But when an emergency happens you need to know what is happening around you to help you plan. Thus you need as a minimum a radio receiver. Beyond simply receiving information, you may want to be able to communicate with others, either by using CB radios or becoming a licensed amateur radio operator . Handling power outages or the loss of utility power is important. Depending on your location you may want to have a backup generator to be able to provide electrical power should the utility power fail.
Generators are available fueled by gasoline, diesel, and propane.
The least expensive and most readily available are gasoline generators. They are available from many sources, such as Sam s Warehouse, home improvement stores, etc. The diesel and propane units are many times more expensive, but are quieter, longer lasting, and more energy efficient. Picking, sizing, and installing a generator is somewhat beyond the scope of what I can put in this short article, but I did want to briefly touch on the subject. What about normal household supplies, including soaps, and other cleaning supplies.