Can I Scuba Dive In Roatan Without A Certification?

Planning your tropical vacation to Roatan is an exciting time! After all, there are so many incredible activities for you to experience. From lounging on white sand beaches to playing with sloths and monkeys…and don’t forget the most popular island pastime - scuba diving! For those unfamiliar with the sport, it sounds as easy as putting on some scuba gear and going in the water, right? Not really.

Scuba diving requires certain skills, knowledge, and understanding of the equipment, safety procedures, and potential risks involved.

Luckily, PADI has made it easy for those interested in scuba diving to do just that. So while you can’t simply hop on a boat and dive in Roatan without a certification, there are several options available to you.

Option One: PADI Discover Scuba Dive

The Discover Scuba Dive (DSD) is perfect for adventure enthusiasts who are short on time or merely want to “dip their toes” into the water. A DSD is a half day experience which consists of an introduction to scuba equipment and dive theory, followed by basic skills practice in Half Moon Bay, and ending with your first dive in the ocean to 40’.

While a Discover Scuba Dive does not certify you, it does allow you to see what diving in Roatan is all about - without the time and financial commitment of the full Open Water Course. That being said, if you do enjoy scuba diving and have availability, you can continue into the full PADI Open Water or PADI Scuba Diver Certification.

Option Two: Get PADI Certified!

If you have decided that pursuing your scuba certification is definitely something you want, then you can get PADI certified while in Roatan. We currently offer two entry level certification courses: PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water.

The PADI Scuba Diver course takes around 2 full days to complete, and in the end will certify you to dive to 40’ with a professional. The PADI Open Water course requires a bit more time and effort; taking 2.5 to 3 days to complete. But in the end, you are certified to dive to 60’ with a buddy or a professional.

Whichever course you decide on, both will delve into topics such as dive planning, equipment use, dive physics, physiology, underwater communication, and dive safety. All while exploring Roatan’s gorgeous underwater world!

Prerequisites For Diving In Roatan

Whether you’re trying it out or pursuing your full certification, there are a few prerequisites to bear in mind before you can go diving in Roatan. You must be:

• At least 10 years old to participate in any of the above programs

• In good physical health and possess adequate swimming skills

Otherwise, a positive attitude and sense of adventure is all you need! Oh, and reef safe sunscreen.

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Are you ready to go scuba diving in Roatan?

6 Species Nature Lovers Should Look Out For On Roatan

The tiny island of Roatan, which happens to be the largest of the Bay Islands, is overflowing in natural wealth and rich history. While many will agree that the majority of Roatan’s  wealth lies in her coral reefs, there is still plenty for nature lovers to admire above the water. Read on for the top 6 species nature lovers should look out for on Roatan!

Roatan Island Agouti; Image By Joel Amaya

Roatan Island Agouti (Dasyprotcta ruatanica)

What was that quick brown blur scurrying across the pathway? Was that a guinea pig with hooves? Nope! It was the endemic Roatan Island Agouti - also known as a “watusa” by the locals. The Roatan Agouti, which is slightly smaller than the Central American Agouti, is known for its rich orange-brown fur, and tends to bear a white spot on the chin and a yellowish patch on the belly. Active both day and night, this timid and adorable island rabbit can be found in the bush where it enjoys snacking on almonds, coconuts, and hibiscus.

Yellow-Naped Parrot; Image By Joel Amaya

Yellow-Naped Parrot (Amazona auropalliata)

It’s early in the morning, the sun is coming out to play, and the trees are alive with the sound of the birds. If you listen closely, you may just hear the squawks of the endemic Yellow-Naped Parrot. These beautiful birds are known for the yellow band that resides across the nape of their neck, and their vibrantly green crown. Unfortunately, deforestation and the illegal pet trade has contributed to this species being declared critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. One of the best places to still get a glimpse of the Yellow-Naped Parrot is the Blue Harbor Tropical Arboretum.

Roatan Spiny-Tailed Iguana; Image By Joel Amaya

Roatan Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura oedirhina)

If you’re coming to Roatan, spotting the endemic Spiny-Tailed Iguana should be a must on your list! This black-and-white striped iguana is distinguished by its rounded snout, and was finally recognized as its own species in 1987. Known as “garrobo” by the locals, these iguanas can be found in mangroves, the iron shore, and even in urban areas such as the Grand Roatan in West Bay. However, the Roatan Spiny-Tailed Iguana is considered endangered due to food exploitation, predation by cats and dogs, and habitat loss. At this time, approximately 4,500 iguanas live on the island.

Green-Breasted Mango; Image By Yamil Saenz

Green-Breasted Mango Hummingbird (Anthracothorax prevostii)

They say great things come in small packages - like the Green-Breasted Mango! These delightful hummingbirds love to pollinate the local flora and sip sweet nectar; literally living the dream. The males are known for their deep green feathers, blue throat, and purple and orange (hello, mango) tail feathers. While they are easily spotted around the island, you can visit La Sirena on the East End for a special treat on the water - the intentional placement of several bird feeders mean these hummingbirds abound while you enjoy a fabulous meal. 

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker; Image By Darren Clark

Golden-Fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons)

Ah, the Roatan island alarm clock. No, we don’t mean the chickens - we mean the Golden-Fronted Woodpecker! If you’ve ever spent a night in Roatan, you’ve likely heard the early morning plucking of this gorgeous bird outside your window. With a rich yellow nape and lower belly, female Golden-fronted Woodpeckers look as if they have been sprinkled with gold. Always ones to outdo themselves, the males top off their plumage with a gold forehead and brilliant red/orange crown.

Roatan Coral Snake; Image By Joel Amaya

Roatan Coral Snake
(Micrurus ruatanus)

You know the rhyme “red on yellow, kill a fellow, red on black is a friend of Jack?” Well…not so much. The endemic and, unfortunately critically endangered, Roatan Coral Snake is known for its timid nature and alternating black and red bands. Although no yellow is present on the body, the snake's venom has been studied to show a toxin-rich substance that is lethal to mice. In fact, its high potency was determined to be one of the most lethal in Central America! The Roatan Coral Snake can generally be found towards the West side of the Island, where it enjoys shelter under coconut leaves or within wetlands.

This list comprises only a small fraction of the incredible wildlife you can witness on the island. Your best bet for seeing the full range of biodiversity that Roatan has to offer is to hire a local guide - just as you would for scuba diving! Joel Amaya with Roatan Wildlife is one such guide who is not only a bird-watcher's dream come true, but is also pioneering the environmental education, documentation, and conservation efforts of wildlife species on Roatan.

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So what are you waiting for, nature lovers?

Get out there and see some neature!

6 Practices For Diving Safely During COVID times!

In March of 2020, Roatan Divers, along with most of the rest of the world, were forced to take a very long and unexpected surface interval. After 5 months of desaturating, Roatan has finally opened its borders for international and domestic flights. If you’re ready to get those fins back in the water, take a look at these 6 Practices for Diving Safely During Covid before booking your trip with us!

1. Let us take care of the gear.

Here at RD we are a full service shop, so let us take care of the setting up, dismantling, and disinfecting of all the gear. We have put new disinfecting measurements in place, including individual rinsing of mouthpieces, to ensure everything is cleaned properly.

2. Don’t be shellfish, wear a mask!

The RD team can’t wait to see your smiling faces...and we’ll have to trust that’s exactly what you’re doing underneath that mask. Our masks protect you, your masks protect us, and Plus 1 Masks protect you plus those in need on Roatan (if you’re looking for a stylish COVID Souvenir that gives back).

3. Make like a cleaner shrimp and wash those hands!

There are some things we can avoid touching, like the marine life. There are other things we can’t, such as door handles. Be sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer (which we have strategically placed around the shop), after coming in touch with high contact surfaces.

4. Respect your buddy’s space...and air

Give your buddy room to frog kick! Social distancing is important when it comes to reducing the risk of transmission. And while highly unlikely, you may end up in a situation where you need to share air. Instead of breathing from your alternate during your pre-dive safety check, simply purge it while breathing from your first stage!

5. Watch where you’re blowing those bubbles!

And that gunk out of your nose. Be cognizant of where you are clearing your snorkel or rinsing your mask while in the water, and avoid expelling these…fluids...around other divers.

6. Do not dive if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID.

If you, or someone you’ve been in contact with, is experiencing symptoms of COVID, immediately isolate and contact medical professionals. Roatan’s beautiful reef will be waiting for you when you get better!

Want more info on diving safely after COVID? Check out DAN’s resources on their website.

Top 3 Tips to Take Care of Your Ears when Scuba Diving

Ears.

We need them to hear, we need them to equalize when scuba diving, and they make our faces look less weird. All important functions, no? Our ears perform incredibly important functions for us, and while they are resilient and sturdy, it’s important that we take care of them. When we’re scuba diving, it’s even more imperative that our aftercare is done right so that we don’t have any equalization issues or pain as the week progresses.

So without further ado, here are our Top 3 Tips To Take Care Of Your Ears When Scuba Diving!

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Rinse out your ears with warm water after a dive

You know how a salty towel never dries? In the same way, if you don’t rinse your ear with fresh water after a dive, salt water can stay inside your ear and create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungus to grow. If you’re close to a shower, turn your ears in the direction of the shower and use warm water to rinse your ears out. If you’re on a liveaboard or day boat and don’t have access to a shower, mix cold and hot water in a cup from the beverage station and pour it into each ear to rinse them out.

Do not, I repeat, do NOT use cotton swabs

How much clearer can we say this? Ear doctors (also known as a otolaryngologist, for all you fancy people) and scuba instructors alike will tell you to never use cotton swabs to clean out your ears. We get that it’s weirdly refreshing to clean your ears out with them, but did you know they do more damage than good? Cotton swabs can actually push wax further into your ear instead of taking it out, obstructing your ear canal. Your ear drum can be reached with a cotton swab as well, so pushing too hard can actually puncture it. Rinsing your ears out with warm water is just as effective as it softens and loosens your ear wax without risking damaging your ears, so listen to the doctor and opt out of cotton swabbing.

Vinegar and rubbing alcohol make for the best drops

If warm water isn’t enough to keep your ears healthy, our homemade ear drop mixture will do the trick! While you are most welcome to buy ear drops from the pharmacy, these aren’t as cost effective as a homemade mixture and normally contain glycerin, which can leave an oily residue behind. We like to make a 50/50 mix of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol dries your skin while the vinegar balances the pH, so you can dry your ears without over drying. Most people have both items at home anyways, so make a small batch before you go on a trip and put it in a travel friendly bottle before your next trip and , voila! Clean, happy, healthy ears.

So there you have it! Though this definitely isn’t our sexiest blog post, it’s an important one, so we hope you learned something and we’ll see you on Roatan soon to put those tips to good use!

3 Important Rules for Proper Beach Etiquette

Tourism is both a blessing and a curse. Islands like Roatan rely heavily on tourism for their economy, and the tourism industry can help push through conservation initiatives to protect natural heritages. However, a big influx of people who are not aware of proper etiquette can do more damage than good. As the world gets smaller, it's important for visitors around the world to practice responsible tourism and leave each place in better condition than when we visited it. You went somewhere because it was beautiful and interesting, so shouldn't others be allowed the same privilege?

Let's bring the conversation to Roatan and talk about proper beach and reef etiquette! If you practice a little mindfulness and follow these 3 important rules for proper beach and reef etiquette, you can do your part as a responsible tourist (or resident) to help keep our island amazing!

1. No standing on the reef

Standing on the reef is a big no-no. Whether you're snorkeling from a boat or from shore, if you get tired and need to take a rest, you should either float on your back to regain your strength or stand on sand. Coral is alive; it's a living, breathing animal, and standing on it can do irreparable damage. If you don't feel comfortable snorkeling without standing on something, wear a life jacket to help you float.

You should also avoid walking through turtle grass. A lot of little animals, like nudibranchs, crabs and juvenile fish live in turtle grass, so it's an important ecosystem on Roatan. Keep a healthy distance from coral and turtle grass so that our marine world can continue to thrive.

2. No touching!

+5 points if you get this Arrested Development reference!

Seriously, though, no touching. No touching, grabbing, or collecting marine life. Everything underwater, from a small, empty shell to a piece of grass, can be a home or food for a marine animal, so please don't pick anything up off the beach or take anything out of the water. No matter how small, each life is precious, and deserves to live its life without harassment from us.

As a follow-up: be aware of what you are purchasing. Just because you don't physically take it out of the water, purchasing marine souvenirs, such as conch shells, seahorses and coral is all off-limits. Make sure to educate yourself on the illegal wildlife trade and sustainability, because ignorance is not an excuse.

3. Pick up your trash

High season, especially times like Semana Santa, normally sees our beaches get littered with plastic bags, takeaway containers and soda bottles. These eventually end up in the ocean, where they can get snagged on or choke turtles and fish, or end up in their stomachs. Avoid using disposable plastics by carrying your own reusable items, and always throw your garbage in the trash if you do end up using disposable plastic.

Since we know it can be difficult to go traveling with your own reusable containers, try to frequent restaurants that offer alternatives to plastic. A lot of restaurants offer takeaway containers made from paper, courtesy of the Roatan Marine Park, which have less impact on the environment than plastic does. There are even biodegradable, plant-based options out there, too! Remember, even if you're using plastic alternatives, littering is still not allowed.

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So there you have it, 3 easy and important rules to follow for proper beach and reef etiquette! Whether you're traveling far away or staying closer to home, practicing responsible tourism will help ensure a better future for the planet. Have a happy summer and hopefully you'll all get to enjoy our little island soon.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay in West End, Roatan for a Week?

So you're coming to visit the West End area of Roatan for a week or so, fantastic! When it comes to travel expenses like food, transport, lodging and activities, many travelers want to have an idea of how much to budget. Spoiler Alert! Things here in West End might not be what you expect.

When you think of Roatan as being part of Honduras, many travelers expect things to be super affordable since we're in Central America. The reality is that Roatan is an island, and almost everything consumed here is imported. Our food, products and supplies had to undergo a much longer journey to make it to our happy island, and therefore that drives up the price of just about everything.

Let's do a quick breakdown on the most common travel expenses when visiting West End, Roatan. Keep in mind that when it comes to other islands and what things cost there, Roatan still ranks high in terms of affordability and getting the most bang for your buck.   

Food & Drink Costs 

The view from Ginger's Caribbean Grill, across the beach from Roatan Divers

Whether you are eating out at a restaurant or buying groceries, expect the price to be what you would typically pay in the United States. We have big supermarkets in Coxen Hole and French Harbor, which carry many of the common American name brands most tourists recognize. On average, these goods will cost the same, if not more than if you were buying them at your local grocery store.  

For eating out at most restaurants in West End, expect to spend around $8-$13 per person (not including tip). Food can run about $15-20 a person at a few of the more upscale establishments. To read more about tipping policies and other FAQ here on the island, go here for a helpful guideline. 

And sure, it's possible to find cheaper eats depending on what foods you enjoy (think fried food and lots of carbs)! Here in West End, we do have local street vendors, serving typical Honduran food, like Baleadas and platos tipicos (meat, beans and rice) for around $5.

We know, we know - the biggest question on your mind is how much a beer costs, right? Many of us like to gauge the affordability of a travel destination by their cost of beer. In Roatan, average cost for local beer is about $3, wine & imports (think U.S beers) $5, and cocktails between $5-7.

Lodging

West End sits at just about 1 mile long, and within that area is a range of accommodation options for travelers. Whether you prefer a more established hotel in the heart of West End or a home or condo for rent on the outskirts if you enjoy being off the beaten path a bit, there's always somewhere you can find that will fit your needs.

Hotels

Prices for hotels in West End can range from $35 to $200 a night (not including hostels), so every budget is covered. Important factors to consider when thinking about your hotel options are the time of year (high season prices vs low season prices) and if they include A/C or offer any meal options in their price. Hotels here are generally pretty small in size and they bring much of the charm and small community setting that people love about Roatan.

It's important to note that while West Bay has all-inclusives, hotels in West End do not. Most hotels don't include breakfast, either, so make sure to keep that in mind and read up on the fine print when you're searching for accommodation.

Inside The Beach House Roatan

What are some nice hotel options? The Beach House Roatan is a luxury, boutique hotel located in the center of West End and sits directly on Half Moon Bay. Prices start at $175/night + 19% tax and include breakfast.  For travelers wanting a more affordable, basic accommodation, we invite you take a look at Anderson Sunset Villas. They offer studio rooms and two-bedroom apartments between $45-75/night. Contact us for availability. 

Vacation Rentals

Depending on the size of your group, a vacation rental condo or a house might be what you're looking for. With prices ranging from $600-1,200/week for 1, 2 or 3 bedroom options, condos can cut down on your accommodation expenses (one 2 bedroom condo can be cheaper than getting 2 hotels rooms) and give you the freedom of cooking your own meals. Caribbean Colors offer a variety of properties in West End and the surrounding areas, and their properties offer modern amenities, great locations and stellar service.

Transportation

If you're staying in the West End area, the great news is that you can walk to practically everything! Lodging, dive centers, restaurants and bars all sit within a small area. However, when it comes to airport transportation, traveling to Coxen Hole or the eastern areas of the island, you will need wheels. Taxis are a great, safe option to consider. They will be more expensive if you want a private taxi, but if you're fine sharing the ride with others, you can request a "collectivo". Taxis here don't have meters, so generally you will agree upon a price before getting in and heading out. The price will fluctuate depending on location and number of people. Remember to bring small bills, since taxies here rarely carry change! 

Activities

Check out some fun island activities at Go Blue Bay Islands

Roatan offers a range of activities, but of course we are most famous for our diving! The costs for diving on Roatan is some of the most affordable in the world, especially when you consider how healthy and vibrant our reef is and how many dive sites we have to offer.
Other activities like ziplining, snorkeling, spas, fishing, golf, or boat excursions are available as well. The cost varies per operator, but we encourage people to consider responsible eco-tourism. For more information about supporting eco-conscious businesses, visit Go Blue Bay Islands, who together with National Geographic can guide you to vendors and operators who demonstrate their commitment to the environment. They rock!  

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Hopefully we've managed to give you a nice overview of what things cost here in West End and piqued your interest about staying on our beautiful island! For more information about currency on Roatan, check out our other post, 5 Things to Know About Currency on Roatan. As we mentioned, while Roatan may not be be the cheapest destination available, it's still a great value when you take into account the total cost of a trip here, combined with the amazing value of being a part of a small island community with a nice blend of modern and rustic vibes. 

Want to know more? We're happy to help guide you through planning your next holiday to Roatan so please send us a note. We can't wait to hear from you!

Flying Before and After Diving

Unless you're super lucky (like we are), you have to travel by air to go scuba diving. An important thing to take into account when you're planning your dive holiday is your flight dates and times, which will determine your diving schedule. When you scuba dive, you get nitrogen build-up in your body, and you need to make sure you expel it to a healthy amount before going up to altitude. We get a lot of e-mails about this and there is often confusion about the rules, so we're going to break it down really simply to make your holiday scheduling even easier (hint on the guidelines: they're more relaxed than you think they are)!

Rule #1: You need 18 hours before you go to altitude

Different organizations will say different things when it comes to the hours required on land before going to altitude, but PADI currently states that you need 12 hours before you fly if you do one dive and 18 hours if you're doing multiple dives over multiple days. This means that if you've been diving for a week and you're flying out at 1PM, you can dive up to 7PM the day before safely.

A lot of people like giving themselves 24 hours to be on cautious side, and because they'd like to just spend some time relaxing on the beach on their last day of holiday, and you are of course welcome to give yourself as many hours as you want. But if you're a dive freak, 18 hours is what you need, even if you're diving a lot from a liveaboard. As always, though, make sure to practice conservative dive practices and avoid pushing your no-decompression limits when you dive.

Rule #2: Altitude doesn't just mean flying

If you dive, and then are planning on driving up the mountains to get to your next destination, this still counts as altitude. Anything above 300 meters/1000 feet counts as altitude because the atmospheric pressure drops, so keep this in mind when you're planning your post-diving travels. If you need to drive over the Colorado Rockies to get home, give yourself the appropriate time before making the trip to make sure you're safe.

Rule #3: You can dive right after flying

There is a common misconception that, similar to needing time before you fly, you also need to wait after flying as well. The reason you shouldn't fly right after diving is because of the nitrogen build-up in your body, but you won't have that if you just got off a plane. You can literally jump from the plane into the water directly if you want to, although we wouldn't recommend doing that unless you're a professional stunt person.

So that's it, the 3 super simple rules to follow when it comes to flying and diving. Easy, right? Have a great dive holiday, and we hope we can dive with you all some day.

Happy diving!

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Come to dive with Roatan Divers!

Fun Dive

Are you a certified diver? Come to dive with us. As a boutique dive center, we cater to small groups and focus on personal attention.

Open Water Course

Do you want to learn how to dive? In only 3 days you can complete your PADI Open Water Course and become a certified diver.

Specialties Courses

Do you want to be a better diver? Add a Specialty Course in your vacation and increase your knowledge and learn new skills

8 Easy Ways to Prepare for a Storm

Well, Hurricane Earl came and went, and fortunately its trajectory changed at the last minute and Roatan was able to avoid a lot of the predicted damages. The island still suffered, but not to the extent that we all thought, and for that we are grateful. Other parts of Central American were not so lucky, and we wish them well in their continuing reconstruction efforts.

We have been through a variety of storms since we came to Roatan three years ago, but since Roatan is below the hurricane belt, this is the first time in several years where there has been even the possibility of a hurricane reaching Roatan's shores. We had seen this one coming for a week and the forecast had gotten worse in the three days before Earl's arrival, so we had ample time to prepare. And while the worst of the storm missed us and we didn't have to implement all the preparations we made, it was a good test run to see how we would face next rainy season and to see if any changes need to be made.

Storm preparedness is imperative to surviving a storm (in style). After three years of storm power outages, we finally bit and bought a generator, which was immensely helpful. We will, however, be omitting ideas like that, as we're just focusing on affordable and easy ways to prepare for a storm. Let's have at it!

Tip 1. Research and make a checklist

Before we started preparing, we made a checklist of what we needed to get through this storm based on what we felt we were missing in the last storms. We had a general idea of what we would need, but we wanted to make sure that there wasn't anything significant that we missed. We went online to look up different preparations lists, and figured out what we felt was useful and feasible.

When you make a checklist, make sure to also write down any emergency numbers you may need, and make a mental (or physical) plan for an emergencies that may crop up, like water leaks or power outages. It's better to be too prepared than to be caught unawares.

Tip 2. Stock up on non-perishables

It's important to hit the grocery store before a storm hits (but please don't hoard so that other people are out of food). While the storm itself may only last a day or two, there will always be longer lasting effects from the storm. Roads may get wiped out or power lines may go down, so make sure you are prepared with non-perishable items to get you through. Canned goods last forever (and can be used after a storm as well) and dry items like rice and pasta are good as well. If you have a gas stove, make sure that you have a lighter so that you can still cook while power is out. Try to focus on meals that can be made quickly in one pot or two, rather than things that require seven hours and eight courses.

Tip 3. Prepare food for the first day

Well, this seems contradictory after telling you to stock up on non-perishables, no? Try to prepare something, at least for the first day of the storm, so that you don't have to worry about cooking. We figured that power would go out, so I slow-cooked some food the night before, then transferred it to a Thermos cooker on the day of so that it would stay warm throughout the day. When the storm hit and power did go out, at least we had a warm meal to have. Food is a physical and mental experience, and getting to eat barbecue pork while the storm raged outside helped us feel more comfortable.

Tip 4. Store some water

When power goes, so does water, and it sucks to be out of power and not have enough water to be able to do normal things like flush the toilet. If you have a bathtub, it's a good idea to fill it up before a storm so that you can take the water as necessary. We don't have a bathtub, so we filled up three 5-gallon empty water jugs and kept them outside, filling up small containers and bringing the water inside when necessary. Even though water was out, we could still use the bathroom and rinse off dishes, which made riding out the storm much easier.

Make sure to also have some filtered water to drink. Even if you live somewhere where you can drink the tap water, storm surges can bring in all sorts of bacteria-laden water, and stagnant water can turn nasty as well. Keep several gallons of filtered water to be on the safe side. Getting stomach sickness with no power and no water is no fun, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Tip 5. Let there be light

So you're all prepped with a homemade comfort meal and plenty of water to ride out the storm. And then the power goes out and you're sitting there in the dark. This is no bueno. Make sure you have plenty of light on hand for both safety and comfort.

A lot of people like to stock up on candles, which are the most affordable option, but candles tend to emit a lot of heat, which can make things stuffy when you're stuck in a room, can't open the windows because of the wind and rain and therefore have no air circulation. There are some nice solar powered options out there that charge quickly and are energy efficient, and the designs are getting sleeker every year.

Solar powered, inflatable and waterproof, good for all sorts of activities! https://mpowerd.com/

For an even more efficient light source, consider a headlamp. You have full use of your hands, whether you're cutting vegetables or trying to stop a leak, and headlamps are small and useful enough that you'll definitely find uses for them in daily life as well.

Tip 6. Buy phone data

When power goes down, wifi goes with it. Make sure you have enough data on your phone that you don't have to rely on external wifi. Social media is actually great for keeping people updated during emergencies, and is a good way for valuable information to be spread, especially if the information infrastructure isn't amazing where you are.

Tip 7. Top up your batteries

Before the storm hits, make sure all your electronic items are fully charged. This goes for phones, computers and even batteries for torches or radios. Using data on your phone can deplete the batteries quickly, so it wouldn't hurt to have some portable chargers as emergency backups as well. Portable battery chargers and solar powered battered chargers are super affordable these days with a lot space efficient designs, and it wouldn't hurt to have extra portable chargers for your every day life, either (I'm looking at you, Pokemon-Goers)!

Tip 8. Finish your household chores

I don't know if this is actually a thing, but it was for me so I'm going to include it. When we knew that a storm/hurricane would hit, I did all the laundry and all the dishes and made sure to clean the kitchen. Was it necessary? No. But I was also preparing for the possibility of no power and water for a few days, and nothing is more disheartening than having nothing to eat on or nothing to wear because it's all dirty. Making sure that everything was clean and usable before the storm hit was more for peace of mind, but I went into the storm feeling more prepared.

Bonus tip. Practice patience

Nothing tests your patience like no power and no water. Believe me, I know. But when the power is out all day, I try to keep my impatience in check and remember that as much as it sucks for me as a consumer, it really sucks for the guys working at the power plant and the linemen working on the power lines, trying to keep everything from falling apart. They have an enormously tough job, and a pretty thankless one considering we're all chomping at the bit to get them when our power becomes inconsistent. So when your area struggles to get back on its feet or isn't as efficient as it could be, practice patience and be kind.

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So there you have it, some useful ways to prepare for a storm. Whatever storm comes your way, may you weather it well.