After a disaster has struck, it’s often too late to think about how you meant to recharge your cell phone, figure out where you left that extra power bar, or update your list of emergency contacts. To ensure your electronics are ready and able to assist you, Consumer Reports has produced a list of key things to consider when preparing for emergencies, including:
- Pack what you need – make sure your emergency bag has space for all your critical electronics, from your smartphone to your laptop or tablets (or even a battery powered radio).
- Check your power – ensure all critical items are fully charged and, where possible, stock up on extra batteries or chargers.
- Don’t forget the car – get a car charger, as the car’s battery will act as an extra source of power if other sources of electricity are unavailable.
- Bring a power bar – electrical outlets may be in short supply and a power bar can help people to share the limited outlets that may be available.
- Reduce power consumption – when not in use, keep electronics powered off or change settings to limit power consumption.
- Water-free – When you’re not using them, store electronics in plastic bags or containers to ensure they don’t get accidentally doused with water.
- Keep non-local backups – take advantage of the cloud to make sure your critical data is both protected from loss, and is accessible from wherever you are.
- Digital planning – Work out a plan in advance as to which social media, email, or other methods of communication you’ll be using to contact your family
- Document everything – put a list together of all your important belongings, or even take pictures. Once the emergency is over, these lists can help support any insurance claims that are later needed.
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