Survival List Essentials for New Preppers

When starting out in emergency preparedness, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed about knowing where to begin with survival supplies.

This guide lays out the essential items for a basic survival list tailored to newcomers in prepping.

You'll see recommendations on critical categories like water, food, first aid, shelter, and more to build an actionable foundation for emergency readiness.

Introduction to Survival Preparedness

Being prepared for emergencies and disasters is critical for every individual and family. Having a comprehensive survival list of gear and supplies can help provide protection, sustainment, and resilience when faced with unexpected crises ranging from power outages to natural disasters.

Understanding the Basics of a Survival List

A thoughtfully crafted survival list forms the foundation of emergency preparedness. The list should cover basic necessities like food, water, first aid, shelter, lighting, communication devices, and other gear tailored to risks in your region. Those new to prepping should focus on staples first.

Key elements of a beginner survival list include:

Non-perishable food and water (at least 3 days' supply)
First aid kit with bandages, gauze, medicines
Flashlights, candles, matches, batteries
Weather-appropriate clothes, shoes, blankets
Multi-tool, pocket knife
Emergency whistle and radio
Backup chargers and batteries
Cash in small bills

The list can be expanded over time by accumulating more supplies and specialized gear. Re-evaluating and updating the list at least annually is also important as risks, laws, gear, and other factors evolve.

The Importance of Emergency Readiness

Emergencies can strike suddenly, so maintaining constant readiness is vital. Even small disruptions like power outages can disable critical infrastructure and limit access to basic necessities. More severe events like hurricanes, floods, blizzards, earthquakes, and civil unrest can devastate entire regions - sometimes with little warning.

Having an emergency plan that covers evacuation routes, communication protocols, utility shut-offs, securing the home, and activating the survival kit can prove invaluable. Running occasional drills to test readiness and identify gaps in preparations can also help ensure your survival list fully supports emergency response needs when seconds count. The bottom line is that fortune favors the prepared, so building out your survival list lays the groundwork for effectively weathering whatever comes your way.

What are 10 things you need to survive?

When creating a survival kit, there are 10 essential items that every prepper should have. These basic necessities will help you survive in an emergency situation whether you are lost in the wilderness or facing a disaster at home.

Water

Having access to clean drinking water is critical. Pack at least one gallon per person per day and consider including a portable water filter or purification tablets.

Food

Pack high-calorie, non-perishable foods like granola bars, canned goods, dried fruits, jerky, and nuts. Focus on items that are lightweight and easy to transport.

Knife

A good quality knife is an indispensable survival tool for cutting, preparing food, making shelters, and more. Choose one with a fixed blade for durability.

Shelter supplies

Pack items to create an emergency shelter like a tarp, rope, duct tape, emergency blanket, and gloves. Having a shelter protects you from the elements.

First aid kit

Include bandages, gauze, medications, insect repellent, latex gloves, and other medical essentials to treat injuries and illness.

Rain gear

Stay dry with waterproof jackets, pants, boots, and gloves. Hypothermia is a serious risk if you get wet in cold weather.

Signaling device

Carry a whistle, signal mirror, flare, or brightly colored cloth to alert rescuers to your location if lost.

Fire starter

Stay warm and be able to purify water with stormproof matches, a lighter, fire steel, or waterproof tinder to ignite fires.

Multi-tool

Choose one with a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, and can opener to assist with survival tasks.

Flashlight

An LED flashlight with spare batteries provides light and alerts rescuers to your presence at night. Waterproof models float if dropped in water.

What are 10 items in a survival kit?

Having the right items in your survival kit can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Here is a list of 10 essential items that every survival kit should contain:

Flashlight - A flashlight allows you to see in the dark and can help signal for help. Make sure to pack extra batteries.
Whistle - A loud whistle can alert rescuers to your location. Choose one with no moving parts that cannot jam.
Dust mask - A dust mask helps filter out dangerous particles in the air during disasters like earthquakes or explosions.
Map and compass - Even if you know the area, a map and compass are vital navigation tools if you become lost or disoriented.
Can opener - Pack a manual can opener to open canned food when there is no power.
Radio - A battery-powered or hand cranked radio provides access to emergency broadcasts and weather reports.
First aid kit - At minimum your first aid kit should contain bandages, gauze, medicines, etc. to treat injuries.
Multi-tool - A multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife provides necessary tools like a knife, pliers, screwdrivers.
Water - Stock potable water pouches or portable water filters and purification tablets.
Emergency blankets - Lightweight emergency blankets retain body heat to prevent hypothermia.

Having these 10 basic items in your survival go bag provides critical resources to endure a crisis until help arrives. Prioritize portable, durable gear and pack extra batteries, food, medicine, and other essentials as well.

What are the 7 things you need to survive?

These 7 basic components are essentials for any survival kit, especially for those new to emergency preparedness:

Food and Water

Having enough non-perishable food and water is critical in an emergency situation. Experts recommend having at least a 3-day supply of food and water for each person. Good options include canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, and dried foods. Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Water filtration systems like a LifeStraw can help purify water if supplies run low.

First Aid Supplies

A well-stocked first aid kit contains bandages, gauze, medicines, sanitizers, and other medical essentials. An emergency whistle, gloves, and masks are also useful additions. Having the ability to provide basic first aid greatly improves chances of survival.

Shelter and Warmth

Reliable shelter and insulation are vital for regulating body temperature and staying dry. A tent, sleeping bags, blankets, hand/foot warmers, and weather-appropriate clothing/shoes should be packed. Items like a space blanket can retain up to 90% body heat.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Maintaining cleanliness prevents illness and infection. Pack soaps, disinfectant sprays, toilet paper, feminine products, toothbrush/toothpaste, and other sanitation items. A portable latrine or bidet can aid proper hygiene practices.

Light and Communications

Flashlights, glow sticks, and headlamps provide light when power is unavailable. An emergency radio and whistle/signal mirror help with communication and rescue efforts. Power banks can recharge small electronics.

Tools and Other Gear

A multi-tool, paracord, fire starters, heavy duty tape, and a compass assist with minor repairs, navigation, and signaling. A knife, pepper spray, or other legal self-defense item boosts safety. A 5-gallon bucket securely stores all gear.

Unique Needs

Those with medical conditions, children, pets, or seniors may require additional supplies like medications, diapers, pet food, mobility aids, etc. Prepare an emergency kit catered to your unique needs and situation.

What are good things to stockpile?

When building your emergency stockpile, focus on shelf-stable foods and supplies that will meet your family's basic needs during a crisis.

Food & Water

Prioritize non-perishable, high-calorie foods like canned goods, nuts, dried fruits, and crackers. Also stock up on bottled water or water filtration systems. Some good options include:

Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, beans, soups
Peanut butter and nut butters
Cereals, granola bars
Powdered milk
Dried fruits and vegetables
Crackers, pretzels
Beef jerky
Instant meals like oatmeal or dehydrated camping meals
Bottled water
Water filtration system like a Lifestraw

Tools & Supplies

Gather essential tools and supplies for survival and self-reliance:

Flashlights, headlamps, batteries
Manual can opener
Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
First aid kit, medicines
Multi-tool knife
Emergency blankets
Backup chargers and batteries
Face masks, gloves
Sanitation supplies
Duct tape, paracord
Camp stove, fuel
Tent, sleeping bags

Also remember to pack specialized supplies like prescription medications, infant formula, pet food, or medical devices if needed.

The key is preparing your stockpile well in advance and rotating out expired items. With the right emergency supplies, you can better weather any crisis.

Essentials of a Comprehensive Survival Kit

Creating an effective survival kit starts with understanding the essential items recommended by experts. Organizations like the CDC, Red Cross, and Department of Homeland Security provide guidance on preparing for emergencies.

Water Purification and Storage Solutions

Having clean water is critical in an emergency. Consider including water filtration systems like LifeStraw in your kit. These allow you to drink from natural sources by removing bacteria and parasites. Also pack water storage containers and water purification tablets. Aim to have at least one gallon per person per day.

Food Supplies: Sustaining Nutrition in Emergencies

Stock non-perishable, high-calorie foods like peanut butter, rice, instant noodles, and protein bars. These will provide the energy you need to get through a crisis. Have at least a 3-day supply packed and ready to go.

First-Aid Essentials and Prescription Medications

A first-aid kit handles minor injuries, while prescription medications treat existing conditions. Pack the basics - bandages, gauze, antibiotics, pain relievers. Don't forget several days' supply of medications you normally take.

Shelter and Warmth: Tents, Sleeping Bags, and Blankets

Your survival kit should protect you from the elements. Pack weather-appropriate items like tents, sleeping bags rated for cold weather, and wool blankets. Hand and foot warmers also help maintain body heat in frigid conditions.

Having these essentials on hand lets you respond quickly to emergencies. Continue expanding your knowledge and supplies over time. Consistent preparation is key to survival.

Tailoring Your Emergency Go Bag

Creating an emergency go bag tailored to your specific needs is an important part of being prepared. Having supplies ready to go for yourself, your family, pets, and anyone else who may depend on you will make a crisis situation less stressful.

Building a Personalized Emergency Go Bag Checklist

Start by taking inventory of who is in your household and what each person or pet will need. Think about daily medications, special dietary requirements, supplies for infants and young children, etc. Make a checklist organized by person/pet.

Some key things to include for each are:

Medications - Both prescription and over-the-counter
Food/formula - Special diets should be accommodated
Clothing - Seasonal and rain gear
Comfort items - Especially for young children

Having individual bags labeled with each name can help avoid confusion if they need to be grabbed quickly.

Incorporating Supplies for Unique Family Needs

If you have infants or elderly household members, make sure to pack diapers, wipes, formula, bottles and other specialty care items they rely on. Those with disabilities or special needs may require additional supplies like mobility aids or communication devices.

Having pets? Include leashes, collars, bowls, food, medication and restraints in case they need to be transported. Mark their carrier clearly.

The key is knowing your family's unique needs and accommodating accordingly so no one is left without something they critically rely on.

Considering Mobility: Survival Kit Backpack Options

In an evacuation, being able to move quickly while carrying your supplies is key. Backpacks and wheeled bags provide mobility and keep your hands free. Look for durable, lightweight options in bright colors for visibility.

For pets, have carriers ready to transport them by vehicle or even by hand if walking long distances. Label carriers clearly and consider backup leashes/collars. Practice loading pets into carriers during safety drills.

Regular Maintenance of Your Emergency Bag

Check emergency supply bags every 6 months. Replace expired food, water and medicine. Update clothing items seasonally and as family members grow.

Review your checklist and family's needs as situations change. Having a plan makes a crisis less overwhelming. By building survival kits tailored to each person and pet, you'll be ready.

Specialized Survival Kits for Various Scenarios

Survival kits can be tailored to specific scenarios, providing specialized gear to handle different situations. Having the right supplies on hand makes all the difference when facing an emergency.

Military Survival Kit List for Extreme Conditions

Military personnel often face extreme environments, requiring robust survival kits. Essential items include:

Self-defense tools like knives, pepper spray
Navigation aids like a military compass and signal mirror
First aid supplies for trauma care
Fire starting tools like stormproof matches
Shelter systems like tents and sleeping bags

Focusing on rugged gear for wilderness survival gives troops confidence when deployed.

Hurricane Kit List for Storm Preparedness

Hurricanes bring high winds, flooding and power loss. A well-stocked kit helps residents safely wait out the storm. Recommended items include:

Food and water for each person for 3-7 days
Flashlights, lanterns, batteries
Battery-powered radio to get storm updates
Cash and copies of important documents in waterproof bags
First aid kit, medications

Preparing hurricane kits well in advance is key before storms hit.

Disaster Survival Kit List for Urban Residents

Urban emergency prep focuses on sheltering-in-place scenarios. Essentials recommended by the NYC Emergency Management Department include:

Enough non-perishable food and water for 72 hours
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Flashlights, battery-powered radio
Whistle to signal for help
Duct tape, tools to shelter-in-place by sealing doors/windows

Customizing supplies to handle urban threats like power outages streamlines preparedness.

Wilderness Survival: Bushcrafters and Survivalist Gear

For seasoned wilderness preppers, key gear includes:

Fire starting - UCO Stormproof matches, lighter, flint
Shelter - Tents, tarps, sleeping bags, blankets
Water filtration - LifeStraw, water bottles, tablets
Hunting/fishing tools - Knives, paracord, fishing line
Navigation - Map, compass, GPS device

Having the right bushcraft gear and skills to thrive in the wilderness is essential.

Advanced Tools and Technologies for Survivalists

As a prepper building your survival list, it's important to consider some advanced tools and technologies that can enhance your capabilities in an emergency. Having reliable power, communication devices, electronics protection, and fire safety equipment can make a big difference in an uncertain situation.

Power Solutions: Generators and Solar Panels

Having a way to generate power when the grids are down is critical for operating radios, charging devices, storing perishable food, and more. Portable generators and solar panels are two popular options:

Generators provide the most reliable immediate power, though require fuel. Choose based on output needs - a 3,500W generator can operate a refrigerator and several electronics. Prioritize quiet models (under 65dB) as noise attracts attention.
Solar panels directly convert sunlight into electricity to charge batteries and devices. A 100W foldable panel can recharge smartphones, radios, and lighting. Pair with a power station to store energy. Solar won't work at night or in heavy weather.

When including a generator or solar panel in your survival list, ensure you have the appropriate power cords, adapters, and batteries to connect with your critical gear.

Communication Devices: Emergency Radios and Power Banks

Staying informed about local conditions and being able to communicate with others is key during disasters.

An emergency radio lets you listen to weather alerts, news, and emergency broadcasts when cell networks are unavailable. Choose a hand crank, battery powered, or solar powered model - the Midland ER310 is highly rated.
Power banks and rechargeable batteries allow you to operate and recharge phones, radios, flashlights and other electronics to coordinate with your group. A 20,000 mAh power bank provides 4-5 phone charges. Stock compatible batteries (AA, AAA) for all battery-powered devices.

Protecting Electronics: Faraday Bags for EMP Preparedness

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from a major solar flare or nuclear event can instantly fry sensitive electronics. Faraday bags block this electromagnetic interference so you can store backup electronics in protective shielding. They come in all sizes to store laptops, tablets, phones, radios, and spare parts. The Mission Darkness Non-Window bag is a reliable pick.

Fire Safety: Fire Suppression Devices and Fire Extinguishers

From heating food to providing light, fire is an essential survival element that also presents a major hazard if uncontrolled. Having fire safety gear can prevent disasters:

Fire extinguishers rapidly suppress flames and are available for wood fires, grease/oil fires, gas fires or electrical fires. A 5 lb ABC dry chemical extinguisher can handle most household fire types.
Fire suppression devices like a Tundra Firestop automatically smother stove-top grease fires. Fire blankets also smother fires.

In an uncertain situation, advanced tools like generators, solar panels, radios, power banks, Faraday bags, and fire safety gear can make a real difference. Invest in the gear that best fits your likely emergency scenario.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Building Your Survival List

Creating a comprehensive survival list is an essential step in emergency preparedness. As a new prepper, focus first on gathering the basic necessities like food, water, first aid supplies, etc. Start with the basics and build up your list over time as your knowledge and skills progress.

The key things to remember when making your survival list include:

Recap of Survival List Essentials

Stock up on non-perishable food and water
Gather basic first aid supplies
Assemble an emergency/bug-out bag
Have backup power sources like batteries, generators or solar panels
Include hygiene and sanitation items
Prepare documents and communication devices
Customize for your personal needs and situation

The Role of Continuous Learning and Adaptation

As you gain more knowledge and experience with prepping, revisit and update your survival list accordingly. Pay attention to innovations in emergency gear and technology. Conduct regular inventory checks and replace expired items. Consider different disaster scenarios and tweak your supplies to prepare for various risks. Adapt your list as your circumstances change over time. Disaster preparedness is an ongoing process.