Recommended Products
Products that we've tested and recommend
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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!
MAGLITE
Use Discount Code HURRICANE10 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
Midia Air Conditioners
The Midea Inverter Air Conditioners are extremely efficient, and can be powered by generators rated as low as 2,000 Running Watts.
Midea 12,000 BTU U Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
Midea 10,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner0
Midea 8,000 BTU U-Shaped Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner
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
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
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.
The FIRMAN Zero-E Energy Storage System delivers clean, quiet, emission-free backup power for homes, apartments, RVs, vehicles, and emergency preparedness. With 4,000 starting watts and 2,000 running watts, it can power essential appliances and electronics during outages, while advanced EPS (Emergency Power Supply) technology automatically switches critical devices such as refrigerators, modems, sump pumps, and security systems to battery power within milliseconds. Its long-lasting Lithium Iron Phosphate battery is designed for safety and more than 4,000 charge cycles, and the system can be expanded with up to 10 additional batteries for extended runtime and up to 11,440Wh of total capacity. Multiple AC, USB, DC, RV, and wireless charging options make it incredibly versatile, while flexible recharging from wall power, vehicle power, or solar panels makes the Zero-E an excellent all-in-one solution for emergency backup, travel, and off-grid use.
Firman Zero E Portable Expandable Power Station
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
Bike Cable Lock
Use this cable to secure your generator to lower the risk of theft
Lock Bike Lock Cable,12mm (1/2 inch) Cable Lock
Master Lock M15XDLF Magnum Heavy Duty Padlock
Use this with the cable to secure your generator
Master Lock M15XDLF Magnum Heavy Duty Padlock
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
WaterBob
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 ER310 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
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)
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
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")
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
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