What to look for in an emergency radio: weather alerts, power options, phone charging and durability.
Key takeaways
- Get AM/FM (plus the NOAA weather band in the US) and two power sources.
- A crank gives only a little phone charge. Use a power bank for phones.
- Test it and write local frequencies on a card in the kit.
Why a radio
When cell networks are congested or down, a battery or crank radio can still bring you official alerts and local updates. It is one of the cheapest and most useful items in a kit.
What to look for
| Feature | Why |
|---|---|
| AM/FM | Local emergency broadcasts |
| Weather band | In the US, NOAA Weather Radio. In Canada, Weatheradio has been discontinued, so rely on phone alerts, the WeatherCAN app and a local AM/FM station |
| Power sources | Hand crank, solar and battery. Having two is better |
| USB output | Emergency top-up for a phone. Expect a small amount of charge |
| Built-in light | Handy, but do not rely on it as your only light |
| Build quality | Look for a rated water resistance and sturdy crank |
Realistic expectations
- Cranking for a minute gives a limited amount of listening time, and a trickle of phone charge at best.
- A power bank is a better phone charger than a crank. Keep one charged.
- Store spare batteries outside the radio so they do not corrode.
Test it now
Find your local station and the weather band while the lights are on. Write the frequencies on a card in the kit.
Quick answers
Do I need a weather band radio in Canada?
Environment and Climate Change Canada says Weatheradio is no longer in service. Use Alert Ready phone alerts, the WeatherCAN app, weather.gc.ca and a local AM/FM station. A weather band still works for NOAA Weather Radio in the US.
Can a radio replace my phone?
No, but it works when networks are overloaded.