We are always on the lookout for materials that will serve our various groups. You can trust that we have bought and used nearly every item we review. We’d be glad to discuss them with you in more detail. Also note that we generally recommend items that you can find readily on Amazon. We find the selection and prices there to be consistently the best. If you shop and buy at Amazon after checking out our reviews, we will get a commission from Amazon that helps us keep up our site. The price you pay for the item isn’t affected.
Best Emergency Radio — Costs for basic emergency radios range from $10 to around $60. We review features that are available, look at five popular radios and give you our recommendation. We update this one frequently.
Best Emergency Supply Kits — If you just don’t have time to pull together a personalized kit for yourself or for family members, consider getting one of these pre-packaged kits. Check carefully to be sure you’re getting the right size. As you can imagine, the best ones are the most expensive.
Walkie-Talkies — For hiking and camping, but also for business when phones and cell phones are out of service, two-way radios or “walkie-talkies” can give you an easy and reliable way to know what is happening.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Detectors — According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 200 people die each year in the US from carbon monoxide poisoning. Having a carbon monoxide detector can protect you on an ongoing basis from mal-functioning furnaces and stoves, and in an emergency could remind you not to burn fossil fuels (propane, charcoal, etc.) without proper ventilation.
Best Personal Water Bottles — We all carry them. In fact, they have become a status symbol. But from a health standpoint, there are some questions to keep in mind as you select bottles you consider for emergency water supplies.
Drones for Emergency Use — Lots of things are changing in the world of drones! Get some ideas of how you might be able to use one for your own family or group. And be aware of restrictions that are being put into place on a regular basis.
Lanterns and Lighting for Emergencies — Power outage is the most common emergency. Having a flashlight in every room is the minimum preparation; check out other, more flexible and perhaps more useful, options.