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Most of our impressions of tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, just about
any natural disaster we experience, come after the fact. When a force
of nature sweeps into the tranquility we have become accustomed to,
we find ourselves compelled to appreciate the essential things we're
left with: life, family, and an opportunity to rebuild.
But what of those days before the crisis? The tranquil days when you hear
talk about the beginning of hurricane season or the number of tornados
the Midwest might expect this year? Perhaps you already have an emergency
kit put together, and know exactly where it is. If you do, you know
that there are a few essential items that should always be there. Here's
a list of items recommended by FEMA:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
It's no mistake that flashlights and radios are among the top items recommended
by FEMA. Without a flashlight, even a simple power-failure, or rolling
blackout, can be frightening. Not having a flashlight during an emergency
could be more than scary, it could be life threatening. If you can't
see what's in front of you, you don't know what to avoid. Lighting
the way can help you get to safe ground more carefully. And if you
have a good, reliable radio, it's even better, because it supplies
you with something essential in times of crises, it supplies knowledge.
With a radio you can follow reports of storm movement, and also keep
track of emergency procedures, like evacuation routes, or shelter locations.
At C. Crane, we know that not all flashlights and radios are reliable.
That's why we carry the ones we do. Like you, we've experienced the
intimidating force of nature. In fact, one of the reasons we helped
design the Freeplay
Companion wind-up radio is that we live in seismic country, and have
had more than our share of rough tremblers and earthquakes. We wanted
a good radio that works well when the power is down. For night, and
other dark conditions, we found the most innovative flashlights available.
We were the first to carry LED flashlights, and offer some of the best
ones you can get. From the C.
Crane Trek lights, to the Photon
Micro-Lights, we have flashlights that can be stored until
you need them and last up to five times longer than other flashlights,
to flashlights so small they can be with you all the time.
There's one last item that we would add to the FEMA list: a pocketknife. It
doesn't need to be a big one, just enough to cut through surgical tape
or cloth. Heck, it doesn't even need to be a pocketknife, it can just
be a keychain knife. As long as it's the C. Crane original
KnifeLite,
that is, since other keychain knives just can't cut it. Designed by
Bob and Damon, the KnifeLite, is one of the handiest tools you can
carry with you all the time. It has a bright LED light, a stainless
steel blade, and a screwdriver tip. Another added bonus to the KnifeLite
is that, if you use it as your main keychain, you'll almost always
have it with you or know exactly where it is. The KnifeLite is great
for everyday use, and handy in times of need.
We can't take care of your other major essentials, like medicines and
money, but we can equip you with the right tools to see and hear in
the aftermath of Mother Nature's fury. You know, these radios, flashlights
and knives are so useful and so well made, you may want to get them
even if you don't live in an area subject to natural disasters. (If
there is such a place, please let me know). You never know when you'll
get hit with a power failure in the middle of your favorite radio show,
or when you'll wish you had a better flashlight. When you're prepared
you have more control of your environment - and that could be essential
when nature spins the world out of control.
To view our past articles, please visit our What's in the News Archives.
As always, please contact us with any comments or
article suggestions you might have.
If you are interested in using C. Crane's articles on your own Web site,
please let me know. I'd be happy to take a look at your Web site and
see what we can do. Good-bye for now, Carlos. About
the author
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