This winter season has brought unprecedented challenges to many parts of the U.S., as extreme weather, such as snowstorms, blizzards, and ice storms, have hit several states hard. These events have resulted in widespread power outages, road closures, and other disruptions that have impacted millions of people’s daily lives.
In such situations, it is crucial to have some essential items that can help you cope with the weather emergency and stay safe, comfortable, and connected. Here are some of the best products that you can get to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.
Power stations and generators
Jackery Power Station
One of the most common things to happen during a storm is for people to lose electricity in their homes, which is why it’s always good to have a backup source of power. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus can do just that. This versatile device can power your home for up to two weeks, harnessing sunlight to keep your electronics running. With the option to add extra solar panels, it’s a sun-powered solution for extended home use.
Get the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus
The Explorer 1000 v2 is a next-gen portable power station designed for adventure, offering 7.5 times faster charging than its predecessor and a 50% boost in power output with a robust 1,500W AC capacity. With an impressive 4,000-cycle battery life, it retains 70% of its original capacity, providing sustainable power for years. Charge from 0 to 100% in just one hour using advanced ChargeShield 2.0 technology, all while ensuring safety with UL certification. Compact yet powerful, its 1,070Wh capacity powers multiple appliances, and versatile ports allow simultaneous charging. Weighing only 23.8 lbs, it’s perfect for camping, road trips, or emergencies. Control everything seamlessly through Jackery’s smart app for personalized settings and energy optimization.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is a powerful, compact, and versatile energy solution designed for home backup, outdoor adventures, and small businesses. With a high 2042Wh capacity, 2200W output across 3 AC ports, and a fast-charging USB-C PD 100W port, it meets all your power needs effortlessly. Weighing just 39.5 lbs, it’s 41% lighter and 34% smaller than typical LiFePo4 power stations, yet durable with a 10-year lifespan. Its ultra-fast charging options, seamless 20ms uninterruptible power supply, and whisper-quiet operation make it ideal for emergencies and everyday use.
Get the Jackery Explorer 2000 V.2
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station offers a massive 2042.8Wh capacity, powering devices up to 3000W for both outdoor and home use. It fully charges in just two hours via solar panels or outlets, with expandable capacity up to 24kWh. Advanced safety features, including temperature resistance and a cooling system, ensure reliable performance, while Jackery’s ChargeShield technology extends battery life up to 10 years. Smart App control allows easy energy management, making the Explorer 2000 Plus a versatile and durable power solution.
Get the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
MORE: BAD WEATHER? HOW TO GET SURVIVAL-READY IN ANY STORM
Westinghouse power equipment generator
This backup generator is great to have in a storm because it has a remote start with an included key fob and has up to 12,500 peak watts. It also comes with a 12V Battery Charger, oil, an oil funnel, a tool kit, and a user’s manual to help you get started with it. At the time of publishing, this product had over 15,400 global reviews with 82% giving it 5 stars.
Get Westinghouse power equipment generator
MORE: TECH TIPS TO AVOID CONTRACTOR SCAMS AFTER A STORM OR DISASTER
Chargers
Portable Solar Phone Chargers
When the power is out, and you need to charge your phone, it will be super helpful for you to have a solar portable phone charger. This one comes with a built-in 20000mAh high-quality mobile battery and is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Androids, and 99% of USB devices. It can be recharged through solar panels and also comes equipped with a compass and two LED flashlights. At the time of publishing, this product had over 4,900 global reviews, with 64% giving it 5 stars.
Get Portable Solar Phone Chargers
BLAVOR Solar charger power bank
The BLAVOR solar charger power bank has a 50% faster charging speed and a 5V 2.4A output that will not do any damage to your devices. It’s made with all safe material and has a rubber coating for a comfortable design as well. At the time of publishing, this product had over 43,000 global reviews with 67% giving it 5 stars.
Get BLAVOR Solar charger power bank
Anker portable charger
The Anker portable charger is a 10,000mAh Battery Pack that will do high-speed PowerIQ charging for iPhone, Android, Samsung Galaxy, and tablets. It has a slim size and a superior safety system that includes overcharge protection, short circuit protection, temperature control, and more. At the time of publishing, this product had over 98,000 global reviews with 74% giving it 5 stars.
BigBlue solar charger
This solar charger can convert up to 24% of solar power into free energy in enough sunlight and can withstand wear and tear better than other panels. It’s also foldable and lightweight which makes it easy to take with you anywhere you go. You can charge multiple devices at once with it and it will ensure 100% safe charging. At the time of publishing, this product had over 7,700 global reviews with 70% giving it 5 stars.
Lighting devices
Waterproof Flashlight
You always want to make sure you have a flashlight in the house. However, it’s better to have one that is durable and can withstand severe weather disasters. The GearLight Flashlight is made from military-grade aluminum and is water-resistant. It can even survive a 10-foot drop, so you’ll want to bring it on your hiking trips too. It has high-lumen LED technology that casts a wide-narrow beam, so you’ll be able to see far distances in the dark. At the time of publishing, this product had over 8,500 global reviews, with 77% giving it 5 stars.
MORE: 6 SURVIVAL GEAR MUST-HAVES TO SAVE YOUR LIFE
MPOWERD Luci solar inflatable lanterns
The MPOWERD Luci solar inflatable lanterns come in a variety of colors and have USB-C charging ports that you can use to charge your devices. They are made of clear PVC with polycrystalline silicon solar panels as well. At the time of publishing, this product had over 7,300 global reviews with 83% giving it 5 stars.
Get MPOWERD Luci solar inflatable lanterns
Vont LED Headlamp
A headlamp is an excellent product to have on you if you’re in a big storm that knocks the power out. This one has bright VLEDS that can light up your surroundings. It has 7 different light modes as well that you can change with an easy press of a button. Plus, it can throw light up to 45 degrees so that you won’t have to tilt your head around as much. At the time of publishing, this product had over 13,400 global reviews with 76% giving it 5 stars.
Communication devices
Spot X with GPS Messenger
This is an excellent device to have to communicate with your loved ones that you’re okay should you ever be separated from them in a severe storm and don’t have cellphone service. It allows you to also send SOS messages to 24/7 search and rescue services and uses a GPS to determine your location and communicate that location to others. At the time of publishing, this product had over 1,100 global reviews, with 58% giving it 5 stars.
Eoxsmile Emergency Radio
Having a weather radio is always a good idea, especially if power and WiFi get knocked out, and you can’t access weather reports on your phone. This one is great because it is certified by the National Weather Service and will auto-make a loud SOS alarm that lasts for 9 seconds whenever the National Weather Service issues a severe weather alert. You can also switch up the radio stations on it and listen to entertainment, sports, or news channels. Plus, it has a built-in 5,000 rechargeable battery, 2 light sources, and a port to charge your phone with. At the time of publishing, this product had over 5,000 global reviews, with 70% giving it 5 stars.
MORE: 6 WEATHER APPS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Food supply
READYWISE Food Supply
One thing you’re certainly going to want in a big store is an emergency food supply. This one from READYWISE gives you a 30-day supply packed with 298 servings. The freeze-dried food is designed to last up to 25 years and you get a variety of food options as well. At the time of publishing, this product had over 4,600 global reviews with 76% giving it 5 stars.
MORE: OLD VS. NEW BACKUP POWER GENERATORS: BATTERY VS GAS
Can opener
If you have perishable foods available to you during a storm, you’re going to want to have a can opener with you as well. (one preferably that doesn’t rely on electricity). This one from KitchenAid has a durable, razor-sharp stainless steel cutting wheel that can easily and smoothly open any can. It also has a large knob that is easy to turn and can open cans quickly. At the time of publishing, this product had over 81,000 global reviews with 79% giving it 5 stars.
First aid
First aid kit
Having a first aid kit is always a good idea, especially when you’re in a big storm and at risk for injuries. This one by Care Science comes with 100 pieces including medicine, antiseptics, bandages, injury treatments, and a comprehensive first-aid guide. At the time of publishing, this product had over 2,000 global reviews with 77% giving you 5 stars.
Bonus Tip: Storm Safety Strategy
Place a frozen cup with a quarter atop in your freezer before evacuating. It’s a simple indicator of whether your food stayed frozen or thawed during a power outage. Quarter on top? Your food is fine. Quarter in the middle? Check each item, as partial thawing may have occurred. Quarter at the bottom? It’s best to discard the food to avoid potential food poisoning. A practical tip, proving useful during any power loss situation.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Being prepared is the greatest favor you can do for yourself and your loved ones when a severe storm is coming. Our climate is only going to keep changing, and we have to roll with the punches and do the best we can to stay alert. I’d love to hear about which of you end up purchasing these products and how they help you in the future.
Is it fair that we have to keep making these adjustments for our ever-changing climate? What more could world leaders be doing to help?
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