Emergency Preparedness

After 22 hours of researching and testing 12 wilderness first aid kits, we think Adventure Medical Kits’s Mountain Series Backpacker Kit is best for most weekend warriors.

These backup food supplies last decades. We researched their claims and took them for a taste test.

When used incorrectly, surge protectors can cause more problems than they solve. Here’s how to make the most of this frequently misused household appliance.

There’s no need to panic, but you should take a few precautions to keep your plumbing from bursting open during a cold snap.

Polyurethane foam burns fast, and old alarms struggled to detect its unique type of smoke. Updates to safety rules will help with early warnings.

Most fireproof safes are rated for only two hours or less in extreme heat. They’re good to have during a typical house fire but may fail in wildfire conditions.

We tested five aerosol extinguishers against a traditional extinguisher, using them all to put out a medium-size campfire. The traditional kind was by far the best.

This excellent tool reveals the limitations of lesser flashlights.

Cuts and burns are often injuries that can be treated with simple at-home first aid, but moderate to severe ones may need medical attention.

These items will meet your needs for water, nourishment, comfort, and more while you evacuate to a safe location.

When preparing for a blackout, here’s the best gear for backup power and lighting.

How to plan and protect yourself in areas at risk of wildfires.

My California home is vulnerable to wildfires. Ember-proof vents, fire-retardant sprays, and proper yard maintenance help keep me protected.

Winter storms are coming. Prepare with standout tools that’ll save your back—and your pipes. Then enjoy playing in the snow or cozying up inside.

During the 2021 Texas winter storm, I relied on a clever, $10 LED bulb with a built-in battery. It stays lit in an outage and provides over 10 hours of light.

How to plan and protect yourself in areas at risk of hurricanes.

After hundreds of hours of research, we narrowed down the items that could prove indispensable in a natural disaster—and most are helpful in everyday life, too.

HEPA air purifiers, such as our picks from Coway and Airmega, are excellent at filtering wildfire smoke from your home’s air.