The United States power grid is a lot more fragile than most people think. This was proven in 2012, when Superstorm Sandy deprived 8.1 million Americans of electricity. In some areas, power was restored within a matter of hours, but others had to go without power for a full two weeks. Weather-related emergencies are only […]

Do you pay $100 a month or more for cell phone service? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average monthly cost of service in 2018 was $114. If you decide to get a new smartphone with your plan and break up the cost of it […]

Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking and many other outdoor activities are a lot of fun when you venture out into the wilderness alone, but they can be even more enjoyable when you take your friends along with you. However, communication issues can often create problems– especially if you venture into an off-the-grid part […]

According to the Insurance Information Institute, Marine accidents killed 1,163 people and caused $197 million worth of losses in 2017. One way to avoid accidents is by practicing good communication habits while on the water. VHF radios can play a big role in communications. If you have a reliable one, it can help you avoid […]

In the United States, County Sheriffs handle most SAR (Search and Rescue) operations. Their rescue teams are typically staffed by trained volunteers. When more help is required, they call in the Coast Guard. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Coast Guard conducts about 15,000 SAR (Search and Rescue) operations each year. About 30% […]

Cellular phones are such an integral part of our culture now that we practically feel naked without one. However, they aren’t a completely perfect communication solution. The first problem with them is that they are expensive. In the United States, a typical smartphone now costs more than $500 on average according to research firm Statista. […]

Statistics compiled by the law firm Edgar, Snyder and Associates indicate that texting while driving causes about 1.6 million crashes each year. Another way to visualize that troubling statistic is in terms of a ratio. One out of every four crashes involves a driver that failed to pay attention to the road because they were […]

Demand for rechargeable batteries is growing in the post-coronavirus era, according to research published by Research and Markets— and consumers have many options. There are many types of rechargeable batteries on the market, ranging from super high capacity rechargeables to rechargeables that are tailor made to accommodate the needs of people who frequently use digital […]

Outdoor adventures are fun, but accidents and other chaotic events can have deadly consequences– even with today’s technology on our side. Mariners are particularly familiar with the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Rogue waves can cause instant chaos, even when the weather is clear. Mountain climbers face their own particular set of unique perils. According […]

According to research firm Technavio, the demand for alkaline AA batteries is expected to grow by 1% until 2024. AA batteries are useful for powering TV remote controls, radios, flashlights, video game controllers, video and music players, clocks and other low drain electronic devices. All these devices will likely continue to be popular, even while […]