The Wirecutter Show: How to Build an Emergency Kit (Encore) – Detailed Summary
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Introduction
In this encore episode of The Wirecutter Show, host Christine Cyr Clisset and Kyra Blackwell revisit a crucial topic: emergency preparedness. Re-airing a popular episode originally released last fall, the hosts emphasize the increasing importance of being prepared for natural disasters intensified by climate change. Bringing in expert insights from Harry Sawyers, Wirecutter’s Senior Editor covering emergency preparedness, the episode offers comprehensive guidance on assembling an effective emergency kit tailored to individual and family needs.
The Growing Importance of Emergency Preparedness
Kyra Blackwell underscores the relevance of the topic by highlighting recent severe natural disasters: “Since we first aired this episode, there have been a number of severe natural disasters across the country, just to name two, the LA wildfires and the Texas Hill country floods” (02:56). These events illustrate the unpredictable nature of disasters and the necessity for proactive preparation.
Introducing Harry Sawyers
Harry Sawyers, a seasoned editor with over five years overseeing Wirecutter’s emergency prep coverage, brings firsthand experience and expertise to the discussion. He shares personal anecdotes, such as living in Los Angeles and experiencing the constant threat of wildfires and earthquakes, contrasted with his upbringing in Georgia amidst tornadoes.
Establishing a Communication Plan
One of the foundational elements of emergency preparedness, as emphasized by Harry, is having a robust communication plan:
“One of the things that is necessary, in addition to all the gear you need to have, is just what some experts call soft resiliency, which is just knowing your neighbors, maybe being in a group text together...” (06:49)
Harry advises creating a plan that includes:
- Knowing Your Neighbors: Building a community network for mutual support.
- Group Communications: Utilizing group texts or other communication channels to stay connected.
- Contacting Out-of-Town Relatives: Ensuring someone outside the immediate area is aware of your plans to relay information if local lines fail.
Choosing the Right Container for Your Emergency Kit
Selecting an appropriate container is crucial for accessibility during a crisis:
“The first thing that it needs to be is just accessible. And for some people, maybe a waterproof storage bin would make sense. For others, maybe something like a backpack or a go bag would make more sense” (11:11)
Harry suggests considering:
- Waterproof Storage Bins: Ideal for keeping supplies dry.
- Backpacks or Go Bags: Portable options for those who may need to evacuate quickly.
- Home Configuration: Placement based on the layout of your home to ensure quick access.
Building the Emergency Kit: Five Essential Categories
Harry outlines five essential categories for an effective emergency kit, providing detailed recommendations for each:
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Food and Water
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Water: FEMA recommends at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days, ideally extending to two weeks (14:11).
Harry: “So FEMA recommends a gallon per person per day.”
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Food: Stockpile shelf-stable, non-perishable foods that appeal to your family’s taste to ensure consumption during emergencies.
Harry: “You're going to want to have things that are appealing to eat. So things that you would normally want to go through and just shelf stable versions of that.”
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Water Storage Solutions:
- Aquatainers: Durable 7-gallon containers ideal for long-term storage.
- Water Filters: Devices like LifeStraw can convert contaminated water to potable.
- Purification Tablets: Essential for treating water when filtration isn’t possible.
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First Aid
Maintaining an up-to-date first aid kit is vital:
Harry: “You need to look at that. And you know, we recommend a lot of pre-stocked first aid kits which are just pretty useful to have on hand for general needs.”
Recommendations include:
- Pre-Stocked Kits: Comprehensive kits covering general injuries.
- Prescription Medications: Ensure an adequate supply of all necessary prescriptions.
- Sanitizers and Bug Spray: Important for hygiene and preventing mosquito-borne diseases post-disaster.
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Light
Reliable lighting options are essential when power is out:
Harry: “One of the more popular items in our kit recommendations is this flashlight that's part of our flashlight guide... the Through-Night Archer 2, AV3.”
Suggestions:
- Flashlights: Prefer models with long-lasting batteries and multiple modes, such as dim “firefly” settings.
- Headlamps: Allow for hands-free operation, especially useful during cleanup efforts.
- Floating Lanterns: Waterproof options that can be used in flooded areas.
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Power and Communication
Maintaining power and staying informed are critical:
Harry: “Emergency weather radios are one of these categories that I never really gave much thought to before I got into this coverage.”
Key Items:
- Generators: Gas-powered generators for sustained power needs, suitable for households with space and gas storage capabilities.
- Portable Power Stations and Solar Panels: Rechargeable options that can power essential devices.
- Emergency Weather Radios: Devices like the Midland ER310 that receive weather updates and emergency broadcasts without relying on cell service.
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Tools
Essential tools aid in disaster response and cleanup:
Harry: “We often talk about starting with a multi tool just again, it's so useful. People carry them every day.”
Essential Tools:
- Multi-Tools: Versatile tools like the Leatherman Skeletool CX for basic repairs and adjustments.
- Pruning Saws: High-quality hand saws such as the Silky Pocket Boy for clearing debris.
- Wet/Dry Vacuums and Mops: Essential for managing flooding and water damage.
Special Considerations: Flood Preparedness
Flooding presents unique challenges, and Harry shares insights on effective mitigation:
Harry: “...just having a mop on hand. At the next step up, you've got a wet dry vac... at the sort of third level, if you Have a chronic flooding situation.”
Key Strategies:
- Preventive Measures: Ensuring proper yard grading, functioning gutters, and downspout extenders to divert water away from the home.
- Emergency Tools: Pumps for removing water, wet/dry vacs for cleanup, and tarps for temporary waterproofing.
- Personal Anecdotes: Harry recounts a devastating flood experience to illustrate the emotional and financial toll of inadequate preparation.
Maintaining and Updating Your Emergency Kit
Harry emphasizes that emergency preparedness is an ongoing process:
Harry: “...it really varies how you go about it, depending on how you would normally get your water and what kind of threat you expect to face.”
Recommendations:
- Regularly Check Expiry Dates: Ensure food, water, and medications are fresh and safe to use.
- Rotate Supplies: Replace outdated items and update your kit based on changing family needs or new technologies.
- Tailor to Personal Needs: Customize the kit to suit specific circumstances, such as family size, medical requirements, and local disaster risks.
Conclusion and Takeaways
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the simplicity of starting with the five core categories:
- Food and Water
- First Aid
- Light
- Power and Communication
- Tools
Kyra Blackwell summarizes:
“The big takeaway here is that if you're feeling a little intimidated about building an emergency supply kit, you can really kind of simplify this by thinking about this, like filling five categories.”
Final Thoughts
Harry's pragmatic approach encourages listeners to begin small, gradually building their emergency preparedness without feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on essential categories and personalizing their kits, individuals and families can significantly enhance their resilience against unpredictable disasters.
For more detailed recommendations and product reviews, listeners are directed to Wirecutter’s comprehensive coverage and the newly introduced emergency toolkit builder available on their website.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Kyra Blackwell (02:56): “Since we first aired this episode, there have been a number of severe natural disasters across the country...”
- Harry Sawyers (06:49): “...soft resiliency, which is just knowing your neighbors, maybe being in a group text together...”
- Harry Sawyers (11:11): “The first thing that it needs to be is just accessible. And for some people, maybe a waterproof storage bin would make sense...”
- Harry Sawyers (14:11): “So FEMA recommends a gallon per person per day.”
- Harry Sawyers (17:15): “I like the Aquatainers because I mean they're 7 gallons...”
Additional Resources
Listeners are encouraged to visit Wirecutter’s website for:
- Best Emergency Preparedness Supplies Guide
- Emergency Toolkit Builder Tool
- In-depth Product Reviews and Recommendations
Closing Remarks
The hosts conclude by motivating listeners to take actionable steps toward building their emergency kits, emphasizing preparedness as a manageable and essential task.
Christine Cyrclassette (40:33): “But maybe have one.”
Kyra Blackwell (40:29): “But maybe have one.”
Stay Prepared and Safe!
For more tips and expert advice on everyday products that improve your life, tune into future episodes of The Wirecutter Show.