Storm survival essentials: Your ultimate gadget guide
Winter weather has a way of catching people off guard. One minute it’s light snow, and the next you’re dealing with power outages, icy roads, and spotty cell service. Across the country, storms this season have already knocked out electricity for millions and disrupted everyday routines in a big way.
When conditions turn severe, having the right gear on hand can make a stressful situation much more manageable. From keeping your phone charged to lighting your home and staying informed when the internet goes down, preparation matters. Below are some essential products that can help you stay safe, connected, and comfortable during winter storms and other weather emergencies.
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
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station (2024 New)
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.
Get the Jackery Explorer 1000 V.2
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station
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
Westinghouse power equipment generator
Credit: Westinghouse
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.
Get Westinghouse power equipment generator
Chargers
Portable Solar Phone Chargers
Credit: Kepswin
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.
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BLAVOR Solar charger power bank
Credit: BLAVOR
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
Credit: Anker
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
Credit: BigBlue
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
Panther Vision FLATEYE Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight – 2175 Lumens
Credit: Panther Vision
The FLATEYE flashlight from Panther Vision is rechargeable and delivers up to 2,175 lumens of light, which can be critical during winter storm power outages when visibility drops, and street lighting is unavailable. Its durable, weather-resistant design and strobe feature make it useful for navigating dark homes, checking conditions outside, or signaling for help if roads are blocked.
Waterproof Flashlight
Credit: GearLight
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.
Lepwings Solar Camping Lantern with Power Bank
This Lepwings solar camping lantern is built for emergencies, storms, and outdoor adventures. It packs a 6000mAh rechargeable battery that delivers up to 80 hours of light, so you are not left in the dark during power outages or hurricanes. Dual solar panels recharge the lantern during the day, and a USB option lets you fully charge it in about three hours when sunlight is limited. The dimmable LED light adjusts from soft glow to bright illumination for large rooms or campsites. It also doubles as a power bank, allowing you to charge your phone or small devices when the grid is down. With an IPX4 water-resistant design, this lantern is ready for rough weather, travel, and everyday emergency kits.
Get Lepwings Solar Camping Lantern with Power Bank
GearLight S500 LED Headlamp 2-Pack (Battery Powered)
The GearLight S500 LED headlamp 2-pack delivers reliable, hands-free lighting for camping, running, repairs, and emergency use. These headlamps run on AAA batteries, so they keep working when power and USB charging are not an option. With seven lighting modes, including a red light for night vision, you can adjust brightness and visibility to match the task. The 45-degree adjustable head lets you aim the light exactly where you need it. Lightweight and comfortable, the adjustable headband fits adults and kids for extended wear. The weather-resistant design and two-pack value make this a smart addition to home, vehicle, and outdoor emergency kits.
Get GearLight S500 LED Headlamp 2-Pack
Communication devices
Spot X with GPS Messenger
Credit: SPOT X
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.
Raynic Emergency Weather Radio
This automatic NOAA weather alert radio is designed to keep you safe by automatically scanning and alerting you of emergency weather warnings, even while you sleep. It features a large HD LCD display with digital tuning, six reliable charging methods (including solar and hand-crank), and built-in emergency tools like a flashlight, reading lamp, SOS alarm, and phone charger. Lightweight and portable, it’s ideal for camping, hiking, or power outages, with a headphone jack for discreet listening.
Get Raynic Emergency Weather Radio
Eoxsmile Emergency Radio
Credit: Eoxsmile
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: Severe weather emergency alerts: how to get loud phone warnings
Food supply
READYWISE Food Supply
Credit: READYWISE
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.
Bonus tip: Simple storm food safety check
Before a storm or evacuation, place a cup of water in your freezer and let it freeze solid. Then set a quarter on top of the ice. When you return, check the quarter’s position. If it is still on top, your food stayed frozen and should be safe. If the quarter is in the middle, some items may have partially thawed and should be checked carefully. If the quarter is at the bottom, the freezer is fully thawed, and it is safest to discard the food to avoid foodborne illness. This quick test works for any extended power outage, not just storms.
Can opener
Credit: KitchenAid
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 Trauma Pack with QuikCloth
During winter storms, accidents, and delays can leave help farther away than expected, which is why a trauma pack with QuikClot is worth keeping in your vehicle. Having bleeding-control supplies on hand allows you to respond quickly to serious injuries if roads are icy, emergency response is delayed, or you are stranded for an extended period.
Get the First Aid Trauma Pack with QuikClot
First Aid kit
Credit: Care Science
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.
Related links:
- Winter storms can knock out your tech fast: Prepare now
- iPhone’s satellite messaging: A crucial lifeline during a storm
- Fake flight cancellation texts target travelers
Kurt’s key takeaways
Severe winter weather is becoming more unpredictable, and the impact can last far longer than the storm itself. Power outages, limited communication, and supply disruptions can turn a routine day into a stressful situation fast. The right gear helps you stay connected, informed, and comfortable when conditions are at their worst. Preparing ahead of time gives you more control and peace of mind when the grid goes down or travel becomes unsafe. Even small steps taken now can make a big difference during the next emergency.
What item do you rely on most during a power outage or winter emergency, and is there anything you would add to this list? Write to us and share what has worked for you.
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