Don’t Be Left in the Dark; Prepare for a LIGHTER Hurricane Season

“Every citizen in this country is part of a National Emergency Management System.”—Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Although “tropical cyclones help to keep equilibrium in the Earth’s troposphere and maintain a relatively stable and warm temperature worldwide,”*Wikipedia, they are a major concern for those living in hurricane prone areas in the midst of hurricane season. 

Preparing your home and taking precautions will help mitigate the impact of nature’s fury. Your emergency kit should include:

• 3-day supply of clothing
   
• 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day).
   
• Manual can opener.
   
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
   
• First aid kit, to include aspirin, bandages, antibiotic cream and antacids.
   
• Hygiene products – wipes, toilet paper, etc.
   
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries.
   
• Whistle.
   
• Matches and waterproof container.
   
• Copies of credit cards, id, passports, etc in airtight plastic bags.
   
• Cash, as ATM and credit card machines may shut down.
   
• Medications.
   
• Eye glasses, contact lens supplies.

Things to do when storm warnings are posted include:

• Keep a full tank of gas in the car when a hurricane is on the way, as gas stations may not be open.
   
• Close and lock doors and windows.
   
• Unplug electrical equipment—radios, TV, small appliances.
   
• Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in, unless there is a risk of flooding.
   
• Put breakable item, such as portable lighting, in a padded bathtub.
   
• Make a family meeting place, and have a place to stay outside the hurricane-prone zone.

Home Lighting Tips:

• Invest in durable, non-corrosive outdoor lighting by Maxim Lighting and Kichler that is guaranteed to withstand severe weather.
   
• Store LED candles that are fire-safe and battery operated.  Due to the fact that candles used for light during power outages caused about one-third of all fatal home candle fires, it is no longer recommended to stock fire burning candles for emergency purposes. *http://www.power-sure.com/HurricanePreparedness.htm
   
• Change Light Bulbs-Consider LED bulbs that are more durable and contain no mercury so they are non-toxic and less harmful if broken.
   
• Keep an LED flashlight in each room.

Top Products:

• “Triumph VX” collection from Maxim Lighting, outdoor deck lanterns, wall lights and post lamps composed of Vivex, a material twice the strength of resin that is non-corrosive and UV resistant.

  
   

• Philips Indoor LED Flood Bulbs—Ambient LED 17-watt PAR 38 are a great option to replace standard 75-watt halogen PAR 38.  Ideal in kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms for track lighting or open recessed fixtures, they are ENERGY STAR certified and fully dimmable.

  
   

• Bulbrite’s LED Novelty Night Lights “PalPODzzzz” portable nightlights that include emergency flashlights and back-up lights make a great bedside sentinel to ward off the dark.  Flashlight illuminates automatically when removed from the charger base or during power outages. Kid-friendly designs include the rocket, bee/bear.

  
   

• Bulbrite’s LED Novelty Silicone Candles are rechargeable, long-lasting LED candles with flameless flickering effect.  No fire hazard, no messy wax, no batteries required, 8 hours of charge time for up to 15 hours of burn time, great for restaurants, bars, hotels or home.  Includes four rechargeable candles, charging base and power adapter.

  
   

• Kichler Design Pro LED Energy Smart Outdoor flood lights. Durable and energy-efficient outdoor lighting made to withstand severe weather conditions.

  

Visit a Capitol Lighting showroom or shop 1800lighting.com for more information on the latest outdoor lighting and weather-resistant products from Maxim Lighting, Bulbrite, Kichler and more and to view the finest in new home lighting and accessories.