Why You Need a Radio in an Emergency (And the Best One for Australia)
When storms knock out power, mobile towers fail or your phone dies, an emergency radio becomes one of the most reliable tools you can own.
When the power is out, your phone has one bar (if you’re lucky), and the storm outside sounds like a freight train, a radio quickly becomes your best mate.
At PrepMates, we’re all about peace of mind — not panic. That’s why several of our emergency kits include a hand-crank and solar emergency radio with a built-in power bank. When it really matters, you shouldn’t have to rely on fragile mobile towers or a flat phone battery to stay informed.
Shop the Hand-Crank Emergency RadioWhy your phone can’t always be trusted in a disaster
Mobile phones are brilliant for everyday life — but in real emergencies, they are often the first thing to fail.
During cyclones, bushfires and major floods, mobile networks go down because:
- Cell towers are damaged by fire, wind or falling trees.
- Floodwater cuts power to critical equipment.
- Backup batteries run flat after hours of outages.
- Networks overload when everyone tries to refresh apps or make calls at once.
The result? Messages don’t send. Emergency apps won’t load. You might not receive text alerts even while danger is moving toward your area.
Radios work differently. They receive broadcasts directly from emergency and public broadcasters — no internet, no mobile towers, no fragile tech between you and the information you need.
Quick win: look up your local ABC emergency frequency here and label your radio: ABC Emergency Radio Frequencies.
The ideal emergency radio: crank, solar & power bank in one
The best emergency radio today isn’t a basic battery-powered set. It’s a smart, battery-free design built for emergencies:
No replacement batteries needed
Charge it via hand-crank, solar panel or USB. Always ready, even after days without power.
Built-in LED torch
Light up stairwells, hallways and campsites during blackouts.
Power bank function
Recharge your phone or small devices using the radio’s internal battery.
Emergency siren
A loud distress alarm that helps rescuers find you in storms, floods or night-time evacuations.
It’s why this is the exact style of emergency radio for Australia we include in our kits.
Explore the Emergency RadioWhich PrepMates kits include an emergency radio?
Several PrepMates emergency kits already include this crank + solar radio with power bank:
- Crew Emergency Kit — our 4-person family kit with radio, lighting, shelter and tools.
- 2-Person Emergency Kit | Buddy Kit — includes the crank radio in a waterproof backpack.
- 2-Person Bushfire Emergency Kit — built for bushfire days when information is critical.
- Emergency Essentials Kit | Starter Kit — compact essentials with radio included.
- Storm Bucket — cyclone-ready supplies with radio added in.
- Easy Evac Care Kit — designed for seniors and people with disability.
- Essential Care Kit — practical preparedness for everyday safety.
Why every Australian household should have an emergency radio
When disaster hits, it’s not enough to know something is wrong — you need immediate, reliable information.
A portable emergency radio helps you:
- Hear evacuation orders and safe routes.
- Receive weather warnings and fire danger updates.
- Stay informed about road closures and power restoration.
- Listen to trusted official broadcasts instead of social media rumours.
Radios also help you stay calmer. Hearing familiar ABC voices during storms or blackouts is grounding — it makes tough situations feel manageable.
Emergency broadcasters continue radio updates **long after mobile networks fail**. That’s why radios appear on almost every Australian emergency checklist.
Tune in before you need to
The best time to learn your local frequencies is on a calm, quiet afternoon — not in a blackout.
- ABC Emergency: Find your local station
- Queensland Government: Disaster & alert information
- UHF CB Radio: Emergency channel fact sheet
Add your key frequencies to your household plan: Free Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.
Quick checklist: keeping your radio ready
- Give the hand crank a test every few months.
- Place it in the sun to check the solar panel.
- Test the torch and siren.
- Tune into ABC Emergency to confirm reception.
- Make sure everyone knows where the radio lives at home.
Emergency Radio FAQs
What type of radio is best for emergencies?
The best emergency radio is a crank & solar model with a built-in power bank. It works without replaceable batteries and gives you light, charging and emergency alerts in one.
Why do I need a radio if I have a phone?
Phones rely on towers and the internet — radios don’t. When networks fail, a radio keeps you connected to official updates.
Can I use it for normal AM/FM listening?
Yes — it works for regular music and news channels, perfect for camping and blackouts.
What is the siren used for?
The built-in siren acts as a loud distress alarm if you need rescuers to locate you.
How long does the battery last?
A full charge provides hours of listening and can be topped up via crank or sunlight anytime.
Stay connected when it counts
When mobile towers fail and the lights go dark, a hand-crank and solar emergency radio keeps you informed and calm.
You can:
- Add a standalone radio: Hand-Crank Emergency Radio
- Or choose a kit that includes one: Crew Kit, Blackout Kit Pro, Storm Bucket, Bushfire Kit, Easy Evac Care Kit, Essential Care Kit.
We’ve got ya back. 🔺