Disaster Survival Information - How to Prepare and What Products to Buy
COOL PRODUCTS
Our Cool Products page presents only proven quality products. In many cases, our staff have actually purchased and used many of the very same products themselves. In addition, we research each product nationally to gather multiple consumer reviews to verify high customer product rankings. Our goal here at DS.com is to inform our readers about useful quality products and related suppliers available through the Internet. Our service has essentially done the research for you.
Below we provide product details for your review. In addition, we include staff comments presented in italics.
Recommended Products
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The Big Berkey Water Filtration/Purification System: The Big Berkey comes with: Stainless steel canister, Set of 2 Black filters (additional filters are optional), standard spigot, and 2 blocking plugs. The Big Berkey is the most popular of the many Berkey models. The Big Berkey can hold up to 4 Black Berkey filters, can also be used with only 2 filters. Each set of 2 Black Berkey filters will purify 6000 gallons of water! The Big Berkey works by gravity, it requires no electricity to operate. Made of grade 304 polished stainless steel The system has a water storage capacity of approx. 2.25 gallons. Purifies up to 3.5-7.0 gallons of water per hour. This unit is one of most recognized and respected purifiers on the market and has been for many years. This unit provides some of the finest water filtration/purification available for the removal of multiple contaminants. The Big Berkey is powerful enough to purify even stagnant pond water. 19" x 18" Net Weight 7.25 lbs.
Average Price $269.00 and up |
Nitro-Pak's 72 Hour x 2 Person Survival Kit: This Kit was Voted #1 as the "Best Overall" 72 Hr. Emergency Kit Sold in America by the 'Wall Street Journal.' This comprehensive 2-person kit, provides far more supplies compared to those (often limited) alternative one person survival kits selling for around $75.00. Suggestion, add a second (empty) backpack of your own to pack additional clothing, water, filter, food, light sources, tarp, and other useful supplies. Weight 17 lbs. Comes with a Nitro-Pak 120-Day 'No-Risk' Guarantee. Average Price $139.00 and up |
Katadyn Vario Dual Technology Water Microfilter (Kit): The Katadyn VARIO offers three distinct filtering elements: Silver Impregnated Ceramic Disk Pre-Filter, Pleated Glass Fiber Primary Filter, Replaceable Carbon Granulate Core. Up to 2 qt. per minute. This is a highly rated filtration system for its price range. We also recommend it for its easy lightweight portability. Comes with a case, 2 x 36" hoses, and (3) extra o’rings. The Katadyn Vario Duel technology kit, is a quality water filtration system we highly recommended for quick evacuation kits. Water is the #1 survival tool. Shipping Weight 2 lbs.
Average Price $95.00 and up |
Radio - American Red Cross SOLARLINK FR600 by Eton: Self-Powered Digital AM/FM/SW/NOAA, S.A.M.E. Weather Radio with Flashlight, Siren, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger. Digital tuner with AM, FM, Shortwave (5800-12200 KHz), NOAA weather with alert – all 7 channels plus “Alert”, S.A.M.E Technology (location based weather alerts) Digital clock function. Can be powered from four different sources: 1) The Dynamo hand crank which charges the Ni-MH battery 2) From 3 AA batteries 3) From the AC via USB adapter (not incl.) 4) Solar power which charges Ni-MH battery. Plus built-in four white LED, one red LED lights, emergency siren/flashing beacon, USB cell phone charger (USB cable not incl.) 3.5 mm headphone output, DC-in, USB phone charger and AUX-IN. Having used this radio model ourselves, we highly recommend it. Unit offers multiple functions in a compact medium size design.
7.75” X 8.5” X 2.5” • Weight: 1.9 lbs. Average Price $79.00 and up |
Potable Aqua® Water Purification Tablets: will make questionable water safe to drink. Made to strict U.S. Military specs, and are proven to effectively KILL giardia, bacteria, VIRUSES and most microorganisms. This combo pack contains 1 bottle of field proven Potable Aqua iodine based tablets and 1 bottle of taste-neutralizing tablets known as P.A. Plus which is used after properly treating your water with Potable Aqua. The taste-neutralizing tablets help rid treated water of the iodine after-taste, odor and color.This is a must have item for all 72 hour kits and emergency packs. drink. Registered with the EPA, these iodine-based germicidal tablets have been trusted by the US military, relief organizations and outdoor enthusiasts since 1971.•Two tablets treat one quart of water (50 tablets per bottle). Makes for a great addition to your quick evacuation packs. Made in USA • Bottle Size: 1" x 2.25" • Weight: 6 oz.
Average Price $10.00 and up |
Wise Food Supply: offers a variety of different gourmet food and quantity options. 25 Year Shelf Life and Tastes Great. Wise Foods' ready-made meals are packed in airtight NITROGEN PACKED pouches, and then encased in durable plastic containers. Made with only the freshest farm-picked ingredients grown on farms across the United States, meals are rich in organic nutrients and robust with true flavors and textures. Through freeze drying and dehydration, meals are preserved in their natural form, retaining their nutritional value, taste, and texture. Packaged carefully in nitrogen flushed Mylar pouches meals stay fresh for 25+ years. The resealable pouches allow you to ration how much you want to eat, saving the rest for later. Food is from the USA with no imported raw ingredients. Backed by a 100% money back guarantee. Weight depends upon products selected. A major freeze dried and dehydrated food supplier.
Average Price (prices are based particular products selected) |
FLEX Prep (Adult) 3-Month 1,600 Calorie Food Supply: is a great addition to any food storage supply. This flexible kit provides 1,600 calories per day and items have an average shelf-life of 25 years. Quantity 36 large #10 cans of dehydrated and freeze dried foods. This kit is packed with dishes from Sara toga Farms and Mountain House like Granola with Blueberries, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Quick Oatmeal, and Bacon Potato Chowder. To ensure that your food is the highest quality, we never cut corners with sourcing our food. We want to make sure that it lasts and when it is time to consume it will be the highest quality available. Cans are filled to the top to ensure that you get the most out of your storage space. Allergen & Specialty Shellfish Free. Weight 137lbs.
Average Price $584.00 and up (= only $6.84 per day food supply) |
MRE Ultimate Self-Heating Full Meal - CASE of 12: meals are fully cooked, nutritious, lightweight, and simple to store. This has made them popular for emergency survival foods. . Shelf life is up to 5 years when stored properly. MRE meals can be eaten hot or cold whichever you prefer. These MRE meals are self heating! Individually packaged meals with durable, easy-open packaging. Each lightweight case contains 12 meals (2 each of 6 different varieties) Meals have an extended shelf life based upon storage conditions. Just one meal meets an individual's full daily caloric needs. Unlike dehydrated or freeze dried foods which both require water to reconstitute them, MRE's are precooked "in the pouch" and retain their full moisture. No water required, MRE's are ready to eat anytime and anywhere! Made In USA.
Average price $89.00 and up |
550 WATT WIND TURBINE GENERATOR SYSTEM: Produce your own electricity with MegaShark. Aircraft quality aluminum alloy body and anodized hub., Neodymium (permanent) magnets in its alternator rotor and has a built in rectifier and body heat-sink to allow large amount of current to pass through. Rotor Blades are are composed of fiberglass reinforced composite. Aero turbine main body is composed of high-quality die cast aluminum alloy from a precision casting process and has stainless steel components. Alternator is made with high quality, high strength permanent magnetic materials. This is a brush-less permanent magnet motor. Charge Controller is built in! Inverter included to convert DC Power to AC Power so that you may use for household appliances and more. All of the main components needed are included within this generator system, to get you up and running easily.
Average Price $799.00 and up |
Champion 4000 Watt Portable Generator: Provides AC power at an affordable price. Great for use at home, work, camping and emergencies. The built-in 30-amp 120-volt RV receptacle (accepts 3 plug types) lets you plug in directly with no adapter needed. Single-stroke, air-cooled engine runs 12 hours at 50% load on one tank of gasoline. 4000 peak watts & 3500 running watts Runs 12 hours at 50% load 68 dB noise level, Recoil start, Built-in voltmeter, tubular steel frame, Optional wheel kit (sold separately). Technical Specs: Engine 196 cc OHV CPE, Running Wattage 3500W, Starting Wattage 4000W, AC Load 120V, Phase Single Frequency 60 Hz, Fuel Capacity 4 gal. Weight 101 lbs. Sure we like Honda generators, yet after extensive research, we purchased the Champion as the best buy for the dollar. Honda is great. However they are x 4+ more expensive.
Suggest you purchase at least a 3500 Watt generator model. Average Price $379.00 and up |
Sunforce® 12-Volt Battery Solar Charger: Maintain peak battery power, easy maintenance-free charger, charges in all weather conditions, works in extreme temperatures. Maintain peak power in any 12-volt battery with no-cost solar energy. Maintenance-free with amorphous solar cells that charge in all weather conditions. Works in extreme temps from -40° to 176°. 5-watt and 15-watt have four pre-cut holes for easy installation, and include battery clamps, CLA adapter and 10 ft. of wire. 7-amp controller protects 12-volt batteries from overcharging and discharge. The 1.8 watt model has an electronic float feature that protects batteries from overcharging. Models Available: •1-watt •1.8-watt, •5-watt, •15-watt, also a 7-amp controller is available - handles 7 amps of array current and up to 100 watts of solar power. Units include charging and full charge indicator light.
Average Price $19.99-$89.99 (price based upon particular model selected) |
5 Gallon Plastic Buckets - 3 Pack: Plastic Bucket 90 Mil Heavy Duty (Food Grade) buckets. Prefect for storing food or water long-term. Also, many people use Mylar bags for extra food protection within such buckets. All of these plastic buckets are made with FDA approved food grade plastic resin, which makes them safe for most applications of storage for food or drink. These 5 gallon buckets and pails meets FDA, USDA, UFC, and NMFC regulations. These buckets are the standard of the food and chemical industry. Before you buy from another dealer, please make sure their 5 gallon buckets or pails are 90 mil. This is the industry standard for quality heavy duty High density polyethylene bucket. Dimensions: 12"w x 15"h (+-) .10" Wall Thickness: .090" (+-) .005". This is the supplier we have used ourselves for years. They offer good product quality, prices and service.
Average Price $14.80 & up (per set of 3 buckets) |
PLastic Bucket Lids (with gaskets): Used for 3-6 Gallon Plastic Buckets: UN HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE LID FOR 3 TO 6 GALLON PLASTIC BUCKETS & PAILS When you have the perfect Plastic Bucket then you need the perfect plastic bucket lid. Made with HDPE material for save long lasting storage. Don't take a change on cheap low quality Plastic Lids. Get the Best plastic material available today. Snap-on type lid fits pails & buckets from 3.5 gallon to 6 gallon HDPE Quality Equipped with SBR rubber gasket for positive seal. All colors, except black, are made with FDA Material FDA Approved Food Grade materials. This is the same supplier we have used for years to purchase our buckets. These gasket lids are great.
Average Price $1.89 ea. (quantity discounts available) |
Gamma-Seal Bucket Lids: Fits all Standard 3.5 gal, 5 gal and 6 Gallon Pails and Buckets. The Gamma Seal Lid converts a plastic bucket or plastic pail into a unique reusable plastic container. These Heavy duty bucket lids are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) Food Grade Plastic material, which creates a leak-proof and completely airtight seal. Easy to install with a rubber mallet. Just tap on the adapter ring with your ballet and the lid is installed. The bucket lid includes a rubber gasket already installed on the screw top inner cover. Suggestion: Gamma lids are great for storing products you may need to access multiple times. They are the top-of-the-line lid and the most expensive. You may wish to also purchase some of the alternative standard gasket lids as well to save some money. This is what we do,
we use some of both types of lids depending upon the product being stored. Average Price $3.95-$5.79 and up each (prices cary according to color and qty) |
5 Gallon Mylar Foil Bags: For long-term food storage, these are the bags you need for storing your bulk foods. Note: in most cases, you should also add the appropriate size oxygen absorber. 18" X 28.5" Seal-able Heat Seal-able Mylar Bags 4.3 Mils Fits 5, 6 and 7 Gallon Buckets and Pails. Total Thickness (mils) 4.3 mil TRANSMISSION RATE of WATER-VAPOR (FED 101) (routinely measured at .0003 - we certify to .005 maximum. HEAT SEAL CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED) 400° 40 PSI/1 sec. Foil Thickness .00035 MINIMUM. Suggestions: although you can purchase a special heating bag sealer tool, many people simply use a typical household iron by which to seal their Mylar bags.
Average Price $1.89 (quantity discounts available) |
American Red Cross Blackout Buddy (White):
Emergency LED blackout flashlight that plugs into any wall socket and recharges. Meaning, the light is always charged and ready when you need it most. Also, performs as a night light, perfect for the home & office. Features: Bright emergency 3-LED light, unit lights up when there is a power failure or blackout, may be used as a flashlight, One LED night light, Fold-up prongs plug directly into electrical socket for constant charge. Dimensions: 3.9375" x 2" x .75" (W x H x D) 100 x 50.8 x 19.05 mm (W x H x D) Weight: 2 oz. Average price $15.00 and up |