Back to Basics: Non-Electric Tools to Have During a Hurricane

Introduction

Hurricanes are natural disasters that can have devastating effects on people and their property. During a hurricane, power outages are common, which can render some modern electronic devices useless. That is why it is essential to keep non-electric tools handy to ensure your safety and be prepared for any emergencies. In this article, we will discuss the basic non-electric tools that you must-have during a hurricane.

Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Essential Tools

• Flashlights: A flashlight is one of the most critical tools in any emergency preparedness kit. Make sure you have enough batteries on hand.
• Battery-powered radio: A battery-powered radio is essential during a hurricane because it allows you to receive weather updates and emergency information from local authorities.
• Manual can opener: You'll want to have a manual can opener on hand to open canned food and other non-perishable items.
• Multi-tool: A multi-tool is a versatile tool that can help with a variety of tasks such as opening containers, cutting rope, and repairing small items.
• Fire extinguisher: Fires can start unexpectedly during a hurricane, so having a fire extinguisher on hand is essential.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is another essential item that you should have during a hurricane. Here are some of the key items that you should include:

• Bandages and gauze: These items can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.
• Antibiotic ointment: This can help prevent infection in small wounds.
• Pain relievers: Aspirin or Ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Hydrogen peroxide: This can be used to clean and disinfect wounds.
• Tweezers: Useful for removing splinters or other debris from wounds.

Other Essential Items

• Candles and matches: Candles can provide light when the power goes out, and matches will help you light them.
• Bleach: Bleach can be used to purify water during a hurricane if necessary.
• Duct tape: Duct tape is a versatile item that is useful for repairs and temporary fixes.
• Cash: Keep some cash on hand as ATMs may not be operational during a hurricane.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I do if I run out of batteries during a hurricane?

  If you run out of batteries during a hurricane, conserve the power by turning off any non-essential devices. If possible, use a manual tool like a flashlight instead of relying on battery-powered devices.

• Can I use a gas-powered generator during a hurricane?

  Yes, but it's essential to take proper precautions. Never use a gas-powered generator inside your home or garage, since they emit carbon monoxide which can be deadly. Instead, keep the generator outside in a well-ventilated area.

• Should I use candles during a hurricane?

  While candles are a useful source of light during a power outage, they can also be a fire hazard. If you must use candles, make sure they are placed on a flat, stable surface, and keep them away from anything flammable.

• What should I do if I need to evacuate my home during a hurricane?

  If you need to evacuate your home during a hurricane, make sure you pack necessary items such as clothing, essential documents, and non-perishable food. Follow local evacuation orders and stay informed about the storm's progress.

• How often should I check my emergency preparedness kit?

  It's a good idea to check your emergency preparedness kit at least once a year to ensure that all the items are up-to-date and functioning correctly.

Conclusion

Whether you live in an area prone to hurricanes or not, it's always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies. While modern electronic devices can be helpful, during a hurricane, power outages are common, rendering these devices unusable. That's why it's essential to have non-electric tools readily available in your hurricane preparedness kit. This article covered some of the basic non-electric tools that you must-have during a hurricane, including flashlights, battery-powered radios, manual can openers, multi-tools, and fire extinguishers. Additionally, a first aid kit, candles, bleach, duct tape, and cash are essential items to have. We hope this article helps you prepare for the next hurricane.

Additional Resources

• Ready.gov: Hurricanes
• National Hurricane Center
• American Red Cross: Hurricane Preparedness

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