Best portable chargers, camping lights and more: Hurricane season essentials you should always have

By Carolin Lehmann

Updated on: August 4, 2023 / 2:08 PM / Essentials

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Hurricane season is here. If you live in a region prone to hurricanes, it's smart to have some essentials on hand in case of a power outage -- or worse.

Hurricane season continues through Nov. 30. You may think you're prepared if you have, say, a portable generator or a good flashlight, but hurricanes can cause more hazards than just power outages. You may have problems getting fresh water, a dry place to sleep, or treating an injury.

"Hurricanes can cause power outages from high winds, extreme flooding and other hazardous conditions, so making sure your household is prepared with an emergency kit ready to go at any time is crucial," said Steve Leasure, vice president of operations at Rainbow Restoration, a home restoration company.

To prepare for a hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends at a minimum having:

"We suggest keeping all of the items in a water-resistant, closed and easy-to-carry container(s) to ensure that supplies, documents and other valuables stay clean and dry," Leasure says. "Within the bin, pack smaller items in closed, separate plastic Ziploc bags.

"Keep the storage container stored in the area where you'll take shelter in a hurricane, like a basement or closet."

Below, some things to add to your emergency kit, from Amazon and Walmart, with FEMA's suggestions in mind.

From portable power stations to food supplies, these items can help your family stay safe during a hurricane weather event.

This portable power station is built with a lithium-ion battery pack, and it packs a wallop when it comes to energy. It can power a mini cooler, fan, projector, lamp light and TV -- all at the same time. It has one AC outlet, three USB-A ports, two DC ports and one car port. It's about the size of a basketball and is easy to carry.

Jackery portable power station Explorer 500, $449 after coupon (reduced from $600)

There are plenty of emergency survival kits available on the market, but not all kits are created equal. This 200-piece kit is designed by U.S. military veterans and includes first-aid supplies, food, water, survival gear and safety equipment.

One more thing to add to your kit? Any prescription drugs you require.

Everlit complete 72 hours emergency survival kit, $166

This 30-day, freeze-dried emergency food supply bucket includes cheesy broccoli rice, vegetable chicken-flavored soup, maple brown sugar oatmeal, buttermilk pancakes and more, offering 1,236 calories per day for 30 days. It comes with a 30-day meal planner to help you pace out the food rations. If stored properly, this food has a 30-year shelf life.

Augason Farms deluxe 30-day emergency food supply, $105

FEMA recommends an emergency charging option for your phone. A portable phone charger can keep your phone charged during a power outage. This one works for the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and more. It provides more than five charges for the iPhone XS, almost five full charges for the Samsung Galaxy S10, more than four charges for the iPhone 11 and more than two and a half charges for the iPad Mini 5.

Anker portable charger, $50

Stay up to date on the news with a portable, battery-powered radio. This one from Sony has built-in speakers and a headphone socket.

Sony portable AM/FM radio, $24

These camping lanterns are run by rechargeable batteries and are dimmable. You can carry and hang them via a fabric lanyard. They run for eight hours on high and 90 hours on low, plus they are water-resistant.

Coleman OneSource rechargeable camping lights, $43 (reduced from $55)

Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.

First published on August 4, 2023 / 2:08 PM