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New Yorkers gather around power strips to charge cell phones
in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
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Many people in affected areas are relying on generators to keep their cell phones and laptops charged, and Wi-Fi hotspots or businesses with Wi-Fi to stay connected to the internet. One major carrier has set up mobile charging stations around New York City2 and local officials in other affected cities have set up designated charging stations. Throughout these cities, people can be seen huddled around generators Wi-Fi hotspots.
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New Yorkers gather near a building with
working Wi-Fi.
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It’s no surprise that communication is a high priority in the aftermath of this major disaster. For those who know where to Replace power and internet service, it’s possible to stay connected. But many people are still without phone or internet service. To make sure you
always have power for your electronic devices, here are some items you may want
to add to your emergency kit:
The GoalZero™ Nomad 7m Solar Panel is a small, portable folding solar panel capable of charging devices through USB or 12-volt cables. This can charge a cellphone, smartphone, mp3 player, and other small devices. It also has an optional 12V car charger adapter. The 7-Watt solar panel charges a cell phone in 1-2 hours. It’s 6” x 9” x 1” folded and 19” x 9” x 1”
unfolded and weighs 13 oz. If you had to evacuate, you could easily carry it in
you emergency kit.
The GoalZero™ Guide™ 10 Plus Power Pack allows you to charge NiMH AA batteries from a USB power source or from
the sun in as little as 1.5 hours using the Nomad 7 solar panel. It’s about the same size as a cell phone, so it’s easy to carry. You can use this Power Pack to charge a cell phone 1-3 times if the pack itself is fully charged. You can use the included rechargeable batteries to power other battery operated items.
It even has a built in LED flashlight that can run up to 20 hours on a full charge.
Goal Zero™ also makes larger solar panels and power packs, some powerful enough to run a
refrigerator. Whether you use a smaller unit to charge your cell phone, or a larger one to power appliances or medical equipment, you’ll be better off in a major disaster if you have a way to stay powered up and connected.
1 CNN Wire. “'A loss for everybody': Communities start cleanup afterSandy.” 31 October 2012. CNN.com. Web. Accessed 1 November 2012.
New York Images Source http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49593609/ns/weather/#.UJKnUG_A8Tb
