What Do I Need for My Hurricane Prep Kit?
- by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 6/14/2022
As the climate changes, summer storms are becoming more and more destructive. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes or even thunderstorms, it's important to be prepared. That means having a supply kit on hand in case of an emergency. Batteries Plus has the generators, sump pumps, flashlights and other essentials you need to build your storm supply kit.
Generators for Home Use
A generator provides you with a valuable source of backup power in the event that your electricity goes out. Batteries Plus offers both portable and inverter generator models, as well as a selection of generator accessories. If you'd like help determining the correct model for your power needs, contact the experts at your nearest Batteries Plus location or read our blog article entitled "Everything You Need to Know About Generators (And Why You Should Have One)".
Do I Need a Sump Pump?
Both hurricanes and thunderstorms are prone to heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooded basements. A sump pump will help protect your basement by pumping excess water outside of your home. Unfortunately, primary sump pumps are tied to your home's electrical system, which means that if your power goes out, the sump pump won't work. That's why many people also have a backup sump pump in place as well. Backup sump pumps rely on battery power, which allows them to work during a loss of power. Batteries Plus is your source for sump pump replacement batteries. Plus, we carry the following backup pumps from Basement Watchdog:
- The Emergency Battery Backup Sump Pump System
- The Special CONNECT Backup Sump Pump
- The Big Dog CONNECT Backup Sump Pump system
What is the Purpose of a UPS Backup?
Storms frequently cause power surges, which can damage computers, TVs and other electronics. That's why every home should have at least one of the following forms of protection in place:
Surge Protectors - work by diverting excess voltage to your electrical system ground wire before it can reach your appliances.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) - provides a source of backup power, allowing you to continue using your computer when the power goes out. They also actively filter your power to help protect against the damaging effects of power surges.
Power Bank Portable Chargers
Cell phones are a vital tool in the event of an emergency, allowing you to access important information and stay in contact with loved ones. Batteries Plus offers a number of power banks and wireless chargers to help keep your phone charged up if there's a sudden loss of power.
Portable Power Stations
Goal Zero offers an assortment of power stations which allow you to capture and store solar energy that can be used to charge phones, tablets and other digital devices. This makes them ideal for emergencies when traditional electricity is unavailable. Shop our selection of solar energy solutions, including solar panels, portable power stations and more.
Flashlights for Emergency Kits
A reliable flashlight or electric lantern is an absolute must-have for your emergency storm kit. Batteries Plus has a large selection of emergency lighting options, including electronic lanterns, headlamps and flashlights in a variety of sizes.
Alkaline Battery Replacement
Keep in mind that a flashlight or radio is only good as the battery that's powering it, so be sure that you have plenty of alkaline batteries on hand. Many top brands like Rayovac, Duracell and Energizer can last up to 10 years in storage, making them ideal for use in your storm prep kit. Learn more in our Alkaline Battery Buying Guide.
Don't Get Caught Unprepared
Looking for suggestions on what else should be in your emergency kit? The U.S. government has an emergency kit checklist available online. As we approach storm season, now might also be a good time to repair that broken phone you've been putting off or have the battery in your car tested to make sure it's still reliable. Learn more about our cell phone repair service and free battery testing.