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December 01, 2020

3 Best Ways Using Tech You Can Prepare For Disasters



This year, 2020, has brought more disasters than Americans have experienced in one year before. There are huge forest fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, dangerous weather patterns, and tropical storms in record numbers. Then, there is the COVID 19 pandemic and the financial downturn to deal with. Everyone is getting used to sheltering in place, keeping six feet away from others, wearing masks, washing hands, and using hand sanitizer. Modern tech devices can help people prepare for and live through disasters.



Tech Needs Power

What happens if bad storms cause the electrical power to go out? Most tech devices need electrical power to run or they need to be charged with electrical power periodically. Adding a whole house generator can make it so a house has backup power when the community electrical power goes out. A homeowner can choose a backup energy source such as a generator or a home battery backup system.

Backup Generators

When considering adding a generator to the home power system, it is important to assess the need for backup power, the frequency of power outages, and how long the outages are. Backup generators can be fuel-powered with natural gas, diesel fuel, or liquid propane. When the electrical grid is interrupted, the generator can be programmed to start returning power to the home.

Fuel-powered generators are dependable and cost-effective. They operate in all weather conditions. The disadvantages of generators include keeping a fuel supply, maintenance, noise level of operation, and environmental concerns. Generators are good for longer power outages.

Battery Power Backup Systems

The newer battery back up systems cost more to set up but do not require fuel sources and storage. They hook up to the electrical grid and store energy for emergencies. Battery systems are good for shorter power outages of a few hours to one day. They provide quiet, clean energy, and are better for the environment. There are battery backup systems that rely on a combination of electrical power and solar power. The solar option is limited in cloudy or stormy weather.

The very best power loss backup system combines the battery system with solar power and a standby fuel-powered generator.

Using Tech During Disasters

So once there is a power backup system, the tech in the home can be used. Some tech is cordless or battery operated and only needs charging periodically. Radios are very effective in getting information during disasters. There are external battery chargers that can be used to charge up phones and computers for communication. When there is flooding, to protect electronics, there are waterproof bags in different sizes to keep on hand.

Light is important and there are battery-powered headlamps to wear and LED flashlights. There are also a variety of other solar or battery-powered tech gadgets to help survive a disaster. There are heaters and portable stoves, water purifying units, and more.

It is important to have protections for home electronic devices so that power surges and sudden power disruptions do not render them unusable or permanently damage them. Homeowners should have plans in place to react to disasters common in their locations. Sometimes it is important to move quickly to get out of the home and to safety. Having some emergency tech in a go-bag might save time and lives.

Every homeowner or even renter should have a plan for saving and making the best use of tech during disaster situations. Communication can save lives. Backup power can help when the power grid is interrupted. Being prepared is important to surviving when disaster hits.



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