For battery operated emergency gear, I've standardized on equipment that uses AA size batteries for interchangeability; also, the ready availability of AA Lithium batteries which are lighter, won't leak, work over a wider temperature range, last longer in operation, and have at least a 10 year shelf life. All are properties well suited to back packable standby equipment. I use AA Lithium batteries in emergency flashlights, strobe lights, radios, cell phone rechargers, and Krill Lights which replaced my disposable chemlights/lightsticks/glowsticks two decades ago. I don't have to be concerned about duds, expiration dates, cold weather operation; or, run time. It has a lanyard hole, so it can be worn on a dog tag chain for hands free use.

I use the AA Krill Light, White, Extreme 180º: Simple and reliable twist on/off base switch | Long battery life - up to 50 hours | Long operating life – over 3000 hours | Indefinate storage life | Light weight - 2.75 oz. with batteries | compact - Height: 5 1/18 in., Base Diameter: 1 1/6 in. | Impact resistant and durable - drop tested 50 ft. onto concrete | Water resistant - 150 ft. | Economical – pennies per hour to use | No liquids or chemicals to worry about | No bulb to replace.
Image about actual size. It pays to shop around for the best price.

http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper...iqueItemId=517

I have one of these:

Statistically speaking, I am more likely to suffer delays on public transport than any injury endangering life or limb.

Therefore I rarely leave home without a paperback.

I had an emergency kit in my car, but bearing in mind my longest period of continual car ownership was in city centres, it wasn't extensive. And I was alone amongst my female friends having a car escape tool - includes window hammer and selt belt cutter et al. Can't find a pic of the one I had, but they update them regularly and it's been at least 6 years since I drove.

Then again I was the only woman I knew with a rape alarm.
Perhaps we're more quixotic in this country?

All-in-one units like that are a great convenience for an individual's home; or, business use. I like to keep my stuff modular so I can enlist others in it's use to meet various needs at different locations that are still in close proximity.

Thoroughly Modular Millie. :D

It's just me and my kitteh, and I'm not prepared really for anything, except for lights going out. I don't even know how to plug my phone into it. Maybe there is a converter plug?????

From the linked webpage you provided:

If your phone connects to its charger via a USB, you'll need only to find a USB cable to connect the phone to your emergency radio. If your phone has a proprietary receptacle and plug on its charger, then you'll need both a USB cable and a USB to proprietary plug adapter.

Recharging a cell phone from such a small unit, either by hand crank or solar power, is time consuming and results are usually of short duration.

Ahhh, thanks!

Yeah, I expect it would only be for emergencies. I hate phones anyway but it would be handy to call my family to say goodbye when the zombies come.

My phone has a USB that connects to the plug/chargie part. So I guess I'll just need a USB cable?

Thanks for checking on that for me! :)

ps charger plug looks like this:

You should be fine then. The big end of the cable should fit the slot on the radio.

Oh, thanks! I had my old phone when I bought the radio (at a safety fair here at work) and I knew that one wouldn't work but I've never tried the new one!

Part of being prepared is to know what the heck is going on! And, I typically do not. :nuts: