What The Tech: What should go in your storm emergency kit?
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Technology Reporter
Think about everything that stops working the moment the power goes out. No WiFi. No TV. No easy access to news or weather alerts. And if an outage drags on, our phones eventually die too.
That’s why it’s worth thinking ahead and putting together a simple tech emergency kit. You don’t need anything extreme or expensive. Just a few smart tools that help you stay informed and connected when you need it most.
Portable Power Without a Generator
Whole home generators are great, but they can be expensive and out of reach for many families. Portable battery power stations are a more affordable option and have improved dramatically in recent years.
Power stations from companies like EcoFlow can keep a refrigerator running for hours and charge phones, tablets, and laptops at the same time. They’re quiet, don’t require fuel, and are small enough to move from room to room.
Don’t Forget a TV Antenna
Streaming services don’t help much when the internet goes down. That’s why every home should have at least one TV antenna. Plug a television into a portable power station, connect an antenna, and you can still watch live
local news for weather updates and emergency information even if cable and internet are out.
Use an Old Phone or Tablet as an Info Device
If you have an old phone or tablet sitting in a drawer, charge it ahead of time and set it aside as a dedicated emergency device. If WiFi goes out, connect it to your phone’s hotspot. That way, your primary phone stays free for calls and messages while the backup device handles news updates, maps, and alerts.
A Hand Crank Radio Is Still Essential
For weather alerts, a hand-crank radio is a must. The American Red Cross partners with Eton to make radios that don’t rely on electricity. Even with a dead battery, a few seconds of cranking gives you access to weather alerts and an emergency flashlight. It’s old school, but it works when everything else doesn’t.
Reliable Flashlights Matter
A flashlight is only helpful if it actually turns on. Rechargeable flashlights today are brighter, longer-lasting, and more reliable than ever. Keeping one charged and ready beats fumbling with dead batteries in the dark.
Your Car Can Be a Backup Battery
If the power goes out, your car becomes a large backup battery. Just don’t rely on the built-in USB ports. They charge phones very slowly. Instead, use a charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter. These provide faster, more reliable
charging during an outage.
Make Sure You Can Find Your Kit
None of this helps if you can’t find your emergency tech kit when you need it. If you store everything in a box or suitcase, consider tossing in an Apple AirTag so you can locate it quickly when time matters.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
You don’t need to prepare for every possible scenario. But a little planning now can make a big difference when the power goes out and information matters most.
