Comparison of Solar Power and Hand Crank Emergency Radios

Emergencies strike when you least expect them and when you are least ready for them. That being the case, there are some items that every home should have and probably does not. And one that is most important, and not that expensive are emergency radios. In an emergency, you need to be able to keep up with the news, for instance in case of a natural disaster, there will be government announcements regarding such things as emergency evacuation plans and without an emergency radio, there is no way for you to get the information you need, or in some extreme cases, the information you need to save your life. These emergency radios are made by some of the best known names in electronics and you can get solar powered and/or hand crank models. So take a look and decide which one of the emergency radios suites your needs. And shop around, especially, if you are considering a higher priced one. The ones here are a good representation of the types available and the suggested prices. Shop around. They are available in many stores, both on line and conventional, so do your comparison shopping and get your emergency kit started off with a good emergency radio.

First Alert CR-100 Crank Radio with AM/FM/Short Wave 1 & 2 $19.95
http://www.ambientweather.com/fialcrcrrawi.html
This one is the bare bones model, but you might consider it as a second emergency radio, in case something happens to your main one. It is highly unlikely that would happen, but for $20 it would not hurt to be extra safe. This one does not have the solar power option, it is hand crank or AA batteries or AS adaptor only. First Alert is one of the best known names in safety items also.

Eton Grunding FR250 Silver AM/FM/Shortwave Radio, Flashlight, and Cell Phone Charger $49.95

http://www.ambientweather.com/etgrframrafl.html
No solar power here either and it only has 7 short wave frequencies, but it does have a charger for your cell phone.

Freeplay Plus Radio
$89.95
http://www.ccrane.com/radios/wind-up-emergency-radios/freeplay-plus-radio.aspx
This one has a lot of features. It is a am/fm and short wave radio. It covers 10 SW bands, so you can be sure you will be able to get the station you need. You can charge the radio three ways, by solar power, by hand crank or by using the optional AC adaptor.

Sun Mate 855I Info-Mate Portable Digital Tune Radio with Clock $105.95

This one is extra slim, making it a good one for trips. It has FM/AM/SW/WX , can be charged by Solar, Hand Generator, AC and DC and the AC DC adaptor cord is included, not an extra accessory. And you can plug it into your car with the enclosed 12V DC Automotive Power Cord.