In the year 2025, it’s the unfortunate reality that many of us will be impacted by an emergency or natural disaster at least once in our lifetime. Based on what we’ve heard from experts who are well-versed in handling everything from earthquakes to floods, being prepared for the unthinkable can make a big difference.

Given our extensive research on the topic, we know that many of the preparation tools suggested by the pros can wade into the realm of expensive, which made us wonder: what are the affordable items out there that cost less than $50, but still have big lifesaving potential? 

One of the experts that we spoke to for more insight was Mandy Gardner, planning and preparedness manager with IEM, a company that works with some of the largest organizations around the world to improve disaster preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation and long-term recovery.

“Disasters can strike unexpectedly, but the good news is that you can prepare for many types of emergencies with a basic approach called all-hazards preparedness,” Gardner said, a term that means being ready for a wide range of threats without having to plan for every possible risk. 

Gardner reminds us that much of emergency preparation begins at home and expands through community involvement. 

“By getting to know your neighbors and participating in local organizations, you create bonds that can be pivotal during emergencies,” she said. “Sharing resources, information, and support with those around you can significantly improve preparedness for the whole community.

According to Gardner, much of this useful information can be accessed for free from resources like FEMA’s website Ready.gov and The American Red Cross. Or, you can keep reading to learn about Gardner’s — and other previously consulted disaster experts’ — recommended cost-saving items that you should always have in your home.

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

1. An emergency weather radio and alarm clock

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"A battery-operated, solar, or hand-crank National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio is essential for receiving alerts, especially if cell phone service is unavailable or power is out," Gardner said, citing this reliable radio and alarm clock by Midland as a good example. This device helps you stay tuned in to your community's warning system, which can provide shelter-in-place alerts and other vital updates. This battery-operated certified emergency radio receives seven NOAA channels in three different languages.

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three styles).

2. An 84-count combo pack of assorted batteries

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Gardner said to make sure to have plenty of batteries because during any natural disaster that has power-outage potential, it's more than likely that you will be reliant on battery-powered items such as flashlights and radios. We selected this deluxe variety pack of batteries has an impressive shelf life and will ensure that you have the correct battery sizes for all your devices and needs.

Get an 84-pack from Amazon for $30.18.

3. An official American Red Cross first aid kit

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Disaster experts frequently recommend having an up-to-date and well-stocked first aid kit at home, and Gardner suggests this one officially compiled by the American Red Cross. This kit includes 43 essential items for tending to minor injuries and wounds, including assorted bandages, tweezers, instant ice packs and more plus, each pocket is labeled so you can easily grab what you need in times of panic.

"If you are able, purchase one for your home, one to keep at work, and one for your vehicle," Gardner said.

Get it from Amazon for $40.85.

4. Enough drinking water to last each person three to five days

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"Store enough water that each person in your household can have one gallon per day for three to five days. If you have a family of four, that’s 12-20 gallons of water," Gardner said. "You can buy large multi-gallon jugs at most grocers, and some bottled water can be good to have on hand for portability. And don’t forget to consider your pets!"

These jugs of Crystal Geyser natural alpine spring water are currently priced at less than $2 a gallon on Amazon.  

Get it from Amazon for $1.43.

5. A hand-operated can opener for canned non-perishables

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"Don’t forget a manual can opener for canned goods," Gardner reminded us. This one by KitchenAid is one of the highest and most-rated can openers on Amazon, with 91,000+ ratings and an overall 4.6 out of 5 stars. It has oversized ergonomic handles for a better grip and swears by its durable and razor-sharp cutting wheel that opens cans smoothly and easily every time. 

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in eight colors).

6. A water testing kit

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During emergencies like floods, "there is also a major risk of water contamination or wastewater leakage from overrun industry or wastewater facilities, which can render water unfit for drinking or human use," Lis Mullin Bernhardt, an international development and environment professional for the United Nations, previously told us.

For this reason, she suggests keeping water quality testing kits on hand, which can be useful at any time. This particular kit that we chose has 100 testing strips that can adequately and quickly detect impurities, foreign substances and toxins, such as lead in your drinking water.

Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in two model styles).

7. A pair of emergency safety whistles

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Charlotte Fadipe, a California Earthquake Authority representative, previously told us that safety whistles can be used to signal for help, if necessary, in the event of disasters like earthquakes. These loud-blowing survival whistles that we selected are completely resistant to moisture damage, can be effective in nearly all conditions and come attached to a reflective and adjustable lanyard for higher visibility.

Get it from Amazon for $7.99.

8. A pair of waterproof tactical flashlights

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Throughout our extensive disaster coverage, one of the most frequently suggested emergency preparedness items is some form of external light source, like a flashlight or headlamp, which can be vital in situations where there are electrical outages. We often recommend this affordable pair of powerful tactical flashlights that can work in any type of weather and are small enough to fit in pockets. These LED lights give off 2000 lumens of light, offer an adjustable focus and five lighting modes, including an SOS strobe. Enjoy up to 50,000 hours of life and don't forget your AAA batteries. 

Get them from Amazon for $8.49+ (available in seven colors).

9. A versatile multi-tool

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Previously, according to seismologist and president of the Seismological Society of America, Peggy Hellweg, having easy access to tools is important, preferably a multi-tool like this set of pliers that features 12 different integrated tools within one butterfly design. You can access everything from scissors to flathead screwdrivers, wire cutters to a plain edge blade.

Get it from Amazon for $42.39+ (available in three colors).