How to Build an Emergency Kit (Encore)

Natural disasters are becoming more intense and unpredictable. To help you prepare, we’re re-airing this episode on how to build a disaster kit. Wirecutter also just published a handy tool to help you customize an emergency kit specific to your needs, an article on preparing a disaster pantry, and guidance on choosing a generator.

In this episode, Harry Sawyers, who edits Wirecutter’s extensive emergency-preparedness coverage, walks us through the supplies everyone should have on hand to stay comfortable and safe—regardless of the emergency. We break down a basic supply kit that won’t break the bank—you may already own many of these items—and that should help in the face of a power outage, minor flooding, or more-serious disasters.

Plus, Harry introduces us to the wild world of folding hand saws, solar floating lanterns, and weather radios.

Find a full episode description here.

Articles about emergency preparedness:

Build Your Own Disaster-Prep KitA Complete Guide to Backup Power, From Portable Power Banks to Standby GeneratorsThe Best Portable GeneratorsHow to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency9 Extreme Weather Survivors Share the Tools That Helped Them Get Through DisasterThe LA Wildfires Devastated the Homes of Two Wirecutter Writers. Here’s What They Learned While RecoveringThe Best Emergency Preparedness SuppliesThe Best Gear for Your Bug-Out Bag Everything I Did to Flood-Proof My Old House

Products we recommend:

Water & FoodBest rigid water container: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-GallonLightBest flashlight: ThruNite Archer 2A V3Best floating solar lantern: LuminAid Titan 2-in-1 Power LanternPowerBest portable solar charger: BigBlue 28W USB Solar ChargerToolsBest weather radio: Midland ER310Best multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CXFolding saws Harry likes: Silky Pocketboy 130 mm Folding Saw Medium Teeth 340-13, Silky Professional BIGBOY Folding Saw 360mm Large Teeth (354-36), Silky Zubat Curved Hand Saw 270mm Large Teeth (270-27)Harry’s favorite recent purchase: Aquatabs

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

 

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

 

The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.

• No. of episodes: 68
• Latest episode: 2025-08-20
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