DXers and other radio hobbyists know that in a serious emergency shortwave can still be the most reliable lifeline to the outside world. An emergency crank radio is what you need to be able to tune into important information when you have to survive without electricity for an extended period of time. Most of the receivers listed below include the most important shortwave bands, but be sure to check the individual receivers for details. The best emergency receivers cover all shortwave frequencies reserved for broadcasting, but normally it would be enough to have the most widely-used meter bands (such as 49, 31, 25 and 19 meters). A digital frequency display is of course an advantage, but as a DXer you would probably be able to find the correct station even without one. Crank radios are handy also outdoors or when traveling - you never need to worry about replacing batteries, correct voltage or different plugs abroad, although many of these receivers can also use an AC/DC power source.