When starting out as a prepper, gathering the right emergency survival gear can be overwhelming.
This guide will walk through the 10 essential items every beginner should have in their kit, ensuring you are equipped for unforeseen crises like natural disasters or infrastructure failures.
You'll learn key strategies for stocking up on equipment for shelter, water, food, first aid, and more - tailored specifically for those just beginning their preparedness journey.
Ready for Anything - Your Emergency Survival Gear Guide
Being prepared for emergencies and disasters is critical to ensure safety and survival. As a beginner prepper, having the right emergency survival gear is essential to be ready for anything. This guide covers the basics - from understanding emergency preparedness to assembling a disaster kit with the most vital items. Follow along to get fully equipped.
The Fundamentals of Emergency Preparedness
Emergency preparedness means having the necessary emergency survival gear and action plans in place to handle unforeseen dangerous events. This includes natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or blizzards, as well as man-made events like infrastructure failures or civil unrest. Being prepared allows you to take care of yourself and your family during the initial crucial hours or days of a crisis before first responders arrive.
The first step is realizing that emergencies can happen anytime and planning accordingly. Evaluating your unique risks and having survival kit items on hand gives you control over chaotic situations. Practicing evacuation routes, communication plans, water storage, first aid skills also builds preparedness. Assembling an emergency bag with the essentials allows you to quickly take action when danger strikes.
Evaluating Risks and Setting Priorities
Every location poses different potential emergency scenarios. Take time to evaluate your area’s common risks like earthquakes, storms, floods to understand disasters you should specifically prepare for with targeted survival gear.
Additionally assess your personal and family needs. Those with medical conditions or disabilities require specialized emergency plans and gear. If living in urban high rises, fire escape equipment is key. In suburban areas, gas leaks, water pipe issues, and power grid failures are frequent concerns needing preparation. Always tailor your emergency kit to likely risks.
With common and personal emergencies in mind, set reasonable priorities for emergency preparations. For example, begin with securing ample food/water, communication methods, medical supplies as a foundation before expanding into tools, weapons, or shelters. Matching your survival items to credible risks makes your efforts impactful.
Assembling the 10 Essential Items in an Emergency Kit
Crafting an consolidated emergency go-bag with vital supplies allows you to quickly evacuate or take shelter. Focus first on gathering these 10 fundamental items:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food (canned goods, high protein bars)
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Extra batteries
- Multi-purpose tool
- Personal hygiene items
- Cash in small denominations
Finding durable, portable versions of these emergency survival items tailored to your needs establishes a strong preparedness foundation. Continue expanding your supplies over time as your situation allows.
Being ready for disasters begins with accepting risks, planning accordingly and ultimately taking action. Use this guide to start assembling the gear that fits your situation. The peace of mind is worth the effort.
Shelter Essentials - Your Haven in a Crisis
Must-have emergency shelter items to maintain safety and comfort during a crisis.
When disaster strikes, having reliable shelter is absolutely critical for survival. Shelter protects you from the elements, helps regulate body temperature, and provides a safe space to rest and recuperate. As a prepper building your emergency kit, be sure to stock up on lightweight, packable shelter essentials.
The Role of Emergency Blankets and Tents
Lightweight mylar blankets retain body heat and prevent hypothermia, while tents provide immediate shelter.
Mylar emergency blankets are a must-have for any survival kit. These ultra-thin, lightweight blankets reflect 90% of your body heat back to you, helping prevent hypothermia. Though not robust, they pack extremely small, making them easy to keep plenty on hand. They can be used as a blanket, shelter, signal, and more.
For more substantial portable shelter, a compact emergency tent is highly recommended. Choose a tent designed for easy setup in just minutes, with space for 1-2 people. Make sure to select a tent that can withstand the wind, rain, snow, and other extreme weather you may face in your area. An emergency tent creates an enclosed space to escape the elements, retain warmth, and provide critical rest.
Securing Sleep with Insulated Sleeping Bags
Insulated bags for sleeping outdoors or without climate control.
Without power or climate control, getting sufficient sleep can be extremely difficult. An insulated sleeping bag creates a cozy, warm environment ideal for resting. The shell and lining trap your body heat while insulating padding prevents conductive heat loss into the ground. Mummy-style tapered bags maximize warmth.
Focus your selection on temperature rating, weight, packed size, and features like hoods and draft tubes. Choose a sleeping bag offering comfort for your climate, even if temperatures dip. Synthetic bags tend to be more affordable, while down bags provide exceptional warmth for their weight. Compressible stuff sacks make storage and transport a breeze.
By bundling shelter essentials like emergency blankets, tents, and sleeping bags, you’ll have reliable refuge through any natural or manmade catastrophe. Prioritize portable, easy setup options offering protection from the elements so that you can face uncertainty with confidence.
Water Strategies - 14-Day Emergency Kit Hydration Plan
Having an effective water strategy is critical for every prepper's emergency kit. Access to clean drinking water ensures survival during a disaster when regular supply lines are disrupted. This section explores solutions for storing, transporting, filtering, and supplementing water to maintain proper hydration for 2 weeks.
Storing and Transporting Water
Portable water storage should be a top priority. Aim to set aside 1 gallon per person daily. Reliable transport options include:
- Collapsible water containers - Lightweight and pack down small when empty. Easy to store surplus water.
- Water bricks - Sturdy, stackable construction. Spout taps make dispensing simple.
- Water barrels - Larger 55-gallon drums suitable for long-term supply. Need spigot for convenience.
Additionally, pack empty bottles, jugs, and hydration bladders to transport water back to your location. Backup purification methods should be used to ensure drinking safety.
Purifying the Source - Essential Water Filtration
Natural water sources can replenish depleted reserves, but should always be filtered for contaminants first.
Portable filtration devices are essential kit items. Popular choices include:
- Pump water filters - Fast filtration of bacteria and protozoa. Models with activated charcoal remove chemicals.
- Straw water filters - Compact and lightweight. Slower flow rates than pumped variants.
- Water purification tablets - Iodine or chlorine dioxide chemistry. Fast-acting but leaves unpleasant taste.
Boiling water is also effective, though fuel availability could be an issue. Always have multiple options for purifying found water.
Maintaining Hydration with Rehydration Solutions
Stressful emergency situations combined with rationing water intake can quickly lead to dehydration. Keeping electrolyte levels balanced is vital.
Rehydration mixes like DripDrop ORS and Liquid I.V. contain key nutrients that aid hydration:
- Essential minerals - Salt, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
- Electrolytes - Maintain fluid balance inside and outside cells.
- Rice-based osmosis - Helps absorb and retain water.
Adding them to your drinking water provides supplemental support when supplies run low. Proper hydration is essential when building an emergency survival gear kit tailored to disasters lasting 2 weeks or longer. Evaluate water storage needs, purification redundancy, and hydration support items as prepper essentials.
Nutrition in Emergencies - A 14-Day Emergency Kit Food Checklist
Having the right foods and nutrition packed into an emergency survival kit is crucial for maintaining health and energy when disaster strikes. Planning for a 14-day supply ensures adequate nourishment over an extended crisis event.
Stocking Up on Canned and Dried Goods
Canned foods like beans, vegetables, fruits packed in juice, and fish or meat options are convenient ready-to-eat sources of protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals. Choose pop-top lids for quick access. Prioritize high-calorie, nutrient-dense options.
Lightweight dried foods are also great for packing into emergency kits. Jerky, nuts, trail mixes, granola, and dried fruits offer tasty nutrition. Emergency survival gear should contain a mix of canned and dried goods tailored to dietary needs.
Consider packing comfort foods like candy or chocolate bars to help relieve stress. Have at least 2,000 calories per person per day. Don't forget a can opener and eating utensils!
Energy on the Go with High-Calorie Bars
Another space-saving item to include with emergency survival gear are high-calorie energy bars. Options like Cliff Bars, protein bars, or survival food bars from brands like S.O.S. or Datrex provide a substantial energy boost.
These compact, nutrient-dense bars can quickly deliver sustenance when activity is required during a crisis. They are an efficient way to pack 500+ calories into a small kit space. Choose bars with a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
Portable Cooking Equipment Essentials
A small backpacking stove with compatible mess kit cookware allows heating food or boiling water in an emergency. This key piece of emergency survival gear enables hot meals and coffee, sterilizing water, or preparing freeze-dried meals.
Solid fuel tablets, a camping stove, metal cup, and pot are space-efficient cooking equipment to include. Waterproof matches, lighter, knife, and multi-tool also support survival cooking needs. Don't forget eating utensils, towels, biodegradable soap, and a scrubber.
With the right selection of non-perishable nutrition items and basic cooking gear, a survival kit can sustain energy levels and health even through extended disasters. Choose foods you enjoy and equip for diverse meals to lift morale.
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Illumination Gear - Bringing Light to the Dark Times
Having the right emergency survival gear for illumination can make all the difference in an emergency situation. When disaster strikes and power grids fail, darkness can create additional panic and chaos. Equipping your emergency kit with reliable lighting tools ensures you can safely navigate your surroundings, signal for help if needed, or simply provide comfort until electricity returns.
Flashlights and Batteries: A Beacon in the Night
A sturdy flashlight with spare batteries is one of the most essential items that should be in every 14-day emergency kit list. High-powered LED flashlights can shine up to 1000 lumens, brightening large areas so you can walk confidently at night. More compact AA or AAA battery-powered flashlights easily fit in bags and kits for portability.
Waterproof and impact-resistant flashlight models stand up to tough situations when disasters occur outdoors. Having multiple small flashlights in emergency bags provides backup in case one breaks or dies. Pack extra batteries even if using long-life models, as extreme weather can drain battery life faster. Choose lithium batteries for longest shelf life. Rotate stock every 6 months.
Glow Sticks and Solar Lamps: Sustained Light Sources
Alongside traditional flashlights, also equip emergency kits with alternative light sources like glow sticks and solar-powered lamps. Glow sticks offer reliable illumination for up to 12 hours, requiring no batteries or shaking to activate. Safe for all ages, glow sticks work underwater and can mark locations in the dark. Consider adding glow sticks to any disaster survival kit list for earthquake scenarios when power may be lost for days.
Solar lamps absorb sunlight then provide LED brightness for hours without batteries. Waterproof, shatterproof solar lamps withstand the elements and keep shining if dropped. Hang solar lamps inside tents or shelters to safely light interior spaces using free solar energy. Solar lamps prove invaluable during prolonged power outages from storms and similar large-scale hazards that knock out electrical grids.
The Simplicity of Candles and Fire Starters
While less bright than flashlights, candles can create warmth and ambiance during power outages. Add a pack of candles and matches or lighter to any emergency kit for earthquake preparations. Tea light candles work well for short-term emergencies as they burn up to 4-5 hours on just 1 ounce of wax. Birthday candles are another space-saving option.
Pair candles with fire starter sticks, cubes, or paste for starting campfires without matches. Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly also work as homemade fire starters. Building campfires provides not only light but potentially life-saving warmth, especially for earthquake and winter weather events. Practice fire safety using candles or open flames indoors only when necessary during emergencies.
First Aid Readiness - Preparing for Injury and Illness
Being prepared to address medical issues when professional care is unavailable is a critical part of emergency preparedness. A well-stocked first aid kit and key medications can make all the difference in an emergency situation.
The Complete First Aid Kit
A prepackaged first aid kit contains many necessary items like bandages, gauze, ointments, scissors, tweezers, thermometers, and more. Building a custom kit allows you to tailor it to your family's unique needs. Prioritize including triangular bandages, roller gauze, medical tape, antibiotic ointment packets, burn cream packets, sterile gloves, and trauma pads for controlling bleeding. Mini first aid guides are also useful references to have on hand. Aim to have enough supplies to handle issues for 3-7 days.
Medications: Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Solutions
Any prescription medications family members rely on should be part of your 20 items in an emergency kit, with at least a 2 week supply. This includes inhalers, EpiPens, heart medications, insulin, etc. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen treat headaches, fever, and body aches when medical care is delayed. Anti-diarrheal medication can also provide relief from stomach issues often faced in emergencies. Rotate medication supplies to prevent expiration.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Staying Clean and Healthy
Maintaining cleanliness is challenging but essential during disasters. Pack antibacterial hand sanitizer, bar soap, toilet paper, toothbrush/toothpaste kits, and feminine hygiene products. Large garbage bags have multiple uses, from makeshift ponchos to containing waste. Pack water purification tablets, a portable toilet, or small shovel for proper waste disposal. Disinfectants like bleach can sanitize surfaces and clean wounds. Having these 14-day emergency kit list items ensures your family's health and sanitation needs are covered if disaster strikes.
Utility and Repair - The Multipurpose Toolkit
Emergency survival gear should include tools and materials for repairing damage, securing your environment, and even constructing shelters or other necessary items during a disaster. Having versatile, multipurpose equipment on hand will enable you to adapt and respond to a range of unpredictable situations.
The Versatility of Multi-Tools
Compact multi-tools like Swiss Army Knives or Leatherman devices integrate several useful instruments like pliers, screwdrivers, knife blades, bottle openers, and more into one portable, pocket-sized tool. These provide preppers the flexibility to tackle minor repairs, open cans and packages, cut cordage or bandages, and complete various odd jobs that may come up during an emergency.
Factors to consider when selecting a multi-tool include size/portability, tool materials (avoid cheaper stainless steel), locking capabilities, and having both a serrated and straight edge knife blade. Some excellent all-purpose options to include in an emergency survival gear kit are:
- Leatherman Wingman: An affordable 14-in-1 tool with locking blades, stainless steel construction, and an 25-year warranty. Frequently recommended for the well-rounded practicality of its toolset.
- Victorinox Swiss Army Knife: A classic versatile 7-in-1 multi-tool with stainless steel implements including blades, a can opener, screwdrivers, bottle opener, wire stripper, and tweezers. Renowned for portability and durability.
- Gerber Suspension NXT: Very portable at under 6 ounces with 12 integrated tools and safety locking features. Highly rated for its usefulness in unpredictable situations.
Having a quality multi-tool readily available in an emergency supplies bag enables preppers to quickly tackle minor repair work, open canned goods for sustenance, cut rope/paracord, pry open stuck doors or debris, strip wires as needed for power/lighting, and much more. Their versatility supports adaptation, problem-solving, and overcoming unpredictable challenges when SHTF scenarios arise.
Paracord and Duct Tape: Quick Fixes and Durable Repairs
Including sturdy, flexible materials like paracord and duct tape in your disaster survival kit facilitates resourceful repairs, securing unstable items, lashing together shelter components or broken equipment, and more. Their high strength and moldable properties allow creative solutions for reinforcing and patching both minor and major damage on short notice.
550 paracord contains an interior yarn core encased in a durable, weatherproof nylon sheath. With a breaking strength up to 550 pounds, it can be intricately woven and knotted for everything from replacing broken backpack straps to fashioning traps and snares when hunting for food. Wise preppers will include 50-100 feet of quality Mil-spec paracord in their gear.
Likewise, a duct tape roll has a vast array of emergency uses like sealing ruptured water lines/pipes before proper repairs can be made, taping together cracked windows/windshields, patching holes in tent fabric or tarps, securing bandages over wounds, and even crafting durable containers from cardboard or strips of wood. High adhesion, polyethylene-coated cloth tapes are best for multi-surface applications.
Employing these adaptable materials requires some creativity and practice working with them beforehand via projects or survival training exercises. But their flexibility and strength offer reliable stop-gap repairs when dire situations call for quick action and ingenuity.
Protective Gear: Gloves and Goggles for Safety
When dealing with storm debris, using tools to clear paths or harvest resources, or conducting repairs amid potentially sharp/harmful materials, having protective accessories like work gloves and safety goggles are a vital part of responsible emergency preparation. They safeguard your hands and eyes when exertion must be made under less than ideal conditions.
Cut-resistant gloves with rubber gripping surfaces provide both durability and dexterity for handling lumber, wire, and even glass or metal shards amid weather damage and structural collapse. Impact-resistant polycarbonate goggles with anti-fog coatings also protect eyes from blowing dirt/debris and seal out moisture that could obscure vision at key times. Select properly fitting gear that allows flexibility while keeping hands and eyes shielded from incidental scraping or piercing.
By keeping work gloves and protective eyewear with other toolkit equipment in your emergency go-bag, you ensure ability to labor more securely amid adverse situations where visibility may be impaired or sharp debris presents health hazards. Don't let minor hand/eye injuries in the initial days of a disaster or infrastructure failure derail your capability to endure and actively respond. Practical protective accessories enable safer operation.
Communication Essentials - The Lifeline in Emergencies
Staying connected and informed during an emergency is critical for survival. Having the right communication gear in your emergency survival kit can make all the difference. This includes equipment to receive updates and alerts, signal for help, and contact the outside world. In a disaster, communication becomes the lifeline between survival and peril.
Staying Informed with an Emergency Radio
An AM/FM radio is an absolute necessity for receiving critical news and instructions during a disaster when power, internet, and cell service may be unavailable. Choose a radio that doesn't require batteries or electricity to operate - hand crank or solar powered models ensure you can tune in regardless of the conditions. The Midland ER310 is an excellent emergency radio that charges via a hand crank generator, solar panel, and USB charging cable.
Key features for an emergency radio include:
- Hand crank and/or solar charging capability
- NOAA weather band to receive emergency alerts
- Bright flashlight or lantern functions
- Multiple charging options (hand crank, solar, AC, USB)
Having access to broadcasts and emergency instructions can be pivotal during a disaster. An emergency radio should be one of the first items added to any survival kit.
Signals for Help: Whistles and Flares
When facing a survival situation, signaling rescuers is critical once you've found relative safety. The right emergency signaling devices in your kit can grab the attention of first responders and get you the help you urgently need.
Whistles are extremely loud for their compact size and inexpensive. The piercing sound carries much farther than voice. Choose a whistle with a [lanyard](14-day emergency kit list) so you don't lose it.
Flares combust to create bright, colorful lights to contrast with your surroundings. Handheld or aerial flares alert aircraft and ground teams to your location. Select flares with a long shelf life that are approved for ground, marine, or aviation use depending on your context.
Flares and whistles are must-have emergency survival gear for visible and audible signaling. They could make the difference between being rescued or left behind.
Remote Contact with a Satellite Communicator
For extended survival trips into remote regions outside cell phone range, a satellite communicator can be an invaluable emergency preparedness asset. These lightweight, portable devices connect to satellites to send and receive text messages beyond the reach of mobile networks. Most models even have GPS built-in to transmit your coordinates.
The top satellite communicator pick is the Garmin inReach Mini which pairs with your phone via Bluetooth to send and receive messages anywhere on Earth. With an inReach subscription, you can text family/friends of your status, trigger an interactive SOS rescue alert, navigate routes, and share location. It's a compact backup plan keeping you in contact if you become lost or injured miles from help.
Key features of the best satellite communicators:
- Global satellite text messaging capabilities
- Integrated GPS tracking able to transmit coordinates
- Waterproof, durable, and lightweight construction
- Interactive SOS calling and remote assistance
When exploring off-grid, a satellite communicator provides a lifeline to emergency services keeping you safe as you adventure. It's a smart addition to any extended survival kit.
Tailoring Your Emergency Survival Gear - Personalization Tips
As a beginner prepper starting to build your emergency survival gear, it's important to consider your personal needs and tailor your supplies accordingly. Here are some tips:
Take Stock of Your Situation
- Carefully evaluate your living environment, local climate, potential risks, and special medical needs. This will help determine what situations you need to prepare for. If you live in a flood zone, stock sandbags. In earthquake zones, secure furniture. Understanding your unique circumstances allows more effective emergency planning.
Build a Customized Survival Kit
- Create a personalized disaster preparedness kit catered to your situation. For example, includePrescription medications, infant formula, or pet food in your emergency bag if needed. Tailor your 10 items based on risks you face. Don't pack winter clothes for a California earthquake. Let your needs guide gear selection.
Research and Test Gear
- Thoroughly research emergency survival kit items before purchasing, ensuring they fit your intended use case. Additionally, test gear under realistic conditions when possible to evaluate effectiveness. This avoids wasting money on equipment that ultimately fails when needed most.
Following these personalization tips ensures your emergency survival gear is tailored, effective and ready when every second counts. Ultimately, the exact 14-day emergency kit list that's right for you depends on your unique situation. With thoughtful preparation, you can build an emergency bag that fits your needs.
