Best Lee Valley Eton Crank Emergency Weather Radio

This is an excellent portable radio to have during power failures or whenever you’re off the grid. In addition to its digital AM/FM tuner, it has the same weather-band channels as radios on marine vessels. This lets it receive signals from climate monitoring centers throughout North America to provide forecasts as well as official weather watches, warnings and advisories for your area, 24 hours a day. Its integral rechargeable lithium-ion battery has an impressive 1000mAh capacity – enough for up to 24 hours of radio play, or to charge a cell phone or other small electronics in an emergency (1 amp output).

Recharge the battery with solar power, by using the crank-operated internal dynamo or by using the included USB cable to draw power from a PC or USB power source. The built-in three-LED flashlight has a phosphorescent frame that glows softly, just enough to help find it in the dark.

The compact 5 1/2″ × 2 1/2″ × 2 1/2″ radio has an LCD screen that shows the time and battery level, a 3.5mm earphone jack and a telescoping antenna.

In Canada, the Meteorological Service of Canada provides weather bulletins on the Weatheradio network (canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/weatheradio). In the U.S., weather information is broadcast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (weather.gov). Check for availability of service in your area.