With the loss of power due to Cyclone Larry, many people were unable to charge their phones Here are a few tips on how to stay on the air and in contact when the power goes off.

Phone car chargers – these enable you to charge your phone from your car’s cigarette lighter and can be used with either 12 or 24 volts. Inexpensive as they cost approximately $20.

Spare battery – a second battery allows you to swap over when one runs flat. The spare battery needs to be occasionally charged to maintain condition. Later model Lithium-Ion batteries can be stored for longer periods. Approximately $40.

Battery charger which uses disposable  batteries – a small device which uses either AA or AAA batteries to charge your phone. Comes with different adaptors to suit the most popular phones. Approximately $30.

Solar charger – a small device which uses the sun’s rays to power your phone. Approximately $70.

Prepaid recharge voucher – keep one handy as when there is no power retailers can’t sell you any credit. Pre-purchase a voucher as they generally have a years expiry before you need to add it to your prepaid balance (note that the credit has a shorter expiry).

Also, the mobile phone towers may be damaged so coverage may be poor or non-existent after a cyclone. Network congestion may also cause problems as everybody uses their phone at the same time.

Remember not to use your phone in the rain as you may end up with a water damaged phone!