Emergency gear, explained plainly.

Plain, sourced guides to generators, power, water, food and the gear that gets a household through outages and storms. We tell you what matters, who it fits, and how to use it safely.

Browse by topic

• Generators

  Portable, inverter, dual fuel and standby generators, plus the cords and switches to use them safely.

• Power and batteries

  Power stations, solar panels, solar generators and batteries for outages and off grid use.

• Food preserving

  Freeze dryers, canners, dehydrators, grain mills and vacuum sealers for a deeper pantry.

• Water

  Storage tanks, barrels, rain catchment and filters for safe water when the tap stops.

• Heat and cooking

  Wood stoves, propane and kerosene heaters, camp stoves and fuel storage, used safely.

• Emergency food

  Freeze dried meals, MREs and storage supplies, and how much to keep.

• Radios and comms

  Emergency radios, ham, GMRS and satellite messengers for when cell service fails.

• First aid and protection

  First aid kits, trauma gear and masks, with what the health sources say.

• Kits and bags

  Bug out bags, go bags, car kits and storm kits, built around real risks.

• Lights

  Flashlights, lanterns and headlamps for power outages and the road.

• Tools and gear

  Knives, multitools, axes, fire starters, compasses and night vision.

• Shelter and warmth

  Tents, sleeping bags and emergency blankets for staying warm and dry.

Start here

• Carbon Monoxide Detector: Types, Placement and Weekly Checks

  How to choose and place a carbon monoxide detector: UL 2034, battery vs plug-in, every level, rooms to avoid, weekly tests and when to replace the alarm.

• Propane Tank Guide: Choose the Cylinder and Refill Path

  Choose a propane tank around the appliance, refill service and safe storage. Compare small refillable bottles, compact cylinders and a larger reserve.

• Portable Power Station Guide for Outages: Wh, Watts, Run Time

  Choose a portable power station for outages: capacity in Wh, output watts, LiFePO4 cycle life, solar charging, UPS switchover and run time math.

• Tourniquet Guide: When They Are Used, Types and Buying Genuine

  What a tourniquet is for, per MedlinePlus, how C-A-T, SAM XT and SOF-T designs differ, why counterfeits matter, and why training comes first.

• Berkey Water Filter Alternatives: Gravity Filters Compared

  Why Black Berkey elements became hard to find, and how to choose a gravity water filter instead: pore size, what it removes, capacity and certifications.

• Faraday Bag Guide: Fit, Closure and Signal-Blocking Limits

  Choose a Faraday bag by usable space, closure and intended device. Compare phone sleeves and key-fob pouches, with clear signal-isolation limits.

• MRE Meals: Contents, Date Codes, Storage and Heater Limits

  Choose MRE meals by complete contents, calories, actual lot dates and storage history. Compare civilian examples and check heater and food-safety limits.

• Gas Mask Buying Guide: Approvals, Filters and Real Limits

  How to choose a gas mask for emergencies: NIOSH and CBRN approvals, CE EN 136, cartridges vs 40 mm filters, fit, shelf life, and what a mask cannot do.

• Generator for Your House: How to Size It and Run It Safely

  How to pick a generator for your house: add up running and starting watts, choose fuel, connect it safely, and keep carbon monoxide out of your home.

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