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Caught in the dark: What Sandy can teach you about preparedness

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By McKenzie Romero, Deseret News

Published: Tuesday, Oct. 30 2012 7:17 p.m. MDT

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Summary

When Sheridan Lyons heard a hurricane was on the way, she called her mother in Utah to tell her she was worried.

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“Even though people may have these things set up, they may not actually practice their plans and items in their kit could be expired or inadequate.”

Joe Dougherty

Tim Pedersen of Emergency Essentials, a Utah-based preparedness retailer, recommended the same basic supplies for Utahns, focusing especially on light sources. Pedersen warned that power outages like the ones plaguing the East Coast threaten comfort and security, especially as the days get shorter.

"Psychologically, it's interesting that lighting tends to be a big one," he said. "Come 6 p.m., things just suddenly become uncertain. You can't see things very well … that's disorienting and also troubling."

Pedersen estimated that based on what he hears from customers, only about half of Utahns would be ready if a disaster struck today. While most would be able to survive in their homes for several days based on what they already have, he worries that many wouldn't have supplies ready in the event of an evacuation. 

Means for communication and news can play a vital role in emergency situations, with social media taking a prominent role as Sandy unfolded. Mashable reported Tuesday that "We are safe" became the top Facebook status during the storm.

Battery packs

Pedersen recommends portable battery packs and solar charging units, which are smaller than generators and don't emit fumes, to charge mobile devices during an emergency.

Goal Zero, a Utah company, sells chargers and battery packs designed for personal electronics online and at several outdoor retailers with prices starting at about $130 for small kits. They can be used to recharge cell phones or other electronic devices.

While power companies make restoring power a top priority following an emergency in order to facilitate relief efforts, Dougherty said Utahns caught in an earthquake or a large storm could be without electricity for a week or more.

Generators can be used to power larger appliances like a refrigerator if families are able to invest in them and take safety concerns into account, Dougherty said. A variety of generators are available, ranging from portable models to built-in units that can power a house.

"A generator is an engine," he said. "You want to think about where that generator lives and where you store the fuel."

Something as simple as a hand-crank radio with the ability to charge a cellphone could be an option for someone with fewer power needs, Dougherty said.

Preparedness checklists and information are available at bereadyutah.gov.

E-mail: mromero@deseretnews.com

Twitter: @McKenzieRomero

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  • 50 dead, disarray, millions without power in Sandy's wake

  • Utah photographer catches images of Sandy's descent on East Coast

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Popular Comments

See all 4 comments »
RedShirt
USS Enterprise, UT

I like the idea of using solar panels for backup power. In the event of a disaster the generators are going to be audio beacons attracting every unprepared person within a 1/2 mile.

I do recognize that solar panels won't work at More..

  • 11:21 a.m. Oct. 31, 2012
  • Top comment
Third try screen name
Mapleton, UT

About those generators. The portables are handy, but require maintenance. Fuel with ethanol has a shelf life of 90 days. After that it starts to damage the generator. You can't store it for a year and then expect it to work. Run it monthly More..

  • 9:00 p.m. Oct. 30, 2012
  • Top comment
Go Big Blue!!!
Bountiful, UT

Generators can be modified to run on propane or natural gas. These fuels burn cleaner and propane stores much better than gasoline. I have a 6,800 watt portable unit that will run my home furnace blower and keep my fridge and deep freezer going.

  • 6:33 a.m. Oct. 31, 2012
  • Top comment
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About the Author
McKenzie Romero

McKenzie Romero

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