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Recommended Products
Products that we've tested and recommend
Product Links
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​​​Generators
Please click on this link or the Generators tab above to read more about my generator recommendations, and how to receive a 30% discount on your new generator today!​​
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MAGLITE
Use Discount Code PREPPER10 for 10% percent off your entire order.
The ML300L Long-running flashlight is the best disaster preparedness flashlight available, based on my testing of over 300 flashlights! The XL50 is a great pocket flashlight for close-up tasks, navigating through the home or office when the power is out, and general usage.
MAGLITE ML300L LED 4D Long-running Flashlight
MAGLITE XL50 LED Tactical Pack
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Flashlight Batteries - C & D Cell
I have previously experienced problems with Duracell batteries leaking prematurely, but apparently they've reformulated and I've not experienced any issues since then.
Duracell Coppertop C Cell Batteries
Duracell Coppertop D Cell Batteries
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Flashlight Batteries - AA & AAA Cell
Through my testing I determined that though the Energizer Lithium batteries are among the most costly per unit, they are the best value due to their incredibly long run time: Typically 3x-4x as long as alkaline batteries.
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Winter Storm Products
I no longer cover my outside faucets, but instead use Freeze Misers. These automatically allow the water to trickle, based on the outside temperature. This helps keep the water moving in the pipes near the walls, which prevents expensive pipe bursts due to freezing.
Freeze Miser - Outdoor Faucet Freeze Protection
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Power Bank Portable Chargers
I've used Anker products for years, including power banks, cords, and chargers. I currently own five chargers, six power banks, and at least a dozen cords. They are rugged and reliable, and competitively priced.
Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger, 26800mAh External Battery with Three Output Ports
Anker Portable Charger, 313 Power Bank (PowerCore Slim 10K) 10000mAh Battery Pack
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Portable Power Stations
My preferred power station is the Firman Zero E Portable Expandable Power Station. It features numerous four USB A and two USB C (99 Watt) ports, four 20-amp AC ports, and a 12 volt / 10 Amp DC port. Be sure to use Discount Code PREPARE30 for 30% off your entire order (with the exception of items already deeply discounted). You can also add up to ten 1,000 Watt-Hour expansion packs to provide enough power to run many household devices for days or weeks.
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I've used the Jackery Portable Power Station for two years, and found it to be highly reliable. It's has a very good capacity in a relatively lightweight case. The solar panels provide great output in full sunlight, and in my test one panel fully charged the Power Station 240 in less than a day. The 240 Watt-Hour version is great for charging your phone (up to a week on mine), but doesn't have the power to run most household electronics.
Firman Zero E Portable Expandable Power Station
Jackery Portable Power Station 240
Jackery Portable Power Station 500
Jackery Portable Power Station 1000
Jackery Portable Power Station 2000
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panel​
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 PRO 400W, 3024Wh Power Station with 2x200W Solar Panels
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STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer
Going back to 1999, I've never had a fuel problem with a small gas engine as long as I kept STA-BIL in the fuel supply. The STA-BIL 360 helps prevent the adverse affects on the internal fuel system seals while preventing the fuel from degrading and gumming up the carburetor.
STA-BIL 360 Protection with Ethanol Treatment and Fuel Stabilizer
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Lock Bike Cable
Use this cable to secure your generator to lower the risk of theft
Lock Bike Lock Cable,12mm (1/2 inch) Cable Lock
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Master Lock M15XDLF Magnum Heavy Duty Padlock
Use this with the cable to secure your generator
Master Lock M15XDLF Magnum Heavy Duty Padlock
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WaterBOB Bathtub Storage Emergency Drinking Water Container
My family used these during Hurricane Harvey and were never without fresh water for drinking or food preparation
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Weather Radio
These Midland radios are my favorite weather radios due to their highly functional properties: The hand crank and solar charger work well, the audio is very understandable, and the AM & FM fidelity is reasonable for this size radio. The flashlight is surprisingly bright. You can also use the built-in rechargeable battery or optional AA batteries. Midland has also introduced a pocket-size version of the weather radio that is great to pack along on a trip. I also like the Sangean AM/FM-RBDS/Weather Radio, which, in my opinion, has much better audio but doesn't feature removable batteries like the Midland ER300. You can't go wrong with either brand.
Midland ER300 Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM FM Digital NOAA Weather Radio
Midland - ER10VP Emergency Alert Radio with Flashlight - AM/FM Radio
Sangean MMR-99 AM/FM-RBDS/Bluetooth/AUX/Weather/Multi-Powered Digital Tuning Emergency Radio
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Duct Tape
I strongly recommend high-quality duct tape for use during emergencies. Cheaper tapes do not adhere as well and the glue may actually ooze out the side of the roll when it is stored in a warm environment.
Gorilla Black Duct Tape, 1.88" x 12 yd, Black, (Pack of 2)
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Portable Toilet
A portable toilet is worth its weight in gold during a long evacuation or in the home when water to flush a toilet is no longer available.
Reliance Products Luggable Loo Portable 5 Gallon Toilet
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Hurricane Window Clips
I used these PLYLOX clips to mount the plywood shutters on my home during Hurricane Ike, and they worked extremely well. We didn't lose a single board during the CAT-2 hurricane. Make sure you get the right size clips for your particular size of plywood. Beware of cheap imitations and knock-offs!
PLYLOX Hurricane Window Clips (Carbon Steel, 1/2")
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Waterproof Blue Tarps
These tarps are great for temporarily patching a damaged roof or covering furniture and other valuable items if you have a roof leak.
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 6'x8' - 2 Pack
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 8'x10' - 2 Pack
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 9'x12' - 2 Pack
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 10'x10'
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 10'x10' - 2 Pack
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 10'x12'
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 10'x12' - 2 Pack
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 12'x12'
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 12'x12' - 2 Pack
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 12'x16' - 2 Pack
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 12'x20'
Waterproof Blue Tarp - 12'x20' - 2 Pack
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