As the we enter the summer storm seasons, GeekDad and Rayovac have collaborated to identify crucial items for your summer safety kit. Whether your storm season includes tornado warnings, hurricane watches, or monsoons, these essential items will help keep your family safe and sound.
The first safety concern in most storms is finding your children, spouse, and safety kit in any lighting situation. I’m partial to Rayovac’s Virtually Indestructible 250 Lumen Flashlight. I suggest keeping a reliable flashlight in each bedroom, living room, and kitchen. And, of course, you’ll need one in your grab bag. Make sure to store some batteries in there, though. You don’t want to run out of power a second time! I suggest Fusion batteries. These energy dense batteries are great for keeping your flashlight going for a long time. They also feature a 10-year freshness guarantee.
The second concern is to have what you need in a hurry. The key here is preparedness. I suggest Dot&Dot’s foldable duffle bag. It’s a lightweight pack designed to carry a lot of weight. It’s also roomy enough to hold all your emergency supplies. It folds down to nearly nothing when empty, and is waterproof, in case you have to take it out in a storm.
The third item you will need is a versatile first aid kit. Always Prepared has a great 100-piece first aid kit that covers most small injuries. It also features a CPR face mask and disposable gloves, making it an ideal part of any emergency pack. Don’t forget to pack emergency doses of any prescription medication and pain relievers.
Fourth, let’s assume you’ve made it to a safe place. Will there be power? Who knows? Start with lighting. Every action from here on out needs light. I suggest camping lanterns. My suggestion is the Virtually Indestructible LED 3D Lantern. Compact, light, and battery powered, these lanterns allow you to light a wider area than flashlights, helping you get things sorted out. Of course, you’ll need batteries for those lanterns. Rayovac’s Fusion batteries are my pick. Guaranteed for 12 years, no alkaline battery lasts longer. They are also less expensive, making them the ideal candidate for your grab bag.
The next concern is food. MREs can be a great choice, but your mileage may vary. Keep extra baby food and/or formula in your bag if you have the need, and avoid packing foods that require heating. I also suggest packing some hard candies. These are great if anyone has hypoglycemia, but it’s also nice to have a small treat in a bad situation, especially for kids.
The fifth concern is exposure. Is anyone cold or exposed to the elements? Add a fire-retardant wool blanket to your kit. They are a great insulator against the cold, but can double as pillows or bedrolls in a pinch. They also shed water pretty well for a while, so they are great in the rain. If someone is sun-sensitive or unable to get to the shade, you can also break out your Mylar blanket from the first aid kit.
The last concern is communication. How do you know if you’re in an at-risk area without power? I trust the 3X Phone Charger from Rayovac. It can charge your phone up to three full times and holds its charge for up to six months. It even has a gauge to tell you how much power you have left in the bank. It’s always best to have a cell phone at the ready in case you need to contact authorities or report weather changes. Also remember: your friends and family will be worried, and a brief call will save a lot of heartache. Stay safe, geeks!
