One of the most important things to include in your disaster supply kit is an emergency weather radio. Emergency weather radios access to NOAA weather frequencies that can alert you to upcoming or current weather situations like flash floods or thunderstorms. Emergency radios are also designed with various back-up power methods such as hand cranks, batteries, or solar panels so you can extend their running time without access to power. 

The following is an excerpt from a recent article listing some of the most popular weather radios that can be purchased online. If you are unable to get an emergency weather radio, a battery powered AM/FM radio will still give you access to local emergency messages.

 MIDLAND ER310

 Midland red and black weather radio

 

If you’re looking for an emergency radio that’s extremely easy to use while providing a variety of features, try the Midland ER310. It has a large, bright LCD screen and helpful instructions. The ER310 is a weather alert radio, not just a weather band radio, which means it is able to receive emergency-band alerts automatically without you having to tune in first. Has hand crank to charge battery and solar panel, and integrated flashlight. 

 

FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio

FosPower yellow and black radio charging a phone

A lower-cost option is the FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio which provides a good amount of useful features and four charging options. This is a weather band radio rather than a weather alert model, so it won’t automatically receive NOAA alerts; you’ll have to tune in first when you expect to face threatening weather conditions. This radio lacks the digital tuning and push-button controls of higher-end options - the simple design, without menus or digital control is great for someone who wants a more classic radio. 

 

Kaito KA340 Weather Alert Radio

Silver and black kato handheld radio

The Kaito KA340 Weather Alert Radio has Bluetooth connectivity and a microSD memory card slot and a variety of power options — rechargeable lithium-ion battery, four AA batteries, hand crank and solar panel. It also has a  flashlight and large lantern light. Although this radio is able to receive NOAA alerts, you won’t be able to use any other function while the “alert” setting is selected.

Midland ER10VP

Red and black midland weather radio

This radio is a smaller version of the Midland ER310 and Midland ER210,  fits in the palm of your hand and weighs just 8.8 ounces. Despite the small size, this little radio still provides automatic NOAA alerts without your having to tune in first, You also get a flashlight with three settings, a headphone jack and a  wrist lanyard. The only drawback to this little radio is that it only runs on three AA batteries, so no rechargeable battery, hand crank or solar panels. 

 

RunningSnail MD-090P

Green and black running snail radio charging a phone

 

The most impressive feature of this radio is its 4,000 mAh battery which means that the RunningSnail MD-090P should be able to run longer than any other, which also translates to more charging capacity when it comes to using it as a power bank to keep your devices working. This is a huge benefit in an emergency situation when the power goes out. It also has a powerful flashlight and separate “reading lamp". The RunningSnail is only a weather band radio, and doesn’t have automated weather alert functionality (though it can clearly receive NOAA weather stations).