BLOG

Be Prepared for Storms

Here in Texas, storms can knock us for a loop in both summer and winter. Tropical storms, hurricanes, thunder storms with baseball sized hail, ice and snow storms - we've seen it all. And when the power goes out it can sometimes trigger other problems like boil water notices. We've learned to keep storm supplies on hand no matter the time of year. They include power to keep our electronic devices active for the latest information, alternative sources of light, storage for fresh water, and a way to cook and brew our much needed coffee or tea. You'll find all sorts of items to help you be prepared at home and in the outdoors in our Preparedness Collection. Here are a few of our favorites from the Collection. 

GSI Outdoors Water Cube - 20L

When the water utility takes a hit and there's either no water or a boil order in place, it's good to have water set aside. The GSI Outdoors Water Cube holds 20 liters, has a built in handle and tap, and collapses flat when not in use.  Usually, with a storm big enough to disrupt water service, you'll know that it's coming and have time to prepare. When camping, the rule of thumb is a gallon of water per person per day. The Water Cube holds a little over five gallons. And if the weather is hot, you may need to have more water on hand. The Water Cube also comes in a 10L size.

BioLite SunLight 100 Lantern

If winter storms have left you in the dark, or you want to be prepared for the next outage due to a thunderstorm, the BioLite SunLight 100 Lantern, would be a good light source to have on hand. It’s a 100 lumen dimmable light that can be charged with a USB cord or by the sun. The built-in solar panels include a sundial to position the lantern for optimal charging. Its small size makes it easy to stash in a pocket, carry as a flashlight, pack for a trip, or to store at home until needed. The stand and clip make it easy to direct light where you want it in a tent, a campsite or at home.

Goal Zero Venture 35 Power Bank

When the power goes out at home or the battery level on the phone is teetering far too close to the red zone, having a portable charger close at hand can be a lifesaver. What sets the Goal Zero Venture 35 Power Bank apart is its protective rubber sleeve and a waterproof plug that protects the ports against the elements when not in use. Carry it in your pack or bag or store it at home for a quick recharge when you need to keep in touch and you can't plug in. It can charge a smartphone three times or a tablet one time.

GSI Outdoors Selkirk 540 Camp Stove

There have been times when we were reduced to eating unheated meals from cans after our power went out. While there are certainly worse things in this world, a warm meal and a hot cup of coffee or tea can make all the difference in helping us to be more resilient in the face of unexpected challenges. The Selkirk 540 Camp Stove is made for cooking outdoors. If you use it inside, be sure you have excellent ventilation.  It's a double burner, high output propane fueled stove. Its adjustable controls can handle a range of cooking temperatures from simmer to fast boil. Whether car camping or facing a sustained power outage, a camp stove can be a good investment.

BioLite SolarHome 620+

A Biolite Solar Home System includes a small solar panel that's easy to mount on a roof, and three LED lamps with long cords that can span the space of a home or multiple rooms to provide light during a blackout. There are independent on/off switches for each light and one has a motion detector. The System also comes equipped with a weather radio, USB plugins for phones and small devices, and an LCD screen that includes readings for battery level, sunlight level, and more. The whole thing fits inside a shoebox and is useful for storms or for those outfitting a camper, van or tiny home on a budget.

Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station

When you lose electricity, it's good to know that you can keep your devices powered up. And if you have a whole family's worth of devices to keep running, you might consider the Goal Zero Yeti 200X Portable Power Station. It’s compact, lightweight and can keep phones, tablets and headlamps charged up and ready to go. You can keep in touch with family and friends and get up-to-date information during an emergency. To recharge the Portable Power Station, plug it into a wall outlet or charge it with compatible Goal Zero solar panels. It's also a good addition for camping trips.

These are just a few of the items you'll find in our Preparedness Collection. You'll find items specifically for camping and hiking as well as items for home. Have questions? Stop by one of our stores or get in touch with customer service. We'll be glad to help.