| Select a Florida city/area for current weather conditions and seven day forecast. | ||
“Gadget Gal” in the subject field. You can also snail mail Janis Fontaine at Gadget Gal, Florida Home, P.O. Box 24700, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
See some of the best products we found during 2005.
Gadget Gal
Have a gadget idea? E-mail pbfeatures@pbost.com and put “Gadget Gal” in the subject field. You can also snail mail Janis Fontaine at Gadget Gal, Florida Home, P.O. Box 24700, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.
2006 reviews archive
Forget about being forgetful!
Losing things like your keys, wallet or cellphone is a double hassle: you’re not only frustrated at losing them, but you also waste lots of time trying to find them. Attach Tag Alert, called a “bodyguard” for your valuables, and an alarm will sound if you start to walk away without them. Tag to your valuable items and set the monitor to one of its two range settings, either short (30 feet) or long (100 feet), and clip the monitor to your jacket, belt or key ring or slip it into your pocket or purse. Tag Alert will respond with a strong audio alarm to let you know you have been separated from your belongings. Tag Alert runs on CR2016 batteries (included) in the tags and a CR2032 battery (included) in the monitor. Tag Alert can even discriminate between your tags and the tags of someone else and it will not interfere with other wireless products. An LED blinks every few seconds to indicate the tag is tracking. Tag Alert retails for under $40. Buy it online at sharperimage.com (search for item RP701). — Janis Fontaine
Night lights for your feet
Walking around in the dark is a great way to stub those toes! Next time the power goes out, put on your Brightfeet Lighted Slippers: They’re night lights for your feet! A light sensor makes the lights come on only in darkened conditions, saving battery life. (The slippers are powered by two replaceable lithium batteries that are included in each slipper.) Weight sensors alert the LED in each slipper to activate. The light is angled upward for the best projection of light, about 20 to 25 feet in front of you. After removing the slipper, a built-in timer delays LED shut-off to allow time to see your way safely back to bed. The slippers have comfortable, non-skid soles. They come in beige, black, navy, pink, camouflage and a bright multi-colored stripe. Brightfeet retail for about $40. Purchase them online at BrightFeetSlippers.com or try JCPenney stores. — Janis Fontaine
Seeking silent nights?
I can’t hear you. And that’s a good thing! Low-tech solutions, especially inexpensive ones, should not be underestimated. Disposable foam earplugs have saved many a marriage where one partner snores, and they can be a godsend when the winds begin to howl. When you’re dealing with so much stress, the last thing you need is to spend a sleepless night. They will also help drown out the sound of your neighbor’s generator, or, if you need to evacuate to a shelter, block out the noise of felow inhabitants. A portable CD player with headphones can also help if you can’t sleep. Headphones and some soothing music can calm your nerves. Because infection is a concern after a storm, consider the DeciGuard AB earplug with Built In Antimicrobial Protection (pictured). Dirt and grime are one thing; mold is another. These earplugs not only effectively reduce noise, but they can help protect against the growth of bacteria, molds and fungi. You can purchase earplugs at your local drugstore or by calling Western Safety Products at (206) 264-0808 or searching for the product name on the Internet. They’re cheap, but sometimes you have to buy a whole box. If you do, hand them out to your neighbors! — Janis Fontaine
Phone home
With this gadget, you’ll never be caught in the storm with dead cellphone batteries. And your teenager who failed to call in will never be able to use the excuse that his cellphone died. With the Energizer Energi To Go, two AA lithium batteries and this lightweight charger are all you need to charge your cellphone (and who doesn’t have AA batteries in their hurricane supply box?). According to Energizer.com, it charges the phone about as quickly as a wall charger. “That means on many phones you can make a call within 30 seconds.” A dead phone takes about two hours to fully charge, and the gadget works on most phones. It’s only about $20 and available at Target, Home Depot and Best Buy and online. (That’s cheap enough for your busy student to carry in his backpack!) Energizer recommends lithium batteries for better performance (three times faster, according to the Web site), but alkaline batteries will work. — Janis Fontaine
Caffeine-free? Not me!
There was one universal complaint during the power outages that followed the hurricanes: How can you make a decent cup of coffee without electricity? There are a few ways around this, but none better than the coffee press. Bodum makes a travel coffee press/tumbler with grip, all in one. This transparent travel press makes fresh coffee or tea; all you need is hot water. Add ground coffee or fresh tea leaves, press and enjoy. The travel press makes 16 ounces of your favorite coffee — enough to share with your grouchy neighbor — and the all-in-one tumbler is insulated. The Bodum Acrylic Thermal Travel Coffee Press retails for about $15 and is available at Target or online at www.bodumusa.com. Need a bigger pot? A six-cup family-size press is available for about $40. — Janis Fontaine
Stop a silent killer
Generators are quickly becoming common in South Florida, but they carry a risk with them: Deadly carbon monoxide fumes may be sneaking into your house from your generator — or your neighbor’s. To prevent poisoning, every home should have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is odorless, and if your shutters are up, you may not know that your neighbor has placed his generator too close to your property line and that the fumes are poisoning your air supply. For less than $30 at Wal-Mart and other retailers, you can get a First Alert Tabletop Carbon Monoxide Detector that runs on a 9-volt alkaline battery. Because it sits on a table top or shelf, no installation is required. — Janis Fontaine
Fire extinguishers
You should already have a fire extinguisher at home, but if you don’t, this is the perfect time to invest in one or to buy another. Most suitable models sell for less than $50, and you can save if you buy more than one. After a storm, fire rescue is swamped with calls and may not be able to answer your cry for help immediately. Take charge by learning the correct way to use your fire extinguisher so you can catch the fire early. A rule of thumb: If the fire is bigger than you are, it’s too big to put out with an extinguisher. Memorize the acronym for using an extinguisher: It’s “PASS,” which stands for “pull, aim, squeeze, sweep.” Keep the fire extinguisher handy so you don’t have to hunt for it, but never next to the stove. Consider two extinguishers: one in the kitchen and one in the garage. Teach everyone in your family how to use it. Make sure it’s not too big for you to handle . The suggested type and size of fire extinguisher for home use is the dry chemical extinguisher. Each extinguisher has an alphabetical rating that tells what kind of fire it works on. You want an ABC rating, one that can work on paper, grease, flammable liquids and electrical fires. The fire extinguisher also has a numerical rating that tells how big a fire it can handle. The higher the number, the more power. It should also have a Underwriters Laboratories (UL.com) or Factory Mutual (FMglobal.com) approval rating. Kidde fire extinguishers have 3A40BC ratings and are available for about $50 online and at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walgreens, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. For more information on fire extinguisher use, click here. — Janis Fontaine
Aqua Blox
Charles Schooley, president of Aqua Blox in West Palm Beach, has a better idea for storing water. And while it won’t work for everyone, Schooley admits, for some, he says, Aqua Blox is the perfect solution. “Bottled water sits, and the minerals that remain are food for bacteria,” Schooley said. “Bottled water isn’t bad, but it doesn’t last.” Aqua Blox does. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the shelf life for bottled water is about six months. Aqua Blox’s shelf life is five years — great for emergency personal and first responders. Aqua Blox looks like your typical juice box. Each Blox contains about 8 1/2 ounces of bacteria-free water, which Schooley says is the highest grade of water you can get. The seven-layer container is airtight and hermetically sealed, and won’t let sunlight or contaminants back in. The Blox can be frozen, and the water is pure enough to use to cleanse wounds. The boxes are convenient to store and easy to dispense, and, when strict water rationing is an issue, Schooley says, Aqua Blox containers help prevent waste. Schooley says you can stop by the storefront off Jog Road just north of Okeechobee Boulevard (the address: 2253 Vista Parkway, Suite 12) in West Palm Beach and buy a case of 27 boxes for about $10. You can also have three cases delivered to your home or office for about $50, including two-day UPS delivery. For more information, call (866) 500-2782. — Janis Fontaine
It scoots! It scores!
The Slapshot Lawn Rake uses an ergonomic design adapted from a hockey stick to lessen the stress on arms, back and shoulders usually caused by the use of a traditional rake. And when you’re cleaning up after a storm, you need work smarter, not harder. Dr. Scott Augustine, founder of Augustine Biomedical+Design, says the rake “gets the job done faster, with more power and less exertion” because it uses your stronger core muscles. The Slapshot Lawn Rake also has a unique tine design. Traditional tines are pointed to scrape the ground. They quickly clog with leaves and can damage your plantings. The Slapshot design has a rounded tine that Augustine says “significantly reduces the occurrence of clogging.” The Slapshot Lawn Rake retails for $14.95 plus shipping and handling. Order at www.SlapShot LawnTools.com or by calling (866) 484-3450. — Janis Fontaine
Give yourself a hand!
Headlamps are great for giving you two hands in the dark, whether you’re filling the generator or making a peanut butter sandwich. Headlamps come in many different styles and prices, but expect to pay $10 to $70, depending on the features. Some headlamps convert to standard flashlights, and most use batteries. If you’re looking for a headlamp that is light, choose one that takes AA batteries, but if you’re looking for super-bright light, choose one that takes C batteries. Most lamps have adjustable straps for comfort, and some headlamps can fit over the top of your hat, rather than on the skin of the forehead. You can find headlamps at Target or Wal-Mart. Try one on to see if it’s comfortable. Is there any padding to make it easier to wear? Are the straps easily adjustable? Does it feel too light or too heavy? Is it easy to turn on and off? Is it waterproof? L.L. Bean also offers 13 styles of headlamps on its Web site: www. llbean.com. Or call (800) 441-5713. — Janis Fontaine
The Candlelier
Experts advise residents to never use candles in the home following a storm, because of the risk of fire. An exception to this rule might be the Candlelier, an alternative to flashlights, unprotected candles or propane lanterns. It uses candles — one, two or three, depending on how much light you need — that are neatly enclosed in the aluminum body, and the wind-resistant glass shield gives off soft, easy-on-the-eyes light. A side reflector can increase the power of the lantern for reading or writing, so the kids can do homework. The lantern has a spring-loaded candle tube that keeps the flame height constant, while a small viewing window shows how much candle remains. For 2006, UCO is offering a Candlelier Deluxe Kit that includes the lantern in the brushed aluminum finish, a padded carrying case, and six candles, retailing for under $46 from Amazon.com. — Janis Fontaine
See? Saw!
After-the-hurricane cleanup is a tough job, but the Unbelievable Saw might make it a bit easier. The saw is a hand-held, flexible, lightweight saw that can cut through a 3-inch tree limb in about 15 seconds. The benefit to this product is that it’s lightweight (only 5 ounces) and easier to handle. Because of its design, it can be thrown over a high branch when you need to cut a branch above your head, and it’s great for tight areas. The saw has bi-directional cutting teeth so it cuts in both directions and it’s made of heat-treated steel and coated for rust resistance. When not in use, it gets stored away in its own plastic pouch. When it needs sharpening — which the manufacturer says is rare — a normal flat file will do the job. It can be used by one or two people at a time. The saw retails for under $23. Purchase online at www.unbelievable-saw.com or call (877) 388-9474. — Janis Fontaine
Important paperwork
In the aftermath of Katrina, many families discovered that they had not created the important papers — power of attorney, wills and such — that they needed. Creating a life documents file can help organize your legal affairs. USLegalForms.com has a free guide. In addition, the site’s Florida Life Documents Planning Package includes a will, power of attorney, living will, health care proxy, and worksheets to help you with your planning. The package retails for $59.95 for download, or $69.95 by mail. Find a location at home where you know documents will be secure, yet readily accessible. A personal home safe is best. You can also keep copies in a rented safe deposit box. If you have an attorney, make sure he or she has also a copy of your life documents file. And send a copy of the documents to a friend out of state as a backup plan. — Janis Fontaine
Hand-crank radios
Reporter Walter S. Mossberg of The Wall Street Journal tested hand-crank radios last September. “We found the $50 Multi-Purpose Radio FR300 by Eton Corp. at Hammacher Schlemmer and liked its multifaceted functionality,” he writes. Its features include AM/FM/weather-band radio, a flashlight and cellphone charger. Use the crank to recharge the device or use batteries. “Eton says that two minutes of cranking should suffice for an hour of radio play time, but we got 35 minutes out of a 30-second crank, which is even better than that estimate,” Mossberg writes. For about $10 more, Eton offers the FR400, which is waterproof. Order the radios online (www.hammacher.com; click on “electronics,” then “shortwave radios”) or by phone at (800) 321-1484. — Janis Fontaine
First-aid kits
A well-stocked first-aid kit is critical, especially during the aftermath, when cleanup begins. Purchase a kit online, like the ones offered by LifeKit, using guidelines by the Department of Homeland Security (see www.ready.gov/america/getakit/firstaidkit.html) or make your own. Here’s what it recommends: several pair of latex or other sterile gloves, sterile dressings to stop bleeding, a cleansing agent or soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect, antibiotic ointment, burn ointment, adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes, and eyewash solution, a thermometer (especially if you have kids). They also recommend tweezers, scissors and petroleum jelly. The Economy First Aid Kit shown is available for under $50 at www.lifekit.com (click on “Shop Online” and “First Aid”) online, or by calling, toll-free, (888) 767-0050. — Janis Fontaine
The 4-in-1 tool
Sometimes simple is better. Every well-stocked emergency kit should contain an emergency tool of some kind, and this tool is small enough — and cheap enough — to carry in the car and in your evacuation kit, wherever you need it. This tool can be used to turn off gas and water or as a pry bar to open doors and can be used to dig through debris after the storm. Designed and tested by professional firefighters, the tool is made of a strong, heat-treated alloy that won’t cause sparks or rust. The On Duty 4-in-1 tool is available online from a variety of companies including at www.iprepare.com or by calling (877) 874-8492. It retails for about $18.— Janis Fontaine
Heat things up!
With all the other things to worry about after a hurricane, food poisoning and a clean fork shouldn’t have to be on the list. If you’re worried that your dishes and silverware aren’t clean enough to eat off of, you might like the Coleman Hot Water on Demand, a portable hot water heater that uses propane to heat up to 40 gallons of water. The pump is powered by a rechargeable battery. So when you’re finished with that meal that you cooked on your propane stove, you can wash the dishes in hot water. The water heater retails for about $180. Accessories available include a spray adapter (for a quick hot shower) and a carry bag. Call (800) 835-3278. Web: www.coleman.com. — Janis Fontaine
A ‘current’ obsession
Now we need gadgets for our gadgets! A power inverter converts one kind of current — your car’s battery power — to another kind of current — a plug for your other gadgets. Hook the power inverter to your car’s battery to charge your cell phone or any other device you need to plug in to recharge. Power inverters come in a variety of sizes and price tags. Radio Shack offers a 60-watt DC-to-AC power inverter, Model 22-144, which is ideal for recharging any device that draws 60 watts or less of continuous AC power, for about $30. If you need super-power, consider the Whistler PI-3000W 3000W Power Inverter that can run bigger appliances like audio/video devices (including your kids’ PlayStation) and laptop computers. This device retails for just under $400 and is available at Radio Shack at RadioShack.com or by phone at (800) 843-7422. — Janis Fontaine
My Home Inventory
We have more belongings than ever today. From the kids’ Xboxes to hubby’s baseball card collection, in a crisis, how do you keep track of it all? With My Home Inventory, you may not have to worry so much. The software program helps keep track of your belongings and may even help when it’s time to file an insurance claim. The software can easily import your existing data from Excel or another compatible application or you can start from scratch. Find, sort and view your belongings, complete with stored digital pictures. Track where your belongings are so you can easily find them. This is especially helpful if you keep some of your stuff in a storage facility. Print insurance reports, inventory summary reports and identification labels. All the data can be downloaded onto a CD or stored on a flash drive that you can keep with you or store in a safe deposit box. Never get caught without an inventory of your priceless stuff again. The program retails for $24.95 and is available at My-HomeInventory.com. Flash drives are available beginning at about $20 and up for 256MB. — Janis Fontaine
Oregon Scientific emergency weather radio
The Oregon Scientific Public Alert Portable Emergency Weather Radio is lightweight, durable and easily transportable. Model #WR103NX can be powered by 3 AA 1.5V alkaline batteries (not included) or an AC adapter (included), and comes with a plastic desktop cradle and a belt clip. It features SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology, allowing you to localize emergency broadcasts and monitor alerts from six local counties. It also receives continuous National Weather Service weather and forecast information. The weather radio features an LCD display screen, backlighting for low-light or night viewing, and it’s equipped with a digital clock and daily alarm. In stand-by mode, it monitors three levels of alert — advisory, watch and warning — and automatically sounds an alarm. Its range is about 40 miles. This is ideal if you have to evacuate because it’s water and shock resistant. It retails for about $39.95 and is available by calling (800) 414-8655, or on the Web at: www.weatherconnect.com (click on “weather radios”). — Janis Fontaine
XPower PowerSource 1800
Power to the people. That’s the mantra of XPower. The XPower PowerSource 1800 is the solution for more demanding power needs. It can run a refrigerator and freezer, sump pump and home alarm system. When a power outage occurs, it automatically switches to backup power from its internal battery, so the devices connected to it won’t sense the power outage. When grid power returns, the XPower PowerSource 1800 switches the devices back to utility power and automatically recharges its battery so it’s ready for when the next outage occurs. It retails for $499.99. The 1800 can be found at most Best Buy and Costco stores or can be ordered online at Amazon.com, Northerntool.com, Outpost.com, and QVC.com. For more information on the product, check out http://www.preparedwithpower.com/backup/products.asp — Janis Fontaine
Generator-powered water heater
After the hurricanes, a hot shower topped many lists of most-missed comforts. While most portable generators have difficulty powering whole-house water heaters, even small generators can easily handle this 6-gallon water heater. Designed to mount on the wall or a floor, the Italian-made water heater will heat water up to 145º F. for a quickie sponge bath. To use the heater for showering, an additional adapter is required, but available at most hardware stores. $229.95 from www.hurricanesupplies.org.
— Barbara Marshall
Fans of Lila’s fan
Ask a Local Storm Team member Lila Young’s 10-inch battery-powered fan caught the eye of lots of readers — so Lila hit the pavement to help you locate her favorite fan. The 02 Cool fan, model number 1053, is a two-speed fan that can be hung up or placed on a flat surface. The fan should operate up to 72 hours on eight D batteries and also has an AC adapter. The fans retail for about $20. Young said the fan is available at local Bed, Bath & Beyond stores. A manager told Young that there were 300 on order. Last year, Young said, the stores took names for the waiting list and called folks when the fans came in. They’re also available at CVS, Walgreens, Winn-Dixie, Publix, Kmart, Target and other retailers. For more information, call (800) 200-COOL (2665) or visit www.O2-Cool.com. — Janis Fontaine
The sun’s light – at night
Give this light three hours in the sun, and it will give you 12 hours of solar-powered light. Even better, its thermally cool LED lamp won’t lure mosquitoes, moths and the other flying insects that make those hurricane-dark nights all the more miserable. A sensor in the Everlite spotlight turns the lamp on at dusk and off at dawn. Adapters are available that will use solar power to charge cellphones and other small electronic devices. The Delux LED Everlite lamp is widely available on the Web for around $80. — Barbara Marshall
Portable Power Pack
Never feel powerless again with this backpack that uses solar power to recharge small electronics. Equipped with three solar panels and a battery pack to store its sun-generated power, the Voltaic Backpack generates up to 4 watts of power to recharge cellphones, cameras, PDAs, electronic games and iPods, but not laptops. It could also come in handy on boats or camping trips. It comes with 11 adapters to fit most devices. It’s $239 from www.voltaicsystems.com. — Barbara Marshall
15.
4-in-1 tool and flashlight
The 4-in-1 Emergency Flashlight is much more than a flashlight. It’s also a distress signal and potentially life-saving rescue tool.
The device includes a seat-belt cutter and a hammer to break a car windshield or window in the event of an accident. This is especially important in our area because of all the canals.
Nine flashing LEDs on the sides serve as a distress signal, and a white bulb on the top is the flashlight.
The device is waterproof and uses two AA batteries. Price is $14.95.
On the Web: http://safetybright.com
Archive of 2007 season
Fire up morning cup of coffee in the car
Morning is always better after a good cup of coffee. And there’s no reason to do without even after a hurricane.
The Tracker 111-910 10-cup 12-volt Coffee Maker makes up to 10 cups, enough for you to invite the neighbors over.
The auto drip stops when the pot is removed, and it shuts off automatically when brewing is finished.
It uses standard filters and, here’s the best news: Your car’s battery can be your power source. It comes with a 6-foot power cord with heavy-duty plug. Price: $38.99
Get it online at www.rvmarine.com or call (888) 815-3579.
A whole lot of shakin’ going on with Forever Flashlight
A flashlight with no batteries and no bulbs – that never needs replacing?
The Forever Flashlight uses Faraday’s Principle of Induction and a bright LED to produce light without batteries.
Shake it for about 30 seconds to recharge a capacitor and it will then provide about five minutes of light. As the light is shaken, a magnet passes through a metal coil generating electricity.
During prolonged use it can be shaken for 10 to 15 seconds every two or three minutes. You probably don’t want this as your primary backup light, but it’s great for the car because it requires no maintenance.
The bright LED will last for thousands of hours, and it’s visible for up to 1 mile. The light retails for about $25 from www.thinkgeek.com or by phone at (888) GEEKSTUFF. The light comes in three sizes, and it’s waterproof.
A tidy way to keep things cool
The Cold and Dry Ice Bag, a reusable ice bag for coolers, keeps food cool without making it wet and soggy.
The manufacturer says this heavy-duty bag lasts longer than plastic bags and is easy to clean.
The bag can hold up to 32 pounds of ice, about four standard size bags of ice. Because it’s expandable, it can fit into many different size coolers.
The bag retails for $15.95, which includes a 21-by-16-inch plastic bag with nozzle and carrying strap.
Visit www.intromarkstore.com. Click on “Cold & Dry Ice Bag” under the “Sports & Leisure” label.
BloodSTOP can be a valuable addition to your first-aid kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit is a critical part of your hurricane supplies.
A new product that stops bleeding, previously only available to doctors and veterinarians, is available to consumers.
BloodSTOP is an all-natural, hemostatic gauze that is commonly used in a wide variety of settings, including home first-aid kits, on school athletic fields, veterinary and dental offices, and even on the battlefield.
According to its manufacturer, when it comes into contact with blood, BloodSTOP hemostatic gauze speeds coagulation and expands to a gel that adheres to the surface and applies pressure as it seals the wound.
Made from natural cellulose, this hypoallergenic gauze is intended to protect injuries from infection and reduce the potential for scarring.
BloodSTOP is also water-soluble and washes off without causing additional trauma to the wound area.
A box of 10 individually wrapped sterile packets retails for $14.99 and is available at www.lifescienceplus.com or by calling (877) 587-5433.
Let there be My Light!
The MyLight LED Clip Light, a mini-clamp lamp that fits in your palm, pumps out a beam bright enough to make you squint, never burns out, and attaches to practically anything with a wide-opening rubberized clip.
This light functions as a book light, but other uses include use as a keyboard light for your laptop or a map reading light in the car. It’s also attachable to a shelf or hat or tent, toolbox or music stand.
It’s useful for lighting up hard-to-see spots like sock drawers, tackle boxes, and the tangle of wires behind your desk or home entertainment center.
The My Light retails for $9.95. Buy it online at www.mylight.com or call (800) 776-6364. According to the Web site, My Light is available at Sharper Image and Toys R Us.
Ranger hat keeps you cool
Here’s a cool way to keep cool, post-hurricane, when 100 percent humidity feels like a 100-pound wet blanket.
The MiraCool Terry Lined Ranger Hat #963 ($14.99) has channels at the top that hold water-activated MiraCool crystals. Soak the hat in water and the crystals stay plump and hydrated for up to two full days. The crystals retain the coolness of the water and work in combination with the evaporation process against the skin to keep the wearer cool.
The extra-wide brim keeps sun and heat off the head, face, eyes, ears and even neck. Four large grommets enhance air flow and evaporation and a cotton terry inner lining provides extra comfort and perspiration absorption. When worn wet, the hat delivers effective cooling to the top of the head. Worn dry, it can absorb buckets of sweat. Comes in medium, large and extra-large sizes, in navy or khaki. They also offer headbands, bandanas and visors. Order at stage1online.com/miracool/ or call (407) 349-2040.
Add eye wash to first aid kit
Emergency first aid kits should contain eye wash and a cup, like this Bausch & Lomb Collyrium Eye Wash/Cup.
Eyewash is the best and safest way to flush foreign bodies and soothe and cleanse your eye. And with a price tag just over $5, it’s a great investment. Most pharmacies carry eye washes like this one. To order online, go to www.medco-school.com.
Another crippling discomfort is the blister. Whether on hands or feet, keeping it clean and protected is critical, and let’s face it, a regular Band-Aid just won’t do it. Try the Band-Aid Liquid Bandage. The no sting formula dries quickly and forms a clear, flexible, breathable seal that keeps out water, dirt and germs to help prevent infection. Find it at your pharmacy.
Sun powers 24-hour lamp
As adorable as it was to see my son reading by candlelight during the last hurricane, it’s not something I want to see again.
Instead, try the EL-5 Deluxe EverLite LED Lamp. White LEDs light up your activities after dark, and the bright, thermally-cool light does not attract moths or flying insects at night.
It’s lightweight, waterproof, and recharges when you point the solar panel in the general direction of the sun and plug the panel’s cord into the base of the LED lamp.
The lamp should operate for 24 hours or more from its fully-charged battery, or give 12 hours of output light from three hours of full sun or up to 10 hours of overcast sky.
It turns off when you fold the lamp for storing, and the light sensor automatically turns lamp on at dusk and turns it off at dawn without a timer.
The lamp retails for about $100. Order it toll-free at (800) 589-5560, or online at kingsolar.com/catalog/mfg/everlite/975065.html
A ‘Flare’ for safety
One thing that amazed me after the hurricanes was how pitch black it was outside without the street lights. So what would happen if your car broke down or you got a flat tire? How would anyone see you?
Easy. With the Ezy Flare ($24.99). Ezy Flare’s pulsating LED red and amber lights can be seen from about 8,000 feet away and have 12 hours of operating time. And you don’t have to worry about water damage. And here’s another excellent use: Place Ezy Flare in your home’s window to alert neighbors or emergency officials that you need help. A commercial version that can be seen in the daytime will be released soon.
Buy it by phone at (800) 397-0688 or online at www.hurricanesupplies.org
Hats off to first Ask a Local winner
Diane Soja of Delray Beach gets an Ask a Local T-shirt for her suggestion of the lighted ball cap, like one from Panther. The caps “make reading and barbecuing a hands-free pleasure. You can find them at sporting good/camping stores and online.” Thanks, Diane. Some retail for $19.99 plus $5 shipping.
Not a hat person? How about lighted glasses? Panther offers lighted frames ($17.99) or lighted safety glasses ($22.99 and $19.99). Visit http://www. panthervision.com or call (847) 783-5900.
Pure water – and no aftertaste
The MIOX Water Purifier, which looks a lot like a big pen, can purify 50 gallons of water using a teaspoon of common rock salt. It uses two 3-volt lithium batteries to convert a brine solution to a mixed-oxidant solution via electrolysis.
This solution “purifies without iodine, kills viruses, bacteria, including E. coli and Giardia,” and takes just 15 minutes. It can also kill Cryptosporidium, a particularly nasty bug, in four hours.
Advantages of the “pen” are that it’s easily portable and can be used away from the water source, at the consumer’s convenience, and requires less than a minute to generate the disinfectant.
The disinfectant solution does not leave an aftertaste at standard doses, unlike chlorine or iodine tablets. Another important feature of using simple salt as the disinfectant source is that salt has an infinite shelf life, so the purifier will still function even if stored without use for a long period of time. It weighs only 3.5 ounces, and is shock-proof and freeze-proof — not that that’ll be an issue!
Kits include a package of salt, battery set, water test strips, and full instructions.
“The purifier also comes with a purity indicator strip, which guarantees that the water is safe to drink after the appropriate waiting period,” according to the manufacturer. “The purifier has passed the EPA Purifier Protocol and Standard, achieving more than 10 times the level of disinfect ion than required for normal waters.”
The price is $129.95 online from www.survivalschool.com. Non-Internet users can call in their order at (888) 886-5592.
Thermometer tests food safety
Check the temperature and wait five to eight hours for an accurate reading. If the temperature is not 0 to 2 degrees, adjust the freezer temperature control, and check again after five to eight hours. If the refrigerator reads above 40 degrees, it’s not cold enough. Watch the gauges throughout the power outage. If the refrigerator is still 40 degrees and the freezer is 0 degrees or below, the food is safe.
We found a 25HP Refrigerator/Freezer/Dry Storage Thermometer by NSF for just $6.10 online at tech instrument.com. From the home page, search for Freezer Thermometer. Color zones on the dial indicate safe ranges.
You can spend more than $100 on a digital device that keeps an ongoing record of the temperature, but this low-tech version is fine for most people.
Don’t forget to cook all foods thoroughly. And remember Food Editor Jan Norris’ mantra: When in doubt, throw it out.
Keep key items safe in a storm
You know all those documents you’ve been meaning to secure in your safe deposit box? During the height of pre-hurricane madness the last thing you need is another errand.
Store those Saving Bonds, that car title, and your mother’s diamond earrings in a personal safe like this one from Sentry.
Model H4100, which retails for less than $100, offers: “Protection from fire and water is yours. A continuous 360-degree jamb and waterproof seal completely insulate the interior from the threat of water invasion. A full-time latch seals the unit even when it is unlocked,” according to the manufacturer.
This safe locks with a key, but other keyless models are available. Have important documents or photos stored on a memory stick or CD? The safe has Intertek (ETL) Verified half-hour fire protection up to 1,550 degrees. Storage capacity is 7 cubic feet. The safe weighs about 42 pounds. Safes are available at Home Depot and Wal-Mart or online at www.sentrysafe.com.
Getting sleepy? Keep Weatheradio nearby
So, you have a television that runs on batteries to keep up with the hurricane, so why would you need a weather radio? Two reasons: First, they are designed to receive the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio service’s broadcast of weather status and forecasts around the clock, and they are designed to respond to the FCC’s Emergency Alert System (which has replaced the older Emergency Broadcast System). The alert signals sent by the NOAA Weather Radio service set off an audible alarm to attract your attention, something your television can’t do if it’s turned off.
This dual-purpose Weatheradio Alarm Clock is handy to have on the nightstand for monitoring nighttime storms.
It receives all seven NOAA Weather Radio channels to provide you with current conditions and forecasts. The radio has digital tuning with auto channel-scan, which enables you to monitor several channels. The radio is always on and ready to alert you with an audible tone and status light. Of course, when the power goes out, it runs on four AA back-up batteries.
This Bedside Weatheradio Alarm Clock (Model: 12-260) retails at Radio Shack for about $30. Visit www.radioshack.com.
Stove great for side dishes
Having a hot meal when a hurricane strikes can really boost morale. The grill is great, but what about heating all the side dishes?
The Double Burner Cast Iron Propane Gas Stove (manufactured by Hurricane Products; part number: 63-5200; product ID: 15-0114) retails online at www.instawares.com for about $180.
The heavy-duty wall cast connection has dual 35,00 BTU burners, and the model has been designed for portability, so if you do have to evacuate, you could take it with you.
And it’s big enough and tough enough to handle the most demanding activities, like your hungry family.
Don’t have Internet access? Call Instawares toll-free Monday through Friday at (800) 892-3622.
Light doubles as a life-saver
The Gadget Gal loves a bargain, especially one that gives a big bang for a few bucks. We found two on National Survival Supply’s web site at www.survivalsupplys.com. Or call (877) 244-9329.
The 3-in-1 Auto Emergency LED Flash Light has a built-in seat-belt cutter and a window punch for breaking glass should you need to escape your car through the window. It uses three AAA batteries and comes with a carrying pouch. The best part? It’s just under $11. Buy a few and keep them in every glove compartment.
Lightsticks. Folks last year praised these self-contained emergency light sticks. Just bend and snap for at least 12 hours of emergency lighting. These Lightsticks are used by the U.S. Military and Homeland Security and have a guaranteed four-year shelf-life. They’re safe for kids to use and might even make hurricanes less stressful! Each Lightstick is individually wrapped. Available in green or yellow. And the price is right. Just a tad over $1 each.
Hurricane Pak is a Life-Saver
Maybe your idea of hurricane preparation is getting someone else to do it for you. If so, consider coughing up $225 for The Life-Safer Pak, “a compact rolling cooler equipped with items needed to safely endure power outages.”
Inside the rolling cooler you’ll find: a signal horn, AM/FM radio, document protector, portable television, plastic tarp, a 2-speed fan, duct tape, butane stove, 2 portable fluorescent lamps, first-aid kit, bug repellent wipes, fire extinguisher, tool kit, trail mix, can opener, spotlight, a mini-corded phone, disposable camera, and a freezer-pack. Batteries and butane canister for stove are not included with your shipment, but essential to completing your Life-Safer Pak.
Puchase the Life-Safer Pak online at www.life-saferpak.com. Or call (954) 288-1102. The Life-Safer Pak will be shipped via Fed Ex Ground in about 1 to 5 days.
Roll out the barrel for water
We’re obsessed with water. Can’t help it. We all read The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner in high school.
So how do you secure extra water storage if you don’t want to use the bathtub? (After all, you might want to take a bath, even if the water is cold.)
Get a water barrel for the patio. This barrel available from QuakeKare.com can hold 55 gallons of water.
At an estimated usage of a gallon a day per person, the barrel would hold enough water for a family of five for about 10 days.
Water is easily stored for five years when used with water preserver concentrate.
The high molecular weight polyethtlene is an FDA-approved resin and is a cost-effective way to store the precious beverage.
The barrel is available online for $42.95 (go to www.quakecare.com). They also offer a siphon pump, the easiest way to get water out, for $13.95.
GPS system invaluable after a storm
For many people, storm warnings are the same as evacuation warnings.
One lesson we learned from Katrina, where traffic out of the city stood still for hours, is that you have to plan ahead, even if you’re evacuating.
Here are three critical evacuation supplies:
Get a GPS for your car. Any time you’re traveling through unfamiliar areas, a GPS navigation system will tell you where you are and where you’re going.
You can find an alternate route, find your way back to civilization if you get lost, or maybe even find a place to bed down for the night.
The one pictured above, the TomTom 1N00.181 ONE Portable GPS Vehicle Navigation System, is available for $299.95 from www.gpscheap.com
Can’t afford a GPS? Go low-tech and get map and a compass to keep a map in your glove box. It’s also a great backup in case your GPS system lets you down. Have a map for everywhere you’re planning to go. And think about the routes you’d take before you’re packing the car to leave.
Shoes are just as important. Wear shoes that you could in for walk miles in hot, sticky, muddy weather. Never drive barefoot.
Need more water storage? Just ask B.O.B.
Filling up the bathtub with water before a storm sounds like a great idea, but no matter how clean your tub is, most of us wouldn’t want to drink water out of it.
The WaterB.O.B. turns any standard bathtub into an emergency water reserve, storing up to 100 gallons of fresh drinking water in a food-grade plastic bladder.
When the storm warnings start, lay the WaterB.O.B. in your bathtub, hook it up to the faucet and fill to capacity.
A siphon pump is included to easily dispense the water into jugs or pitchers. The WaterB.O.B. meets FDA guidelines, so you have plenty of water for your entire family for drinking and cooking, washing and flushing.
Buy the WaterB.O.B. online for $22.95 at www.waterbob.com, or call (800) 209-9804
Fantastic web site, you have created valuable user content, the internet needs more quality sites like this one.