That class of emergency radio is usually shortwave/am/FM. I have a shortwave/am/FM unit but it's not hand cranked. The one we have is a ccrane, and honestly I'm not sure if that's all that good. It seems to function, from the few times we've turned it on. I've never had to replace the batteries yet so that's a plus.

Not sure on this. I'm prepared for disaster but I'm not what someone would call a prepper. I mostly have VHF/UHF ham radios and the knowledge on how to make use of them. I'm still pretty new, so I hope someone can comment further.

The ccrane was my late father's. He insisted on buying that brand and I'm not sure why. It's probably about 10 years old right now. It's only a reciever, so anyone should be able to buy one.