SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GOAL ZERO, an innovator of portable solar power systems, is encouraging consumers to take action in preparation for the approaching hurricane season. Last year, Hurricane Irene single-handedly caused power outages that affected over four million homes and business over a span of several weeks; causing conventional emergency supplies, such as batteries and flashlights, to go into high demand and even sell out on parts of the coast. This season, Goal Zero aims to help consumers avoid potentially dangerous situations by offering new, long-lasting energy solutions that utilize renewable solar energy to power a wide variety of crisis essentials from cell phones and radios to lights and even refrigerators.
2011 was one of the most tumultuous years of natural disasters in recent history, and 2012 is seemingly following a similar pattern with the worst tornado season the country has seen in several years, as reported in the monthly U.S. Tornado summaries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service. Meteorology experts, Philip Klotzbach and William Gray of The Tropical Meteorology Project at Colorado State University predict “normal” hurricane activity for 2012, which can still mean an anticipated two to three major hurricanes between June and November. Despite predictions for a less active hurricane season in 2012, it’s important for consumers in high-risk areas not to develop a false sense of security. According to Weather.com, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and the Carolinas have the highest potential of being hit by a hurricane. Over 36 million people inhabit the coastal portions of these states and are at risk.
As families, businesses, schools, and emergency shelters organize their emergency kits this season, Goal Zero is eager to announce the availability of its new Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit, beginning this week. The Yeti 1250 ($1999.99) is Goal Zero’s highest capacity portable recharger to date and is a safe, silent, dependable alternative to conventional gas generators. It is a complete solution that is easy to operate and gives users piece of mind by offering valuable features like built-in power surge protection, multiple ports of varying output types (including AC, 1.5 amp USB, 33 amp 12V DC, and 6.6 amp 12V DC) and the efficiency of never unnecessarily utilizing more stored power than is needed for any device that is plugged into it.
The Yeti 1250, which will power a laptop for 30+ hours or keep a full sized refrigerator cold for approximately 24 hours, is the ultimate foundation for any disaster prep kit. However, Goal Zero offers an abundance of other large to mid-sized kits that are perfectly suited for more basic power-outage needs, including:
- Extreme 350 Adventure Kit – Use as a primary source of power for lighting, cooling, and running multiple devices at once. This kit will provide AC, DC, and USB power to several medium-sized devices (i.e. laptop, box fan, etc.) over the course of a few days. ($769.95)
- Escape 150 Expedition Kit – Includes durable 30 watt solar panel briefcase to collect power from the sun, the Escape 150 power pack to store the power, and a 3 watt LED Light a Life Lantern to stay lit when a black-out occurs. Ideal for powering-up one or two small to mid-sized essentials for a few days. ($549.95)
Being equipped on-the-go is just as important as being emergency-ready at home. Goal Zero also offers a number of potentially life-saving products that can be used in an off-the-grid situation, such as in a car or outside:
- Guide 10 Plus Adventure Kit – A compact system that is best for those whose chief priority is staying connected. Ideal for giving life to vital hand-held devices like phones, tablets, and GPS units for one to two charges, depending on type. ($159.95)
- Lighthouse USB Power Hub – This multi-functional lantern can be charge three ways: directly from the sun using a solar panel, by manual crank, or via AC/DC output. Features three extremely practical uses: to shed light during an outage, to signal for help with its alert mode, and to charge small USB devices via stored power. ($49.99)
- Solo Flashlight – Features 15 lumens of bright LED light packed into a strong, compact aluminum body with built in solar for continuous recharging. ($12.99)
Consumers can feel confident with their hurricane and tornado back-up kits by adding Goal Zero portable power systems to their lists. More facts and purchase information for the above-mention products can be found online at www.goalzero.com. For other purchasing options, please visit Lowes.com, REI.com and Sportsmanswarehouse.com.
ABOUT GOAL ZERO
GOAL ZERO is an innovator of portable solar power systems that power a variety of devices – from cell phones to laptops and even refrigerators – anywhere and at any time. Providing a perfect blend of portability and power, Goal Zero products feature full solar energy systems –solar panels, portable rechargers and accessories – each designed to work in concert with each other. Goal Zero was founded by entrepreneur Robert Workman, who realized the need for portable power and light through his work with the non-profit organization TIFIE in the remote regions of the Republic of Congo. Goal Zero donates a portion of proceeds from all Goal Zero purchases to TIFIE (www.tifie.org), which is dedicated to empower people by establishing sustainable business enterprises that produce goods and services and create lasting jobs. For more information, please visit www.goalzero.com.