HANDY GADGETS TO HAVE DURING A STORM – OFFICIAL FLORIDA KEYS HURRICANE GUIDE

In times of a storm, preparation is vital in order to keep your family and your home safe and sound. Canned green beans, a working generator and gallons of water are important items to stow away. And so are handy gadgets that allow you to…  Consider adding these go-to gadgets and items to your storm supply list.

GOAL ZERO YETI 1000X
It can power a portable fridge or TV and it’s small enough to place it into a closet or the trunk of a car. The Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 1000x portable power station keeps essential devices running when you’re off the grid. This 31-pound station contains 1,500 watt AC inverter and 3,000 watt surge — enough to power portable fridges, grills, CPAP devices and cameras. Battery capacity is 983 watt hours. $1,499.95

LUMINAID POWER LANTERN 
The Firefly 2-in-1 power lantern is a popular model for home and outdoor use. With a maximum brightness of 130 Lumens, there’s ample light to see where you’re going should the power go out. It also charges phones, cameras and tablets. It’s compatible with iPhone and Android. $75

STORM SAFETY WHISTLE
It’s dubbed the world’s loudest whistle at 130 decibels, and it can be heard above virtually any competing sound. Its unique patented design allows it to be heard underwater, up to 50 feet, because the sounding chamber forces all water to be purged when the whistle is blown. $5.89

ARLO GO WIRELESS SECURITY CAMERA
Did the storm knock out your power? Do you want to keep the security camera rolling on your property or home in the time you have without Wi-Fi? With Arlo Go’s wireless security camera, hook it up to your 4G LTE cellular plan to keep an eye on your property. Get access to live video and two-way audio. And notifications immediately appear on your phone. It’s great not only for homes but also boats. $429.99

GOSUN CHILLEST COOLER
In times of intense heat and no power, keep your food items cold with the ultimate portable fridge. The Chillest cools food and drinks with electricity from 12V, AC or solar. The dual zone 45 liter cooler prepares you for anything. Set the temperature anywhere from -4 degrees to 68 degrees Fahrenheit using buttons on the cooler. $799

Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.