Be Ready for Anything: Weather Emergencies, Storm Prep & Must-Have Gear
- Frank Verderosa
- Jul 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 6
As we head into hurricane season, it’s more important than ever to be prepared. In late May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
“NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick“
As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” added Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings, and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”
Thankfully, today’s technology—from high-powered generators to pocket-sized chargers—can take much of the stress out of storm prep. A few years ago, I wrote about preparing for emergencies, but with so many new devices and smart solutions now available, it’s time for an update.
This post covers a wide range of storm-ready gear—from large-scale home backups to simple lighting solutions. There’s something here for every home and every budget. Plus, with Amazon Prime Day here, it’s the perfect time to grab big savings on these essentials!
⚡ Portable Powerhouses
Natural gas standby generators are great—but expensive and require professional installation (think gas line, electrical hookup, permits, and a concrete pad). Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to stay powered during an outage. Enter: battery-powered backup stations.
I use this unit myself, and it’s a lifesaver. With emergency lighting, 6 AC outlets, USB ports, and 12V DC power, it can be charged from a wall outlet, car, or solar panels (sold separately). I bought mine to power my sump pump—and during a test run one rainy weekend, it ran the pump every 2–3 minutes for three days straight. That’s the kind of peace of mind you want when the lights go out.
Charges to 80% in ~43 minutes; full charge in 1 hour
Expandable with additional battery packs
Smartphone control via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
Runs at 1800W (peak 2400W) with 1056Wh capacity
Need More Power?
Anker Solix F3000: 3600W running / 3,072Wh, 4 AC outlets, 220V generator port, solar-ready, wheels & pull handle
Anker Solix F3800 + BP3800 Expansion: 7680Wh total capacity, capable of powering an entire home
📱 Stay Connected: Phone & Device Chargers
Keeping your devices charged is key in an emergency. Here’s what I use and recommend:
A modern version of the chargers I bought over a decade ago—and they still work! These slim 10,000mAh packs keep your phone powered when outlets aren’t an option. Just keep your cables handy.
This sleek magnetic battery is perfect for iPhone users. It’s compact, cable-free, and fits easily in your work bag or pocket.
A compact 288Wh, 300W power bank that:
Charges via solar, car, or USB
Features 2x USB-C (140W), 1x USB-A (15W), and a pop-up light
Great for powering devices or camping
If you happen to be using Ryobi tools for landscaping (lawnmower, leaf blower, weed wacker), those batteries can also help you in an outage! They make a 300 watt inverter that gives you emergency lighting, USB ports and a single 120v outlet. Drop in your battery, turn it on, and you’re good to go! If you have multiple batteries, you can just keep dropping them in as needed. They also offer larger options for more power using multiple batteries! This is a simple and clever way to get power from the devices you already own.
This fast charger works with iPhone/Samsung wirelessly and charges 2 USB devices at once. Digital display, hefty build, and reliable performance.
💡 Light Up the Night
When the power goes out, lighting matters. These solutions are effective, affordable, and easy to deploy:
USB Rechargeable Under-Cabinet LED Lights: Dimmable, motion-sensing, and long-lasting. I use these in the kitchen and closets—they charge via USB and can run for up to 2 weeks on low/motion mode.
Energizer Weatheready Flashlights: Plug-in rechargeable lights that activate automatically during a power outage or can be used as handheld flashlights.
Waterproof Solar Garden Lights: Place them in windows to charge during the day, then use indoors at night. Inexpensive, multi-use, and great in a pinch.
Victagen 5000 Lumen Bike Headlight: Blindingly bright, long-lasting, and versatile. Originally for my e-bike, now also a go-to emergency light.
Coleman Rugged 700L Rechargeable Lantern: Dimmable and doubles as a USB charger. Great for camping or blackouts.
⌚ Keep Small Gear Charged
Even your smallest devices need love during an outage:
Joyroom Apple Watch Keychain Charger: A 2,000mAh wireless charger small enough to fit on your keychain. It powers my Apple Watch Series 10 about 3 full times per charge.
Standard USB cables: Remember to keep them bundled with your main battery banks!
📻 Stay Informed
No Wi-Fi? No problem. Here are your old-school and high-tech options:
HD Antenna for TV: Yes, TV is still free over the air. Just connect an HD antenna, scan for channels, and enjoy local news and more in HD.
FosPower Emergency Weather Radio: AM/FM/NOAA radio with flashlight, hand crank, small solar panel, and a 7,400mWh phone charger.
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Police Scanner: Stay updated with local police, fire, EMS, aviation, and marine channels.
Baofeng UV-5RH PRO Two-Way Ham Radio: More than a walkie-talkie—USB-C rechargeable, 10W output, GPS, 5+ mile range, and NOAA weather channel. Includes earpiece and hand strap.
🔥 Keep Warm
Cold weather outages are no joke. Here’s how to stay toasty:
Ororo Heated Wearables: Heated vests, scarves, and neck warmers. Battery lasts 8–10 hours on low or 5–6 hours on medium. Perfect for chilly nights.
Heated Blankets for Kids: Cozy emergency gear to keep the little ones warm.
Want to be fully storm-ready? Start building your emergency kit today—and keep an eye out for Prime Day deals! I’ll be adding links to my top picks throughout this article, so check back often and stay safe out there.
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