Importance of a Portable Solar Generator for Emergency First Responders
In August 2021, Hurricane Ida left 1.2 million people in Louisiana and 150,000 people in Mississippi without power. You can expect power outages to occur during hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. These outages can affect how easy it is for first responders to save people affected by these conditions.
Thus, emergency responders should have backup power sources. At least one of these sources should be a portable solar power generator. Read on to learn why.
What Is a Portable Solar Power Generator?
Most Americans use energy generated by the U.S. power grid. When a U.S. power outage occurs, these Americans won't have access to that power grid power. Without power, these Americans could face several risks.
In other situations, Americans may need mobile sources of power. They may want to go camping but still have access to their digital devices. Often, the U.S. power grid doesn't reach certain areas of nature. Generators can give Americans sources of backup power when they need them.
What Are Generators?
A generator is a device that creates energy apart from a power grid. Traditional generators use gas, diesel, or propane as possible power sources. These types of generators include a fuel tank, engine, and alternator.
What Are Solar Power Generators?
A solar power generator is a generator, but it has a different power source than traditional types. It allows you to capture, store, and use the energy created by the sun. This generator usually consists of the following parts:
- Solar panels - Capture the sun's energy
- Inverter - Converts solar energy into electricity
- Battery - Stores the sun's energy
- Charge controller - Controls what energy goes into the battery
Portable Solar Power Generators
A portable solar power generator is easily mobile. People can take these generators wherever they want. That makes them perfect for boating, fishing, and RVing. In addition, many people use these generators as a source of emergency power. They keep them in their homes and pull them out during power outages.
How to Use
People first need to charge their generators in the sun. The power will usually stay in the device for a long time before they use it. In many cases, the power will stay in the generator for a year or more.
When people want to use the devices, they simply plug their devices into the generator. Most generators have several outlets for a variety of devices. People can also charge several devices at once.
For example, people can take care of lighting emergencies by plugging the generators into string lights or another lighting device. At the same time, the users can use the portable generator to charge their smartphones.
Why First Responders Need Portable Power
Not having access to power can disadvantage first responders in several ways. With these disadvantages, first responders may be less capable of saving lives.
Loss of Communication
Emergency responders need to communicate with their colleagues constantly. They often need to contact vehicles and fellow responders to aid them with certain rescues. If they have digital devices, they can contact others and get help quickly.
If they don't have digital devices, communication will be slow. But victims of emergency circumstances often need help as soon as possible. Any delay can put the lives of victims at risk.
Loss of Lighting
Lighting is important for emergency responders. They need to use lighting devices to see around dangerous areas that storms have damaged. If they can't see, they may end up injuring themselves or missing people in the wreckage.
There are a variety of lighting devices emergency responders can use. Not every single one of them needs electricity. For example, many flashlights work on emergency power.
Still, it is a good idea for responders to have a variety of lighting devices. If one of them fails, then they can reach for another.
Loss of Life-Saving Equipment
First responders often have to turn to life-saving devices that need power. Certain oxygen-giving devices are good examples. If first responders don't have access to these devices, they could lose lives.
Solar power generators can give electricity to these devices. First responders can then use them to save lives.
Loss of Comfortable Shelter
First responders may want to give shelter to some of the survivors of disasters. But if the power is out, these shelters won't be as comfortable as people may need. For some, extreme temperatures may even be life-threatening.
But first responders can give some energy to these shelters. All they need to do is hook up electrical devices to the solar power generator.
Why First Responders Need Solar Power Generators
Why can't first responders just use traditional generators to get the energy they need? They can, but gas, diesel, and propane generators have many downsides. Solar power generators can make up for them.
Need for Fuel
Gas, diesel, and propane are difficult to find in power outage situations. People often buy these fuels to power their generators. In addition, fuel trucks may struggle to get to stores after a disaster.
Solar power generators don't need fuel. So first responders won't run into issues when they can't find any fuel.
Noisy
Traditional generators often create a lot of noise. People may not deal with this noise well when they're in traumatic situations and trying to calm down. It may also be difficult for people to sleep in a shelter.
Solar power generators don't create as much noise. So people can stay calm and sleep soundly around these kinds of generators.
What About the Sun?
Yes, the sun may not come out during severe weather conditions. But remember that solar power generators can hold their charges. So first responders can charge solar generators ahead of time and use the power when necessary.
Try Our Solar Power Generator
First responders need to have every tool they can to help them save lives. A solar power generator can be an excellent help. First responders shouldn't arrive on the scene without at least one.
If they're wondering which solar power generator to get, they should try one of ours. We offer a wide variety of high-quality solar power generators. Check them out on this page.
