Dependable devices are becoming popular, as many people are now aware of the advantages of being prepared in emergency situations. An emergency can occur at any time whether you are indoors or outdoors. Global warming has made weather very unpredictable and there is an increase in the number of many natural and man-made disasters. Hurricanes and earthquakes have become common occurrences in many parts around the world and people are now relying more on public announcements and alerts, so that they can be more prepared for the eventuality. Warning in advance is possible in case of storms, hurricanes and tornadoes, and these alerts have saved many lives and property. To be able to get such alerts one should have a dependable radio. Usually in extreme weather situations the power is knocked out and there is no way of reaching a store to get a supply of batteries. In such cases having an emergency crank radio is vital.

The emergency crank radio is capable of producing its own power and is not dependent on power supply or batteries. It has a cranking mechanism which works like a small generator to produce the power required to run the radio. Based on the principle of a dynamo, when the cranking handle is turned vigorously the mechanical energy is turned into electricity and stored in a rechargeable battery inside the radio. This makes the device very dependable as you can never run out of power and can use the radio when you need it the most.

Many companies are now producing emergency crank radios and one of the popular models is the Kaitio KA888. This radio can run on multiple power sources apart from the cranking dynamo. You can directly plug it into your wall socket through an AC adapter or it can also run on AA batteries. The radio also has a solar panel which can recharge the in-built batteries in direct sunlight. The radio itself is capable of receiving AM, FM, and shortwave broadcasts. The reception is quite clear and the sound quality of the speaker is good and loud.

The Kaito KA888 emergency crank radio has several other built-in devices which come very handy in emergency situations. On the side of the radio is a powerful flashlight with a wide beam. This can adequately light up the path or create a good amount of light surrounding you. The radio also has a built-in digital clock and a thermometer. To make it more versatile for outdoor use the radio also packs a compass and a convenient shoulder strap for easy portability. What makes this radio most dependable is the fact that all the built-in devices will power up with the cranking mechanism and you are not dependent on batteries for them. So whether you are outside or indoors you are prepared for most emergency situations with just one compact device.

The Kaito KA888 emergency crank radio weighs about one and a half pounds and has good design. The cranking handle is well placed on the side so that it can be easily turned without any knobs obstructing your movements. The analogue display is quite clear and there is a neat foldaway antenna for shortwave reception.