Gear / Comms and news
Ready.gov's basic kit includes a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Ready.gov: Build a kit
Hand crank NOAA weather radio, flashlight and phone charger. No batteries needed.
Skip if you want an alert that wakes you up. Get one with alert mode.
Check current price on the store page.
See it at Eton Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.A compact crank and solar weather radio from a radio brand.
Skip if you want the bigger battery of the ER310.
Check current price on the store page.
See it at Midland Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.The one to keep in the kitchen. NOAA weather, crank or solar charging, a light.
Skip if you already have a NOAA weather radio.
Check current price on the store page.
See it at Midland Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.Talk across the block when phones are down. GMRS needs an FCC license, no test.
Skip if everyone in your house is always in the same place.
Check current price on the store page.
See it at Midland Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.Satellite messaging when there is no cell signal at all. Needs a subscription.
Skip if you never travel or hike out of coverage.
Check current price on the store page.
See it at Garmin Affiliate link. We may earn a commission.Picks checked against each maker's own product page on 2026-11-14. Spot something wrong or missing? Suggest gear.
See which area to fix first