emergency kit – Tecsun Radios Australia

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Bushfire Ready 2026 – Is Your Emergency Kit Ready to Go?

If you’ve spent any time around radios like I have, you’ll know one simple truth: when things go wrong, reliable information becomes incredibly valuable.

As we head into the 2026 bushfire season, there are already signs that Australians should be paying attention. The Bureau of Meteorology reports that winter was warmer than average across much of Australia, with many areas of eastern Australia experiencing below average rainfall and below average soil moisture. Spring is also expected to bring above average temperatures for much of the country.

Meanwhile, AFAC’s Spring 2026 Bushfire Outlook has identified an increased risk of fire across parts of New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, with authorities specifically encouraging communities to prepare early.

In plain English? This is the time of year to be getting organised, not waiting until smoke is already on the horizon.

Do You Have Your Bushfire Kit Ready?

Most of us know we should have an emergency kit. The question is: when was the last time you checked it?

Batteries go flat. Torches disappear into drawers. First aid supplies expire. Water bottles get borrowed for day trips and never make it back.

Right now is the perfect time to pull the kit out and give it a complete refresh.

A good emergency kit should include:

Battery-powered emergency radio
Spare batteries
Power bank
Torch
First aid kit
Important documents
Medication
Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Mobile phone chargers
Whistle
Emergency contact list
Basic tools
Dust masks
Gloves

And at the very top of my list?

A reliable emergency radio.

Why An Emergency Radio Still Matters

Many people assume they’ll simply use their mobile phone in an emergency.

Sometimes that works.

Sometimes it doesn’t.

Power outages, damaged infrastructure, overloaded mobile networks and remote locations can all affect communications. During a fast-moving emergency, access to official broadcasts can be critical.

That’s where a quality emergency radio comes into its own.

A radio doesn’t rely on the internet. It doesn’t require a mobile tower nearby. It simply does what radios have always done best: deliver information when you need it most.

What Is The Best Emergency Radio?

At Tecsun Radios Australia, when customers ask us what emergency radio we’d trust to keep in the home, caravan or emergency kit, our answer is simple:

The Tecsun Radios Australia Emergency Radio

Reliable, practical and purpose-built for Australian conditions, this high-performance emergency radio combines excellent AM and FM reception with multiple charging options and essential emergency features.

It’s designed specifically for situations where staying informed can make all the difference.

Why We Recommend It

✅ AM and FM reception suitable for Australian broadcasts

✅ Digital LCD frequency display for easy station tuning

✅ Built-in solar panel charging

✅ Hand crank dynamo charging

✅ Powerful LED torch

✅ Personal locator siren

✅ USB charging facility for charging compatible USB-powered devices

✅ Compact and easy to store

✅ Ideal for home, caravan, camping and emergency kits

At just $100, it’s one of the most practical investments you can make in your family’s preparedness.

Why Every Emergency Kit Should Have One

When severe weather, bushfires or power outages occur, access to timely information becomes incredibly important.

While we all rely heavily on mobile phones these days, phones depend on battery power, network coverage and infrastructure. A quality emergency radio gives you another way to stay connected with official information when you need it most.

The Tecsun Radios Australia Emergency Radio is designed specifically for those moments.

The built-in solar panel and hand crank dynamo mean you can continue powering the radio even when mains power isn’t available. The torch provides valuable light during blackouts, while the personal locator siren can be useful in emergency situations.

It’s one of those products you’ll be glad you purchased long before you ever need it.

One At Home. One Away.

Here’s a question worth asking.

Do you know where your emergency radio is right now?

Many Australians spend time between home, the caravan, the holiday house or on the road. That’s why we often suggest owning more than one emergency radio.

Keep:

One at home
One in the caravan
One in the camper trailer
One at the holiday house

That way you’re always prepared, wherever you happen to be.

More Than Just An Emergency Radio

Of course, this isn’t a radio that sits forgotten in a cupboard.

Many owners take it:

Camping
Travelling
Fishing
Four-wheel-driving
Caravanning

The best emergency gear is gear you actually use, and that’s what makes this radio such a sensible addition to your kit.

Our Recommendation

Have two.

🏠 One at home

🚐 One in the caravan, camper or holiday house

It’s also one of the most practical gifts you can give parents, grandparents or anyone who enjoys travelling around Australia.

For only $100, it’s affordable preparedness that could prove invaluable when needed most.

Information sources [bom.gov.au],[afac.com.au], [arr.news]

11/09/2026/by Garry Cratt

Amateur Radio Operators Assist in Guiding Disabled Boat to Bay

amateur clubs, DRM, emergency radio, hamradio, News

We came across a story this month that reminded us of the importance of being educated in radio communication and a reminder of what a resourceful, knowledgeable, and helpful community amateur radio operators are.

On September 7, 2022, a boat named SV Nereida traveling from Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point of the USA to San Francisco, California became disabled after 2 days of 35 knot winds and storms.

81 year old Jan Socrates, an experienced sailor who has sailed around the world without assistance, and in fact has been the oldest person to do so, found herself very low on power and her onboard radio equipment marginally operational. But her knowledge of amateur meant she knew how to get her message out to a community who could help!

Amateur operators in New Mexico, California, and Canada, and members of Group 7.155 heard her requests for assistance.

One such person who heard her request and in fact was able to contact Socrates on 40 metres was Gil Gray, N2GG. “Her power was extremely low, and she was unable to communicate on 14.300 MHz to notify the monitoring group on that frequency,” said Gray. “She needed help with wind and sea conditions, and tidal data for San Francisco Bay,” he added.

Q5 copy was almost impossible due to the low-power output on the HF radio which would typically be Q2 or Q3. Thankfully several software-defined radio (SDR) operators were on hand in California, Utah, and Maui, Hawaii, who were able to glean enough copy to understand her situation and answer questions for her navigation.

Another stroke of luck was that several of these radio operators were also experienced sailors and helped guide Socrates through periodic contact with weather and wind reports.

Their last contact was on Monday, September 12, at 11:00 AM (MSDT). By this time, Socrates was sailing with only the forward sail on her 38-foot sloop. Thankfully, a “following wind” kept her moving without a mainsail.

As the Golden Gate Bridge appeared within sight, Socrates was able to use the tidal information passed on by amateur radio operators to make it safely to Berkeley Marina in San Francisco Bay.

“I wouldn’t call it a rescue,” said Socrates, “just good amateur radio assistance — and I’m grateful for their help.”

This is actually one of 3 events in September in which amateur radio was able to provide emergency assistance.

If you would like to learn more about Jan Socrates’ travels, take a look at her Facebook page.

Do you know somebody who loves to travel and who would benefit from knowledge of shortwave? Send them this article, and indeed a link to this website as we have lots in interesting shortwave news, links, and resources, as well as the best range of shortwave radios available in Australia.

Adapted from the original article that can be found on https://www.arrl.org/news/

29/09/2022/0 Comments/by Michael

Emergency Preparedness.

emergency radio, News, tecsun, Uncategorized

What you need to do to prepare for a natural disaster or emergency including what essentials you will need to pack in your emergency kit.

Its important to have a discussion with your family on what you would do in the event of a fire/ flood or other natural disaster event before the actual event takes place.

Its important to discuss the following.

How will you access emergency alerts and messages and monitor events?

The best way of receiving event alerts and updates is via radio. ABC broadcasts hourly updates, more if needed in the local area to keep you informed. In many cases Emergency Services will call the radio station directly. Radio is also the failsafe method of receiving these reports when power is cut and networks are down which often happens during natural disasters.

Make a list of radio frequencies of the local ABC and Community radio stations, so you know where to listen. You can find our guide here

In an emergency dial 000. Access to 000 is available on all mobile networks regardless of which network you use. Roaming arrangements are in place so you can use any available network.You can even dial 000 on a phone with no SIM.

Download the “Emergency +” app onto your phone. Do this before any emergency and take note of your GPS location. You might need this for emergency services if they have to find you. The Emergency + App wont work without mobile phone coverage.

Tune in to your local radio, local ABC/emergency broadcaster frequency. You may want to consider a solar powered or battery operated radio because power is often the first thing to go in emergency situations.

If you still have internet keep an eye on the BOM app and investigate your local Flood/ natural disaster and fire apps like the Rural Fire Service “Fires Near Me” App.

If you are driving, keep updated on road conditions and closures by checking the NSW Transport “Live Traffic” App. There are similar Apps in most states.

At what point would you leave your home?What will be your sign to leave? It could be smoke or fire in your area, lightning and heavy rain or floodwater approaching your property.

Where will you go? Where is there a meeting place that’s safe and away from the disaster area? It might be a friend or relative’s place, or even a shopping centre. Most regional towns have a designated “safe place”. Most local council or community associations have a designated “Safe Place” for residents to go in an emergency.

Find out where your “Safe Place” is located.

What will you take? What would be your essentials you would like to take with you if you were forced to leave your home

Make sure you have an emergency kit prepared and ready to grab when needed. Unfortunately you don’t need an emergency kit until you really do.

PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT.

Pack a backpack with the following supplies and keep it somewhere safe that is easily accessed when needed.

Storing items in airtight plastic containers and sealer bags will help keep your belongings dry and in good condition both while in storage and during the emergency situation.

Here is a list of your essential items to pack.

Flashlight
Personal medication
Bottled water. Allow 2L per person per day minimum.
Food, non perishable, as required..
Manual can opener
Matches in a waterproof container
Candles
Cash- if the power is out then the ATMS wont work.
Phone “power bank”. Make sure it is changed at all times.
Extra batteries for your flashlight
Whistle to signal for help
Dust masks to help filter contaminated air- P2 masks are best for dust and smoke.
Toilet paper, moist towelettes etc for personal sanitation
Local maps
Sharp knife (penknife)

Repack expired items as needed and re pack/ check your emergency kit every year.

Don’t have an emergency radio yet?

We reccomend the DE13 which features light, alarm, inbuilt Solar Panel and Dynamo hand crank charger that allow you to recharge the internal battery or charge any device by USB or mini USB including your mobile phone. This is the perfect radio to keep for any emergencies

To get yours, Click here to be directed to this product in our online store.

31/01/2020/0 Comments/by Ricardo Rosario

The Top 5 Ways to Communicate During Natural Disasters. Even Without Power or Internet.

emergency radio, News, tecsun, update

During this past week with the devastating fires that have occurred throughout Australia many people have been left cut off from loved ones with roads being blocked and widespread extreme fire danger.

During natural disasters, conditions can change in a second, a simple thing like a switch in the wind direction can change everything.

Remaining in contact with Safety officials about evacuation or weather updates is crucial

Holiday makers fleeing vast “tourist leave zones” have found themselves stranded without power and water. Whole communities have been forced to flee their homes.

Here’s our guide on the best ways to communicate during times of emergency including if you have lost power and internet.

This guide relates to use around Australia but also to communicate with people/ family overseas.

By using communication methods both online and offline and educating yourself on options for all situations including loss of power. You can ensure you are prepared at a time you may need it most.

Emergency Radios: We are starting here because unfortunately during major bush fires, people can be in very remote areas and experience power and network outages. Emergency Radio is the only way you will be able to hear crucial safety messages. These compact units are essential to any emergency kit. Battery operated Emergency Radios capable of receiving broadcasts in the AM, FM, and Shortwave frequency bands provide a long range and simple method of keeping up to date with the latest emergency information. Traditional radio broadcasts cover a much wider area than mobile phone towers allowing signals to be received from much further away mitigating against local power and mobile phone outages.
Apps: Downloads of the “Fires near me “App surged to over 750,000 in November when NSW was declared a state of emergency. Being able to open an app and see in real time where the fires were burning and what category they were was extremely helpful to people in fire affected areas and for those with family and friends in fire effected areas.
Text Messages and Text Alerts: During a fire you may receive warnings on your mobile phone. With warnings and instructions on what to do. You however will not receive the message if the network is down or if your phone is switched off.
Phone Calls: Phone lines can become over run during times of emergency, so the advice given is to keep your conversation brief and convey only vital information. emergency services may contact you with a recorded warning for your area. In many emergencies power and communications can be interrupted so Try to conserve the power on your phone by doing the following. Disconnect the phone battery and only plug it in at intervals to avoid draining it. Close all web pages and unnecessary apps. This should ensure you get the most life out of your battery because you just don’t know how long you may be without power.
Social Media: Using Facebook or Instagram allows users to tell their friends and family that they are safe and live report what is happening. Social media has proven to help improve people’s awareness and preparedness for natural disasters.

Additionally, radio is a broadcast medium of communication meaning that many people receive the same message simultaneously so if you miss an update your friends and neighbours in the local area can hear the same message and relay it to you.

The ABC is the designated Emergency Broadcaster and will provide updates on local AM and FM stations in times of imminent danger. Additionally, the Bureau of Meteorology broadcast two weather services in the Shortwave Radio bands for Australia on the East and West Coasts. Both services broadcast bulletins and warnings on the hour.

In addition to this some radios on the market like the Tecsun DE13 Emergency AM/FM/SW Solar Radio includes some additional features like a Led torch. A red flashing distress Led light designed as a personal locator and distress siren. These compact hand held radios are built for situations where there is no power and utilise both solar and hand cranked power sources.

It’s important to make your own evacuation plan and be prepared for the worst. Natural disasters often occur without much warning so planning before hand will pay off when you need it most.

If you are interested in equipping yourself with an emergency radio, we have some great radios that are small enough to simply click on your belt, right through to larger versions with multiple capabilities.

Here are some of our most popular emergency radios.

Q3000 De 13