Last time there was a power failure, the first thing I did was to scrounge around for the flashlight.  I ended up finding my flashlight, but I stubbed my toe in the process.  Unfortunately, to my utter disbelief, the flashlight batteries were dead.

Next time, I’ve vowed to be much better prepared.  Thus, I’ve purchased new hardware:  a 100% hand-operated power source.  Dubbed the PAL, this wind up flashlight combines a 2-setting LED flashlight, with an FM radio, an emergency alarm (which wails like a police siren), and a pin-hole cell phone charger. 

Left: The hand-operated wind up flashlight PAL is a device which combines a 2-setting LED flashlight, with an FM radio, an emergency alarm, and a pin-hole cell-phone charger. It generates 10 minutes of charge for every minute the crank is turned.

All of the features in the wind up flashlight are powered from a rechargeable battery that can hold up to 90 minutes of charge.  Unlike other gizmos, this rechargeable battery is meant to be charged using the attached hand-crank.  The hand-crank is ergonomic, and can snap into the base when it is not being used.  It can be wound either clock-wise, or counter-clockwise, and generates approximately 10 minutes of power for every minute that it is wound.

The entire unit is the size of an electric razor.  It can fit into your glove compartment, or it can be easily stowed with all of your camping equipment.  In fact, this wind up flashlight is great for use in the event of a car emergency, or for use during camping trips.  Think about it:  this wind up flashlight can generate an infinite amount of power!  You can listen to the radio anytime, anywhere.  And you never have to worry about your cell phone being dead.