Emergency Preparedness Prepping List
This covers every aspect of survival, from food and water to cooking options, first aid, shelter, power sources, and even sanitation.
We’ll cover both short-term and long-term scenarios.
The Ultimate Emergency Preparedness Prepping List
1. Water & Filtration
Water (1 gallon per person per day) – At least a 3-day supply for each person
Water Storage Containers – 5-gallon jugs, collapsible water storage, or water bricks
Water Filtration Systems – LifeStraw, Sawyer Mini, Berkey Water Filters
2. Food Storage & Cooking
Canned Foods – Vegetables, soups, beans, meats, fruits
Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Meals – Long shelf-life food (Mountain House, ReadyWise)
Long-Term Food Storage Kits – 1-3 months’ worth of prepackaged meals
Grains and Pasta – Rice, pasta, oats, etc.
Nuts and Protein Bars – Easy, compact nutrition
Peanut Butter, Honey, Jams – Non-perishable spreads
Powdered Milk or Canned Milk
Cooking Oil, Salt, Sugar, and Spices
Comfort Foods – Chocolate, instant coffee, tea
Food Storage Containers
Cooking Methods:
Tabletop Grills – Propane or gas tabletop grills for indoor/outdoor cooking
Cheap Charcoal Grills – Portable, basic charcoal grills for outdoor cooking
Charcoal and Lighter Fluid – Stock up on charcoal for longer-term outdoor cooking
Propane or Butane Canisters – For gas stoves and grills
Fire Starters – Waterproof matches, lighters, magnesium fire starters, other fire starters
Dutch Oven or Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for cooking over open flames
Camp Stove – Small propane or butane stoves for indoor/outdoor use
Solar Ovens – For long-term cooking without fuel
3. First Aid & Medical Supplies
Comprehensive First Aid Kit – Bandages, antiseptic, gauze, tweezers, scissors, bandaids, neosporin, bacitracin,
Emergency Medical Supplies – Trauma kit, tourniquet, Israeli bandages
Over-the-Counter Medications – Pain relievers, antihistamines, cold medicine, nasal sprays, eye drops,
Prescription Medications – 30+ day supply of essential prescriptions
Antibiotics – Fish antibiotics (if you can’t get human ones in emergencies)
Burn Cream, Aloe Vera – For burns or sun exposure
Sanitary Items – Feminine hygiene products, adult diapers, baby wipes,
N95 Masks or Respirators – For protection from dust, debris, or viruses, other face masks for other situations needed
Rubbing Alcohol & Witch Hazel
4. Power & Lighting
Portable Solar Panels – For charging devices without electricity
Portable Power Bank – High-capacity battery for recharging phones or tablets
Hand-Crank Radio/Flashlight – AM/FM/NOAA radio with hand-crank charging. Or a portable battery operated radio.
LED Lanterns or Solar Lanterns – Battery or solar-powered lighting or battery operated tea light or votive candles.
Battery operated solar light that automatically come on when the lights go out.
Flashlights for each person in your family and maybe Headlamps if needed– Always keep extra batteries or get rechargeable ones
Extra Flashlights to prop in an upward position to consistently light up a room, or the bathroom.
Mid sized cheap Flashlights with straps on end can be hung on hooks to light up a room, hand from a high wall hook or from a ceiling hook.
Candles & Matches – Backup for extended power outages
Extra Batteries – Stock up on all sizes (AA, AAA, C, D, etc. Whatever ones you need to operated your things)
Generator – Gas or solar-powered, depending on your needs if you can afford them. Obviously you never operate a generator during a storm, if flooding is imminent or possible and NEVER operate gas generators inside any BUILDING!
5. Shelter & Warmth
Tents – 2- or 4-person tents for emergency outdoor shelter
Tarp & Rope – For makeshift shelters or covering gear
Sleeping Bags – Warm, all-season or thermal sleeping bags
Mylar Blankets – Compact emergency blankets for warmth
Wool or Fleece Blankets – For added warmth in colder climates
Firewood, Charcoal, or Wood Pellets – Stock for campfires or wood stoves
Winter Gear – Hats, gloves, thermal socks, hand warmers
6. Hygiene & Sanitation
Personal Hygiene Kits – Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wipes
Toilet Paper & Paper Towels – Stockpile enough for extended periods
Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes – For staying clean without water
Portable Toilet or Bucket with Lid – For when plumbing isn’t available
Garbage Bags – Heavy-duty for waste management
Bleach – For disinfecting surfaces or purifying water (unscented, 8 drops per gallon)
Feminine Hygiene Supplies – Tampons, pads, menstrual cups
Shampoo & Body Wash – Dry shampoo or body wipes for waterless cleaning
7. Tools & Miscellaneous Gear
Multitool or Swiss Army Knife – For a variety of tasks
Duct Tape – For repairs, sealing windows, or makeshift items
Paracord – 550 cord for securing, building, or emergency uses
Shovel – Collapsible or small shovel for digging or clearing
Axe or Hatchet – For splitting wood or creating shelter
Plastic Sheeting – For creating barriers or sealing off areas
Fire Extinguisher – A must for emergencies where fire is involved
Bungee Cords or Straps – For securing items or creating makeshift storage
Notebook and Pens – To document important information
8. Defense & Security
Self-Defense Items – Pepper spray, taser, or personal alarms
Firearms and Ammunition – If you’re trained and legally allowed
Security Cameras – Solar or battery-powered for monitoring your property
Locks & Reinforcements – Deadbolts, window locks, and reinforced doors
Motion-Sensor Lights – Battery or solar-powered for extra security
9. Important Documents
Waterproof Document Case – Store essential papers, including:
Identification (birth certificates, driver’s licenses, passports)
Insurance Policies (home, health, life, car)
Medical Records and Prescription Info
Important Contacts (emergency numbers, family contacts)
Cash (small denominations in case ATMs are down)
10. Communication & Navigation
Emergency Radio – AM/FM/NOAA radio for weather alerts
Walkie-Talkies – Handheld radios for communication when phones are down
Compass & Map – For navigation without GPS
Signal Whistle – To signal for help if needed
Here’s a list of government resources for emergency preparedness.
1. Ready.gov (Federal Emergency Management Agency - FEMA)
Description: Ready.gov provides comprehensive resources for emergency preparedness, including family emergency plans, supply lists, and information on different types of disasters. It’s a primary hub for getting ready for emergencies in the United States.
URL: https://www.ready.gov
2. American Red Cross – Prepare for Emergencies
Description: The American Red Cross offers practical tips on preparing for various emergencies, creating emergency kits, and responding to disasters. While not a direct government agency, it works closely with FEMA and other federal programs.
URL: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Emergency Preparedness and Response
Description: The CDC provides health-focused preparedness guides, including resources for pandemics, natural disasters, and chemical or radiological emergencies.
URL: https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/index.htm
4. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Disaster Preparedness
Description: DHS offers information on how individuals and families can prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters of all types, including terrorism-related incidents.
URL: https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/prepare-my-family-disaster
5. U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Emergency Preparedness
Description: This resource helps individuals understand energy-related emergency preparedness, including what to do during power outages and ensuring fuel availability.
URL: https://www.energy.gov/ceser/emergency-preparedness
6. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Weather-Ready Nation
Description: NOAA focuses on preparing for severe weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Their site includes weather alerts and safety guides.
URL: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/
7. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Emergency Response
Description: The EPA offers guidance on dealing with environmental emergencies, including chemical spills, hazardous waste, and other ecological disasters.
URL: https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response
8. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Emergency Communication Tips
Description: The FCC provides resources on how to maintain communication during disasters, including information about wireless alerts, emergency radio, and best practices for staying connected.
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/emergency
9. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Natural Hazards Preparedness
Description: The USGS site offers resources on preparing for natural hazards, including earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes.
URL: https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards
10. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Food Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Description: The USDA provides guidelines for food safety before, during, and after emergencies, such as power outages, floods, and fires.
URL: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/emergency-preparedness
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