8 essential pieces of technology to help you survive a disaster

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Commonly called a bug out bag, an emergency kit is a must-have for everyone and can be quickly grabbed in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Emergencies strike when you least expect it, so now is always a good time to prepare yourself and your equipment.


You can start by thinking of the necessary items for the worst case: food rations, water tank and purification tablets, knife, rope, sleeping cover and fire starter. Beyond these essentials, there are a few pieces of technology you can consider including in your go bag to help keep you safe until help arrives, or until you reach a safe place.


Solar panel and battery charger

If you keep battery-powered gadgets in your bug out bag, you need a reliable and durable way to charge their batteries. And since the electrical grid may be down or at least partially damaged, it’s best to rely on solar power. Solar panels like the Goal Zero Nomad 5 offer lightweight solutions for on-the-go power.

Goal Zero Nomads 5

These devices come in a variety of shapes and solar-harvesting capacities, so make sure you get something that’s strong and efficient. Solar panels are great for charging power banks or devices such as headlamps, e-books, smartphones and other small USB devices.

Flashlight with headband

A headlamp, or headlamp, is an LED light that you can use to illuminate your surroundings during nighttime activities. These are especially handy in low light or pitch black situations when you want to use your hands instead of carrying a flashlight, such as when trying to set up an emergency camp in the dark.

Product shot head flashlight
Image Credit: Amazon

There are many features that are important in the best headlamps, such as brightness (measured in lumens), run time per charge, white and red LEDs, and locking mechanisms to prevent accidental use. Stored in your bug out bag.

Heated Insoles

It’s easy to overlook the little comforts you enjoy most days, like warm feet. That’s how heated insoles can make a difference in your quality of life in an emergency. For example, the rechargeable ThermaCell Heated Insoles warm your feet over and over again and can be cut to fit any shoe.

When the man puts a heated insole in his boots
Image Credit: Amazon

You can charge the insoles with any USB port, and you can control the temperature with the remote control. If you live where temperatures drop below freezing, consider these bug out bags.

Emergency radio

Multi-function radios are a must-have in any survival situation, and since electricity is available (or may not be available) you may want to consider a manual one. You may also want to make sure you choose a NOAA Weather Radio emergency multi-function radio that supports all hazards. These devices broadcast official weather service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Product shot of emergency radio charger smartphone

A flashlight or flashlight

You need to see to survive, and many survival experts suggest that you should keep two (or three) essential supplies on hand in any emergency. That’s why you should consider in addition to a headlamp, flashlight or reliable flashlight.

Product shot of the fenix pd35 flashlight
Image credit: Fenix

With the right supplies on hand, you can build your own DIY lantern for emergency use. But when it comes to flashlights, you want to invest in something that won’t fail in a life-or-death situation. There are several aspects to consider when trying to choose the best rechargeable flashlight, including brightness level, waterproofing, and portability.

Sun bag

If you’re wondering what kind of backpack to use to store all your emergency equipment, you might want to consider a solar backpack. By going this way, you can charge your power bank or device not only while standing but also while traveling on land and seeking shelter. Plus, you can save weight because you don’t have to carry a separate solar panel.

Product photo of Kingson sun bag
Image credit: Kickstarter

This is an especially useful tool when considering the amount of walking necessary to find clean water or a safe place to rest while waiting for help.

E-readers and e-books.

One of the best pieces of survival technology you can include in your bug out bag is an e-book. E-readers aren’t as foolproof as traditional books, but if you can get them to pay, you can pack the price of a library into something the size of a DVD case.

A close-up shot of a hand holding an e-reader on a white-blue background with a yellow rubber duck in the background

Download options include everything from survival books to help you identify edible plants to novels to pass the time. E-books offer some advantages over physical books, but make sure you choose an e-reader that is durable and ideally waterproof.

Emergency applications

Chances are you still have your smartphone with you in case of an emergency. After all, it will probably never leave your side. If you’re preparing for an emergency, it’s worth downloading some useful apps to help you stay alive.

For example, there are apps that help you manage first aid for other people or your pets, or track your last known locations to find family members. Another example, the FEMA app, allows you to receive alerts when a natural disaster occurs in your area, as well as find a nearby shelter.

take down: FEMA for iOS | Android (Free)

What do you put in your emergency bug out bag?

It’s an unpleasant thing to think about, but a wide range of disasters can happen at any time, from fires, hurricanes, and floods to droughts and earthquakes. If you are not prepared, you leave your destiny to chance.

Instead, make sure you are prepared to manage your situation and live comfortably until conditions improve. Having the right tools and gadgets can make all the difference if you’re caught in a natural disaster. A little effort now can greatly improve your situation later.

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