Note: All links updated on 1/31/2025
Are you prepared to last through a temporary disruption of electricity, water, food or fuel? Crazy weather in the future could cause the power to fail for a short or uncertain amount of time. Water could become tainted and come under a boil alert. This just happened in Detroit when a water system failed and a large area was put under a boil alert because air got into the water.
The federal government recommends everyone be prepared to last for 72 hours in an emergency such as flooding, tornado, severe storms, blizzards, a pandemic and there are scores more situations that could cause you problems. Want to see all the different things that you need to prepare for. Click Here
We recommend that you have the following products on hand to deal with power outages and other emergency situations. We have and use all these products on a regular basis and depend on them in emergencies. In fact, we recently lost power for several days after an ice storm and used these products to get through it.
The products below are Amazon affiliate links. They will take you directly to the product on Amazon. Following our links will not cost you any more but if you click on one of our links and buy that product, we will earn a small commission and that will pass a few pennies our way to help keep this website going. Our tried and true product recommendations are below.
Note: If you came here from The Outhouses of America Tour website, you can return to that website by clicking HERE.
Quick Links
- Amazon Prime
- Amazon Home Services
- Power and Lighting
- Communication
- Water Purification Products
- Cooking and Boiling Water
- JetBoil Fuel
- Loveable Loo Information
Amazon Prime
First of all, we recommend joining Amazon Prime. Not only will you get free 2-Day shipping on most products, there are many other benefits including unlimited photo storage in the cloud. You will never have to worry about your digital pictures being lost when a computer fails or phone is lost.
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
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Amazon Home Services
Do you need something done to your home, condo or apartment? Home care is all about being prepared. Amazon Home Services offers you over a thousand different services from quality, hand-picked pros and backed by Amazon’s Happiness Guarantee. Click on the banner below to find out more.
Top services available for Customers to purchase include:
*House Cleaning
*TV Wall Mounting
*Smart Home Device Installation
*Equipment and Furniture Assembly
*Plumbing and Electrical
*Handyman
*House Painting
Find out more by clicking the link below…
Next, we recommend cheap, dependable lighting by using products that utilize AA Eneloop Rechargeable batteries. Here are links to the lighting products, AA Eneloop batteries and the quick charger we use:
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Health for you Lips
About this item
- When you are out in the wild, the last thing you want is for your lips to get chapped and cracked. Most lip balms have ingredients that make you want to keep using them. This lip balm contains all natural ingredients that you will love.
- Nourishing Natural Ingredients: ChopSaver Lip Care harnesses the power of 100% natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, Vitamin E, beeswax, and arnica, an anti-inflammatory botanical.
- Soothing Lip Balm: This moisturizing lip balm offers relief for dry, cracked lips, skin irritations, cuts, burns, and insect bites, making it a versatile skincare solution.
- Clean and Honest Formula: Free from harsh chemicals like alcohol, menthol, and parabens, ChopSaver pampers your lips with an ultra-hydrating formula without unnecessary additives.
- USA-Made Quality: Crafted in the USA with premium ingredients, this natural lip balm is carefully made with a genuine focus on quality and a gentle natural citrus fragrance.
Power and Lighting
The items that immediately follow are very important to have. When you need them, you will have them if you order them from these links.
About this item
- Quickly charges perfect for larger vehicles
- Charges up to six batteries in parallel
- Pulse cleaning mode improves battery condition with continued use
- Automatically works with 6 and 12 volt batteries
- Built-in LCD digital battery tester displays the battery voltage, amp output & battery charge percentage bar
About this item
- Lightweight & More Flexible Applications: LiTime 12V 50Ah Plus LiFePO4 battery has an extremely lightweight of 11.57lbs, only 1/6 of a 12V 100Ah lead acid battery (about 60lbs), and a 10-year-old child may be easy to tow or move. Meanwhile, LiTime battery has various connections in parallel (max. capacity of 200Ah) and series (Higher voltage of 24V, 36V, 48V), it’s ideal for home back up system such as security devices, lights, solar and outdoor activities like boat, camping, trailer, etc.
- 100% Efficiency: LiTime LiFePO4 battery’s flat discharge curve holds above 12.8V for up to 100% of its capacity usage, Providing astronomical boosters in run-time compared to only 50% in lead acid. It is globally compatible with battery boxes of all types of vehicles on the market. It won’t take up too much installation space. This product is your best choice for outdoor camping power and indoor easy installation.
- Top Protection & 8 Times Lifespan: LiTime 12V 50Ah Plus LiFePO4 battery is made of automotive grade LiFePO4 cells, which has higher energy density, more stable performance & built-in BMS. Compared with the 300-500 cycles and 3-year lifespan of lead-acid battery, LiTime battery has more than 4000 deep cycles and a 10-year lifespan.
- Excellent Quality: LiTime 12V 50Ah Plus LiFePO4 battery ensures you 5-year warranty while the best-selling lead-acid battery is only 1 year. In terms of lifetime use, the value of our 50Ah battery is almost 4 times than 12V 100Ah lead-acid battery. LiTime 12V 50Ah LiFePO4 lithium battery has 640Wh energy， Which is greater than the real energy of 12v 100ah lead-acid battery (12v× 100ah× 50% DOD = 600Wh), as the depth of discharge (DOD) of lead-acid is about 50%. It means 12V 100Ah lead-acid battery can run an 80W load nonstop for 7hrs while 8hrs as our 12V 50Ah battery can.
- Note: Please do not use this battery as a car battery, starting battery, or golf cart battery. We do not suggest using it to start any device!!! LiTime insists on using Automotive quality LiFePO4 prismatic cells across its lithium battery portfolio, and the battery is protected from overcharging, overdischarging, overcurrent, overheating, and short circuiting by a powerful BMS. These components enable consistent and dependable performance over the battery’s 10-year service life.
About this item
- 🚤🚲🚙【Smart Charging with One-Button Start & 20A Max Current】20Amp Car Battery Charger offers one-button start functionality for ultimate convenience. With a maximum charging current of 20A, it delivers fast charging for a variety of battery types, ensuring your vehicle or equipment is ready in no time. Compact & portable design makes it easy to carry and store, perfect for home garages, boats, and traveling.
- 🚜🛺🚛【3-Level Adjustable Charging Currents for Optimal Performance】Choose from three adjustable charging currents for 12V (5A, 10A, 20A) and 24V (3A, 5A, 10A). Select the best option based on your battery’s needs and enjoy efficient, safe charging. Whether you’re charging Lithium batteries, Lead Acid, or LiFePO4, this charger optimizes power delivery for a longer battery life.
- 🏍🚗🚚【Wide Compatibility: Supports All Popular Battery Types】This battery charger works with a wide range of batteries, including Lithium, LiFePO4, Lead Acid (AGM, Gel, SLA), and more. Perfect for a variety of vehicles and equipment like cars, motorcycles, boats, electric golf carts, tractors, lawn mowers, and forklifts. Versatile charging ensures you’re always prepared for any situation.
- 🛵🦼🛥【Pulse Repair & Trickle Charging to Restore Battery Health】Featuring Pulse Repair technology, this charger/Maintainer can restore battery capacity and activate your battery if it’s in poor condition. Use the Trickle Charging mode for maintenance and the final charge phase, preventing overcharging while keeping your battery at optimal levels, increasing lifespan and performance.
- ✅✅✅【Built-In Temperature & Multiple Protection Features for Safety】This smart battery charger comes with an integrated temperature sensor, working in -10°C (14°F) to 40°C (104°F) conditions. Equipped with overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, low voltage, and electrostatic protection, it ensures safe, worry-free charging every time.
About this item
- If you are in a grid down situation and your car or truck has a problem, this tool could help you get going again!!!
- One-time Payment Lifetime Update: Ediag Elite offers a Revolutionary Advantage Lifetime updates at no extra cost. Enjoy one-time payment with unlimited access to superior 15+ reset services, active test and full systems diagnostic. Stay away from paying annual fee to renew software which makes Ediag Elite to be a ultimate cost-effective Bluetooth OBD2 scanner diagnostic tool, ideal choice for DIYers and private car owners.
- Bi-Directional Control for Quickly Locating Problems: The Bi-Directional Scan tool allows you to send commands directly from your smartphone to your vehicle’s ECU for active testing. This feature helps to quickly narrow down problems such as air conditioning clutches, windows, doors, sunroofs, etc., reducing diagnostic time for mechanics and helping DIY users locate faults more easily. In addition, Ediag Elite provides fault analysis and repair guidance to help you solve problems efficiently.
- 15+ Maintenance Resets: The current version introduces 15+ popular special features: Oil Reset, Headlight Matching, Bleeding Reset, TPMS Reset, BMS Reset, Gear Box Relearn, EGR Learning, Throttle Learning, Injector Coding, SAS Reset and more special functions in system diagnose menu. These functions make it easy for owners to carry out the necessary maintenance and servicing, ensuring that your vehicle stays in top condition, prolonging its service life and preventing common problems and breakdowns. More functions will be introduced gradually.
- Wide Compatibility Can-FD & FCA Autoauth: Compatible with GM, Ford, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, KIA with standard OBD2 port from 1996 to newer. More car brands and features will be released gradually. Newest Ediag Elite scanner supports CANFD Protocol and FCA cars.
- Perfect for Monitoring The Health of Your Vehicle: Ediag Elite is designed to make vehicle maintenance simple and efficient. With intelligent AutoVIN quick recognition, it is easy to connect to your car without the need for manual input. Real-time data is visualized in a variety of formats, including graphs, numeric, meter displays and clear 4-in-1 data charts, allowing you to effortlessly monitor real-time performance. Data logging/reporting is available for playback and further analysis.
- Mobile Mechanic, Car Protector on the Go: The Ediag Elite uses Bluetooth 5.2 technology to provide a stable wireless connection without cables up to 33ft, making it ideal for diagnostics at a comfortable distance. As only a pocket-sized diagnostic device, it is compatible with Android 5.0 & iOS 9.0 or above, turning your smartphone into a smart scanning diagnostic tool for your car. Diagnostic scanning via the EDIAG App can accurately identify vehicle fault issues or diagnose vehicle repairs.
- Real-time Data Display, Always Stay Informed about The Vehicle’s Condition: Unlike many diagnostic scanners with limited data streams, Ediag Elite has real-time access to all system data, including the transmission (oil temperature, gear status, input/output speeds), braking system (fluid pressure), and engine systems, among others. Multiple parameters combined into a chart for visual viewing, providing vehicle condition graphs and analyzing any abnormal data.
- BIG COLLECTION – Totally 580pcs,11 specifications: 1/24″(80pcs),1/16″(80pcs),1/12″(100pcs),3/64″(30pcs),1/8″(60pcs),9/64″(30pcs),5/32″(70pcs),1/5″(30pcs),15/64″(20pcs),5/16″(20pcs),25/64″(60pcs).
- 2:1 SHRINK RATIO – When heat, it will shrink up to 1/2 of original diameter，makes it possible to repair most damaged cable jackets without removing connectors. Ratio: 2:1 Operating Temperature: -55°C to + 125°C
- EASY TO USE – 1,Choose a right size of tubes, insert the wires into the tube, slip it into place after the connection is made. 2, Keep the nozzle about 2″ distance from the tube, apply heat at a 45 degree angle until the tube tightly shrunk around the joint.
- WELL ORGANIZED – Comes with a plastic organizer, the tubes place in 16 separated compartments, providing an organized way to help you identify the right sizes quickly, classify easily.. 6 colors are for color coding to help identify cables such as red for power, black for ground.
- WIDELY APPLICATION – Repairing phone and headphone cables, electrical insulation, identifying wires (by the colors), organizing the messy cables/wires, lights wiring, home repair projects.
About this item
- 【PREMIUM QUALITY】: Thick copper barrel ensures strong secure crimping every time, providing minimal voltage drop, high current flow, and less heat. These will prevent short circuits and problematic wiring that inferior connectors are known for
- 【DURABILITY】: Each butt, ring and fork terminal features a thick tinned copper barrel that resists corrosion to hold the wire tight when crimped. The barrel is created from one piece of copper that eliminates the problem of the barrel opening. Your wire will never slip out of the connector
- 【WATERPROOF】: Insulation tubing has unique dual-walled design. High quality 3:1 shrinkage tubing has a heat-activated sealant lining to provide a 360-degree secure seal. It’s flame-retardant, waterproof, and can be used underground
- 【WIDE APPLICATIONS】: Compliant with all electrical standards, Perfect for marine and automobile applications, whether you are working on your boat, Vehicle, Home or scientific project, our electrical crimp connector will ensure strong watertight seal to make sure everything bond correctly
- 【TYPE and SIZE】: The connector assortment includes red, blue and yellow connectors that can be used on wire AWG from 22 to 10. Five connector types: butt connector, ring connector (stud size: #10, ¼’’, 5/16’’, 3/8’’), female quick disconnect connector, male quick disconnect connector and fork connector (stud size: #10) are packaged in each connector kit.
2pc Battery Quick Connector Kit 50a Plug Connect Disconnect Winch Trailer (50A 8AWG -Red)
- Provides simple and convenient method for disconnecting power to a winch or other electrical device.
- High tension, high tensile springs keep the contacts of the plugs in a solid locking connection.
- Simply insert wires into terminal pins, then crimp or solder. Pins are then inserted into the connector housing, where they lock in place (pins can be removed from housing if necessary)
- Easy to install and use. Copper-plated silver Termial. You can use it for long time. Does not generate sparks when inserted or removed.
- Size:48*35*15.5mm/1.89*1.38*0.631inch.Terminal for diameter: 6 AWG, Lines diameter: 10，8，6AWG
About this item
- FOR TOUGH APPLICATIONS: Heavy duty VELCRO Brand strips with adhesive securely fasten to smooth surfaces including plastic, metal, painted wallboard
- LONG LASTING DURABILITY: Industrial strength VELCRO Brand strips feature a special sticky back adhesive to provide a secure and long-lasting hold
- NO TOOLS REQUIRED: No hammer, drilling or nails necessary, industrial strength VELCRO Brand fasteners feature an easy peel and stick application
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE ADHESIVE FASTENERS: Double Sided VELCRO Brand hook and loop tape are designed for heavy duty applications and hold up to 10 pounds
- WATER RESISTANCE PROVIDES UNMATCHED VERSATILITY: Double sided tape with heavy duty adhesive for mounting, hanging, storing, or securing items
- GARAGE ORGANIZATION AND STORAGE: Adhesive VELCRO Brand Strips are versatile tools for home organization, tool organizers and garage storage
- HOOK AND LOOP TAPE STRIPS: Alternative to garage hooks, hang items on wall for effective laundry room storage
About this item
- Protect your system: using as circuit breaker and battery Disconnect, allows to charge or maintain the battery without having to disconnect all the wires; Protect excessive current between battery or electrical from damage
- Solid breaker: new design with waterproof resistant housing and solid build; Fuse breaker Holders have Pass professional electrical performance test and aging test, the switch button is on/off smoothly, reliable quality
- Manual reset: Unique on/ off reset push button, mounted on panel or firewall, can used as a kill switch; No need to buy more replacing fuses
- Application: used in auxiliary and accessory circuits for fit to Boat Marine RV Yacht Battery Trailer Bus Truck ATV Winches applications; Also used in battery charges and DC sound amplifier system
- Use the waterproof cover to better prevent rust from metal parts. Max current 60A; Voltage DC 24V
We recommend you use Eneloop AA or AAA Rechargeable batteries. Buy at least 16 of each and use them in all your AA and AAA Battery devices. Try to buy radios and other gear that use AA or AAA batteries. It’s very easy to recharge AA or AAA batteries from your battery bank with the Maha PowerEx MH-C800S Eight Cell Smart Charger we have listed below.
Panasonic BK-3MCCA8BA eneloop AA New 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 8 Pack
Panasonic BK-4MCCA8BA eneloop AAA New 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 8 Pack
Maha PowerEx MH-C800S Eight Cell Smart Charger for AA/AAA Batteries
This charger is so good that I bought 2 of them. Remember this saying in preparedness:
2 is 1 and 1 is NONE
Lighting – Imagine this: You don’t have power and you need to walk around in your house. I own this great headlamp powered by 3 AAA batteries. This is also great for working on cars, especially when you are under the car or truck. This headlamp can be used as a Spot light, a Broad light and as a Red light for nighttime. You can lock it so it doesn’t turn on accidentally and after you turn it off, it shows you the amount of charge left by illuminating 1 to 3 small lights on the side. You can easily adjust the brightness of the light in all three modes. You can also get it to flash the Morse Code SOS.
Storacell by Powerpax A9 Multi-Pack Battery Caddy, Orange
If you bought the batteries above, buy some of these to store them in. No more batteries rolling around and they work great carrying batteries when you travel. They hold AA and AAA batteries. Like I said above, I own at least 5 of these great products.
Buy several of these plugs. You can plug them back to back at the end of an extension cord (way better than power strips) and carry some in your suitcase when traveling. They work great in hotel rooms!
Did you know that you have a $20,000 plus generator in your garage? Yes, you do. Using the cables below or a set of jumper cables, you can connect this inverter to your car battery and then run an extension cord into the house to power your refrigerator, freezer and a bunch of lights. Run the car for 10 minutes every half hour to keep the battery charged. You can also connect it to a deep cycle battery (or two in parallel) to power lights in the house. Batteries alone will not provide power for very long to a refrigerator or freezer so use it hooked to your car battery for that.
Power Cables for between Battery and Inverter
These are heavy duty and are designed to connect between deep cycle batteries and your inverter.
Lantern powered by D Cell Batteries
This lantern is powered by 3 D Cell batteries. It runs a LONG time on 3 D Cells. Buy a sleeve of 10 or 12 D Cells and you will have a nice light for when the power goes out due to a storm.
Communication
Tecsun PL-360 Digital PLL Portable AM/FM Shortwave Radio with DSP, Black
I own and depend on this AM/FM/Short Wave radio. It uses 3 of the AA Eneloop batteries and it runs a LONG time on them as well.
Water Purification Products
NOTE: Do NOT let any of these water filters freeze or they will not filter water safely any longer. When done using, take the filter and blow or shake out as much water as possible and then let the filter dry out. You can also store the smaller filters in a zip lock bag and then put that in your pocket or in your sleeping bag to keep it from freezing.
Fast Flow, 0.1 Micron EZ Clean Membrane for Endurance Sports, Camping and Backpacking, One Size, 8018006 Water Filter
This filter is very cheap but will save your bacon when you need water purified.
This is the water filter I used when I hiked the Appalachian Trail. It doesn’t have the same flow rate as the Katadyn Bee Free water filter but it can filter much more water.
Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter
One of the best water filters around for hiking, camping and water emergencies. This water filter is built to last a lifetime.
Katadyn Vario Multi Flow Water Microfilter
This is my backup to the above water filter. It is a bit cheaper but filters just as good.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
I keep one of these in every vehicle I drive as well as in every backpack as a backup. You could actually suck water out of a mud puddle and clean water would enter your mouth. These are a must have item in case of an emergency.
The Berkey Water Filter is the best you can buy for home use. In fact, use it ALL the time; even with city water. It will get everything out and give you pure water.
Regular Size Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Big Berkey® Gravity-Fed Water Filter with 2 Black Berkey® Purification Elements. About this item
2.25 GALLON CAPACITY- The portable Big Berkey Purification System effortlessly purifies water for about 1-4 people each day. Add additional Black Berkey Purification Elements (the Big Berkey System can hold a maximum of four) to increase the flow rate. The system is just 19.25” tall and 8.5” in diameter.
POWERFUL PURIFICATION- Berkey systems equipped with Black Berkey Purification Elements purify water—not just filter it—by addressing over 200+ contaminants in tap water or raw, untreated freshwater sources like ponds, rivers and streams.
ECONOMICAL, LONG-LASTING- A pair of Black Berkey Purification Elements lasts for up to 6,000 gallons before needing replacement. Each additional pair of elements (sold separately) adds an additional 6,000 gallons of purification power to your system. Black Berkey Purification Elements average just 2 cents per gallon of purified water.
INDEPENDENT TESTING- Berkey by NMCL uses several independent third-party labs to test a broad range of potential contaminants and conducts Extreme Testing for lead and PFCs in order to show the effectiveness of our Black Berkey Purification Elements.
DRINK CONFIDENTLY VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE- No electricity, tools or plumbing required. Travel the world, prepare for emergencies, and take control of your family’s everyday drinking water with your Berkey gravity-fed water filtration system with Black Berkey purification elements. Enjoy delicious, nourishing water from the leader in gravity-fed water solutions.
Nalgene BPA Free Tritan Wide Mouth Water Bottle, 32 Oz, Gray with Black Lid
Carry one of these in every vehicle you own. This and a life straw or Katydyn water filter will provide you water in any emergency.
Cooking and Boiling Water
I have owned and used one of these for over 5 years. It is dependable and easy to use. I use it when camping, backpacking and hunting. One small butane container can fit inside or you can buy larger butane fuel containers that last a long time.
This is the smaller sized Jetboil and is sized for backpacking. It is lighter and a smaller sized pot just perfect if you want something small to carry in your backpack.
The Jetboil Stash 7.1 oz ultralight backpacking cooking system packs a stand alone stove with titanium burner and .8L FluxRing cookpot into one compact but feature rich and powerful package.
Jetboil’s iconic FluxRing technology ensures a rapid 2.5 minute boil time.
The nesting design maximizes precious pack space – stow the titanium burner, burner pouch and stabilizer neatly inside the .8L cookpot and seal it all up with the included lid for easy and compact transport.
Cookpot has convenient built in measuring markers and snap on lid with integrated pour/drink spout and storage for 100g *JetPower fuel canister and *mini-lighter (*not included), while the attached pour handle makes for easy handling.
Fuel stabilizer keeps everything stable and steady.
Measures 4.4 inches W x 5.1 inches H (112mm x 130mm); weighs 7.1 ounces (system weight excludes fuel stabilizer).
Includes: Titanium Burner, .8L FluxRing Cook Pot with Lid, Fuel Stabilizer, Instructions, 1 year limited warranty. (*JetPower fuel and lighter not included.)
Jetboil Fuel
I carry one of these inside my Jetboil but use the larger size below since price wise, the larger container is cheaper.
This is a larger size for use at home.
I buy a lot of these and store them for emergencies. I carry one with me when I go hunting because it lasts forever!
We recommend the Loveable Loo “Collection Device” for your Outhouse
More information can be found by looking at our Loveable Loo page.
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