WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, ALBright ideas: A WAFF 48 News special report

The April 27th storms plunged most of the Tennessee Valley into darkness anywhere from five days to up to a month in some cases. It felt like an eternity. With no electricity, most businesses and schools shut down. 

If you were lucky enough to have a generator, you were able to run a few of your appliances and lights. But for those who didn't, they had to be creative.

In the event of another prolonged power outage, we thought we would show you some inexpensive ways to keep you connected to the outside world.

PHOTO GALLERY

Click to view a gallery of gadgets you'll need in a power outage

Ammon McKinney with the Sports Authority in Bridgestreet says in the event a power outage, there are three things you will need. The first is something to cook with, the second is something to see with and the third is something for entertainment. A lot of people used camp stoves to cook during the last outage. They are portable and you can use them inside and outside.

A good camp stove will run you anywhere from $30 to $100. And remember to stock up on your propane. One or two canisters will make for very rare meats

In another handy little gadget, you get two for one. It's a flashlight that's also a radio.

"Another thing you can use is a hand-cranked LED flashlight slash radio. Everyone likes to listen to a little bit of music," said McKinney.

Hand-cranked flashlights are battery free and easy to use.

In today's technology age, almost everyone has a cell phone and a computer. For many people, they were the only source of information after Aprils' storms. The problem was that with no power and no power source, it was difficult to keep them charged. Inverters convert DC power to AC power, allowing you to run your household appliances with it.

200 watt and 400 watt inverters can be hooked through your cigarette lighter of your car so you can use your car battery's power to charge your devices. And depending on the wattage you choose, you will spend between $29 and $39 for a good inverter.

Another useful item to have on hand in the event of another blackout is a flashlight, and there is a variety on the market.

LED flashlights last longer than lantern-type flashlights and are typically cheaper. Some LED flashlights can cost as little as $3.

It's always a good idea to keep batteries in stock. Most industrial grade batteries have a shelf life of between seven and eight years.

Many campers or hunters use lanterns when they are enjoying the great outdoors, but they can also be great indoors. The lanterns are on the higher end of our low price power options, but most will be under $50.

Many viewers we asked say they used outdoor solar lights during the April storms. They say they were able to bring them inside at night to light their homes.

And don't forget about cell phone chargers. Most chargers that plug into the wall, but in the event the power goes out, a cell phone charger for your car will be a lifesaver.

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