In my neck-of-the-woods I experienced some effects of the hurricane this week including a blackout, washout, and landslide. Anticipating these possibilities some years ago I began collecting hand-crank lights and radios.

The large yellow lantern shown in the photo is actually spring wound and has two different power-out ports. The red radio/light saw us through the 1968 Loma Prieta 6.9 magnitude earthquake. It was a comfort to be informed of the surrounding events.

The others shown have been collected at yard sales and as I awaited the utility power to be restored I began to re-familiarize myself with them.

Although some of the lights could be lit while cranking, not all batteries held a charge and need to be replaced. These would require special rechargeables that once the batteries are accessed, their particular replacements can be found online.

For those that offered cell phone charging, a few minutes of cranking did not raise the percent of charge in my phone. Perhaps replacement batteries could make a difference.

The newer devices combine hand crank, solar panel, antenna, flashlight, radio (AM FM and Weather bands), headphone, power, and USB ports,

These are helpful tools and worth acquiring in preparation for emergencies and should be maintained and accessible when needed.