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.

Articles about emergency preparedness:

• Build Your Own DisasterPrep 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 BugOut Bag  ()

• Everything I Did to FloodProof My Old House ()

Products we recommend:

• Water & Food

• Best rigid water containerReliance AquaTainer 7Gallon ()

• Light

• Best flashlightThruNite Archer 2A V3 ()

• Best floating solar lanternLuminAid Titan 2in1 Power Lantern ()

• Power

• Best portable solar chargerBigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger ()

• Tools

• Best weather radioMidland ER310 ()

• Best multitoolLeatherman Skeletool CX ()

• Folding saws Harry likesSilky Pocketboy 130 mm Folding Saw Medium Teeth 34013 () ,  Silky Professional BIGBOY Folding Saw 360mm Large Teeth (35436) () ,  Silky Zubat Curved Hand Saw 270mm Large Teeth (27027) ()

• Harry’s favorite recent purchaseAquatabs ()

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› ()

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Timestamps

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

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