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:

Products we recommend:

Water & Food
- Best rigid water container: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon
Light
- Best flashlight: ThruNite Archer 2A V3
- Best floating solar lantern: LuminAid Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern
Power
- Best portable solar charger: BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger
Tools
- Best weather radio: Midland ER310
- Best multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CX
- Folding 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

How to Build an Emergency Kit (Encore)

The Wirecutter Show