Today's Kool Idea: Energizer Light on Demand Motion Activated Light

Our younger son is very afraid of the dark. In fact, his anxiety is so great, he insists on being carried into the house whenever we come home at night. The lack of street lighting in our neighborhood doesn't help...neither does the fact that our kid's going through another growth spurt and is definitely not a lightweight these days. We also tend to forget to turn on the outside light, especially when we leave the house earlier in the day when the sun is still shining. This is a particular sore point with our son, especially since the darkness makes it tough to see the keyhole on the front door and get us in the house quickly.

We came across a practical product on QVC yesterday that just might make our lives a bit easier, the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light. Gotta love the bunny...by the way, it's his 20th birthday this year. Anyway, the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light features a removable LED light stick, equipped with internal, rechargeable batteries. The light stick can function in its specific product, or is detachable to serve as an area light and/or flashlight. We love that the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light is weatherproof with a 15 foot sensor for convenient use indoors and out. This feature is a particular selling point with us...we can put it right by the front door outside.

Okay we admit it, we might just get a tiny bit nervous ourselves when we have to walk Pepper (our pooch) at night...did we mention that our neighborhood doesn't have enough street lights? Think about the dual convenience of a motion activated light at the front door, with a removable LED flashlight to keep our path illuminated during Pepper's nightly stroll. Plus, the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light is affordable enough for us to get an extra one (or three) for inside the house. The product boasts continual, emergency lighting whenever the power goes out with its rechargeable backup battery pack. Hey, hurricane season has just begun, and we've already lost electricity several times from thunderstorms this summer. As much as we appreciate the long, five-hour run time we'll get with the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light when it's fully charged, it's nice to know we have the option of using three AAA batteries to get a continuous 12 hours in case of emergency.

We're in agreement with QVC host Lisa Robertson on this one...we can't imagine anyone who couldn't benefit from the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light. Easy to install and energy efficient, this product is ideal for mounting anywhere you need some extra light. Perfect in a garage, closet, attic, stairway and yes, by the front door, Energizer is definitely on the right track with this modular lighting system. Seriously folks, there's no reason to come home at night to a dark door. We do confess that we wish function met a little more with fashion in this case...it's kind of an ugly looking unit. Regardless, we think the Energizer Light on Demand motion activated light is a "kool" and practical idea for every household...definitely worth checking out on your own.

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Today's Kool Idea: American Red Cross Eton Microlink for Hurricane Preparedness

Today (June 1st) marks the beginning of hurricane season, which typically lasts through November 30th. Having lived in Florida for three decades, particularly through the record-breaking 2005 season, The Daily Kool family recognizes how nerve-racking this time of year can be. Anyone who has experienced the devastation from category 5 hurricanes like Andrew (1992), Katrina (2005) and Ike (2008) can attest to the importance of preparation this time of year.

Hurricane Wilma (2005) left our home without power for two full weeks...we really could have used a product like the American Red Cross Eton Microlink. This solar-powered, self-powered AM/FM/Weatherband portable radio with flashlight and cell phone charger is an incredibly versatile little device, especially considering its low cost (around $30). Plugs and wires aren't required, making the American Red Cross Eton Microlink a welcome addition to any emergency preparedness kit. This little guy can charge in about two minutes with the hand crank, or place it outside for a solar charge. There is also a USB port...the cord is not included, but it is available almost anywhere...of course, this is useless if you're stuck without power. The illumination from the LED flashlight is better than we expected for such a small product, and though it is certainly not Bose quality, the AM/FM radio provided more than adequate reception for us. Keep in mind, though, that you may have to fiddle a bit to tune in properly to the NOAA weatherband stations on the American Red Cross Eton Microlink...could be frustrating, but merely requires practice and patience to get it right. Keep in mind that the cell phone charger may not accommodate some of the more current models...we actually charge our cell phone up in the car, so it isn't really an issue for us.

Although it's quite the value, the American Red Cross Eton Microlink might be a little too basic for some of us. If you're looking for a more souped-up model, you might want to check out the more modern Eton Solarlink model. The Eton Solarlink offers a digital radio for the analog-phobics among us, but also includes S.A.M.E. (specific area message encoding) for location-based weather alerts. Other added features include a flashing beacon, emergency siren and an alarm clock. Plus, the Eton Solarlink has a full sized USB port, designed to accommodate an MP3 player for convenient charging. As "kool" as these upgrades are, the Eton Solarlink does have a much heftier price tag (around $80)...but, you are definitely getting a lot for the investment.

Regardless of whether you choose the American Red Cross Eton Microlink or the Eton Solarlink, either model will help keep you informed in the event of an emergency. Please take the time to adequately prepare a family disaster plan...it can save the lives of you and your children. Check out the NOAA website for more specific guidelines on hurricane preparation. Nothing is "kooler" than ensuring the protection of your family whenever possible.

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