DisastersAlternative-powered energy supply for disasters

Published 22 May 2012

Emergency preparedness retailer Disaster Relief Supply says that the popularity of solar and dynamo powered emergency products has increased

The term solar-powered flashlight may seem like an oxymoron, but with a growing desire for renewable energy supplies, solar-powered flashlights are finally in the spotlight.. Battery-powered emergency supplies are becoming relics of the past as items like radios, flashlights, jump starters/power stations, cell phone chargers, and walkie-talkies make the move to solar and dynamo (hand-crank) power. Mike Fisher, from online retailer Disaster Relief Supply, explains why customers are choosing alternative powered emergency supplies this hurricane season.

Since working in the disaster business, Fisher has seen the trends come and go, and has learned the ins and outs of emergency preparedness. He says that while managing Disaster Relief Supply, he has noticed that one topic that customers bring up is renewable energy. “Whether it’s for a house, a shelter, or something as small as a flashlight, people want rechargeable power,” says Fisher, “Many of our customers believe they could be left in a situation where stores of conventional batteries have run out and are no longer accessible through retail shops.” The most likely scenario that customers allude to is a major storm, such as Hurricane Katrina that devastated New Orleans, Louisiana and the surrounding areas. Fisher goes on to say that although few and far between, these kinds of events can happen, tend to occur quickly, and cause mass hysteria. Fisher says that “When a large hurricane strikes and knocks out power for days or weeks, no one wants to deal with running to the store for extra batteries, or hoping that their battery powered supplies are in working condition.”

Although solar-powered and dynamo products do not require alkaline batteries (AA/AAA), they do typically contain a Lithium Ion, Deep Cycle Lead Acid, or NiMH (Nickel-metal hydride) battery. These alternate batteries have a long life, and their effectiveness is based on usage). When compared to the relatively short life of an alkaline battery, it is understandable why customers preparing for what could be long periods of isolation from the outside world, gravitate toward a more re-usable battery.