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During an emergency, the critical first steps are to stay calm, assess the situation, and make a plan—and it’s a lot easier to do those things if you’re prepared. Whether you need to shelter in place or evacuate within minutes, having a grab-and-go emergency kit at the ready reduces stress, anxiety, and mistakes.
RadioShack is a good source for specialty safety devices that can help you stay informed and comfortable during the uncertainty of emergencies. Here are a few of our favorites.
Key Takeaways
- Stay informed with a weather radio. The RadioShack Portable Weather Radio provides NOAA updates and includes AM/FM bands.
- Illuminate emergencies with a powerful flashlight. This rechargeable flashlight offers 1,088 lumens and multiple modes.
- Keep devices charged with a portable power bank. The 20,000 mAh charger powers multiple devices and displays charge status.
- Stay connected with a pocket-size AM/FM radio. Compact and durable, it offers high-quality sound and long battery life.
Bottom line: Equip your emergency kit with RadioShack essentials to stay informed, illuminated, and connected during crises.
Weather Radio
Photo: Mark Wolfe for BobVila.com
There’s no better source for current weather conditions and accurate forecasting around the clock than the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It operates 122 local National Weather Service forecast offices, and more than 1,000 weather radio transmitters all over the United States, but you’ll need a special weather band radio, like the RadioShack Portable Battery-Powered Weather Radio, to receive the signal. This handheld radio weighs less than a pound, and it’s small enough to fit in the side pocket of my daypack. Powered by two AA batteries, it offered about 15 hours of constant playback during testing. Alternatively, it can be run off of a 5-amp DC power supply. In addition to the weather band, it also includes AM and FM bands for entertainment during less trying times.
Rechargeable Flashlight
RadioShack 1088 Lumen LED Flashlight
Photo: Mark Wolfe for BobVila.com
When the power goes out, a good flashlight is priceless. This one has a rugged aluminum housing and an incredibly bright beam. Rechargeable, sleek, and reliable, this flashlight is equipped with a powerful 30-watt LED that matches (and maybe even exceeds) the brightness of a 75-watt incandescent light bulb. It emits up to 1,088 lumens, making it an excellent task light, and it features step-free dimming, strobe, and flashing SOS modes. The telescoping beam adjusts for wide-area coverage or focused lighting. In our backyard test, it projected a focused beam that was still bright enough to read a book 100 yards away from the flashlight. The light is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides 60 minutes of continuous lighting per charge, and it recharges in 4 hours with the included 2-watt USB-C charging cord.
Portable Charger
RadioShack 20,000 mAh Portable Charger
Photo: Mark Wolfe for BobVila.com
The last thing you want to worry about in an emergency is whether or not your cell phone battery is charged. The RadioShack 20,000 mAh portable charger answers the call. It has three power ports, including one USB-A (out), one USB-C (out), and one USB-C (in/out), to power multiple devices simultaneously, while an LCD screen displays the charge status and output wattage. This compact unit holds enough capacity to quickly recharge a phone up to 4 times, or to keep your flashlight lit and your emergency radio operational, with a maximum output up to 100 watts.
Pocket-Size Radio
Photo: Mark Wolfe for BobVila.com
Whether you are hunkering down or bugging out, an AM/FM radio will help you stay informed and entertained. Consider the RadioShack pocket-size AM/FM radio. Roughly the size of a deck of cards, this radio is super easy to pack and includes a durable back clip for added security. It runs on 2 AA batteries (not included), which didn’t run out during our tester’s 48-hour test run of constant play time. This little radio produces surprisingly high-quality sound with good clarity. Listen aloud via the built-in speaker or privately using the 3.5mm earphone jack.
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