Acquiring proper equipment is one of the most effective ways for communities to prepare for emergencies, though purchasing the handiest items is not always convenient. A new store, Homestand Preparation Station, recently began selling supplies to help Oklahoma residents get ready for disasters, according to The Oklahoman.
The shop, located in Oklahoma City, is stocked with a diverse array of tools and gadgets for surviving crisis scenarios, such as first-aid kits, emergency radios and devices that can charge cell phone batteries using boiling water. Customers can also purchase fire-starter kits, emergency lights powered by solar energy and equipment for storing and purifying water.
"You can buy a lot of these products at different stores, but we wanted to be a one-stop shop for everything you need to ready yourself and your home," said Scott Harper, general manager at Homestand Preparation Station.
In addition to a variety of emergency preparedness products, the store will also offer courses to help community members build survival skills.
A number of local investors started the business after a series of tornadoes struck Oklahoma in May 2013.
Well-equipped citizens may find it easier to get through crisis situations, but officials can further improve preparedness by implementing emergency alert systems, such as Omnilert.
