For my birthday last year, I was gifted a rechargeable battery-backup light bulb. This seemed like an unusual gift, but it is a lifesaver in a power outage.
My friend who gave it to me shared that she has started giving gifts of useful and practical items she has found. She said this not only did this reduce her stress about selecting the perfect gift for each person, but she also received positive feedback from people who appreciated the useful gifts.
This year, she gifted everyone lightbulbs that charge automatically while in use. During a power outage, the bulbs automatically switch to their battery power. You can keep using the light and turn it on and off as normal. Most models will provide 3-5 hours of light during a power outage.
I forgot I had replaced my living room lamp with this bulb until a few weeks ago, when I had an unexpected power outage in the evening. While the rest of the house went dark, my living room stayed well-lit from this one lamp. Since then, I haven’t been able to stop telling others about this wonderful, practical device.
September is National Preparedness Month. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been recognizing this month annually since 2004 to encourage and educate Americans to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.
Learn more about how to make an emergency plan and stay prepared at https://www.ready.gov/.
It can be overwhelming to try and think through every possible type of emergency, so start with the basics. Consider the risks associated with where you live and make a plan for the more common emergencies in your area. Your plan should include signing up for emergency alerts, knowing where you will go if evacuation is necessary, and assessing the specific needs of everyone in your household.
In Ventura County, you can sign up for emergency alerts at https://ready.venturacounty.gov/vc-alert/ or by calling 888-772-4482. In Los Angeles County, go to https://ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/.
When evaluating your household needs, consider whether anyone in your home may require physical assistance, medications, or medical devices, or transportation during an emergency. Talk with family members, friends, or neighbors who may be able to provide support, and discuss how they can help in an emergency.
It is also important to evaluate your home’s readiness for sheltering in place and possible power outages. Take time to review your emergency kit, non-perishable foods, and power- outage supplies, including candles, batteries and flashlights.
Preparedness does not have to be complicated or overwhelming. Small steps, like installing the rechargeable light bulb I was fortunate to receive as a gift, can make a meaningful difference when an unexpected situation occurs. National Preparedness Month is a great reminder that taking a little time to prepare today can help you feel more confident and better equipped to handle an emergency tomorrow.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
