Targeted Communications

It used to be that a woman's dress or piece of furniture with a designer label hanging from it automatically commanded a premium. But mega-retailer, Target, has certainly made a reputation of being a price leader without sacrificing the style. For about 10 years now, Target has changed the way the general public thinks about design - not by creating knockoffs, the kind you might find on street corners of big cities or while on vacation overseas - but by recreating the high-end designers' business model. As it turns out, good design doesn't have to cost a lot. Just like clothing and housewares, good design can be applied to items important during emergencies, like flashlights, clothing or tools.

I don't think anyone would argue that communications are critical during a disaster. The ability to get a sense of the scope of an emergency - how widespread? the number of people impacted? the estimated time until additional resources will arrive? - is absolutely essential. One major problem with communications tools is that they require power that may or may not be available during a crisis. Batteries run down but the need to get information is constant.

Target carries several name brand products that very affordable, well designed and at a price point that is accessible to most people. The quality of these items is not overbuilt or extremely heavy duty, but for most people the items will more than likely do the job. I have selected a few communications tools (radios of one sort or another) to profile that appear well thought out in terms of functions, features and appearance and are powered by something other than disposable batteries. Some have rechargeable batteries, some can be human powered and some have solar cells built in. All are available at Target.

American Red Cross Crank/Solar Powered Weather Radio (ARCFR360WXR)

• Cassette/Radio/CD Features: AM/FM Radio, Clock Radio, Hand Crank, Digital Display, Flashing Red LED Light, Headphone Jack Outputs, LED Light, Digital Tuner
• FM Presets: 0
• AM Presets: 0
• Protective Qualities: Shock Resistant, Water Resistant
• Dimensions: Length: 6.25 "; Width: 6.5 "; Depth: 2.75 "
• Product Weight: 1.0 Lb.  

Solio Solar Charger universal chargers are made of recycled plastics, packaged with recycled paper products and printed with plant-based inks. Photovoltaic panels in the Solio Universal Chargers have a long life span and are compatible with iPhones, iPods, Cell Phones, Digital Cameras, GPS, Notebook Computers, Portable DVD and MP3 players.

• A portable power source for all your portable handheld devices, including game players, digital cameras, iPods, PDAs and more
• Renewable solar charger draws energy from the sunlight and stores it in an internal battery
• Plug into the sun while traveling abroad (no more outlet problems), camping, at the dorm and more
• Sun’s rays hit solar cells then attach cable, push a button and get instant energy
• Fits neatly in a pocket, purse or backpack
• Rechargeable Battery
• Includes USB Cable

Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radio with 23 Mile Range (MH230R)

Features: Voice-Activated, Illuminated LCD Display, QT (Quiet Talk) Interruption, Time-Out Timer, Battery Saver Circuitry

• Package Quantity: 2
• Radio Range: Up to 23 Miles
• Channel Memory: 121
• Number of Channels: 22
• Total Channels: 22
• Number of Privacy Codes: 121
• Total Privacy Codes: 2662
• Call Tones: 10
• Number of Weather Channels: 11
• FCC License Required: No
• Dimensions Length: 6.21 "; Width: 2.4 "; Depth: 1.15 "
• Product Weight: 0.2 Lb.
• Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty

Products built to operate in a tough environment, rechargable and well designed -
Renewable, Reliable, Remarkable


note: GreenZoneSolution did not recieve any compensation for this post from Target or any other retailer