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