Summary
Light Sources (many)
AM/FM/NOAA Radio
GMRS Radio
Battery/Solar Generator (can be charged with a solar panel)
This is a loaded question. Gear does not make us prepared. And just like a plan is not a plan, gear is not gear. What might be useful for one person or family might not work for others. But some generalities can be helpful. These three levels are based on the severity and duration of a emergency event and all assume there are no utilities. When deciding what gear to buy, here are some key points to consider:
Make sure it is simple and intuitive to use.
Buy single purpose items, not multi-purpose items.
Make sure it is rugged. Beauty doesn't mean anything here.
Always have at least two of everything. Redundancy is critical.
Practice, practice using what you buy. Using whatever it is should be second nature.
Level 1 Preparedness: <4 hours
Light - Sources of light are the number 1 piece of preparedness gear to own. Flashlights are good, but headlamps are better. Headlamps free your hands and the light is automatically aimed as you move your head. Small lanterns are also good for tables or countertops. There should be at least one battery powered light source in every room, including the basement and garage. Don't forget spare batteries. Tip: Buy only replaceable battery light sources and try to make sure they all take the same size battery (AA is optimal) and buy batteries in bulk.
Communication (listen only) - When we loose utilities the first thing we want and need to know is what happened and long until things are fixed and back to normal. The number 2 piece of preparedness gear to won is a battery powered AM/FM radio. Better yet, is a battery powered AM/FM/NOAA radio. Certain AM radio stations are designated as Clear Channel stations, have large generators with lots of fuel, and are charged with broadcasting critical information about the emergency. KSL 1160 AM is one such station in Utah. NOAA is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and broadcasts weather and emergency alerts 24X7 across the country. One of the 7 NOAA broadcast frequencies can be heard almost everywhere.
Warmth (in winter) - Being cold can be debilitating. Layers of clothing, including gloves, are much better than piling on blankets because we need to be mobile.
Level 2 Preparedness: 4 - 8 hours
Food and Water (and how to cook)
Power for Refrigerator (small battery/solar generator)
Communication (listen and talk)
Level 3 Preparedness: >8 hours
Stay/Vacate Decision
More Power (bigger/multiple generators)
Heat (in winter)
(We do not recommend or endorse specific products.)