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Gear that works when the network doesn't

Sixteen categories, each matched to something that fails in an outage. Buy what you're missing, borrow what you'll rarely use, and skip the rest. Every product links to Amazon so you can check the current price and reviews.

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Using stoves, heaters and food safely

  • Camp stoves are for outdoor use only: carbon monoxide can build up indoors, in garages and in tents (CDC).
  • A power outage often means candles, camp stoves and generators, and all of them add fire or carbon monoxide risk. CDC says carbon monoxide has no color or smell. A working CO alarm near every sleeping area is the one safety item we'd put first.
  • Matches and lighters: Keep them up high and out of children's reach (U.S. Fire Administration).
  • FoodSafety.gov says a closed fridge keeps food safe for up to 4 hours without power.
  • Store at least one gallon of water per person per day, and Ready.gov warns you may need double that in very hot weather.
  • Countertop water filter: Use it on tap water your utility says is OK to drink.
  • CO alarms: Put one on each floor and near sleeping areas.
  • Hand warmers: Follow the package warnings; not for use while sleeping or directly on skin.
  • Medications stay between you and your clinician.

Water

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Ready.gov says store at least one gallon per person per day for several days. Date your containers, keep them cool and dark, and replace water you bottled yourself every six months.

  • Illustration of a translucent blue plastic water jug with a carry handle and a blue spout capIllustration

    FastRack 5 gal BPA-free jug

    A 5-gallon BPA-free jug for stored tap water. That's about five days for one person at FEMA's one gallon a day. Fill it, date it, keep it cool and dark, and refill it every six months. Five gallons of water weighs about 42 lb, and no spigot is included.

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  • Illustration of a folded clear plastic bathtub water storage liner with a hand siphon pump and tubingIllustration

    waterBOB bathtub water storage bladder, up to 100 gal, with siphon pump

    When a long outage is forecast, fill it in the bathtub for up to 100 gallons of stored tap water, then use the included siphon pump to fill jugs or pitchers as you need it. Pair it with stored jugs for outages that arrive without warning.

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  • Illustration of a clear plastic water filter dispenser with a gray lid, a white filter and a gray spigotIllustration

    Brita UltraMax 27-cup filtered water dispenser

    Filters your tap water on the counter, with no power needed, for better-tasting water.

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  • Illustration of a blue plastic personal water filter straw with its blue caps and a lanyardIllustration

    LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, Blue 1-pack

    Personal straw filter; LifeStraw says it meets US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for the removal of bacteria and parasites. It isn't made to remove viruses or chemicals.

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  • Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 gallon water container

    A 7-gallon water jug with a hideaway spigot and a screw-on vent cap. Reliance says it's PFAS and BPA-free and FDA compliant. Stackable when empty.

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  • Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth bottle

    A 32 oz wide-mouth bottle for filling up before you leave. Nalgene says it's made from Tritan Renew, BPA/BPS-free, and leakproof.

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Food

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You're eating from the pantry. A manual can opener and simple no-cook food your household already eats.

  • Illustration of a stainless steel manual can opener with black rubber handles and a black turning knobIllustration

    OXO Good Grips can opener

    Canned food only helps if you can open it without power. This is a manual opener with big, cushioned handles and an easy-turn knob.

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  • Illustration of a chrome steel manual can opener with black handle gripsIllustration

    Swing-A-Way portable can opener

    A simple steel opener to keep in the pantry next to the canned goods.

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  • Illustration of a white plastic bucket with a gray lid and a white plastic carry handleIllustration

    Mountain House Essential Assortment Bucket, 12 pouches / 22 servings

    Freeze-dried meals that need only hot water. Mountain House backs them with what it calls a 30-Year Taste Guarantee.

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  • Illustration of a blue cooler with a white lid and side handlesIllustration

    Coleman Chiller 48-quart cooler

    48 quarts, holds up to 76 cans (Coleman).

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  • Illustration of a round stainless steel dial thermometer with a fold-out standIllustration

    Rubbermaid Commercial FGR80DC fridge/freezer thermometer

    Reads -20 to 80°F; hang it or stand it in the fridge or freezer.

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Light

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Ready.gov says every person in your home should have a flashlight, and the Red Cross says flashlights, not candles. Headlamps, flashlights and lanterns, with spare batteries in the right sizes.

  • Illustration of a green and black plastic rechargeable lantern with a frosted white diffuser and a black carry handleIllustration

    Lepro rechargeable LED camping lantern, 1000 lm, 4,400mAh, doubles as power bank

    Skip the candles. One bright lantern for the kitchen table. Charge it when you charge your phone.

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  • Illustration of a black plastic LED headlamp on an adjustable black elastic strapIllustration

    Energizer LED headlamp

    Hands-free light for a dark stairwell, cooking or reading. Keep one per adult, with spare batteries in the size it takes.

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  • Illustration of twenty-four AA alkaline batteries standing in rows, silver with black and red bandsIllustration

    Energizer MAX AA alkaline batteries, 24 pack

    24 AA alkaline batteries, spares for lights and radios.

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  • Illustration of four AA alkaline batteries standing in a row, silver with black and red bandsIllustration

    Energizer MAX AA alkaline batteries, 4 pack

    4 AA alkaline batteries, a small top-up pack.

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Power

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Ready.gov calls your phone a vital tool for emergency alerts, so keep it charged when the outlets aren't. A power bank can charge a phone several times. A battery power station has regular outlets for a laptop, a router or lights.

  • Illustration of a dark gray plastic portable power station with a carry handle, a front display and rows of AC and USB outletsIllustration

    Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station, 1,056Wh LiFePO4, 1,800W AC

    Six regular outlets for a router, a laptop or lights when the power's out. How long it runs depends on what you plug in, so check each device's watts first. Anker says to fully charge it once every 3 months so it's ready. Anker states SGS certification to UL 1012/1778/1973.

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  • Illustration of a black power bank with a brushed silver front plate, a dark screen panel and USB ports on topIllustration

    Anker 737 Power Bank, 24,000mAh, 140W USB-C

    Ready.gov calls your phone a vital tool for emergency alerts. This charges it several times over. Keep it topped up on your desk so it's full when you need it.

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  • Illustration of a black battery backup unitIllustration

    APC BE600M1 battery backup (UPS), 600VA

    Keeps a modem and router on briefly when the power drops. How long depends on what you plug in.

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  • Anker 313 Power Bank (PowerCore 10K)

    A slim 10,000mAh power bank with USB-C and USB-A ports. Anker lists 15W max USB-C output. Recharges by USB-C or Micro-USB; cables not included.

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  • Anker USB-C to USB-C cable, 240W, 6 ft, Upcycled-Braided

    A 6 ft braided USB-C to USB-C cable. Anker lists 240W max output and USB-IF compliance.

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Heat & Warmth

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Warm layers for a cold house: the Red Cross lists an emergency blanket, and the CDC lists blankets and sleeping bags.

  • Illustration of an orange and silver foil emergency blanket, partly unfolded beside a folded packIllustration

    SOL Emergency Blanket

    A light reflective blanket for the kit.

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  • Illustration of a navy blue rectangular sleeping bag laid flat beside a rolled stuff sackIllustration

    Coleman Brazos 30°F sleeping bag

    A 30°F-rated bag (Coleman). The Red Cross lists a blanket or sleeping bag for each person.

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  • Illustration of a stack of orange hand warmer packets beside an unwrapped white warmer pouchIllustration

    HotHands hand warmers, 40 pairs

    Air-activated warmers for gloves and pockets.

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First Aid

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A basic first-aid kit and supplies you already use.

  • Illustration of a white plastic first aid case with a clear front showing bandages and suppliesIllustration

    First Aid Only 91063 118-piece first aid kit, clear front case

    118 pieces. First Aid Only lists the contents as bandages, gauze, a trauma pad, tape, BZK antiseptic and alcohol wipes, sting-relief wipes, antibiotic ointment, burn cream, scissors, tweezers, gloves, splints, applicators, a cold pack and a guide.

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Tools

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The Red Cross lists a multi-purpose tool. Add a simple knife and work gloves for cleanup.

  • Illustration of a stainless steel fixed-blade knife with a straight spine and a black rubber-grip handle beside a plain black plastic sheath with a belt clipIllustration

    Morakniv Companion stainless fixed-blade knife, 4.1 in

    A simple fixed-blade knife with a sheath (Morakniv).

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  • Illustration of an open stainless steel multi-tool with pliers and fold-out toolsIllustration

    Gerber Suspension-NXT multi-tool

    15 tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, scissors and a can opener (Gerber).

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  • Illustration of a stainless steel multi-tool with open pliers and a fold-out bladeIllustration

    Leatherman Wingman multi-tool

    14 tools in one (Leatherman).

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  • Illustration of a pair of tan leather work glovesIllustration

    Wells Lamont 1132M cowhide leather work gloves

    Cowhide work gloves for cleanup. Pick your size on Amazon.

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Fire

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Matches and lighters for lighting an outdoor camp stove.

  • Illustration of an orange plastic waterproof match case with a strike strip and long matchesIllustration

    UCO Stormproof Match Kit, 25 matches with case

    25 matches in a screw-top waterproof case, for lighting an outdoor stove.

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  • Illustration of a row of twelve pocket lighters in assorted coloursIllustration

    BIC Maxi pocket lighters, 12 pack

    Lights an outdoor stove.

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Communication

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Radios that pick up NOAA weather broadcasts without internet, with battery power for outages. Some add AM/FM for news; others are SAME alert radios that can be set to your county. Each card says which bands and features it has.

  • Illustration of a hand-crank emergency radio with a red front, a black frame and handle, a red crank, a small solar panel and a side flashlightIllustration

    Midland ER310 emergency crank weather radio, NOAA alerts and AM/FM

    AM/FM news and NOAA weather when phones and internet are down. Recharge it by USB or hand crank, top it up with the small solar panel, or run it on AA batteries.

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  • Illustration of a white plastic weather alert radio with a blue display, a keypad and a speaker grilleIllustration

    Midland WR120B NOAA weather alert radio (SAME), AC + AA backup

    The Weather Service sounds its alarm only for hazards urgent enough to wake people at night. This sits on a shelf and, once you set your county, sounds an alert for weather and emergencies there. It receives NOAA only, with no AM/FM.

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  • Illustration of an orange plastic whistle on a black lanyardIllustration

    Fox 40 Classic whistle

    Ready.gov lists a whistle to signal for help.

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  • Illustration of two black and silver two-way radios with short black antennas and orange-lit screensIllustration

    Midland T71VP3 X-Talker 2-pack

    Midland T71VP3 X-Talker license-free FRS walkie-talkie 2-pack.

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Sanitation

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Ready.gov lists sanitation supplies in a basic kit. A bucket toilet is a backup if water or sewer service stops.

  • Illustration of a tan plastic portable toilet bucket with a hinged toilet seat lidIllustration

    Reliance Luggable Loo 5-gallon portable toilet

    A 5-gallon bucket toilet with a seat and lid, a backup if water or sewer service stops.

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Safety

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CO alarms, a fire extinguisher and N95 masks for the house.

  • Illustration of a white plastic battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm with a vent grille and one buttonIllustration

    First Alert CO400 carbon monoxide alarm

    Runs on a 9-volt battery. Alarms when it detects CO.

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  • Illustration of a white plastic carbon monoxide alarm with a small digital display, two buttons and indicator lightsIllustration

    Kidde C3010D carbon monoxide alarm, sealed battery

    A CO alarm with a sealed battery. Alarms when it detects CO.

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  • Illustration of a red home fire extinguisher with a black hose and a white wall bracketIllustration

    First Alert HOME1 fire extinguisher, UL rated 1-A:10-B:C

    A home fire extinguisher, UL rated 1-A:10-B:C (First Alert).

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  • Illustration of a white folding N95 respirator with blue head strapsIllustration

    3M Aura 9205+ N95 respirator, 3 pack

    NIOSH-approved N95 (approval TC-84A-8590). Fit matters; not made for children.

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  • Illustration of a stack of white molded N95 respirators with tan head strapsIllustration

    3M 8210 N95 respirator, 20 pack

    NIOSH-approved N95 (approval TC-84A-0007), for cleanup dust. Fit matters; not made for children.

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Documents & Cash

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When cards and ATMs fail, Ready.gov says small bills are how you buy supplies, fuel or food. Keep them in a cash box. Keep your ID and card copies in the file box or the document pouch below.

  • Illustration of a black plastic file box with a carry handle, a latch and a key lockIllustration

    SentrySafe FHW40100 fire- and water-resistant file box, key lock

    One fire-resistant box for passports, insurance papers, and your cash envelope. SentrySafe says it's UL Classified for 1/2 hour at up to 1550°F to protect your valuables in a fire.

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  • Illustration of an open black steel cash box with a removable coin and bill tray and a key in the lockIllustration

    SentrySafe CB-12 steel cash box with money tray and key lock

    When card readers are down, small bills are how you pay. This keeps them and your coins sorted. It's a steel cash box, not fire-resistant.

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  • Illustration of a dark gray fabric document pouch with papers tucked insideIllustration

    SentrySafe FBWLZ0 fire-resistant document pouch

    Holds letter-size copies flat. SentrySafe says it endures brief fire exposure and keeps contents dry under a sprinkler. It's not waterproof.

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Paper backup

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When GPS or your phone is down, a paper map still works. Keep a printed road map in the car or with your documents.

  • Rand McNally 2026 Road Atlas (US, Canada, Mexico)

    A paper road atlas for when GPS or your phone is down. Rand McNally calls the 2026 Road Atlas the 102nd edition.

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Pets

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Ready.gov says to include your pets in your plan. Keep their food dry and ready with the rest of your kit.

  • Illustration of a clear plastic pet food bin on casters with a navy lid and a scoop, filled with kibbleIllustration

    IRIS USA airtight pet food storage container

    An airtight container (IRIS) for a few weeks of kibble.

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Car

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Ready.gov suggests keeping an emergency kit in your car.

  • Illustration of a black and red portable jump starter with a cable to red and black clampsIllustration

    NOCO Boost GB40 12V jump starter

    A 12V jump starter (NOCO) for a dead car battery, without a second car.

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Comfort

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Ready.gov lists books, games and puzzles in a basic kit, including activities for kids.

  • Illustration of twelve red and blue playing card boxes in rows with one deck fanned outIllustration

    Bicycle Standard playing cards, 12 pack

    Something to do without power.

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