The Ryobi Storm Kit Is Essential in Extreme Weather Conditions

Preparing for power outages caused by weather or other natural disasters is becoming easier as battery technology improves, which is a good thing as the weather continues to worsen. Keeping your devices charged so you can stay up to date on emergency information, having a light source, and being able to tune in to the radio if the internet and cell service goes out are all important parts of preparing for an emergency. Ryobi has developed a Storm Combo Kit that can address multiple aspects of emergency preparedness.

Battery

Since the system comes with a battery and charger, it costs $129. The battery and charger on their own will cost between $55 and $75, so purchasing the battery along with the rest of the tools for $130 is a steal. However, having just one battery wouldn’t be the most practical solution, so if you’re not already using Ryobi batteries, you might want to consider options that fit your existing battery system. (Don’t have an existing battery system? I would recommend purchasing an additional battery for this kit.)

Inverter

An inverter with USB ports allows you to charge devices and use small accessories, but it won’t replace a generator for larger items—it doesn’t produce enough power for things like space heaters or electric burners. The inverter’s portability makes it useful in an emergency, especially when evacuating, but it will not be sufficient for long-term use. It costs about $100 on its own, so getting it as part of a kit is a good deal.

Lighting area

The zone light has three brightness settings and can run for up to 48 hours on low, providing a consistent light source. The light also has two USB charging ports that can be used to power devices for added convenience. The light’s portability makes it a good choice for both packing and home emergency lighting. By itself it costs about $40, so it can be purchased as a kit.

Radio and speaker

A Bluetooth speaker and radio are an added bonus to this emergency kit, making it much easier to stay connected for emergency information and entertainment during a power outage. The speaker has a Bluetooth range of 175 feet and lasts up to 32 hours on a single charge. Even if the Internet and cellular network are interrupted due to weather, the radio will still allow you to stay informed of emergency messages. By itself, this part of the kit will cost about $60.

Conclusion

The overall benefits of the Ryobi 3-in-1 Storm Kit are its portability and battery life. The downside is that the power supply is not designed to power larger appliances or electric heaters and only comes with one battery, so you’ll have to unplug everything if you want to charge. Since the kit components cost about $255 to $275 individually, buying the kit will cost about 50 percent less. In addition, you will receive a carrying case that you can easily take with you on a trip or camping trip.

Tips for using the storm kit

Using the emergency kit is quite simple if you charge the battery in advance. For added versatility, it is recommended to have two (or more) batteries so the kit can be used as a charger and as a flashlight or speaker at the same time, and so you can double the battery life. If you already have a Ryobi battery system, you can always add additional tool batteries to it if available. If you must store batteries, store them away from the charger and between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry place to prolong battery life.