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8 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JULY 2026 | HIGH-TECH PREP TOOLS By Janis Rice, EPAP PIO Most of us are familiar with ashlights that are large, bulky, take batteries, and last for only a couple of months, using a box or book of matches that won't strike or light if they get damp, and radios that also take too many batteries or need electricity to work, but are not always dependable. Well, those days are gone! Welcome to the age of high-tech preparedness gadgets. When I rst became an EPAP Coordinator, I was given a large storage container lled with lots of emergency supplies. Included was a large, bulky ashlight that took a giant battery. Now, we have many choices; some lantern-lights are solar, rechargeable, and/or both. I have one that is not only solar and rechargeable, but also has a crank, a radio, a ashlight, and an SOS siren! Another great tool that we can use every day, but especially in an emergency, are lighters. Now, we won't have to waste time hunting for a book or a box of matches and then worry if they will light. First up is a device that you will not have to recharge. It is a Permanent Match Fire Starter. It uses a very small amount of fuel and a striker that will light at least 10,000 strikes. Another lighter that is a valuable tool is the rechargeable, waterproof, and windproof lighter. And of course, to keep all your gadgets charged, you will need a power bank. ere are so many varieties, sizes, wattages, voltages, adapters, and recharging capabilities to choose from. Cell phones or laptops/tablets are normally charged by plugging them into an electrical outlet, but when an outlet isn't available or the power is out, a portable charger can be used. However, these, too, need to be recharged. During an emergency with a power outage, it is important to have a portable power station that will stay charged and provide power to many devices. ere are so many to choose from with dierent capabilities. Also, consider one with a solar option. Also, make sure that you choose devices that you feel comfortable with. But, as technology improves, so do the chances of survival. As you know, it is very important to have your emergency Go Bag and Stay Box ready and available. BEING PREPARED WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.