Ocean City, Somers Point hardware stores offer ideas both small, large
OCEAN CITY – Staying powered during a storm requires advance preparation no matter the season.
When the power goes out, it can take a while for utilities to be restored.
From spare batteries to home generators, there are various options for charging devices and appliances during a power outage.
It also might make for some practical gifts this holiday season.
“The biggest thing we sell pre-storm are flashlights and batteries,” Wallace Hardware co-owner Dawn Wallace-Wentz said. “Down here it’s notorious that the power is going to go off. It’s not a matter of if but when.”
Wallace True Value Hardware is at 751 West Ave. Items Wallace-Wentz recommends having on hand are flashlights, toilet paper, batteries and crank radios. The store also carries cases water bottles, another pre-storm essential.
“We try to carry portable radios all the time,” she said. “If you lose power, your phone isn’t going to work [for long]. Some of the radios are crank wound, so you can wind them in case the batteries die.”
Wallace Hardware sells different flashlights, including rechargeables, LEDs, and even ones that can charge cell phones.
“Stockpiling toilet paper is one of those things that is important,” she said. “If you run out and don’t have any way to get to the store, you’re going to wish you had some.”
Portable chargers or power banks are another tool to help charge phones during a power outage. Many of these devices require charging, allowing it to last as long as it maintains a charge. There are solar-powered and battery power bank options in addition to rechargeable ones.
Generators are another option
A larger and more powerful device that homeowners can purchase to power devices and some household appliances are generators. Therefore, planning for generator storage and placement is paramount for homeowners.
“The tricky part with generators in Ocean City is where do you put it,” Wallace-Wentz said. “It’s something to think about because of floodwaters breaching front porches. Also in the garage isn’t safe because of the carbon-monoxide.”
Shore True Value Hardware in Somers Point, 515 New Road, stocks Cat RP5500 generators for purchase.
“You never know when you’re going to get hit with a storm and we are very community-oriented and like to be prepared for natural disasters,” manager Bill Cabiness said. He is also the deputy coordinator for the Somers Point Office of Emergency management.
The portable generators are gas-powered, and owners will need ample fuel supply on hand. The Cat RP5500 runs about $850.
“We sell a pure, no ethanol fuel for the generators that is a little more expensive than regular gasoline,” he said. “I’d probably recommend having 10 to 15 gallons of gas stored and ready to go somewhere.”
Cabiness said Shore Value can special order generators for customers.
“There are several we can get,” he said. “We had a guy order a 9400-watt generator which will run on either gasoline or propane.”
The generators are heavy but typically have wheels and a handle for easier portability.
“Typically the generators can power a refrigerator, computer, lights, and window air conditioners,” he said. “It’s not going to power the entire house, just [some basic] necessities.”
Cabiness said having a generator is an excellent idea to help save from the headache of losing food when the power is out for more than a day or two.