Staying informed and in contact when networks fail
Mobile networks are usually the first utility to overload. A battery or crank weather radio receives official alerts and emergency broadcasts with no subscription and no charger.
The second half of a communication plan is written down and printed: who calls whom, where the household meets if getting home is impossible, and an out-of-area contact who can relay messages when local lines are jammed.
Emergency alerting systems are the authoritative source during an incident. Use local official channels as your primary guide and treat any plan as a supplement to them.
Recommended products
EssentialBest for The most affordable emergency radio for a second kit or car
Esky
A budget-friendly AM/FM/NOAA hand-crank and solar emergency radio with a built-in flashlight. The lowest-cost way to get weather alerts into your kit.
EssentialBest for A rugged backup radio pair for work sites, boats and emergencies
A rugged IP67 waterproof, floating, MIL-STD-810H two-way radio pair built for job sites and emergencies. The durable pick for communication when cell service is down.
EssentialBest for The proven, budget-friendly emergency radio for every household kit
RunningSnail
The best-selling hand-crank emergency radio with AM/FM/NOAA, solar, and a built-in flashlight and SOS alarm. The proven budget pick with 28,000+ reviews.
RecommendedBest for Equipping a household or crew with matched emergency radios
A 4-pack of IP67 waterproof, floating, rechargeable two-way radios with FM, NOAA weather, VOX and SOS. The family/crew pick — one radio per person for a household or work team.
RecommendedBest for An upgraded emergency radio with a large battery to charge your phone too
ROCAM
An upgraded emergency weather radio with a 12,000mAh battery that also charges your phone, plus solar, hand-crank, and USB power. The all-in-one power-bank radio.
Side by side
| Product | Best for | Bands | Power | Extras | Pack | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The most affordable emergency radio for a second kit or car | AM/FM/NOAA | Hand crank, solar | LED flashlight | — | Amazon | |
| A rugged backup radio pair for work sites, boats and emergencies | — | — | — | 2 radios | Amazon | |
 RunningSnail Emergency Weather Radio RunningSnail | The proven, budget-friendly emergency radio for every household kit | AM/FM/NOAA | Hand crank, solar, batteries | LED flashlight, SOS alarm | — | Amazon |
| Equipping a household or crew with matched emergency radios | — | — | — | 4 radios | Amazon |
Best for The most affordable emergency radio for a second kit or car
Best for A rugged backup radio pair for work sites, boats and emergencies
Best for The proven, budget-friendly emergency radio for every household kit
Best for Equipping a household or crew with matched emergency radios
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