Shop the kit

The gear that shows up in our stories, sorted by what it's for. Start with water and light, then build out.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links below go to Amazon; if you buy something, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the videos coming.

Water

Plan for one gallon per person per day, for at least three days.

Featured in: City Water Shut Off

Stackable water containers

Fill them before the storm; they stack in a closet.

View on Amazon

Featured in: Hurricane

Bathtub water storage bladder

Turns a bathtub into a clean, covered water tank.

View on Amazon

Featured in: Lost in the Wilderness

Personal water filter

Filters stream or rain water on the go.

View on Amazon

Backup

Water purification tablets

Tiny, cheap, and they last for years.

View on Amazon

Power & Light

When the grid goes down, light and information come first.

Featured in: every blackout

Hand-crank weather radio

NOAA alerts with no batteries or signal needed. Many also charge a phone.

View on Amazon

Featured in: Ice Storm

LED camping lantern

Lights a whole room. Much safer than candles.

View on Amazon

Hands-free

Headlamp

Both hands free for cooking, repairs or carrying water.

View on Amazon

Phone lifeline

Power bank

Keeps your phone alive for days. Charge it before the storm.

View on Amazon

Stock up

AA & AAA batteries

For the radio, lantern and flashlights. Store them in one bin.

View on Amazon

Food

Food that needs no fridge, and a way to open and heat it.

Long shelf life

Emergency food supply

Ready-made meals that store for years.

View on Amazon

Don't forget

Manual can opener

The electric one is useless in a blackout.

View on Amazon

Outdoors only

Portable camp stove

Hot food without power. Use it outside only, never indoors.

View on Amazon

Featured in: Ice Storm

Fridge & freezer thermometer

Know for sure whether your food stayed cold enough.

View on Amazon

First Aid

Small injuries get serious when help is hours away.

Essential

First aid kit

A well-stocked kit for the home and one for the car.

View on Amazon

Organize

Weekly pill organizer

Keep a week of daily medicines ready to grab.

View on Amazon

Hygiene

Hand sanitizer & wipes

Clean hands when running water isn't available.

View on Amazon

Warmth & Shelter

Staying warm without power, in a car or outdoors.

Featured in: Blizzard

Emergency mylar blankets

Pocket-sized, they reflect your body heat back to you.

View on Amazon

Cold nights

Cold-weather sleeping bag

The warmest place in a cold house.

View on Amazon

Pocket warmth

Hand warmers

Cheap, air-activated heat for hours.

View on Amazon

Safety

Carbon monoxide detector

A must if anyone runs a generator or heater. Battery powered.

View on Amazon

Tools & Documents

Small things that solve big problems.

Do-it-all

Multi-tool

Pliers, knife and screwdrivers in one.

View on Amazon

Keep dry

Waterproof document pouch

IDs, insurance papers and cash, safe from floods.

View on Amazon

Signal

Emergency whistle

Heard far further than a shout, and uses no energy.

View on Amazon

Low-tech

Waterproof notebook

Write down alerts, plans and phone numbers. It never runs out of battery.

View on Amazon

Car & Go-Bag

For when you have to leave fast, or get stuck on the road.

Featured in: Wildfire Evacuation

Go-bag backpack

One bag by the door, packed and ready.

View on Amazon

Featured in: Blizzard

Car emergency kit

Jumper cables, a tow strap and road flares in one bag.

View on Amazon

Winter driving

Compact snow shovel

Dig out your tailpipe and tires.

View on Amazon

Prices and availability are set by Amazon and can change. Always follow the product's own safety instructions.