. Pack waterproof, wind-resistant gear even if it's sunny.
• Make sure you won't get lost. GPS devices have become a safety mainstay for hikers; having one on-hand greatly reduces the chances of getting lost. The Magellan Triton 2000, which was designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, offers a wide range of useful features, including a touch screen, National Geographic's award-winning TOPO! maps, a compass, a barometer, a 2-megapixel camera, an embedded speaker and microphone, and a flashlight. The device is rugged and waterproof.
• Pack food and water correctly. Plan on carrying two quarts of water per person per day. Never assume that water is safe. If you plan to refill your water bottles on the trail, bring water-purification tablets. Pack foods that do not require refrigeration, like trail mix, crackers, peanut butter, and canned goods. If you're planning on staying out overnight, go to a camping supply store for foods designed for backpacking. You might also want to buy mesh food bags, which will help keep small animals out of your supplies.

For more information, visit www.magellangps.com.

Read more »

Camping? Make Sure to Travel a Well-Lit Path

(NewsUSA) - Whether your escape to nature involves a day of hiking, tenting overnight or RVing, a little planning will go a long way in making your experience enjoyable.

You know, of course, to bring graham crackers and marshmallows, but your light source can make or break your trip.

Most of us are used to seeing streetlights and headlights at night -- it's easy to forget how dark it gets in the woods. Every camper should carry a flashlight. You will also need a larger light that provides enough illumination to work by. Most people associate propane lanterns with the great outdoors, but these lanterns aren't necessarily the best option. Propane lanterns can be noisy and cannot be used in tents or campers, and you will need to pack and carry fuel.
Because propane lanterns produce heat, they are a burn hazard.

LED worklights provide a safer and easier option. One light, the Might-D-Light (www.might-d-light.com), proves especially useful, as its hinge can be moved to create either a large spray of light or directional lighting for close work.

The Might-D-Light, which can attach to most metal surfaces with its rare earth magnets, hang from a hook or stand upright, is hands-free, so you can use it while performing tasks that require both hands, such as setting up a tent after dark or striking matches. The Might-D-Light can be recharged with an AC/DC adapter, so as long as you drive to your campsite, you won't have to carry batteries or fuel.

How can the Might-D-Light make your trip more enjoyable? It lends itself to a variety of
situations, including:

• Any activity that takes place in your tent or camper. Need to grab a sweater from your pack? With the Might-D-Lite, you won't have to fumble with a flashlight or create a potential fire hazard by taking your propane lamp indoors.

• Playing games. Unless you plan on going to bed as soon as the sun sets, you'll want to bring games to play after dark. With a hands-free folding light, you'll have no trouble dealing cards or besting everyone at slapjack.

• Keeping cool. LED lights don't emit heat, so using the Might-D-Lite won't create a sweltering campsite.

• Hiking. The Might-D-Light folds for compact storage and is far more durable than a propane lantern, making it ideal for backcountry trips.

• Around pets and children. With an LED light, you don't have to worry about spilled fuel or burns.

Read more »

Outdoor gear that performs year-round

(BPT) - Rugged camping gear is no longer just for adventurers and niche outdoor sports. High-tech or activity-specific outdoor products are gaining popularity because they also come in handy every day and around the house.

"As it turns out, the durability and dependability of gear needed on remote hikes or climbs has many outdoor lovers reaching for those same items around the home," says gifts.com editor Dan Tower, who specializes in sharing gift ideas catered to specific occasions and recipients.

Tower identified the following durable gear, as camping season approaches, for its versatility across a variety of settings.

Water, water everywhere

It wasn't long ago that water bottles were strictly for camping. Now people enjoy having water within arm's reach at all times. Whether it's a need to stay hydrated or just the eco-sensible peace of mind gained by avoiding single use containers, a go-to water bottle has become a ubiquitous personal accessory.

Liberty Bottleworks make gorgeous, 100 percent BPA-free water bottles showcasing artwork sourced from emerging graphic artists. Arguably though, the best part is the bottles are the only American-made metal water bottles available, with production in Yakima, Wash. Plus, they're made from 100 percent recycled aluminum that's tough enough to pack for the jungle or urban jungle.

Let there be light

A headlamp may seem exclusive to adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing, caving and hiking at night, but this hands-free lighting source can be incredibly beneficial in a power outage, when changing a tire at night or more common activities like an evening bike ride.

The Energizer Micro Sport Headlight from Energizer is a new headlamp that offers a helpful, hands-free lighting source. While biking and running enthusiasts will especially appreciate its lightweight and slim profile, the headlight is similarly tailored for everyday activities like taking the dog for an evening walk. With a white spot light in the front and a red flashing light in the back, streets and sidewalks will be clearly illuminated, but more importantly, others will be able to see you.

Be my guest

The Pakmat Airbed is another great outdoor must-have that comes in handy all year. One of its most attractive attributes is that, when not in use, it is stored in a small canister. This benefit is obvious when backpacking and camping, but is also an advantage for apartment dwellers who don't have ample storage space or a guest room, and want to easily accommodate an overnight guest.

Part sleeping pad and part inflatable bed, the Pakmat is a self-contained air mattress that needs no electricity to inflate. Its container also doubles as the pump that inflates it and makes it sleep-ready. When the the slumber party is over, the Pakmat rolls back up into its canister, ready for the next adventure.

Just in case

There's a smartphone case that's tough enough to weather nature's nastiest elements, which will also assure parents their phones will be safer in the hands of young kids. The LifeProof Case takes gadget protection to an exciting new level. In addition to making your iPhone shockproof, the LifeProof case is also waterproof (and dirtproof and snowproof). Taking your iPhone up to 6 feet under water opens up a whole new world of picture- and video-taking possibilities - whether that's on your next kayaking adventure or at a backyard pool. Outdoor gear has numerous uses outside of campgrounds and state parks. As spring starts to do its thing, many outdoor enthusiasts on the lookout for the latest gear should also consider the year-round benefits of their purchases.

Read more »