How to Build an Emergency Kit (Encore)

Natural disasters are becoming more intense and unpredictable. To help you prepare, we’re re-airing this episode on how to build a disaster kit. Wirecutter also just published a handy tool to help you customize an emergency kit specific to your needs, an article on preparing a disaster pantry, and guidance on choosing a generator.  

 

In this episode, Harry Sawyers, who edits Wirecutter’s extensive emergency-preparedness coverage, walks us through the supplies everyone should have on hand to stay comfortable and safe—regardless of the emergency. We break down a basic supply kit that won’t break the bank—you may already own many of these items—and that should help in the face of a power outage, minor flooding, or more-serious disasters. 

 

Plus, Harry introduces us to the wild world of folding hand saws, solar floating lanterns, and weather radios. 

 

Find a full episode description here. 

 

Articles about emergency preparedness: 

• Build Your Own Disaster-Prep Kit
• A Complete Guide to Backup Power, From Portable Power Banks to Standby Generators
• The Best Portable Generators
• How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency
• 9 Extreme Weather Survivors Share the Tools That Helped Them Get Through Disaster
• The LA Wildfires Devastated the Homes of Two Wirecutter Writers. Here’s What They Learned While Recovering
• The Best Emergency Preparedness Supplies
• The Best Gear for Your Bug-Out Bag 
• Everything I Did to Flood-Proof My Old House

 

Products we recommend:

• Water & Food
  • Best rigid water container: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon
• Light
  • Best flashlight: ThruNite Archer 2A V3
  • Best floating solar lantern: LuminAid Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern
• Power
  • Best portable solar charger: BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger
• Tools
  • Best weather radio: Midland ER310
  • Best multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CX
  • Folding saws Harry likes: Silky Pocketboy 130 mm Folding Saw Medium Teeth 340-13,  Silky Professional BIGBOY Folding Saw 360mm Large Teeth (354-36),  Silky Zubat Curved Hand Saw 270mm Large Teeth (270-27)
• Harry’s favorite recent purchase: Aquatabs

 

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