My children often tease me for my obsession with keeping my phone’s battery near full. I tend to keep it plugged in throughout the day, even while using it, and I start to feel anxious when the battery dips below 70-80%. While they wait until their devices are nearly dead to charge them, I prefer to stay ahead of the game.
I believe my cautious approach stems from my tendency to anticipate unexpected challenges. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, being prepared feels more crucial than ever. However, even with a fully charged phone, I know it might not last through the entire duration of a disaster. For instance, when Hurricane Sandy struck, some family members lost power for weeks! This experience highlighted the importance of having multiple strategies for keeping my phone charged during emergencies.
Recently, our area was hit hard by Hurricane Ida. Before the storm, I checked off my usual preparedness list: ensuring all devices were charged, my backup charging brick was ready, and flashlights had fresh batteries. Many were caught off guard by Ida’s severity, but we managed to avoid the worst. This prompted me to revisit my disaster preparedness strategies, specifically about keeping my phone charged.
Here are five effective methods to ensure your phone stays powered during a natural disaster:
1. Invest in Multiple External Chargers
I’ve relied on an external charger since Hurricane Sandy. However, I now realize that one might not suffice if power is out for an extended period. I’m ordering a few more of these devices and ensuring they’re always charged. Solar chargers exist, but they require sunlight, which might be scarce during a disaster. Hand-crank chargers can also provide some power in dire situations, although they generate limited electricity.
2. Use Your Laptop for Charging
In case of a power outage, your laptop can serve as a charging source for your phone. Just connect your phone via the appropriate USB cable. While it’s important to conserve your laptop’s battery, having a charged phone in an emergency takes precedence.
3. Charge Your Phone in the Car
During Hurricane Sandy, I charged my phone in my car when our power was out. Ensure you have a car charging adapter. Don’t worry too much about draining your car battery; according to Consumer Reports, charging a phone won’t deplete it significantly. However, if gas supplies are low, try to ration your usage or charge while driving.
4. Conserve Your Phone’s Battery
Extend your phone’s battery life by enabling “low battery mode” in settings. Closing background apps, reducing screen brightness, and switching to airplane mode when not expecting calls can help. Texting is more battery-efficient than calling, so try to text during emergencies. Also, consider using Wi-Fi over cellular data to save battery.
5. Utilize Charging Stations
In disaster situations, many communities set up charging stations at relief centers. Libraries and other public places may also have generators for charging devices. A handy tip from Consumer Reports is to pack a power strip in your emergency kit, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
These tips are essential for keeping your phone charged, but don’t forget the broader aspects of disaster preparedness, such as having a packed emergency bag and staying updated on alerts. It’s wise to establish a communication plan with loved ones, perhaps selecting a specific app for messages if regular texting fails.
Being prepared for natural disasters isn’t something most of us enjoy contemplating, but it’s crucial. Yes, you may end up with extra chargers, but better safe than sorry. In today’s world, being proactive about these matters is more important than ever.
For further insights, check out this other blog post or explore Make a Mom for fertility resources. Additionally, visit UCSF’s FAQs for information on fertility and insurance.
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