The Best $50 You Can Spend to Prepare for Emergencies
Written by
Emily Fowler
Edited by
Angela Corry
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When disaster hits, scrambling for supplies isn’t an option. Preparedness doesn’t have to be expensive, but some smart purchases can make a real difference.
A single $50 bill can cover essential emergency gear that protects against power outages, extreme weather or unexpected accidents.
Here’s how to get the most life-saving value out of it.
Solar-Powered Phone Charger
Communication is everything in an emergency. A solar-powered charger keeps a phone running when the power’s out, offering access to emergency alerts, loved ones and critical information. Unlike battery packs, it won’t run out of juice as long as there’s daylight. Models with built-in flashlights and USB ports offer extra functionality, and there are plenty on the market for $50 or less.
Multi-Tool with a Glass Breaker
A solid multi-tool, like this one for $49.98 at Amazon, can replace an entire toolbox in a crisis. Look for one with features like pliers and screwdrivers, and models with a built-in glass breaker can be lifesavers in car accidents or home emergencies. Toss it in the glove compartment or emergency bag for instant access.
Water Filtration Straw
Clean drinking water isn’t guaranteed in a disaster. A portable filtration straw removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics, making almost any water source safe to drink, and you can get a multipack for under $50. They’re lightweight, compact and have a long shelf life. Unlike bottled water, they won’t take up much space, making them ideal for go-bags and emergency kits.
Fireproof Document Bag
Birth certificates, insurance policies and medical records can vanish in a fire or flood. A fireproof, waterproof document bag protects critical papers and small valuables from disaster. This one for $33.99 (or $29.99 for Amazon Prime members) is water-resistant and has heat resistance up to 2000°F to keep everything intact.
Tactical Flashlight
Navigating in darkness during an emergency is nearly impossible without a reliable light source. A tactical flashlight offers high lumens, water resistance and durability. Some models include strobe functions for signaling in distress situations. With options ranging from $10 to $50, choosing one on the lower end leaves room in the budget for extra batteries.
A One-and-Done Solution
For those who want a complete emergency kit without piecing together individual items, the American Red Cross Deluxe Personal Safety Emergency Pack is the best way to spend $50. Designed to support one person in a short-term crisis, it comes in a drawstring backpack that’s easy to grab and store in a car, at a desk or next to a family’s emergency kit.
For just under $50, this kit takes the guesswork out of emergency preparedness. Whether building a custom kit or grabbing a ready-made option, a small investment now can mean the difference between struggling through a crisis and making it through safely. Disaster doesn’t wait — being prepared shouldn’t either.
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