SafeHarborPrep was born from frustration with preparedness advice that sounds great but fails during actual emergencies. We're not survivalist influencers or content marketers—we're rural residents who test equipment when the power actually goes out, when water systems actually fail, when help is actually 45 minutes away.
Most preparedness websites follow a predictable pattern:
This approach fails people when they need reliable information most—during actual emergencies.
SafeHarborPrep operates differently:
We don't simulate emergencies—we use equipment during actual infrastructure failures. When Hurricane Francine knocked out power for five days, we learned which backup systems actually deliver versus which just look good in product photos.
First impressions lie. We test gear over extended periods—months or years—through multiple seasons and conditions. Equipment that works initially but fails after 60 days doesn't earn recommendations.
We compare products to realistic alternatives and discuss trade-offs. Understanding what you're choosing between matters as much as what you're choosing.
We detail what products cannot do, what they struggle with, and who shouldn't buy them. Perfect products don't exist. Honest limitations build trust.
Years in areas where infrastructure is fragile and help is distant. When systems fail, you solve problems yourself or you don't solve them. This reality shapes our perspective on what actually matters.
20+ years in enterprise IT infrastructure—building systems that must not fail. This background provides understanding of reliability engineering, failure modes, and what actually constitutes quality.
Multiple hurricane power outages lasting 3-7 days. Severe weather events. Infrastructure disruptions. The gear we recommend is gear we trusted during actual crises when consequences were real.
We build the systems we discuss—root cellars, rainwater collection, solar installations, backup power systems. We share what we've actually constructed, used, and learned from.
Phase 1: Initial Evaluation
First impressions, unboxing, build quality assessment, basic functionality testing.
Phase 2: Real-World Use
Extended use under actual conditions—not simulated scenarios. We use equipment the way real people use equipment: not carefully, not gently, often in conditions that stress performance.
Phase 3: Emergency Deployment
The ultimate test—does it work when you actually need it? During power outages, water emergencies, severe weather. This is where theory meets reality.
Phase 4: Long-Term Assessment
Months or years of use. Does performance remain consistent? Does build quality hold up? Would we buy it again?
Phase 5: Honest Review
Comprehensive write-up including: what worked, what didn't, limitations, comparisons, who should buy it, who shouldn't.
We don't:
We do:
SafeHarborPrep participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means we earn commissions when you purchase products through our links.
What this means for you:
Our promise:
We will never compromise honest reviews for affiliate income. We value your trust more than any commission payment.
Current affiliate networks:
Full disclosure appears in our reviews, on product recommendation pages, and in our Terms of Service.
We follow Google's E-E-A-T guidelines (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness):
Experience: Every review reflects actual hands-on testing and use, often during real emergencies.
Expertise: Technical background in systems engineering combined with years of rural living and emergency response experience.
Authoritativeness: We cite specific testing conditions, provide measurable data, and document real-world performance over time.
Trustworthiness: Complete transparency about affiliate relationships, honest limitations, and willingness to recommend competitors when appropriate.
SafeHarborPrep maintains complete editorial independence. Our reviews reflect our honest assessments based on actual testing and experience.
No one can:
We will:
We welcome:
Email: [Your contact email]
We read every message and respond to genuine inquiries. While we can't test every product or respond to every suggestion immediately, we value your input.
SafeHarborPrep continues expanding:
Our commitment remains constant: real testing, honest assessments, practical knowledge that works when it matters.
Q: Do you really test everything you review?
A: Yes. Every product review on this site reflects personal testing and use. If we haven't tested it, we don't review it.
Q: How long do you test products before reviewing?
A: Minimum 30-60 days for most products. Longer for items requiring seasonal testing or emergency conditions.
Q: Do manufacturers send you free products?
A: Currently, no. We purchase all products we review. This maintains complete editorial independence.
Q: Why do you use affiliate links?
A: Affiliate income supports our testing process—purchasing products, maintaining the site, investing time in long-term evaluations. We believe this is more ethical than accepting manufacturer payment for reviews.
Q: Will you ever give negative reviews?
A: Absolutely. If a product performs poorly or doesn't deliver on claims, we state this clearly. We've declined to publish reviews when products failed testing.
Q: How often do you update reviews?
A: We revisit reviews when: (1) long-term performance differs from initial impressions, (2) better alternatives become available, (3) manufacturers significantly change products, or (4) we discover new information.
Q: Can I suggest products to review?
A: Yes! Email us suggestions. While we can't test everything suggested, we appreciate the input and often prioritize community requests.
Q: Do you have social media?
A: Currently focusing on website content quality over social media presence. This may change as we grow.
Last Updated: February 3, 2026
SafeHarborPrep - Because preparedness advice should come from people who've actually been unprepared.