An emergency is a situation where there is a threat to life and property. Emergency kits contain devices and other gear which is used to know about such threats, communicate and survive in extreme situations and weather conditions and provide first-aid. A well equipped emergency kit can save lives and prevent a lot of damage. Typically an emergency kit will include a first-aid kit, warm clothing, multi-utility knife, a communicating or information receiving device and other gear.

The gear and devices included in an emergency kit should be able to work in extreme conditions and in practically any situation. This brings us to the question as to what sort of device should be included in the emergency kit which can be used to communicate in extreme conditions and situations. The obvious choice would be a well-built radio. Radio waves cover the whole planet, and are the most dependable form of transmission even in extreme weather conditions. There are different types of radios available and the most suitable for an emergency kit is the emergency crank radio.

An emergency crank radio is a sturdy piece of equipment and is made to withstand rough use and outdoor handling. The most important feature of this radio which stands out in comparison with other radios is its ability to generate its own power. The radio has a cranking mechanism which has to be turned in a clockwise direction to generate power. This makes the radio more dependable as it does not depend on power sources like the wall socket or batteries. Power in the home can go off and batteries can get depleted. An emergency device should be able to run when one needs it the most and so should be independent of the conventional power sources. Turning the handle on the emergency crank radio activates a small dynamo which produces electrical energy. This electricity is then stored in a rechargeable battery built into the radio.

The emergency crank radio is able to receive several weather channels and short wave, apart from the usual AM and FM stations. These weather channels give frequent updates on the weather and also broadcast timely warnings of approaching natural disasters. This makes the radio indispensable in any emergency kit. Some of the models also have a two way radio and hence can be used as a walkie-talkie to communicate over more than 20 channel frequencies.

The emergency crank radio is ideal for an emergency kit as it has several other useful features. Almost all models have a flashlight which is so necessary in tackling emergency situations in low light or at night. This flashlight can also be powered by the cranking mechanism and hence you are always assured of some light. Other features include a siren and a flashing beacon. These utilities help to announce your presence in situations where a rescue is in progress, and you require to attract the attention of the rescuers. Many models of the emergency crank radio are also endorsed by the American Red Cross as a fit device to have in an emergency kit.