artificial insemination syringe
My children often tease me about my obsession with keeping my phone’s battery nearly full. I tend to keep it plugged in throughout the day, even while using it, and I get anxious if the battery dips below 70-80%. They prefer to wait until their devices are almost dead, only to panic when they can’t load their favorite videos.
Perhaps my approach isn’t so unreasonable after all?
Part of my motivation for maintaining a fully charged phone stems from my tendency to anticipate the worst-case scenario. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, this mindset feels more relevant than ever. I recognize that even a fully charged phone may not last through a prolonged emergency, as I learned during Hurricane Sandy, when some family members were left without power for weeks.
Given the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Ida, which affected many in my area, I realized the importance of having a solid plan for keeping phones charged during emergencies. Here are my top five tips for ensuring your phone stays charged when disaster strikes:
1. Invest in Multiple External Chargers
I’ve relied on an external charger since Hurricane Sandy, but I’ve realized that having just one may not suffice if the power is out for days. I’m planning to purchase several more chargers to ensure they’re always ready. Solar chargers are an option too, though they require sunlight, which might not be available during bad weather. Hand-crank chargers can generate power in a pinch, though they provide limited electricity.
2. Utilize Your Laptop
If the power goes out, you can charge your phone using your laptop’s USB port. Just ensure you have the right cables. While you may worry about depleting your laptop’s battery, prioritizing your phone’s charge in an emergency is crucial.
3. Charge in Your Vehicle
During Hurricane Sandy, we charged our phones in the car when the power was down. Make sure your car has a charging adapter, if it doesn’t come built-in. There’s minimal risk of draining your car battery by charging your phone, as confirmed by experts. However, be mindful of your fuel levels, and try to charge devices while driving whenever possible.
4. Conserve Battery Life
Maximize your phone’s battery life by enabling “low battery mode,” closing unused apps, and lowering the screen brightness. If you don’t expect calls, switch to “airplane mode” to save power. Rely on texting instead of calling, as texts consume less battery. It’s also advisable to use Wi-Fi whenever possible, as it’s less draining than mobile data.
5. Take Advantage of Charging Stations
In the aftermath of a disaster, many communities set up charging stations at relief centers. Libraries and coffee shops often have generators and may allow you to charge your devices. Consider including a power strip in your emergency kit to charge multiple devices at once.
Preparedness for natural disasters goes beyond just keeping your phone charged. It’s essential to have an emergency kit ready, stay updated on alerts, and create a plan for communicating with loved ones. For more tips on preparation, check out this post for additional insights.
These strategies may seem excessive, but in a world increasingly affected by climate change, being over-prepared is far better than being caught off guard.