Getting started with emergency preparedness can feel overwhelming for beginners. With so many potential disasters to prepare for, it's hard to know where to start when building your supplies list.
The good news is that you can cover the basics with a focused starter kit. By prioritizing a few key categories, you can assemble an essential set of gear, food, and other vital items.
In this post, we'll provide a comprehensive checklist that simplifies the process for prepping novices. You'll get a itemized list covering all the fundamental aspects of emergency preparedness, from water storage to first aid kits. With this guide, you can easily and affordably stock up on the 10 critical items that should be in every survival pack.
Introduction to Prepping Supplies
Prepping refers to preparing for emergencies or disasters by gathering critical supplies and learning key skills. As a beginner prepper, having the right gear is essential to survival and self-reliance. This introductory section covers the prepper mindset and outlines the basic categories of supplies you'll need.
Understanding the Prepper's Mindset
Preppers aim to be self-reliant and ready for events like natural disasters, extended power outages, economic crisis, and more. Being prepared with a stockpile of necessities can make all the difference. Common prepper priorities include:
- Having reserves of food, water, medicine, etc.
- Being able to provide shelter, lighting, heating without grid reliance
- Having the tools and skills to be self-sufficient if SHTF (slang for "stuff hits the fan")
Essential Prepper Items: The Basics
Every prepper needs supplies in key categories like:
- Food - Canned goods, freeze-dried meals, staples like rice and beans
- Water - Bottled water, filtration systems, water storage containers
- First aid - Medical kits, medications, sanitation items
- Tools - Knives, axes, shovels, rope, duct tape, radios, batteries
- Shelter - Tents, sleeping bags, emergency blankets and clothing
Tailor your prepper checklist to your situation. A good starter list has the basics covered.
Prioritizing Your Prepping Supplies List
When getting started on a budget, focus on securing at least a 2 week supply of water and shelf-stable food. Then build up first aid, hygiene, lighting, communication, and cooking gear. Expand your reserves and skills over time.
Accessing a Free Printable Prepper Checklist
Many preparedness websites offer free downloadable checklists covering all the essentials from water to bug out bags. These act as handy guides when assembling your supplies. Print one out and check items off as your prepper stockpile grows.
This intro covered the key points on supplies for beginning preppers. The following sections go into detail on specific categories of gear to have on hand.
What are basic prepper supplies?
Having basic prepper supplies on hand is crucial for emergency preparedness. Here is a starter list of supplies to have in your prepper kit:
Water
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for a 3-day evacuation kit.
- For home storage, have at least a 2-week supply of water for each person.
Food
- Stock up on non-perishable, nutritious foods that require little-to-no cooking such as protein bars, canned goods, nuts, dried fruits, peanut butter, etc.
- 3-day supply for an evacuation bag. 2-week supply for home storage.
Light and Communication
- Pack LED flashlights and extra batteries. A hand crank or battery-powered radio is also essential, preferably one with NOAA weather band reception.
First Aid
- First aid kits, medications, gloves, and other medical supplies.
Tools and Safety Items
- Pack an all-purpose knife, duct tape, fire extinguisher, emergency blankets, rope, a whistle, work gloves, and dust masks.
Sanitation and Hygiene
- Items like soap, toilet paper, feminine products, toothbrush, disinfecting wipes, and bleach to purify water if needed.
Other Essentials
- Extra clothes, rain gear, cash in small denominations, important documents in a waterproof bag, and pet supplies if applicable.
Focus first on gathering the basic emergency items listed above. Then expand your prepping supplies list further as you build skills and identify needs for your situation. Review and refresh your kit twice a year.
What should I stock up on for prepping?
When building your prepping supplies, it's important to have the essentials covered for survival. Here are some of the key categories to focus on:
Food & Water
Having enough food and water is critical in an emergency situation. Some important items to stock up on include:
- Canned goods: Canned meats, vegetables, fruits, soups etc. Canned goods are shelf-stable and don't require refrigeration. Prioritize calorie-dense and protein-rich options.
- Dried goods: Rice, pasta, oats, beans, lentils. Dried goods are lightweight and have a long shelf-life. They are great sources of carbohydrates and fiber.
- Water: Aim to stockpile at least one gallon of water per person per day. Store water in food-grade plastic containers and replace every 6 months. Consider water filtration methods as well.
First Aid & Hygiene
Being able to provide medical care and maintain health/hygiene is vital when SHTF. Key items include:
- First aid kit with bandages, gauze, ointments, medications
- Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting
- Soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products
- Extra prescription medications
- Vitamin/mineral supplements
Tools & Supplies
Equip yourself with gear and equipment to handle various emergency scenarios:
- Multi-tool, knife, duct tape, work gloves
- Battery, crank or solar-powered flashlights and radios
- Extra batteries, chargers, cables
- Emergency blankets, tents, tarps
- Gas cans, fuel stabilizer
- Cash, as digital payments may not work
Tailor your prepping supplies list based on your situation, but having backups of critical categories will help you survive when SHTF. Start small and build gradually over time for the best emergency preparedness.
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 supplies. These "evergreen" prepper products are essentials that every emergency kit should include:
Water
- Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. Consider storing a 2 week supply.
- Use sealed, unbreakable containers. Replace every 6 months.
Food
- Stock up on non-perishable emergency food with a long shelf life, like freeze dried meals, MREs, or survival food buckets.
- Prioritize calorie-dense and nutrient-rich options.
- Aim for at least a 3 day supply.
First Aid Supplies
- Adhesive bandages, gauze, trauma items
- Medications and ointments
- Tools like tweezers, thermometer, gloves
Hygiene and Sanitation
- Toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags
- Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bleach, disinfectants
Start with these fundamental prepping supplies. Then build up your stockpile over time by adding tools, gear, and other items as your budget allows. The key is starting now and continually expanding your preparedness.
What are 10 items in a survival kit?
Here are 10 essential items to include in your emergency preparedness kit:
Flashlight - A flashlight with extra batteries is crucial for lighting your way in the dark during a power outage. Consider a hand crank or solar powered flashlight as a backup option.
Whistle - A loud whistle can be used to signal for help if you are trapped or lost.
Dust mask - Dust masks protect your lungs from smoke, ash, and airborne particles if evacuation is necessary.
Maps - Local maps will help you navigate evacuation routes or find alternate shelters. Always good to have on hand.
Manual can opener - If the power goes out, you'll need a non-electric can opener to open canned food supplies.
Radio - Battery-powered or hand cranked radios provide access to emergency broadcasts and weather reports during power failures.
Games/books/puzzles - Boredom can be stressful during an emergency. Pack entertainment options for children to help them cope.
First aid kit - A well-stocked first aid kit is vital for treating injuries when medical care is limited.
Water - Stock up on bottled water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene in case water sources are contaminated.
Non-perishable food - Pack high protein snacks like granola bars plus meals ready-to-eat (MRE's).
Food & Water Prepper Supplies
Having adequate food and water supplies is critical for emergency preparedness. This section covers key supplies every prepper should have on hand.
14-Day Emergency Food Kit List
When building your emergency food supply, the general recommendation is to have at least a 14-day supply of non-perishable foods that don't require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking. Here are some essentials:
- Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, soups, meats)
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Granola and cereal
- Peanut butter
- Canned tuna, chicken, or other meats
- Protein or granola bars
- Crackers
- Pasta/rice and dehydrated sauce mixes
- Oatmeal
- Trail mix
- Powdered milk
- Coffee/tea
Properly store your emergency food in a cool, dry place and check expiration dates every 6 months. Calculate supplies needed based on one gallon of water and ~2,000 calories per person daily.
Water Storage and Purification Essentials
In an emergency, store at least 1 gallon of water per person daily. The best option is commercially bottled water in clean, food-grade plastic containers with tight seals. You can also use thoroughly sanitized 2-liter soda bottles. Replace water every 6 months.
Have a portable water filter or purification tablets on hand in case tap water becomes unsafe to drink. Top picks are the Sawyer Squeeze filter, Lifestraw, and Potable Aqua tablets.
Foraging & Fishing Prepper Supplies
If facing an extended disaster situation, foraging and fishing gear will allow you to find food and water sources in the wilderness. Useful items include:
- Fishing rod, hooks, line, lures
- Camp stove, mess kit, utensils
- Snares and traps
- Field guides on edible plants/berries
- Basic hunting weapons (check local laws)
What are 10 Items in an Emergency Food and Water Kit
To recap, here are 10 of the most vital food and water items in a basic emergency preparedness kit:
- Canned goods
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Cereal and granola
- Peanut butter
- Canned meats
- Protein/granola bars
- Oatmeal
- Powdered milk
- Bottled water
- Water purification tablets
Prioritize lightweight, nutrient-dense foods with long shelf lives. Having at least a 14-day supply is recommended for your household.
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Medical & Hygiene Prepper Supplies
Having medical and hygiene supplies is critical for emergency preparedness. This section outlines key items to stock up on.
Comprehensive First Aid Kit Checklist
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for treating injuries and illnesses. Be sure to have:
- Bandages, gauze pads, medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Pain medication like ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Thermometer, tweezers, scissors, safety pins
- Sterile gloves and protective face masks
- Eye wash and burn relief gel
- First aid instruction manual
Rotate supplies to ensure they don't expire. Also consider taking first aid classes so you know how to respond in an emergency.
Managing Prescription Medications
Stockpile at least a 90-day supply of any prescription medications you take. Also useful to have on hand:
- Cold medicines, cough syrup, antihistamines
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Electrolyte solutions for dehydration
- Antacids and laxatives
Properly store medications in a cool, dark place and check expiration dates routinely.
Sanitation & Personal Hygiene Checklist
Maintaining personal hygiene prevents illness. Be prepared with:
- Bar soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper, paper towels
- Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes
- Garbage bags, latex gloves
Having good sanitation practices can help prevent the spread of disease in an emergency.
Items Needed for Emergency Preparedness in Health
Some additional supplies that are useful:
- Backup prescription eyeglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Pet medication and first aid
- Extra batteries for medical devices
Take steps to safeguard your health. Being prepared medically gives peace of mind.
This section covers key tools for survival scenarios including self-defense items, fire starting supplies, lighting, and multipurpose survival tools. Having the right equipment can make a major difference in an emergency situation.
Self-Defense Prepper Items
Personal safety is paramount in a disaster scenario. Here are some recommended self-defense items to protect yourself and your home:
- Pepper spray - Temporarily incapacitates an attacker from up to 10 feet away.
- Collapsible baton - Compact and lightweight baton for self defense.
- 130dB personal alarm - Extremely loud alarm can scare away attackers and alert others.
- Stun gun - Non-lethal electric shock can immobilize attackers.
Fire Starting Kit Essentials
The ability to start and maintain a fire is critical for cooking food, boiling water, and staying warm. A basic fire starting kit should include:
- Waterproof matches - Reliable matches that will light in any conditions.
- Butane lighters - Refillable long-lasting lighters.
- Fire steel - Strike sparks onto tinder to ignite a fire.
- Tinder - Cotton balls, dryer lint, wax paper work well.
- Kindling - Small sticks, pinecones, and newspaper help start fires.
Illumination Gear for Power Outages
When the power grid fails, light sources are vital. Recommended illumination prepper gear includes:
- LED flashlights - Long-lasting, durable, and energy efficient.
- Battery powered lanterns - Provide hands-free area lighting.
- Glow sticks - Cheap, portable lighting that doesn't require batteries.
- Candles - Simple and reliable, but open flame requires caution.
Survival Kit List and Uses
A well-stocked survival kit tailored to your needs can be invaluable if disaster strikes. Here is an example checklist:
- Leatherman - Pliers, knives, screwdrivers for repairing and building.
- Paracord - Versatile rope for shelter, snares, gear repairs.
- Water purification tablets - Make found water safe to drink.
- Space blanket - Retains 80% body heat to prevent hypothermia.
- First aid kit - Treat injuries from cuts and scrapes to sprains.
- Fire starter - Ignite fires for cooking, warmth and signaling.
- Compass - Crucial for navigation if lost or displaced.
- Signal mirror - Reflects sunlight to signal planes/helicopters.
- Fishing tackle - Procure food from rivers, lakes and oceans.
- Snare wire - Craft traps to catch wild game for food.
Carefully considering your unique needs, assemble a survival kit that prepares you for the likely risks in your region. Regularly inspect and replenish the gear to ensure it works when you need it most. With the right tools and knowledge, you can better handle emergency scenarios.
Communication & Navigation Prepper Supplies
Communication and navigation are critical for survival preparedness. When disasters strike, being able to communicate with others and navigate without normal technology is essential. This section covers key supplies that aid communication, provide news and information, enable navigation, and allow you to perform vital tasks without power.
Essential Two-Way Radios for Preppers
Two-way radios allow communication with family or group members locally when cell networks fail. Having reliable two-way radios is one of the most vital parts of an emergency communications plan. Consider the following for your two-way radio prepper supplies:
- Long range FRS/GMRS radios with 20-50 mile reach. Models like the BaoFeng UV-5R are popular.
- Weatherproof and rugged construction.
- NOAA weather band to receive emergency alerts.
- Rechargeable batteries with solar panel or hand crank charging.
- Headsets for hands-free use.
- Encryption for secure transmissions.
Emergency Weather Radio and Its Importance
A battery-powered or hand crank emergency weather radio allows you to receive alerts and news without grid power. Models like the Midland ER310 have useful features like:
- Receiving NOAA and other emergency broadcasts.
- Multiple power options like rechargeable batteries, solar, hand crank, and AC.
- Smartphone charging capability.
- Flashlight, alarm clock, and other functions.
Having an emergency weather radio is vital for staying informed about disasters, weather alerts, and more when the power is out.
Maps & Compasses: Navigational Must-Haves
Maps and compasses enable navigation and finding your way without cell phone GPS. Every survival bag should contain:
- Detailed state/regional road maps and topographic maps.
- Waterproof map cases.- Quality compasses like the Suunto MC-2G.
- Local trail maps if evacuating by foot.
Practice essential navigation skills like orienteering before an emergency.
Disaster Survival Communication Kit List
A well-stocked communication and navigation kit contains:
- Two-way radios
- Emergency weather radio
- Maps and compasses
- CB radio
- Satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach
- AM/FM radio
- Whistles and signal mirrors
- Pad and pencils
Having redundant communication methods establishes reliable contact with family and aid. Regularly test and resupply your critical communication prepper supplies.
Home & Personal Safety Gear
This section outlines supplies to fortify and protect your home in an emergency, as well as personal protective equipment.
Fortifying Your Home: Doors & Windows
Reinforcing entry points into your home is an important part of emergency preparedness. Consider the following supplies:
- Security film for windows and glass doors provides an extra layer of protection and prevents shattering.
- Additional locks, bars, and other reinforcements for exterior doors improves security.
- Sandbags, boards, and fasteners allow you to barricade vulnerable areas from flooding.
Alternative Power Sources and Their Uses
Having backup power sources ensures you can meet basic needs when the grid fails:
- Portable generators offer abundant power for larger devices. Fuel types include gas, diesel, propane.
- Solar panels paired with deep-cycle batteries store renewable energy for small devices.
- Power stations provide portable electricity similar to generators but rechargeable.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Emergencies
PPE protects you from illness, injury, and contamination:
- N95 respirator masks filter 95% of airborne particles to prevent sickness.
- Goggles, safety glasses shield eyes from debris, biohazards.
- Nitrile gloves prevent skin exposure, contamination.
- Sturdy boots and full body suits provide protection from sharp debris during disasters.
Disaster Survival Kit List for Home Safety
A well-stocked survival kit contains provisions to maintain safety if trapped at home:
- Water and non-perishable food to survive without utilities or supply chain.
- First aid supplies - bandages, ointments, medications.
- Flashlights, lanterns, batteries. Emergency radios and chargers.
- Tools - utility knives, duct tape, tarps, ropes, staple gun to secure home.
- Sanitation items - toilet paper, baby wipes, plastic bags and ties.
- Cash, important documents, contact information.
The above list covers fundamental supplies for short and long-term safety. Tailor kits to your household needs.
Evacuation & Bug Out Gear
If forced to evacuate, having the right prepping supplies already packed will be critical. This section will detail important evacuation essentials.
Essential Bug Out Bags & Evacuation Kits
Pre-packed bags with food, water, tools, documents, and other vitals make rapid unexpected evacuation easier. Having prepper checklist PDF ready to go ensures you have all necessary items needed for emergency preparedness when time is of the essence. Recommended items include:
- 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food and water
- First aid kit, medications, hygiene supplies
- Flashlight, radio, batteries, chargers
- Cash, copies of ID, important documents
- Multi-tool, duct tape, fire starter
- Seasonal clothing, blankets, sleeping bag
A pre-made 14-day emergency kit list allows grabbing your fully stocked bug out bag and heading to safety quickly during a crisis.
Portable Shelter & Sleep System Essentials
Packable tent, tarp shelter supplies, sleeping bags, blankets and sleeping pads for warmth and rest. Having compact, portable shelter solutions when evacuating ensures you have protection from the elements and a place to sleep. Key items include:
- Lightweight tarp, rope, stakes to create makeshift shelter
- Inflatable sleeping pads for insulation from the ground
- Compact sleeping bags rated for seasonal weather
- Emergency blanket for retaining body heat
Choose durable and packable shelter options designed for survival kit list and uses.
Compact Cooking & Eating Utensils
Compact cook stove, mess kit, utensils, cups & plates for meal prep during an extended evacuation. Having the ability to heat food and water is vital. Essentials include:
- Lightweight backpacking stove and fuel canisters
- Unbreakable plates, bowls, mugs, and cutlery
- Can opener, pocket knife, cutting board
- Pot, pan, kettle, utensils for cooking
Look for all-in-one cooksets with mugs, pots, pans, lids that nest compactly together when packed.
14-Day Emergency Kit List for Evacuation
A specialized list of items to sustain you and your family for two weeks if you have to leave your home. Having the right prepping supplies pre-packed makes self-reliant survival away from home possible.
- Food/water for 14 days per person
- First aid supplies, OTC meds
- Battery/crank radio, flashlight
- Cash, documents, contact info
- Shelter system - tent, sleeping bags
- Cookset, camp stove, fuel
- Tools - knife, duct tape, cordage
- Seasonal clothing/footwear
Customize your disaster survival kit list based on your climate and needs. Prepare for 2 weeks without access to stores for resupply.
Final Tips & Next Steps
The key to successful emergency preparedness is taking it one step at a time. Start small with a basic prepper checklist covering essentials like food, water, first aid, etc. As your budget allows, gradually expand your supplies and knowledge. Proper storage is also vital - use quality containers in suitable locations to maximize shelf life. Don't forget to actually use your gear and get training where possible, whether that's first aid courses or familiarizing yourself with navigation tools. Finally, review and update your prepper items regularly. Threats and personal needs change over time, so adapt your preparations accordingly.
Starting Small with Your Prepper Checklist PDF
When beginning your foray into prepping, it's easy to get overwhelmed by enormous prepper checklists detailing every supply imaginable. Resist the urge to buy it all at once. Not only is this expensive, but improper storage can lead to waste if you accumulate more than you can properly maintain. Start with a short checklist covering absolute basics like:
- 3 days of non-perishable food and water
- First aid kit
- Flashlights and batteries
- Radio
- Multi-tool
- Cash
Space these out across pay cycles, picking up one or two items per shopping trip. Over several months, you'll accrue a reasonable starter stockpile without breaking the bank. Customize with region-specific items like cold weather gear or water purification tablets as needed.
Proper Storage Techniques for Prepping Supplies
To avoid wasting your hard-earned prepper supplies, use proper storage methods:
- Store in cool, dark, and dry locations to maximize shelf life
- Oxygen absorbers and desiccant packs prolong viability of foodstuffs
- 5 gallon buckets with gamma lids enable accessible, rodent-proof storage
- Cycle stock using "first in, first out" methodology
Choose storage locations wisely as well. A backyard shed or basem*nt works nicely. Just ensure your locale is discreet for security, accessible if evacuation becomes necessary, and that supplies are safely packed away from elements like moisture.
Training and Familiarization with Your Survival Kit
Simply owning prepper gear isn't enough - you must know how to employ it. Take first aid classes through Red Cross or community college to learn wound treatment, CPR, etc. Local gun ranges offer firearms training - practice marksmanship and safe usage regularly. Test your bug out bag on camping trips under varied weather conditions. These experiences impart operational familiarity while revealing gaps needing improvement in your preparations.
Reviewing and Updating Your Prepper Items Regularly
Revisit your prepper supplies every 6 months. Are foodstuffs nearing expiration? Have needs changed due to job loss or family members? Are you missing key regional items like snow shoes? Perform an inventory, replacing outdated goods and adding missing elements. Subscribe to prepper newsletters to stay atop developments. Being prepared requires vigilance, but with prudent stewardship, you'll be ready come what may.
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