According to Reuters, in 2011, tornadoes caused nearly $30 billion in damages across the nation. Meteorologists are predicting this spring and summer to have more tornadoes and floods than usual. They attribute this change to the irregularly warm 2011-2012 winter. Tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters can knock out power for hours or even days at a time. Batteries Plus^®, the nation's largest battery and light bulb franchise with access to more than 40,000 types of batteries, light bulbs and accessories, offers several products and tips to help consumers prepare for and remain safe during the storm season.

"Regardless of the type of storm, consumers and businesses need to be prepared to lose power. Power management devices should be the biggest consideration both during and after a storm," said Russ Reynolds, Batteries Plus CEO. "Other than obvious items, such as flash lights and hurricane lanterns, the public should seriously consider power inverters and chargers that help power their devices from a car rather than a wall outlet if they lose power in their homes after a storm. Additionally, businesses should stock up on batteries for exit lights, UPS back-up systems and their communication devices. Batteries Plus has implemented a system-wide disaster planning program. This system helps all of our stores nationwide plan for severe weather by notifying them of storms that are en-route, ensuring they are fully stocked with product before and when the storms hit, offering expedited shipping of product to the stores, and helping them quickly and easily replenish their stock in the aftermath of the storms so that retail and business consumers can get what they need."

Batteries Plus recommends consumers have the following products on hand in the event of a power outage during a natural disaster:

• Rayovac^® indestructible industrial-grade flashlights. These flashlights stand up to the toughest tests and conditions opens in new window, are water resistant, and use Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights. Make sure you have enough for everyone in your home or business.
• At least two AA battery-operated flashlights.
• A lantern-style or larger flashlight that uses two or three D-size batteries to give off more light and for a longer period of time. Rayovac makes a water resistant model using LED light that has a lifetime guarantee.
• A head lamp, which allows you to move around and do hands-free tasks. Rayovac makes a water-resistant model featuring an LED light and a lifetime guarantee.
• A portable backup charger for all mobile devices. The Rayovac charger is compact enough to fit in a purse or shirt pocket and includes adaptors to work with all mobile devices including cell/smart phones, digital cameras, portable gaming devices and MP3 players.
• A PowerLine AC/DC Dual Port USB Charger. This charger allows the consumer to charge two USB-powered devices simultaneously and can draw its power from a car.
• A battery-powered weather radio and/or transistor radio.
• A UPS backup system attached to the home or business computer and other items containing valuable data (smart to do at any time, not just emergencies).
• A power inverter, which enables consumers to power electronic items from their car. Inverters can power everything from a cellphone to a small refrigerator or hot plate.
• Light bulbs and batteries for emergency lighting and exit signs for business owners.
• Candles with matches or battery-operated push button lights (for use in situations where consumers don't want to unnecessarily drain batteries or plug items in, but need light).
• Two-way radios with working batteries for communication between all family members or employees.
• A car-powered cell phone charger to ensure communication remains possible without electricity.
• Two or three sets of backup batteries for every item that requires batteries, and backup light bulbs for flashlights, lanterns, or head lamps.
• Bottled water and non-perishable food to feed all family members or employees for a day or two, along with a first aid kit to tend to any injuries.