Introduction
When disaster strikes, being prepared with the right supplies and plan can make all the difference. A comprehensive SHTF (stuff hits the fan) prep list allows you to be ready for anything – from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, to man-made catastrophes like economic collapse or cyber attacks. Taking the time to assess risks, stock supplies, and make an evacuation plan reduces panic and instills confidence to act decisively, potentially saving your life when seconds count.
This prep list guide covers all the essentials for withstanding a major emergency when normal infrastructure and supply chains are disrupted. While an exhaustive list of every supply is impractical, we break down the basics into fundamental categories like water, food, first aid, self defense, power, and bug out gear. With the right mindset and core necessities covered, you can weather any storm. Let’s get started!
Defining SHTF
SHTF or “stuff hits the fan” refers to a major disaster scenario that disrupts normal society. Some potential SHTF events include:
- Natural disasters - hurricanes, earthquakes, solar flares, floods
- Man-made disasters - economic collapse, cyber attack, terrorist attack, infrastructure failure
- Civil unrest - riots, martial law, violent social breakdown
- Pandemic outbreaks - ebola, coronavirus, influenza
While many preppers specifically prepare for high impact risks like solar flares or viral pandemics, adopting a broader SHTF mindset ensures you’re ready for any sudden disruption. Preparing for acute crises may seem paranoid, but history shows even stable societies can rapidly deteriorate under the right circumstances. An adaptable prepper’s mindset combined with core supplies helps you roll with the punches, whatever comes your way.
Prep List Fundamentals
Creating a solid prep list starts with identifying likely risks in your region, assessing your family’s unique needs, and budgeting accordingly. While some preppers accumulate years of supplies, cover core necessities first. Useful principles include:
- Categorize needed quantities by survival basics - water, food, shelter, first aid, etc.
- Calculate supplies based on household size and potential disaster duration. Aim for 2-4 weeks of critical supplies.
- Balance portability of bug out bag items versus stocking quantities for sheltering in place.
- Rotate stock using older food and water first. Replace annually if possible.
- Join a community to share knowledge, costs, and resources. Bartering will be key.
Building up too many supplies can be costly and impractical to transport if evacuating. Start with foundations like water, emergency food, medical, and self defense. Skills are equally vital - take CPR courses, learn to purify water, practice prepping as a lifestyle. Let’s explore key categories:
Water & Sanitation Supplies
Clean drinking water is the #1 prepper priority. Stock at least 1 gallon per person per day for 2 weeks initially. Consider:
- Bottled water in various bottle sizes. 5 gallon jugs are heavy but efficient.
- Water filtration like lifestraws, Sawyer filters, and purification tablets
- Storing water with additives to preserve from algae and microbes
- Rain catchment barrels, waterBOBs for bathtub storage
Sanitation is also vital. Stock toilet paper, baby wipes, portable toilets, and waste bags to keep disease risk low.
Short-Term Water Storage
For mobile water reserves, bottled water is convenient:
- Small 16-24 oz bottles are highly portable
- 5 gallon jugs like the Reliance Aqua-Tainer efficiently store water
- Water boxed packets and pouches like Mainstay Emergency Drinking Water are light and stackable
- Water bricks like the WaterBrick seal water in durable BPA-free containers
Rotate water every 6 months and avoid direct sunlight which speeds plastic leeching. Tap water safe to drink? Fill your own containers and save on costs.
Long-Term Water Solutions
For large scale water storage:
- 55 gallon plastic or steel drums can be cleaned and filled
- 330 gallon stackable IBC totes work for larger quantities
- Build external rain catchment systems with 55+ gallon barrels
- Store water containment bags like WaterBOB and bladders for tubs
Learn to identify natural flowing water sources. Boiling and chemical treatments like Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets purify found water. Overall, sufficient stored water reduces the daily burden in an emergency.
Food Supplies
Stockpile a diverse supply of calorie-dense non-perishables:
- Rice, beans, pasta - long shelf-life carbohydrates
- Canned vegetables, fruits packed in juice
- Canned, foil-pouched meats like tuna, chicken
- Protein bars, powdered milk, peanut butter
- Oils, spices, salt, sugar, honey
Rotate stock by integrating foods into regular meals. Track expiration dates and aim for at least a 2 week supply before expanding long-term storage with Mylar bags.
Key Non-Perishables
Focus on nutritious foods with long shelf lives:
- Whole grains - rice, quinoa, oats
- Beans - canned and dry pinto, black, kidney
- Soups - hearty canned varieties like chili
- Fruits - canned in juice or water
- Meats - canned tuna, chicken, salmon, Vienna sausage
- Comfort foods - coffee, tea, peanut butter, chocolate
Buy familiar ingredients you already eat to avoid waste. Cook and taste test your stockpile.
Food Storage Options
Proper storage is crucial:
- 5 gallon buckets with Mylar bags protect from moisture and oxygen
- Vacuum seal pouches like FoodSaver bags prevent water damage and pests
- Cool, dry place like basement or cupboard avoids temperature extremes
- Food-grade plastic containers are reusable and stack efficiently
- Don't forget can openers, mess kits, camp stoves to prepare meals
Rotate stock using older ingredients first. Track dates and replace annually.
Emergency Gear & Evacuation Supplies
Bug out bags should be ready to grab at a moment's notice. Having cash, key documents, tools, and other essentials in a portable bag reduces panic if evacuating quickly becomes necessary.
- Pack food, water, first aid kit, flashlights, radio, batteries
- Have copies of vital documents in a waterproof bag
- Include a pocket knife, lighter, duct tape, garbage bags
- Stash some cash in small bills
- Pack work gloves, protective eyewear
The goal is to have your most critical items ready to go at all times. Rotate food and water every 6 months.
Bug Out Bag Essentials
Your bug out bag should contain:
- Water - collapsible bottles, hydration bladder
- Food - high calorie bars, MREs, freeze dried meals
- First aid - trauma kit, meds, hygiene items
- Light - flashlight, glow sticks, headlamp like Black Diamond Storm
- Fire - matches, lighter, fire starter
- Shelter - tarp, emergency tube tent, bivvy sack
- Clothes - sturdy boots, raingear, base layers
Choose rugged gear you can depend on like Sawyer water filters, Jetboil stoves, and Marmot tents.
Grab-and-Go Evac Supplies
Have these items ready to throw in your bag:
- Prescriptions, medications, glasses
- Family photos and documents
- Pet supplies - leash, food, carrier
- Hard copy maps and meeting points
- Extra ammo, battery bank, radio
- Hidden house key, car key, cash
- Irreplaceable mementos
Rehearse evacuating urgently - can you be on the road within 20 minutes?
Self Defense & Security
In an extended disaster, being able to defend yourself and your home is critical. Consider:
- Alarms, cameras, lighting to harden your home perimeter
- Non-lethal options like pepper spray, batons
- If legal in your state, firearms for home defense
- Two-way radios to coordinate with neighbors
- Train in martial arts, de-escalation, and tactical combat
Avoid relying solely on law enforcement in a collapse. Form trusted communities for mutual security.
Firearms & Training
If suitable for your situation:
- Take professional instruction on safe handling, storage
- Research state and local laws on ownership thoroughly
- Choose reliable pistols, shotguns, and rifles
- Stock at least 500+ rounds of appropriate ammo
- Maintain proficiency with routine practice
- Use gun safes like SentrySafe and trigger locks to secure safely
Never rely on untested weapons for home defense. Get trained by experts.
Non-Lethal Alternatives
Less than lethal options:
- Pepper spray - causes temporary blindness
- Tactical batons - light, fast, and intimidating
- Tactical flashlights - heavy metal ones can be used as an impact weapon
- Guard dogs provide alert barking and can deter intruders
- Take martial arts classes to disarm attackers if needed
Avoid violence by fleeing or hiding if possible. As a last resort, fight back decisively.
First Aid Supplies
Having the right medical gear can sustain life in a disaster. Stock:
- Sterile dressings - gauze pads, rolls, towels
- Adhesive bandages - multiple sizes
- Elastic wraps - to secure dressings
- Tourniquet - CAT or SOFT-T recommended
- Trauma shears - to cut away clothing
- Sterile gloves, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment
Include any prescription medications your household requires. Rotate medicine 6 months before expiration.
Trauma Supplies
For severe bleeding control:
- Hemostatic gauze - Celox, QuikClot
- Tourniquet - CAT or SOFT-T recommended
- Chest seals - for penetrating chest wounds
- Nasopharyngeal airways - for obstructed airways
- Surgical instruments - clamps, staplers, suture kits
Take "Stop the Bleed" first aid classes to learn techniques.
Medications
Over the counter meds:
- Pain relief - ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin
- Anti-diarrheal - Imodium, Pepto-Bismol
- Antibiotics - Neosporin, doxycycline
- Antihistamine - Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl
- Prescriptions - insulin, heart meds, epi-pen
Rotate stock annually and ensure proper storage conditions.
Power & Communication
When grid power fails, having backup sources keeps critical devices running:
- Portable generators - 3,000-5,000 watt output recommended
- Solar panels and charge controllers
- Rechargeable batteries - AA, AAA, CR123
- Hand crank radios and flashlights
- Faraday cage for EMP protection
Maintain equipment routinely - change oil, test start monthly.
Portable Generators
For homes and base camps:
- 3,000-5,000 watts can run fridge, medical devices, lights
- Store treated gasoline with stabilizers like Sta-Bil
- Hook up safely to your electrical panel
- Test and inspect fittings, lines, oil levels
- Run monthly to maintain operability
Incorrect use risks deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow instructions carefully.
Two-Way Radios
To communicate locally:
- Store spare batteries, solar charger
- Learn proper protocols for channels and frequencies
- Use encryption, call signs for operational security
- Get licensed for HAM radios
- Practice routinely to build skills
Keep it simple with walkie-talkies for your neighborhood, tactical radios for operations.
Clothing, Shelter & Bedding
Shelter from the elements is a basic necessity post-disaster. Have:
- Warm, waterproof outer layers and boots
- Breathable base layers for variable temps
- Quality gloves, hats, scarves, and balaclavas
- Durable tents or tarps for temporary shelter
- Emergency tube tents, bivvy sacks
- Sleeping bags and blankets rated for your climate
Rotate gear based on seasons - switch clothes and bedding to match conditions.
Emergency Shelter Options
Choose durable, reusable options:
- 4 season tents like North Face Stormbreak 2 hold up in storms and wind
- Waterproof tarps create makeshift shelters
- Bivvy sacks like Outdoor Research Alpine Bivy retain body heat
- Inflatable sleeping pads for comfort and insulation
- 550 paracord for building shelters and securing items
Test gear routinely under real conditions during camping trips or hikes.
Seasonal Considerations
Adjust your supplies based on weather:
- Winter - insulated boots, base layers, heavy coats, gloves
- Summer - breathable shirts, shorts, sandals, hats
- Year-round - quality socks, closed toe shoes, layered clothes
Evaluate your climate and likely weather if evacuating. Pack accordingly.
Planning Your Evacuation
Whether you shelter in place or bug out, solid planning is key.
- Know primary and alternate routes out by car and on foot
- Select potential destinations - family or friends, hotels, public land
- Coordinate with your trusted network
- Rehearse evacuating urgently - can you be on the road in 20 minutes?
- Avoid obvious hazards like coastlines, rivers, nuclear plants
Update plans every 6 months as situations evolve.
Bug Out Location Considerations
Ideal evacuation sites are:
- Rural location away from dense population
- Adequate shelter - cabin, shed, caves
- Access to water - stream, lake, well
- Ability to defend the location
- Geographically unlikely to be impacted by your disaster trigger
Have alternates in different directions to accommodate road closures.
Getting There
To reach your destination:
- Print maps with marked rally points, directions
- Keep bug out vehicle fueled up
- Pack food, water, and gear to walk if needed
- Have navigation aids - compass, maps, GPS
- Bring a radio to coordinate with others
Staying flexible maximizes your chances of survival.
Key Planning Principles
Prepping boils down to covering basics then building over time. Remember:
- Prioritize water, food, shelter, security at first
- Acquire skills as well as supplies
- Store what you eat and use - no gimmicky items
- Network for mutual aid - we’re stronger together
- Balance preparedness with enjoying the moment
Take gradual steps to become antifragile over time.
Maintaining Your Preps
Rotate and take inventory annually:
- Cycle water every 6 months, food before expiration dates
- Check gear for damage and repack bags
- Review plans and update with lessons learned
- Test and replace batteries, fuel as needed
- Set reminders to review preps seasonally
Integrate prepping into your lifestyle. Make preparedness a lifelong journey.
Special Considerations
Factor in unique needs:
- Specific medical requirements - prescriptions, equipment
- Infant formula, diapers if you have a baby
- Pet food and supplies
- Entertainment like books, games
- Address mental health and community
Preparing takes time but brings peace of mind. Start your journey today.
Conclusion
This weloveprepping.com/blog/shtf-shopping-list-essentials-for-peace-of-mind/">SHTF prep list provides a framework to build comprehensive resilience plans tailored to your situation. WeLovePrepping.com helps you get ready for any surprise with news, tips, and gear. Prepping empowers you to confront uncertainty with confidence. By covering survival basics like water, food, first aid, and gear, you can withstand any crisis. Remember to balance supplies with useful skills while enjoying the journey. With preparation and training, we can weather any storm. Stay vigilant and flexible - the future is ours to shape. Now get out there, be prepared, and thrive!
