When it comes to emergency preparedness, most would agree that having the right supplies on hand is critical for weathering any crisis.
This comprehensive prepping supplies checklist covers all the gear, tools, and provisions you need to ensure your family is fully equipped for emergency situations.
You'll discover the essential categories of supplies every prepper should stockpile, including water, food, first aid, shelter, clothing, communication devices, and more. With clear explanations of must-have basics as well as recommendations for sustainable long-term prepping.
Introduction to Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies and disasters is critical to ensure safety and resilience. Having the right supplies on hand can make a major difference in one's ability to shelter in place during a crisis.
Defining Prepping and Preparedness
"Prepping" refers to gathering gear and supplies in advance to be self-reliant during an emergency. The goal is to stock up on essentials like food, water, first aid, etc. to survive for an extended period if normal supply chains are disrupted.
Preparedness is the practice of being ready to handle emergencies through planning, knowledge, skills, and having robust supplies. It enables one to effectively respond to and endure disasters.
Overview of Essential Prepper Supplies
Some key categories of critical supplies preppers recommend keeping on hand include:
- Water - Having ample drinking water and water filtration/purification supplies.
- Food - Stockpiling non-perishable food, seeds, and nutritional supplements.
- First Aid - Medical kits, medications, sanitation items.
- Power - Portable chargers/batteries, generators, fuel.
- Communication - Emergency radios, satellite phones, signal boosters.
- Lighting - Flashlights, lanterns, glow sticks.
Stocking up on these types of essential gear improves readiness to handle extreme scenarios from natural disasters to infrastructure failure.
What should I stock up on for prepping?
When building your emergency prepping supplies, focus on stocking up on non-perishable foods and water as your top priorities. Here's a checklist of essential items to have on hand:
Food and Water
- Canned goods: meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, soups
- Dried foods: pasta, rice, oats, trail mixes, jerky
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days
- Powdered milk, juices, and electrolyte drinks
First Aid Supplies
- First aid kit: bandages, gauze, medicines, sanitizing wipes
- Prescription medications you take regularly
- Vitamins and supplements
Tools and Supplies
- Flashlights, batteries, radio, can opener
- Multi-tool, duct tape, tarps, rope
- Sanitation and hygiene items: toilet paper, feminine products, soap, disinfectants
- Cash, important documents, contact info stored in waterproof containers
When prepping, focus on sustainability - stock up on non-perishables that can last 6 months to 1 year without refrigeration. Rotate and replace food supplies as you use them. Having at least a 3 day supply is recommended to start. Slowly build up a longer term stockpile when possible.
What are basic prepper supplies?
Having the right supplies on hand is critical for emergency preparedness. Here are some of the most essential items every prepper should have in their supplies checklist:
Water
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Aim for a 3-day supply for evacuation kits, and 2-week supply for sheltering at home.
- Purchase commercially bottled water or store tap water in food-grade plastic containers. Replace water every 6 months.
Food
- Stock up on non-perishable, high-calorie foods that require no refrigeration and minimal preparation, like canned goods, dehydrated meals, protein bars, etc.
- Aim for at least a 3-day supply of food in evacuation kits, and 2-week supply when sheltering at home.
Tools and Light Sources
- Pack flashlights, light sticks, headlamps. Ensure you have extra batteries.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radios are critical for receiving emergency broadcasts when the power is out. Choose one with NOAA weather band if possible.
Storing adequate prepping supplies for water, food, light and communication establishes a solid foundation for emergency preparedness, whether evacuating or sheltering in place. Continually monitor and replace items as needed.
What do I need to start prepping?
To build a reliable base as a prepper, you should begin by stocking up on a few key essentials that can sustain you through emergencies.
Water
Having an emergency supply of water is critical. Aim to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Store water in food-grade plastic containers and replace it every six months. Consider storing water filtration devices as well.
Food
Stock up on long-lasting emergency food supplies such as freeze-dried meals, canned goods, and MREs. Prioritize nutritious and calorie-dense foods. A two week supply is a good starting benchmark.
First Aid
A well-stocked first aid kit can treat injuries and illness when medical care is limited. Essentials include bandages, gauze, medicines, gloves, trauma supplies, etc. Know how to use the items properly.
Tools and Supplies
Gather basic tools and supplies for temporary shelter, lighting, communication, sanitation, and other needs. Examples: flashlights, batteries, toilet paper, garbage bags, duct tape, and a pocket knife.
Start with these fundamental categories, then expand your preps over time. Refer to emergency preparedness checklists for additional guidance. Consistently build your self-reliance and capacity to handle disasters.
What should I stockpile now?
When building your emergency stockpile, focus on shelf-stable foods that do not require refrigeration and are lower in sodium content. Some essential items to have on hand include:
- Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruits, soups, meats, etc. Opt for low-sodium versions when possible.
- Dried goods like pasta, rice, oats, granola bars, trail mix.
- Shelf-stable milk, nut butters, jerky.
- Water and water purification supplies. Aim to have at least 1 gallon per person per day.
- Flashlights and batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
Depending on your family's unique needs, you may also want to stockpile:
- Prescription medications
- Pet food
- Infant formula, diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contact lens solution
- Cash
The key is tailoring your stockpile to your situation. Focus on necessities first, then add comfort items as you build up your supply. Routinely cycle through and replace expired food and batteries. With some planning now, you can ensure your family is prepared for various emergencies.
The Ultimate Prepping Supplies List
Having the right supplies on hand can make all the difference when an emergency strikes. As preppers, we aim to be self-reliant and prepared for anything. This comprehensive prepper supply checklist covers all the basics - from food and water to first aid and defense.
25 Items Every Prepper Should Stockpile
Here are the top 25 must-have items to include in your prepper stockpile:
- Water - Having an emergency supply of water is critical. Aim for at least one gallon per person per day. Consider storing bottled water as well as water filtration devices.
- Long-shelf-life foods - Stock up on foods like rice, beans, pasta, oats, peanut butter, etc. Prioritize nutrient-dense, non-perishable items.
- Canned goods - Canned fruits, vegetables, soups and meats are convenient prepared foods with a long shelf life. Stock your favorites.
- Freeze-dried foods - Freeze dried options like fruit, vegetables, meat and full entrees are lightweight and last for years.
- Protein bars/shake mixes - High protein snacks are compact nutrition when refrigeration isn't available.
- First aid supplies - A full first aid kit is essential. Include bandages, gauze, medicines, etc. Know how to use these items.
- Sanitation and hygiene items - Stock soaps, toilet paper, feminine products, tooth care items and bleach to purify water and clean surfaces.
- Flashlights and batteries - Crank and battery powered flashlights plus rechargeable battery packs provide light when the power goes out.
- Candles and matches - Simple lighting from candles is handy; store strike anywhere matches.
- Hand crank or solar powered radio - For accessing emergency broadcasts when the power grid fails.
- Multi-tool or pocket knife - Useful for opening cans, cutting material, tightening things etc.
- Emergency blankets - Reflects body heat to prevent hypothermia. Useful temporary shelter.
- Cash - Have small bills on hand as ATMs and card readers may not work during disasters.
- Weather appropriate clothing and footwear - Seasonal layers, coats, boots etc allow you to be safe and mobile outdoors.
- Protective gear - Masks, gloves, goggles and body suits help avoid contact with biological hazards.
- Fuel - Extra propane, gasoline, diesel to power generators and vehicle evacuation. Store safely.
- Fire making capability - Matches, lighters, flint sticks ensure you can start a fire for light, heat or cooking.
- Sealable food storage bags - Provide waterproof, pest-proof storage for food and supplies.
- Generator and fuel - Backup power is invaluable when infrastructure fails. Store fuel safely.
- Batteries - All sizes to power flashlights, radios, lamps and other battery powered gear. Rechargeable kinds are useful.
- Camp stove and fuel - A portable stove allows cooking without electricity or gas from the grid.
- Water purification supplies - Filters, chemical treatments and bleach allow you to make found water safe for use and consumption.
- Basic tools - Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hammer etc help make repairs and build/fortify your shelter.
- Prescription medications - Several month's supply of medications and glasses/contacts you require.
Prepper Supplies Clearance: Finding Deals
Building your stockpile starts with sourcing deals on gear and food. Here are tips for saving money on prepper supplies:
- Check online clearance sections of outdoor, camping, military surplus and emergency preparedness websites
- Sign up for email lists to receive notifications about sales, coupons and promotions
- Check discount grocery stores for canned goods and other long shelf life foods nearing expiration dates
- Buy in bulk quantities whenever items you regularly use are discounted
- Shop clearance racks in sporting goods stores for clothing and footwear suitable for survival situations
- Use cashback apps and promo codes to save on larger prepper supply purchases
- Attend prepper conventions and trade shows offering vendor discounts
- Buy secondhand gear at garage sales, thrift stores or classified ads sites
Prepper Gear and Supplies Essentials
Certain key categories of gear are considered essentials for an well-rounded prepper's supplies. These include:
Shelter - Tents, tarps, emergency blankets and shelters provide protection from the elements. Have backup options in case your home becomes unsafe.
Warmth - Cold weather clothing, heavy coats, thermal underwear, insulated boots, gloves and hats allow you to regulate body temperature.
Light - Flashlights, lanterns, glow sticks and candles offer illumination when the power grid fails.
Communication - Radios, walkie talkies and signal mirrors help you receive emergency broadcasts and connect with others.
Safety - Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, escape ladders, protective clothing/masks and other gear keeps you secure.
Navigation - Maps, compasses and GPS devices help you identify locations, plot routes and orient yourself.
Water - Bottles, filters, purification chemicals and containers allow access to drinkable water.
Food - Long shelf life foods, MREs and cooking equipment are vital to supply nutrition.
First Aid - Comprehensive medical supplies prevent and treat illnesses or injuries during disasters.
Tools - Knives, multi-tools, paracords, duct tape, work gloves and other utilitarian items provide practical solutions.
Best Prepper Food Options for Long-Term Storage
When building your food stockpile, prioritize nutritious options with a long shelf life. Great choices include:
- Rice - White, brown, jasmine and basmati rice can last 30 years when stored properly. A versatile base for meals.
- Beans and lentils - Dry varieties like black, pinto, kidney and chickpeas last indefinitely. Excellent source of protein and fiber.
- Canned fruits and vegetables - Typically last 2-5 years. Choose fruit packed in juice rather than syrup for health.
- Canned meats - Tuna, chicken, salmon and other canned meats keep 2+ years.
- Broths and soups - Condensed and ready-to-eat canned options store well for 2-5 years unopened.
- Honey - With its concentrated sugars, honey stays fresh 3000+ years unopened if stored cool.
- Oats and whole grains - Rolled oats, quinoa, barley, etc store for up to 30 years and provide excellent nutrition.
- Freeze dried produce - Fruits, veggies, eggs and meats retain nutrients for 25+ years. Lightweight.
- Fats and oils - Cooking oils, shortening, nuts and nut butters provide energy-dense calories and healthy fats.
- Hard cheeses - When properly wrapped, hard cheese lasts 6 months unrefrigerated. A tasty source of protein and calcium.
- Protein/granola bars - Long lasting portable calories when refrigeration isn't available.
Survival Gear for Sheltering in Place
In many emergencies, sheltering in place by fortifying your home and staying put is safest. Useful gear includes:
- Heavy duty tarps, staple guns, duct tape - Seal off broken windows, holes in walls or roof.
- Rope, cord, paracord - Tie down tarps, create clotheslines, make repairs etc.
- Warm blankets, sleeping bags - Insulate and retain warmth when heating fails.
- Camp stove, propane - Cook food and boil water with portable stoves.
- Water containers and water purification supplies - Have capacity to store and treat water.
- Weather radio, wind-up flashlight - Stay informed without electricity.
- Books, games, playing cards - Entertainment during confinement.
- Shovels, axes - Could be needed to dig out in winter storms. Clear debris.
- Plywood, boards and fasteners - Board up windows and openings.
- Sandbags - Block flooding from entering home.
With the right mix of supplies tailored to your location and potential risks, you can shelter safely until threats pass. Rotate stock as needed.
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Water & Hydration: The Foundation of Prepping
Water is the most essential supply in any prepper's stockpile. Having adequate water storage and purification methods is critical to survive emergencies when normal water sources are compromised.
Safe Water Storage Solutions
When building your water supply, focus first on safe storage methods:
- Store water in food-grade plastic containers or stainless steel tanks. Avoid using old milk jugs or other containers that may leach chemicals.
- Calculate 1 gallon per person per day for at least 72 hours. Scale up for longer-term scenarios.
- Rotate and refresh supplies every 6 months. Mark storage containers with purchase/expiration dates.
- Store containers in cool, dark areas to prevent algae growth.
Water Purification Methods and Gear
In an emergency, you may need to purify found water sources. Useful purification gear includes:
- Water filtration pumps remove bacteria, protozoa and solids. The Sawyer Squeeze is portable and filters up to 100,000 gallons.
- Chlorine dioxide tablets like Potable Aqua kill viruses and bacteria in contaminated water.
- Boiling water vigorously for 1 minute eliminates biological contaminants, but requires fuel.
Portable Water Filtration Systems
Portable water filters like the LifeStraw Family allow you to safely filter water from lakes, streams or questionable sources straight into your mouth or container. These filters remove 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, protozoa and solids and allow for easy, frequent water replenishment while on the move.
Emergency Water Supply List for Natural Disasters
Tailor your water prep to likely regional disasters. Stockpile 3-4 weeks of supplies including:
- Hurricane/floods: 5 gallons per person per day
- Earthquakes: bottled water in sealed containers
- Blizzards: melted snow, stored water with antibacterial additives
- Wildfires: stored water in sealed containers
Having adequate water storage and purification methods is the foundation of emergency preparedness. Invest in reliable long-term storage containers, filtration systems and purification tablets or drops. These basic supplies will prove invaluable if disasters occur.
Nutrition and Prepper Food Preparation
Maintaining proper nutrition is critical when preparing for emergencies. Having a stockpile of non-perishable foods can help provide sustenance when access to fresh foods is limited. This section offers guidance on building a well-rounded food supply and techniques for storage and preparation.
Long-Term Food Storage Techniques
When stockpiling food for emergency preparedness, it's important to store items properly to maximize shelf life. Recommended storage techniques include:
- Canning - Canning low-acid foods like meat and vegetables in mason jars allows for storage up to 1 year. Be sure to follow proper canning methods.
- Vacuum sealing - Using a vacuum sealer on dried goods, freeze-dried foods, or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can extend shelf life up to 5 years.
- Freeze drying - Freeze drying is a process that removes water content through freezing and dehydration. Freeze dried foods can last up to 25 years when stored properly.
Rotate and replace food supplies every 6-12 months to avoid spoilage and nutrient loss. Take inventory and check expiration or best buy dates quarterly.
Cooking Without Power: Prepper Kitchen Gear
Being able to cook without electricity or gas is an important prepper skill. Useful off-grid cooking gear includes:
- Camp stoves and fuel sources like propane or white gas
- Cast iron cookware that can be used over open flames or camp stoves
- Manual can openers and eating utensils
- Fire starters like matches, lighters, and fire steel
- Alternative heat sources like solar ovens or wood stoves
Practice cooking with these tools to identify needed skills or supplies. Consider how you would cook if unable to leave your home.
Prepper Pantry Essentials
A well-stocked prepper pantry should focus on nutrient-dense, shelf-stable items like:
- Whole grains - rice, pasta, oats, quinoa, etc.
- Canned or dried beans and lentils
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned, dried, or tube meats
- Broths and soups
- Peanut or nut butters
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vegetable oils
- Powdered milk and eggs
- Salt and seasonings
Prioritize foods your family regularly eats, as well as items that pack nutrition and calories for emergencies.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet During Emergencies
When relying on emergency food supplies, focus on maintaining nutritional balance across food groups:
- Protein - Canned fish and meat, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts
- Fruits & Vegetables - Canned or dried produce
- Grains - Whole grain pasta, rice, oats, quinoa
- Dairy - Powdered milk, shelf-stable milk boxes
- Fats & Oils - Vegetable oil, nut butters, ghee
Supplement with a multivitamin if intake seems limited. Tracking macros can help ensure adequate protein and calories. Prioritizing nutrition will help avoid malnutrition during extended emergencies.
First Aid & Medical Supplies
Having a well-stocked supply of first aid and medical items is critical for emergency preparedness. This allows you to effectively treat injuries, illness, and trauma when professional medical care is limited or delayed.
Comprehensive First Aid Kits
Pre-assembled first aid kits from reputable brands provide an excellent foundation for your medical preparedness. Look for kits that contain a variety of bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, gloves, trauma shears, emergency blankets, etc. You'll want to supplement even the best commercial kits with additional quantities of these essentials, as well as prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
When assembling custom first aid kits, be sure to include:
- Adhesive bandages of multiple sizes
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls
- Medical tape and butterfly bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer
- Trauma shears and tweezers
Rotate stock to ensure nothing expires. Inspect kits regularly and restock any depleted items. Store kits in easily accessible locations around your home, bug-out bags, and survival retreats.
Stockpiling Prescription Medications
Work with your doctor to obtain extra prescriptions in advance so you have an emergency supply. Be sure to properly store medications as directed. Rotate stock to use older drugs first and prevent expiration. Those with chronic medical conditions should have at least a 90-day supply of critical prescriptions stockpiled.
Over-the-Counter Medication Essentials
Over-the-counter medications to stockpile include:
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin
- Anti-diarrheal medications
- Antacids
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Electrolyte solutions
- Antifungal creams
- Eye drops
Focus on maximizing pain relief, immunity boosting, and treating expected issues like respiratory illness, nausea, diarrhea, etc. Rotate stock regularly.
Trauma Supplies and Tactical Medical Gear
Severe trauma requires specialized supplies like tourniquets, chest seals, and hemostatic agents to control significant bleeding. Consider taking tactical combat casualty care training and stocking military-grade medical gear. Having the ability to effectively treat trauma can save lives when SHTF.
Prioritize building comprehensive first aid supplies, prescription stockpiles, and over-the-counter medications before investing in tactical medical gear. The essentials will provide more utility for the average prepper.
Shelter & Camping Supplies
Having the right shelter and camping supplies is critical for emergency preparedness. Here are some key items to consider stocking up on:
Emergency Shelters for Rapid Deployment
Portable, easy-to-set-up shelters are essential for rapidly creating shelter in emergency situations:
- Tents - Lightweight backpacking tents can provide temporary shelter both indoors and outdoors. Prioritize tents with easy and quick setup.
- Emergency blankets - These reflective blankets help retain body heat and provide basic overhead shelter coverage. Useful for individual shelter needs.
- Tarps - Durable and waterproof tarps in multiple sizes can be configured into makeshift shelters and overhead coverage. Useful for group shelter needs.
Sleep System Options for Comfort and Warmth
Having an adequate sleep system is vital for getting proper rest during stressful emergency situations:
- Sleeping bags - Choose sleeping bags rated for the coldest temperatures you expect to encounter. Synthetic and down fills provide warmth even when wet.
- Sleeping pads - Foam and inflatable sleeping pads provide insulation from the ground and increase comfort.
- Liners and pillows - Liners and compact pillows add comfort and warmth to a sleeping system.
Portable Cooking Gear for Preppers
Being able to cook food is an important consideration for preppers when sheltering away from home:
- Camp stoves - Packable camp stoves like propane, isobutane and wood/alcohol burning models allow cooking without electricity/gas.
- Mess kits - Compact mess kits contain cookware essentials like pots, pans, cups and utensils.
- Water containers - Collapsible water carriers and bottles allow for storage and transportation of water.
Sheltering in Place: Making Your Home a Safe Haven
If remaining in your home during an extended emergency, shelter in place best practices include:
- Stock up on at least a 2 week supply of shelf-stable food, water, medicine, and other vital preparedness supplies.
- Secure your home by locking doors/windows, pulling shades/blinds, and monitoring access points.
- Stay informed with emergency radios, weather radios, and mobile alerts.
Investing in robust shelter and camping gear improves resilience, safety, and self-reliance during disasters. Continue building out supplies over time to be emergency ready.
Clothing & Personal Protection
Having the right clothing and personal protection is critical for emergency preparedness. Here are some key items to include in your prepping supplies checklist:
All-Weather Clothing for Climate Change Preparedness
As climate change leads to more extreme and unpredictable weather events, having clothing that can withstand a variety of conditions is essential:
- Insulated and waterproof jackets and pants - Choose jackets with removable inner linings to adapt to changing temperatures. Look for waterproof and breathable fabrics like Gore-Tex.
- Base layers - Merino wool or synthetic base layers help regulate body temperature.
- Hiking boots - Waterproof boots with ankle support and rugged tread provide traction.
- Gloves and hats - Having options for lightweight and heavy-duty gloves and hats helps protect from cold and wet conditions.
Personal Protection Gear for Hostile Environments
For potentially dangerous situations, personal protection gear can help safeguard your wellbeing:
- Helmets and body armor - Look for NIJ certified gear to protect your head and torso. AR500 and UHMWPE are affordable options.
- Ballistic eyewear/goggles - Wrap-around protection shields eyes from debris. Look for impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses.
- Gas masks and respirators - Essential for filtering air contaminants. N95 masks provide basic particulate filtration.
Thermal and Waterproof Clothing for Survival
Staying dry and regulating body temperature is vital in emergency scenarios:
- Wool base layers - Retains insulation properties even when wet. Merino wool is antibacterial.
- Waterproof ponchos - Lightweight and packable. Useful for improvised shelter.
- Hand and foot warmers - Air activated warmers provide portable heat. Useful when movement is limited.
Footwear for Rugged Terrains
Traversing difficult terrain often occurs during disasters. Footwear should have:
- Ankle support - Prevents rolling and injuries.
- Lugged outsoles - Deep lugs provide traction on mud, snow, and loose rock.
- Toe protection - Protects from impact hazards. Look for composite or steel toes.
Investing in durable and versatile layers, protection gear, and footwear ensures you can safely operate in diverse hazardous conditions during a disaster or emergency situation.
Communication & Navigation Tools
Reliable communication and navigation tools are vital for staying connected and oriented during emergencies. Here are some key equipment to have on hand:
Reliable Communication Devices for Emergencies
- Satellite phones enable communication when cell networks are down. Models like the Bivystick Satellite Communicator are compact and work globally.
- Two-way radios with NOAA weather band provide short-range communication without cell coverage. The Motorola Talkabout T800 is a reliable option.
- An AM/FM/weather radio like the RunningSnail Solar Crank Radio helps you stay informed if broadcasts are still functioning.
Navigational Gear for Preppers
- A military-grade lensatic compass such as the Suunto MC-2G provides accuracy if you need to navigate unfamiliar terrain.
- Waterproof and tear-resistant maps of your region and emergency evacuation routes help orientation.
- Handheld GPS devices with backup batteries, like the Garmin Oregon 700, are useful if cell tower signals are lost.
Emergency Signaling Equipment
- Having distress flares on hand can visually signal rescuers from afar in urgent situations.
- Loud safety whistles like the Storm All Weather Whistle carry sound over distances.
- Signal mirrors, such as the Survive Outdoors Longer SOS Mirror, flash bright light to aircrafts.
Staying Informed: Emergency Broadcasting Systems
Staying informed about disaster developments, safety protocols, evacuation routes, and more can be lifesaving. Battery-powered or hand-crank radios enable access to emergency broadcasting if electricity and internet are compromised. Models like the Midland ER310 offer public alert scanning. Also consider a NOAA weather radio for meteorological alerts.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Reviewing this comprehensive prepping supplies checklist is an important first step to gaining emergency preparedness. Assessing your current supplies compared to the categories here can help identify potential gaps to fill.
Review & Assess Your Current Supplies
- Take a full inventory of your existing emergency supplies and survival gear
- Compare to the supply categories on this checklist to find any shortages
- Make a list of the key items and quantities you still need to procure
- Prioritize obtaining long-shelf-life basics like water, food, first aid, etc.
Develop a Preparedness Plan
Creating a actionable preparedness plan is critical beyond just having supplies:
- Establish meeting places and communication plans with family
- Map out evacuation routes and alternatives from your area
- Set reminders to review and take inventory of supplies over time
- Rotate stock of expired or nearly expired food, water, medicine
- Continue expanding knowledge and skills via online resources and local courses
Continue Expanding Your Stockpile
- Building an adequate stockpile takes time, budget and persistence
- Focus on procuring the most essential items first if limited by space or money
- Gradually add to your supplies over months and years as budget allows
- Take advantage of sales, discounts and bulk options when possible
- Ensure proper storage conditions for sensitive gear and perishables
Establishing true emergency readiness is an ongoing process, but this prepping supplies checklist serves as a solid foundation to build upon.
