Sunday, October 1, 2017

Renogy Lends a Helping Hand in Hurricane Relief Efforts

Hurricane season is in full swing in the Atlantic as the summer is winding down and water temperatures are staying warm. Nearly every year the southeastern region of the country faces a hurricane or one of their milder cousins, a tropical storm. This year, unfortunately, was no different. Hurricane Irma was a particularly strong category 5 hurricane, causing catastrophic damage along the gulf coast, particularly in southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana. More recently, hurricane Maria, another category 5 hurricane, devastated the northeastern Caribbean. Like Irma, Maria caused widespread damage, decimating buildings, and leaving thousands without power, clean water, and food for days. Within hours after the storms cleared, volunteer organizations and non-profits sprang into action, delivering much needed supplies, food, and equipment to the devastated areas. Fortunately, Renogy is located far from the hurricane prone eastern and gulf coast regions. Keeping distance in mind, we couldn’t help but wonder: how could Renogy pitch in and lend a helping hand? After all, Renogy used to be located in Baton Rouge and dealt with a few hurricanes. We understand the physical and emotional tolls these storms can have on the local residents.

Lending a helping hand was never a second thought, but our team was trying to decide how to do best do so, and as quickly as possible. Back in Louisiana, one of the most memorable and annoying issues that came with a hurricane was the extended power outage that followed the storm. The power outage made it difficult to function due to the heat and shortened daylight hours in the fall. We quickly decided that we could best help by shipping electrical supplies to the devastated regions of Barbuda and the Virgin Islands. Altogether, Renogy donated four Lycan Powerboxes, twenty-six Phoenix Generators, and thirty 100W Solar Suitcases in hopes that the residents can use the supplies to power lights, fans and other essential electronics until grid power is restored. Renogy also shipped two hundred E.LUMEN Solar Flashlights and two hundred E.FLEX10s to a Tampa Bay high school sophomore who was determined to help with the relief efforts for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.

We chose to donate products to the Maria victims, as the storm damage appears to be more severe and the people in the Caribbean simply have less means to repair their properties than their mainland counterparts. Further, we saw reports on persons affected by the storm that could not run lifesaving medical equipment due to power outages in their homes. The Phoenix Powerboxes and 100W Solar Suitcases can be used to recharge the batteries that can in turn, run the lifesaving electronics.

Natural disasters can strike at any time, just about anywhere. Do what you can to prepare for these events by stocking up on batteries, non-perishables, and clean water. If you live in a hurricane zone, purchase flood insurance and be sure to properly secure windows and doors. Try to keep electronics, such as cell phones and radios charged and in an easily accessible location, if possible. Contact your loved ones and set up an evacuation plan and meeting place so you’ll be safe. Last, and most importantly, evacuate early and pay attention to local new stations and reports. We hope you’re never left dealing with the long-lasting effects of a natural disaster, but being prepared ahead of time can reduce damage and help keep you safe.