Fall is the sweet spot for tackling home safety upgrades before colder weather, holiday travel and storm season put them to the test. It's also when many homeowners realize they're missing the basics. From dead flashlight batteries and outdated smoke detectors to unsecured package deliveries and limited outdoor lighting, now is the time to give your home a security refresh.
Whether you're preparing for fall storms, protecting upcoming holiday deliveries, hosting overnight guests or simply getting your home ready for the months ahead, a few smart purchases can help you enjoy the busy season with less stress. From portable power stations and emergency kits to video doorbells, smart locks and weather-ready essentials, these products help solve common
seasonal problems before they become stressful emergencies.
Consider this your fall home preparedness checklist with all the practical upgrades to help make your house feel safer, more secure and ready for whatever the season brings.
Home security and emergency prep upgrades worth shopping now
Prepare your home, car and family with these practical essentials and emergency preparedness products. Shop power stations, security cameras, smart locks, weather radios, roadside kits and more.
Emergency kits, weather radios and outage essentials
Before fall storms and winter weather arrive, make sure your emergency essentials are covered. First aid kits, weather radios, portable chargers, flashlights and backup lighting are practical purchases that can help your household stay prepared when the unexpected happens.
Leaton Hand Crank Emergency Radio + Power Bank
A weather radio is one of those emergency essentials you'll be glad to have when severe weather strikes.
This model combines NOAA alerts, a flashlight, a hand crank, solar charging and a 10,000mAh power bank, making it a versatile addition to any emergency kit.
Buy now for under $35
Victoper LED Waterproof Flashlight (2-Pack)
Reliable lighting is a must-have during power outages, severe weather and everyday emergencies.
This waterproof two-pack gives you an easy way to keep a flashlight in multiple locations, whether that's your emergency kit, glove compartment, bedside table or garage.
Less than $13 at Amazon
ReadyWise Emergency Survival Gear Bug Out Bag
Building an emergency kit from scratch can be overwhelming. This ready-to-go survival backpack includes emergency food, preparedness supplies and survival essentials in one convenient package, making it an easy option for households looking to prepare for storms, power outages and other unexpected situations.
Get an all-in-one survival bag
- Aquatabs 49mg Water Purification Tablets (100-Pack)
- Emergency Blanket Mylar Thermal Space 4-Pack Foil
- Blavor Solar Power Bank, Portable Charger
- Emergency Fire Blanket for Home and Kitchen
Portable power stations, generators and backup batteries
Power outages are a lot easier to manage when you have a reliable backup plan. Portable power stations, generators and backup batteries can help keep phones, lights and other essentials running during fall storms, winter weather and unexpected outages.
Bluetti Elite 10 Mini Portable Power Station
Compact enough for travel but powerful enough for everyday emergencies, this Bluetti portable power station is designed to keep devices charged when you need them most.
Its lightweight, flight-approved design makes it especially useful for travel, road trips and emergency preparedness plans.
Save 33% on the Bluetti Mini Power Station
EnginStar Portable Solar Generator 300W Power Station with 60W Foldable Solar Panel
A portable power station can be a lifesaver during outages, camping trips and severe weather events.
This EnginStar bundle includes a foldable solar panel for off-grid charging, making it a practical option for keeping phones, lights and other everyday essentials powered when electricity isn't available.
Get the EnginStar bundle
Blavor Solar Power Bank 10,000mAh
A dead phone battery can quickly become a problem during an outage or emergency.
This compact solar power bank combines fast charging, wireless compatibility and built-in flashlights, making it an easy addition to emergency kits, travel bags and everyday carry setups.
Save 36% on backup power
- Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station
- Iniu Ultra Mini Portable Charger 10000mAh 45W Fast-Charging Power Bank
- Portable Charger 38800mAh Power Bank with 5 Outputs, 2 Inputs
Car emergency kits, tire inflators and roadside safety gear
Fall road trips, holiday travel and unexpected breakdowns are all easier to handle when your vehicle is prepared. Car emergency kits, tire inflators, jump starters and other roadside essentials can help you stay safer and more confident on the road.
OlarHike Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
A low tire can quickly sideline a road trip or daily commute. This portable tire inflator makes it easy to top off tires at home or on the go, helping drivers stay prepared for unexpected pressure drops without relying on a nearby gas station.
Prepare for flat tires
GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter
Few things are more frustrating than a dead battery when you're trying to get somewhere. This portable jump starter delivers enough power to help get your vehicle running again, making it a smart addition to your glove compartment, trunk or roadside emergency kit.
Add this to your trunk
Protect Life Travel First Aid Kit (100-Piece)
Minor cuts, scrapes and unexpected injuries can happen anywhere. This compact, waterproof first aid kit includes 100 emergency essentials in a travel-friendly case, making it easy to keep supplies on hand in your car, suitcase, backpack or glove box.
Add this to your glove box
- Car Emergency Safety Kit Bag with Portable Air Compressor, Jumper Cables,First Aid Kit, Tire Pressure Gauge
- NOCO Boost GB70 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter
Security cameras, video doorbells and floodlight cameras
Holiday travel, package deliveries and earlier sunsets can make home security top of mind this time of year. Video doorbells, outdoor security cameras and floodlight cameras can help you keep an eye on your property whether you're at home, at work or away for the weekend.
Reolink Video Doorbell Wi-Fi 2K Wired Camera
Package deliveries, guests and unexpected visitors are easier to track with a video doorbell.
This Reolink model delivers a wide front-door view and real-time monitoring features that help you stay connected to what's happening at your doorstep, whether you're home or away.
Watch your front door
Eufy Security SoloCam S340
Whether you're monitoring package deliveries or checking in while you're away, this solar-powered security camera offers added visibility around your property.
Its dual-lens design and solar charging capabilities make it a low-maintenance option for keeping an eye on driveways, entry points and outdoor spaces.
Upgrade your outdoor security
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus
Dark walkways, driveways and side yards can be easy areas to overlook. Combining motion-activated floodlights with HD security monitoring, this Ring camera helps improve visibility after sunset while keeping you informed about activity around frequently used outdoor spaces.
Light up dark entry points
What to look for:
- Video doorbells for front doors and package monitoring
- Outdoor security cameras for driveways, garages and side entrances
- Floodlight cameras for darker yards and walkways
- Indoor cameras for pet checks, entryways and travel peace of mind
Smart locks, alarms and entry sensors
Whether you're hosting holiday guests or heading out of town, smart security devices can add an extra layer of peace of mind. Smart locks, alarm systems and entry sensors make it easier to monitor your home, manage access and stay informed when doors or windows are opened.
Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle
Whether you're hosting guests or heading out of town, a smart lock can make managing access much easier.
This Philips keypad deadbolt offers built-in Wi-Fi and remote control features, allowing you to lock, unlock and monitor your door from virtually anywhere.
Secure your entryway
Tolviviov 15-Piece Wi-Fi Home Security System
Looking for a simple way to build a smarter home security setup? This DIY alarm kit includes the essentials for monitoring doors and entry points, with Wi-Fi connectivity and no monthly subscription required. It's an accessible option for homeowners and renters alike.
Shop this DIY security system
Look for deals on:
- Garage door controllers and motion sensors
- Smart deadbolts and keypad locks
- DIY alarm kits and base stations
- Door and window sensors
Smart lighting, plugs and vacation-mode automations
Earlier sunsets and holiday travel make smart lighting especially useful this time of year. Smart plugs, dusk to dawn lights and motion-activated lighting can help improve visibility around your home while making it look occupied when you're away.
Cinoton 26W LED Wall Pack Light with Dusk to Dawn Sensor (2-Pack)
As daylight hours get shorter, dependable outdoor lighting becomes even more important.
These dusk-to-dawn wall lights automatically turn on at night and off during the day, making them an easy way to improve visibility around garages, walkways, entrances and other frequently used areas.
Shop dusk to dawn lighting
Eightree 15A Smart Plug 4-Pack
Smart plugs offer one of the easiest and most affordable ways to automate your home.
Use them to schedule lamps, holiday decorations and other devices, helping your home look occupied while you're away and adding extra convenience to your daily routine.
Automate your lighting
Lianglome Solar Fence Lights (8-Pack)
Outdoor lighting can improve both curb appeal and visibility around your property.
These solar-powered fence lights charge during the day and automatically illuminate walkways, fences and outdoor gathering spaces at night, making them a simple upgrade for fall evenings and backyard entertaining.
Shop solar fence lights
Lutec Motion Sensor Security Light
Motion-activated lighting can make driveways, garages and entryways feel safer after dark.
This high-output LED security light combines dusk-to-dawn functionality with motion detection, helping illuminate outdoor spaces when activity is detected while improving visibility around frequently used areas of your home.
Shop motion sensor lights
What home safety upgrades should I prioritize before fall and winter?
Start with the essentials that address common seasonal risks: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, weather radios, backup lighting, portable power stations and first aid supplies. Once those basics are covered, consider security upgrades like video doorbells, smart locks and motion-sensor lighting for added visibility during shorter daylight hours.
What should every home have in case of a power outage?
At a minimum, experts generally recommend having flashlights, spare batteries, a weather radio, backup phone chargers, first aid supplies and an emergency food and water supply.
For longer outages, portable power stations and generators can help keep critical devices running.
How can I make my home look occupied while traveling?
Motion sensor lighting, smart plugs and security devices can automatically turn lights on and off throughout the day and evening. Vacation-mode schedules help create the appearance that someone is home, which many homeowners use as an added security measure while away.
How can I prepare my home for holiday package deliveries?
Consider installing a video doorbell or outdoor camera, improving entryway lighting and enabling delivery notifications through retailers when available. These upgrades can help you track packages and monitor arrivals during the busy holiday shopping season.
Are video doorbells worth buying?
Video doorbells can provide an easy way to monitor package deliveries, visitors and activity around your front door. Many models offer motion alerts, two-way communication and mobile notifications, allowing homeowners to check in whether they're at home or traveling.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fall home safety checklist: Cameras, smart locks, emergency kits
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