No one ever wants an emergency to happen, but boy, it’s good to be prepared when it does. Believe it or not, people are finding that an unsuspecting device has come in very handy for this: Amazon’s Echo Pop. Reviewers say the $40 multi-tasking speaker serves them well for daily tasks, but that it’s really a godsend for emergencies thanks to voice-activated calling, emergency info prep and more. The gadget works so well in a pinch that one user even dubbed it “better than Life Alert.” For $40, we had to give you an alert because this is a steal.
“My elderly parents won’t use an [emergency] pendant or wristband to call someone if they fall, so I put these all over the house,” one Amazon shopper professed. “Mom used it to call me in an emergency. Score!”
You can control the Echo Pop simply by using your voice or via the Alexa app on your phone or tablet. Just place it where you want it in the house, connect it to your phone via Bluetooth and it’s a breeze to use.
“I purchased this for my elderly mother who has problem with falling down,” Barbara Williams shared about her Echo Pop. “We installed 2 of these in strategic positions in her house, where she can just holler for help.”
Shopper JD initially didn’t see a need for this tech upgrade. “I kind of dismissed it, since I have no need for any speakers,” she wrote. “I simply didn’t realize that a smart speaker isn’t just for playing music and podcasts.” Now, she’s on her third one in the house and appreciating how “surprisingly simple” it is to use. “I’m an older woman who lives alone... since a slip and fall in the bathroom isn’t an impossible situation, I thought it would be smart to make sure a speaker is nearby when I’m in there as well.”
Although the voice calling works with Bluetooth alone, the Echo Pop also helps you take emergency prep even further if you prefer that!
The Alexa Emergency Assist plan (with yearly or monthly memberships) allows you to reach an on-call, 24/7 response team and notify emergency contacts. When it alerts first responders, the device will even share critical information with them (e.g. allergies, pets on site, gate codes) so they can reach and help you faster. The device will even notify you if Alexa detects a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm going off or the sound of glass breaking — whether you’re home or away.
However, the smart speaker isn’t only for dire emergencies. It’ll prove its value every single day.
Working mama, Angitae, notes that it’s “great for almost everything,” but she really appreciates that the speaker has a babysitting mode “for when a babysitter needs information on what your child’s routine is like and what they like to eat, emergency contacts and anything the babysitter should be aware of.”
Meanwhile, HuffPost Editorial Director, Kristen Aiken, depends on it for various things, day and night. “I’m nearly legally blind, so I love that I can ask my Echo what time it is in the middle of the night (instead of struggling to find my glasses and see my clock),” she shared.
“And in the morning, I ask it what the weather is while I decide what to wear that day. It also links up with my Amazon account and alerts me every time a package has been delivered, or when there’s a sale on a product it knows I love. And it links with my Spotify account too, so I can just tell it to play whatever music or podcasts I want on my command. Basically, it’s a little tech device that I can boss around and it reliably serves me well.”
Check out more 5-star reviews from people who love their Alexa Echo Pop for safety and convenience, and grab one today for extra peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
“I love it! I got it for my bathroom in case I fall so I can call for help. Also to play music while I shower and the weather report. We have four different ones in our home now! Each one is different size. we love Alexa! Peace of mind with the Emergency assistance. we are both 75.” — yarvet
“We got my very elderly mother one for her birthday. It was easy to set up and she loves it! It quickly became her music companion, her communication device in an emergency and her daily weather informant. It lights up her dark apt when she comes in after her evening meal. Very easy to set up. It has changed her life is many positive ways and I would highly recommend it.” — Diana
“I’m amazed at everything the Alexa can do! My whole family uses it daily, and they love it. From setting alarms and reminders to playing music, giving us the latest news, making grocery lists, and so much more—it’s like having a little helper at home. I’m sure I haven’t even discovered all the features yet, but so far it’s been a game-changer for our daily routines. Alexa makes life easier, more organized, and more fun! clear sound, connecting the device was easy. I love it.” — Veronica Rodriguez
“I bought this for my bedroom because of the emergency service Amazon was offering. I have health issues and this makes my family comfortable in letting me be home alone. I have this speaker going 24/7 with music. It sounds amazing for something so small. I can more closely select music with the app on my phone as Alexa doesn’t always find the right songs on voice command. Now if we can convince my mother in law to get herself a unit for senior care!” — Amber
Now, check out more emergency must-haves (beyond the typical batteries and flashlight) curated by shopping writer Erica Kam.
A handy multitool (33% off)
If you're not planning on buying a whole kit, it's helpful to have at least one multitool that can come in handy in multiple types of emergencies. This 13-in-1 gadget is multipurpose with a rope cutter, two types of pliers, wire cutters, multiple screwdrivers and files, a bottle opener, a saw and other knives. It weighs 8 ounces and folds down to be only 4.3 by 1.4 inches. Each tool can be opened separately with ease. This could also make a great gift for your favorite outdoorsy person. Get it for 33% off, the lowest price we've ever spotted it at.
Promising review: "This tool is fantastic! It has everything you’d need in an emergency. I’ve taken it fishing and camping and I carry it in my car. It’s an all around great purposeful tool and it’s made so well!" — Yvonne Lowery
A portable hand-crank lantern and power generator (20% off)
We've previously covered this portable hand-crank camping lantern and power generator that has a built-in rechargeable battery (via USB-C), as well as a hand crank to generate electricity on its own when you're stuck in a power outage or without access to outlets. And not only can it provide needed light in four different modes plus a dimming function, but you can also use it to charge your devices in a pinch, with its USB-C and USB-A output.
Clip the on-page coupon to get a 20% off discount applied at checkout.
Promising review: "It works just as advertised. I used the crank for 2-3 minutes. It charged up my Apple Watch from 0 to 100% in 30 minutes. It still had most of the charge left. The lights work great and do not drain the power quickly. Very happy." — Amazon Customer
This portable outdoor generator from a trusted brand (47% off)
You know the deal by now; keeping your devices charged is major for emergencies, so you can stay in contact with loved ones and get important information and updates on the situation. This Anker portable generator has a retractable light, SOS button, USB-C and USB-A ports and can charge your laptop and phone simultaneously. The 60,000mAh capacity can keep the lamp lit for 42.3 hours, potentially coming in clutch during a long blackout. The portable generator has a convenient handle for carrying, and has solar panel compatibility. Get it for a whopping 47% off.
A 250-piece survival kit for under $40
You can never be sure exactly what you'll need when disaster strikes, so why not have it all ready to go in one handy kit just in case? This 250-piece kit caught HuffPost readers' attention en masse when we covered it previously (and as a bonus, it seems to go on sale for under $40 semi-regularly, like it is at Walmart right now). The kit contains necessities for nearly every situation imaginable: a first aid kit, compass, shovel, emergency tent, fire starter and so much more. All of the items fit inside a compact backpack you can stash at home or in the car.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station (10% off)
While the hand crank lantern mentioned earlier is great for charging small devices, you'll probably want something with a little more juice for longer-term power outages. That's where the Jackery Explorer 1000 comes in: This HuffPicks Award winner has three AC outlets, two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, one DC car port and LED lights to meet all your power and charging needs in an emergency. With a lifespan of over 10 years, smart app control to easily switch between charging modes and a compact design that's easy to store in your trunk or basement, this can make a huge difference during a power outage or other emergency to keep your devices — and your car battery — charged. Get it for 10% off.
Promising review: "I bought this with the intention of CPAP backup. Less than a week after receiving this product, an overnight thunder storm knocked out 2 transformers in town and we lost power for about 3-4 hours before crews could make repairs. I slept right through the entire deal and wondered why the microwave clock was flashing in the morning.
This product works exactly as designed and is an absolute blessing! If you've ever been woken up by your CPAP losing power you know how rude of a wake up that is.... avoiding that just one time makes the price worth it to me! Do yourself a favor and get a power station." — BigD
An ultralight, waterproof emergency sleeping bag
In addition to blankets to keep you warm, an emergency sleeping bag can come in handy when you might not know where your next sleep will happen. This option by Sierra Madre is water- and windproof, and the thermal material reflects 90% of body heat to keep you nice and toasty in the cold. The bag is durable and reusable, and packs down into a travel sack that's small enough to throw in your go bag or car glovebox. The sleeping bag comes in a high-visibility orange.
Promising review: "We have them in all our vehicles. My son went camping with one and he put it inside his regular sleeping bag. It kept him very toasty although it was less than 32° outside the tent. Perfect for emergencies. Light weight and takes very little space to keep handy" — Denise Harris
The reader- and expert-beloved Lifestraw personal water filter
Another HuffPicks Award winner, the LifeStraw personal water filter originally came to HuffPost's attention with a recommendation from survivalist Ky Furneaux. "It’s light and doesn’t take up much room so it isn’t a huge inconvenience for something that may save your life," she said. "Just knowing that water purification is taken care of takes a load off your mind and allows you to fully focus on other needs."
The Lifestraw removes over 99% of waterborne bacteria, parasites and microplastics down to 1 micron with its compact filtration system, so you can safely drink directly out of streams and lakes. It's not just for camping, though — this is a great product to have on hand at home for natural disasters or in case you don't have clean running water during an emergency.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)