FEBRUARY – Communications
Purchase: Emergency Flashlight/Radio (multiple power source).
Rotate: Batteries in your storage supply
Organize: Family Emergency Plan
1. Written list family address and phone #
2. Family/neighbor calling tree
3. Meeting place outside of home
4. Meeting/contact place outside area
5. Current family and individual pictures
Learn: How to organize Family Emergency Plan
For a great way to organize your family emergency plan, visit:
http://bereadyutah.gov/family/. This site will walk you through with all
the information you will need to organize and complete your plan.
Notes on Communication
Communication in emergencies is very important. Our phone lines may not work. Cell phones are great but lines will be tied up in an emergency. It is best to phone a designated relative or contact out of state, who may be easier to reach. That person then can serve as an information center when families are split up and cannot contact each other. Text messages may be the best way to send info because when phone lines are tied up, text messages can still be sent and retrieved. Ask your kids, grandkids to help you learn to text. Always keep your phone fully charged. You may be interested to know that cell phone chargers are solar and some that utilize 2 AA batteries. It is also vital to have a radio that works to listen to current news, updates and warnings in case of a disaster. You may want to locate all the devices that use batteries and stock up on those sizes. Two way radios can be helpful too. Don’t forget that communication can come in the form of flashlights, whistles and mirrors.
Notes on Battery Storage
I have researched and assembled some do's and don'ts for you on battery storage.
DO preserve battery life by switching off a device and removing the batteries when it is not being used, and is not expected to be used for extended periods of time. Storing batteries inside any electronic device is never a good idea, because it increases the chances of corrosion.
DO practice proper battery storage by keeping batteries in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature. It is not necessary to store batteries in a refrigerator. In fact, this practice does slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery slightly, but not enough to qualify as safe battery storage. The humidity inside a refrigerator can cause batteries to swell and burst open, and frozen batteries must be thawed completely before they can produce any electricity. The excess condensation formed during the thawing process can also damage electronic circuitry.
DON’T mix old and new batteries, or mix different types or makes of batteries. This can cause leakage or rupture, resulting in personal injury or property damage. A drawer full of batteries—some used, some half used and some questionable—will cause frustration when you reach for your flashlight and the batteries to power it on.
DO keep spare batteries in the original retail packaging, to prevent unintentional activation or short-circuiting. You may use a Ziploc bag to keep your batteries fresh. Just pop them into the baggie and zip; store them next to the flashlight for easy access. This will also ensure that they are not just floating around loose in the drawer and coming in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.
DON’T recharge a battery unless it is specifically marked "rechargeable." Attempting to recharge a non-rechargeable (primary) battery could result in leakage or rupture. Don't use rechargeable alkaline batteries in nickel metal hydride battery chargers.
DON’T store batteries or battery-powered devices in hot places — elevated temperatures can lead to capacity loss, leakage or rupture.
