In the Aloha State we are all too fond of saying, “Lucky we live Hawaii.” We’ve been exceptionally lucky when it comes to hurricanes. We haven’t had a major storm since 1992. However, weather patterns are changing, and the meteorologists say it’s just a matter of time until we get pummeled by a hurricane the likes of Harvey, Irma or Maria.
Here are some suggestions for your emergency kit from my colleague Rob Kay, who tested this gear recently:
Emergency radio: When the grid goes down for an extended period, the emergency broadcast is essential. You need a radio that can receive AM/FM and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration channels. The brick-size Midland ER310 Consumer Radio Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM Digital Weather Radio ($55) runs on crank, solar, battery (rechargeable or standard AA) or USB power. Suffice to say it’s a handy device that either can be stowed in your bunker or even used daily. Out of the box you get a USB charging cord and rechargeable batteries.
It’s compact, water-resistant and even has a 130-lumen flashlight that will act as a strobe. The only component that gave him a little pause for thought was the crank. It worked fine, but the plastic handle could have been more robust.
He liked the easy-to-read backlit LED display and the three-year warranty. It can either be charged (slowly) with its built-in solar screen or more rapidly from your wall plug. The radio’s 18650 Li-ion batteries also can serve as a modest power bank to recharge your smartphone or other small devices.
Another cool feature: When NOAA issues a weather alert, the radio puts out an alarm (and flashing display) so you’ll see it.
Lanterns: If you’re thinking kerosene, you’re still back in the dark ages. There’s simply no reason to mess with fuel if you’ve got LED technology. The electronic lanterns are much safer for this reason.
Rob was impressed with the 30-day Duro Lantern ($35), which is bright and incredibly efficient. It is manufactured by a company called UST, which specializes in emergency preparedness survival gear equipment and tools. This lantern has several modes, providing everything from a romantic glow to an SOS flashing strobe.
The 30-day moniker is appropriate. It runs on three D-cell alkaline batteries for up to 30 days on low setting (30 lumens). At the high setting it will crank out 700 lumens. The 30-Day Lantern comes with a lifetime warranty and has been thoroughly vetted. It got the “Editor’s choice” in Popular Mechanics magazine in 2012. Rob keeps his in the kitchen and had it ready to go recently when a fierce electrical storm came rolling across Oahu.
The performance of this small (it’s only about 7 inches high) lantern is astounding. It will run 30 days off plain, ordinary D batteries. (UST even has a 60-day lantern on six D batteries). The advantage of ordinary batteries is that they are readily available at any store.
That said, UST does have a rechargeable model called the Spright Solar USB LED lantern ($25). It has an integrated solar panel that will allow you to recharge its 18650 Li-ion battery (albeit very slowly with the sun) or much faster via USB port.
Rob liked this model as well, but of course, it’s not going to have the run time of the 30-day unit. Still, it’s a pretty cool little lantern. The lantern’s cover is a sort of rubbery material which is collapsible for easy storage. The cover has a luminescence, so it will glow green in the dark.
When not on emergency duty, it works wonderfully as an area light.
Electronic lighter: Every disaster survival kit needs a lighter.
He tested the Tekfire Fuel Free Lighter ($25), which resembles an old-fashioned Zippo lighter. It has a flip top and a rubberized outer layer. The Tekfire generates a tiny plasma arc, bridging two electrodes, that lasts up to 10 seconds. It comes with a small USB cable for recharging.
The main disadvantage is that the electrodes are fragile and placed about one-quarter inch apart. This ergonomics doesn’t leave you a lot of latitude, especially if you’re trying to position it in a narrow spot. Despite this, it has its benefits. It works great for lighting tinder, and you’ll need this as a backup for your go bag.
Mike Meyer is chief information officer for Honolulu Community College. Reach him at mmeyer@hawaii.edu.
