When trees are down and power is out, the most useful gadgets are the ones that never need a charge. The situation calls for shovels, rakes, knives-and a few rolls of duct tape don’t hurt either.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Popular Mechanics posted a list of the 14 hand tools you need during disaster recovery. Here are a few highlights:
Long-socket shovels to remove debris
Bypass loppers to clear brush
A bow saw or pruning saw to cut fallen branches
Axes and hatchets to clean up messy limbs
A bow rake to collect debris
A heavy-duty wheelbarrow to haul away garbage
Plastic tarps to transport materials or keep things dry
Duct tape to help secure that plastic sheeting
Utility knives to slice damaged drywall
Safety glasses to shield yourself from flying debris
A first-aid kit for any type of small injury
A few things we’d add to PM’s already thorough list-rope and twine; contractor bags; and framing hammers or sledgehammers.
There’s a lot you can accomplish without power. As long as you’re prepared with the right gear, you can take care of yourself and be a big help to your neighbors.
