Emergency Preparedness Tech: Must-Have Gadgets for Staying Safe

As the world becomes increasingly unpredictable, emergency preparedness is more important than ever. Natural disasters, power outages, and other crises can strike with little warning, leaving you vulnerable if you're not equipped. Thankfully, modern technology offers an array of tools to help keep you safe, connected, and informed during emergencies. In this guide, we'll explore the most useful emergency preparedness tech you should consider adding to your home kit.

Traditional emergency kits typically include water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, and flashlights. While those are still crucial, emergency preparedness technology enhances your ability to communicate, navigate, and stay informed when the grid goes down.

From power banks to emergency radios, integrating tech into your kit provides extra layers of security and resilience.

When power lines are down, your smartphone is often your only link to the outside world. A solar-powered charger ensures your phone, flashlight, or other USB-powered devices stay operational for days or even weeks. Having a range of connectivity options helps you keep multiple devices powered up, while a high capacity ensures a longer battery life.

Recommended Features:

• Dual charging (USB and solar)

• High-capacity battery (10,000mAh+)

• Water-resistant and rugged design

Our Maplin Emergency Tech Essentials Kit includes the Maplin 10000mAh Slim Power Bank with Integrated Lightning, USB-C, USB-A & Micro USB Cables. With integrated cables and two additional USB-A charging ports, you can easily keep your phone and other handy gadgets powered up during an emergency.

And when combined with the Maplin PPT Portable Solar Charging Kit, you can confidently keep your USB-powered devices operational for extended periods of time.

Emergency radios are a cornerstone of preparedness tech. Look for radios that receive AM/FM bands, and feature hand-crank or solar charging.

Some models include built-in flashlights and USB charging ports—ideal for staying updated without relying on internet access.

The Maplin Emergency Tech Essentials Kit includes the popular IONOS Almere Emergency Wind Up Radio which has a handy 3-in-1 design as a radio, torch and USB charger. Ideal for camping and outdoor use, it's also an essential piece of tech to have available during an emergency.

Traditional flashlights are good—but modern tech offers better solutions:

• Torches with rechargeable batteries like our Maplin LED 600 Lumens Lithium Rechargeable Torch

• Solar lanterns such as the 4lite Antheia Solar Portable Lantern

• Headlamps for hands-free lighting, like the Energizer Vision HD+ Focus LED Head Torch

These tech-savvy light sources last longer and are more versatile during long-term outages.

Even in the age of rechargeable gadgets, AA and AAA batteries remain critical. Many emergency essentials—such as flashlights, radios, remote thermometers, and medical devices—still rely on these traditional power sources.

• Flashlights and headlamps almost always require AA or AAA batteries

• Some emergency radios and detectors do not have built-in rechargeable options

• Battery-operated devices are often more reliable and last longer in extreme conditions than rechargeable ones

Tips for Stockpiling:

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life

• Rotate your stock every 2–3 years to ensure freshness

• Consider rechargeable AA/AAA batteries and a solar charger as a backup plan

Rely on our Maplin Alkaline AA and AAA Batteries to keep all of your devices powered up.

Technology won’t replace your basic survival supplies, but it can amplify your safety, awareness, and resilience when the unexpected hits. From solar chargers to wind up radios, lanterns, and batteries, there's never been a better time to tech-proof your preparedness plan.

With our Maplin Emergency Tech Essentials Kit, you'll have everything you need to be prepared in one handy bundle.