{"id":3958,"date":"2014-02-14T11:00:22","date_gmt":"2014-02-14T16:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=3958"},"modified":"2015-01-17T16:03:08","modified_gmt":"2015-01-17T21:03:08","slug":"coping-devices-to-get-you-through-the-next-power-outage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/coping-devices-to-get-you-through-the-next-power-outage\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cCoping Devices\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d to Get You Through the Next Power Outage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Another power outage is in your future, regardless of where you live or what the cause is \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 be it a polar vortex snowstorm, tsunami, tornado or ordinary thunderstorm. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If it seems like the number of power outages each year is on the rise, you are absolutely correct.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 According to a report<\/a> by CNN a few years ago, the number of non-disaster related power outages each year is up a whopping 124 percent over the late \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00cb\u015390s!\"Get<\/a><\/p>\n

A big part of the problem is that our nation’s electrical infrastructure is getting older and more vulnerable.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 An increase in electricity usage is another factor.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 And although there is a lot of talk about upgrading the power grid, not much has been done to date, so the frequency of power outages will continue.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

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Be Prepared for that Next Power Outage<\/em><\/h2>\n

So, since we have to accept that power outages are inevitable, why not get prepared for the next one coming your way? \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0A backup generator that powers all of the electrical appliances and gadgets in your house is a great investment, if you can afford one.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 But if you can\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t, here are some handy devices that will help you cope with the next power outage.<\/p>\n

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Weather Alert Radio \/ Flashlight to Keep You Informed<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

A weather-alert radio<\/a> is a must-have for all households to get automatic official, up-to-the-minute information<\/strong> on severe weather, local hazards and other emergencies.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Two excellent weather alert radios are the\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Midland 22-Channel GMRS Emergency Crank Radio<\/a>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0and the WeatherX AM\/FM Weatherband Radio<\/a>, both of which have a built-in flashlight and can be powered by batteries or a hand crank<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Super Bright Hand-Powered Flashlight<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

Flashlights with fresh batteries are always on the top of the list for power outage preparedness, but what if the blackout outlasts your battery supply?\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The answer is a self-powered Wind ‘n Go\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0emergency flashlight with three bright LEDs<\/a> that can be recharged by hand.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 One minute of cranking yields up to an hour of light.<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 This flashlight can also be used to charge most cell phones<\/strong> using the universal Nokia adaptor (included).<\/p>\n

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\"PowerNow<\/a>Emergency Charger for Cell Phones and Tablets<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

Staying in touch with the outside world during a power outage can be critical, but keeping mobile devices charged is a problem without electricity.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The solution is an emergency charger to power up your cell phone or iPad.<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 New on the market is this PowerNow Grande emergency cell phone charger<\/a> that retains 97% of its charge after one full year on the shelf (compared to only three months for most competitive chargers).\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Its 5,600 mAh lithium-ion battery charges an iPhone in under three hours, up to three times, before needing to be recharged itself.<\/p>\n

To charge multiple smartphones or tablets, try a battery backup power cord<\/a> with 6 outlets (3 for charging and surge protection, 3 for surge protection only).<\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

When the power and furnace are out for a long time, people come up with all sorts of ways to stay warm, some of which can produce deadly carbon monoxide<\/a> (CO) fumes.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Using a portable propane or kerosene heater indoors, opening the oven to warm the kitchen, or running a gasoline generator in a poorly vented place are all risky.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Since CO is both odorless and invisible, the best way to protect your family is with a CO alarm with battery-backup<\/a> that will continue to operate when the power goes out<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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\"Maxsa<\/a>Solar-Powered Floodlights for Outdoor Safety<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

It is incredible how dark your yard can be during a power outage!\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Keep family and friends safe by installing a few solar-powered floodlights<\/a> around the perimeter of your house to light up walkways, driveways, garages and sheds.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 These floodlights turn on when motion is detected at night. When charged in full sunlight, the light can activate up to 150 times when on for 60 seconds at a time.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 These floodlights are great for added security to scare away intruders<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Rechargeable Nightlight for Indoor Safety<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

In the event of a power outage, the Datexx Sentina\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0LED nightlight<\/a> automatically lights up hallways, rooms and basements<\/strong> so you\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2ll be able to see until the power is restored. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Unplug the unit and use as a portable or emergency flashlight. Three rechargeable NiMH batteries are included and provide enough power for eight hours of light.<\/p>\n

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\"PumpAlarm<\/a>Sump Pump Alert Alarm to Warn of Potential Flooding<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

Electric sump pumps don\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t pump during power outages and the unfortunate outcome of that can be a flooded basement!\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A battery-powered sump pump alarm<\/a> will sound a loud warning if the water level in your sump pit rises to a dangerous level<\/strong>, so you can take preventive action before the pit overflows.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Uses a standard 9-volt battery.<\/p>\n

And in the event you aren\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t home when a sump pump emergency is imminent, the PumpAlarm Cellular Water Alarm<\/a> sends text message alerts to your cell phone or mobile device<\/strong> when the water level in the pit gets too high or there\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2 s a power outage.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 In addition to a sumpbobber, this kit includes a water sensor that you can place anywhere prone to water damage.<\/p>\n

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More Power Outage Tips<\/em><\/h2>\n

Before the next power outage, be sure to stock up on bottled drinking water, non-perishable foods, batteries and firewood. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0It is also a good idea to have a corded landline phone on hand to plug into the phone jack.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 (Unlike cordless phones, corded phones continue to operate during blackouts because they get the power they need through the phone line.)\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 For a comprehensive list of tips to help you prepare for the next power failure, check out these guidelines published by the CDC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Another power outage is in your future, regardless of where you live or what the cause is \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 be it a polar vortex snowstorm, tsunami, tornado or ordinary thunderstorm. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0If it seems like the number of power outages each year is on the rise, you… Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3962,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32,9,190],"tags":[420,273,552,457,456,554,553,88,549,470,405],"class_list":["post-3958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-flood-intervention","category-home-monitoring-security","category-miscellaneous","tag-carbon-monoxide-detector","tag-carbon-monoxide-monitor","tag-emergency-cell-phone-charger","tag-hand-crank-flashlight","tag-noaa-weather-alert-radio","tag-pitboss-cellular-sump-pump-alarm","tag-rechargeable-nightlight","tag-safety-light","tag-solar-powered-floodlight","tag-sump-pump-alarms","tag-weather-alert-radio","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3958"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3958\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4958,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3958\/revisions\/4958"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}