Well, Hurricane Irene is here, which means much the US east coast should be prepared for the worst. We ran this toolkit earlier in the week in wake of the earthquake. But it’s just as useful for hurricanes.
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Eton Raptor Solar Radio
Staying up to date on the latest developments is essential. And radio still has TV and print beat when it comes to delivering those updates. However there might not be power. Eton’s splashproof, solar-powered radio charges its battery using natural light, meaning you don’t have to hoard a sea of batteries in anticipation. $US150.
Solarforce M6 Torch
If power goes out, you don’t wanna be left in the dark. You need a powerful LED torch to light up your house/apartment/room/shanty. The Solarforce M6 is small, compact and can spit out 550 lumens of LED brightness for two hours. $US63.[imgclear]
First Alert Fireproof/Waterproof Safe
You probably have some items which are important, invaluable or flat-out irreplaceable. Passports, insurance policies, deeds. Make sure they don’t get lost or ruined amidst the chaos by stashing them in a waterproof, fireproof safe. $US350.
TerreStar Genus Satellite Smartphone
Mobile phones tend to not work so well in moments of crisis (today was proof of that). Satellite phones, on the other hand, tend to remain unaffected by the surrounding conditions, and have become a favourite tool of those handling disaster relief. The TerreStar Genus will provide access to mobile internet as well as voice services in a time of need. Plus, the hybrid system still allows it to work on AT&T’s network.$US800.
Black Diamond Storm LED Headlamp
It’s dark and/or raining. Your neighbour next door is trapped by debris and needs your help. What do you do? Trying to help them while wielding a torch seems like it wouldn’t be optimal. But having a waterproof, head-mounted LED lamp would keep both of your hands free while in action. Plus, it can even emit a red light so that you can maintain natural night vision. $US40.
Outlier Supermarine Shoes
So the Hurricane is on its way and you realise you didn’t have time to get a proper pair of shoes for braving the outdoors after a hurricane. What if the shoes you already wear were lightweight, waterproof and quick-drying such as the Outlier Supermarine? It could come through in a pinch with its thick sole and military-developed materials. $US260.
Intershelter Temporary Dome Structure
If the worst case scenario strikes and your home is unfit to return to, you’ll need somewhere to stay, temporarily at least. Intershelter makes temporary structures that pack into an container small enough to fit in the back of a pickup truck and can be assembled in a few hours only using a couple of hand tools. $12000
Shelf Reliance Freeze-Dried Food
It may taste like shit, but Shelf Reliance’s freeze dried food will remain edible for years and years and years, meaning you don’t have to worry about replacing your stock in the event of emergency.$US4000 for a one-year supply.
Cherkess Beef Jerky Potato Chips
But don’t fret! Just because you’re staring disaster in the eye doesn’t mean there isn’t promising, non-perishable food. Cherkees are God’s gift to snackfoods. Combining beef jerky and potato chips into a single snack, Cherkees will offset the depression caused by Shelf Reliance’s essentials. $US10.