WASHINGTON – When a big storm is coming, many residents want to make sure they can stay in communication even if they lose power. Hand-crank radios and battery- powered radios, while harder to find, are still out there.
Radio Shack sells an American Red Cross-approved hand-crank radio for approximately $75. Best Buy sells a hand-crank radio for approximately $60.
In town a number of retailers carry hand-crank and/or battery powered radios to pick up before Sandy hits.
Lands End stores, REI locations, Strosniders locations, and ACE Hardware locations. Click on the links to any of the stores to find the specific locations in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia.
If you’d prefer to buy online for more options,
There are also options for radios that are weather resistant for those who want to know the changing conditions if they are outside, cleaning up debris, for example.
If a battery-powered radio better fits your needs, Amazon.com features an expansive list of options.
If you plan on using your smart phone during a storm, the Red Cross suggests residents download its emergency preparedness apps, including its hurricane app that alerts to changing weather patterns and acts as a resource.
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