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A reliable radio is an essential part of any emergency kit, because it will keep you connected to the outside world when your power cuts you off.
The best emergency radios allow you to receive essential information that’s being broadcast over the air (I.e. news and weather updates) without needing to be plugged into an outlet. These portable radios can recharge on their own (or via batteries), and their weatherproof construction and multi-functionality make them great for taking on camping trips or to the cottage as well.
What to Know Before You Buy an Emergency Radio
There are many factors to think about when choosing the right emergency radio for you; below are the most important ones, which we considered while we were researching this list.
Reception: This is an item you’re relying on to keep you informed of incoming weather and potential disasters, so clear reception is vital. Weather radios should be able to pick up NOAA as well as AM/FM frequencies. Additionally, some radios send automatic weather alerts, in which case we suggest looking for Specific Alert Message Encoding (SAME) technology which allows you to specify disaster warnings for certain counties and cities.
Durability:Pay attention to the quality of the radio itself. Kind of like that old joke that the brick phones of the early 2000s are indestructible, think about how long the radio is likely to last, and whether it can withstand a little wear and tear. As with any emergency tool, you need to be absolutely sure it’s not going to fall apart right when you need it the most.
Portability: You want a radio that you can grab-and-go, or something you can stash in your bug-out bag or survival kit, so portability is key. All of the models on our list are lightweight and no bigger than a drugstore novel, so you can easily take them with you.
Battery: Some emergency radio batteries be recharged without access to power, through solar panels or a hand crank, though the effectiveness of these methods varies by model. This isn’t standard with all emergency radios however, particularly those functioning primarily to monitor weather emergencies. Other radios are powered up by standard batteries. In any case, how long your radio holds a charge is important when you don’t know how long the emergency is likely to last.
Extra Features: We’ve found portable emergency radios that do more than broadcast the news. The latest emergency radios can also be used to charge up your devices, and many come with built-in flashlights for when the power goes out too.
