Some of you may have only recently warmed up to prepping for emergencies, and that’s completely okay! Being prepared for whatever life throws at you is actually a very smart choice, and it’s not too late to start. Better to be safe than sorry, I like to think.
However, when you’re first starting, it can be a bit overwhelming. It is important for us all to know which supplies you need to have set aside for your family in preparation for a possible disaster. Helping others understand the steps to take for family prep and survival is why I started this blog. Check out these basic prepper items as we discuss some action steps!
Basic Prepper Items
Besides having plenty of water and food set aside, you’ll need several other supplies to make your situation more manageable. I’m here to help you with all of that. Please keep reading to discover what basic items every prepper needs in their emergency supply kit.
1. Water
You should set aside a gallon of water per day for each family member for drinking and sanitation purposes. A 3-day drinking water supply for each person should be enough for most emergencies, but I recommend setting aside more than that if you can. By now, you know I recommend 4 gallons of water per person per day. Waterbricks and Waterbrick Spigot
We need to stay hydrated and have water for cooking and to meet minimum personal sanitation needs. That’s tough to do if you only have one gallon set aside for each person’s survival. There are several options for the types of water containers that will work best for your family. We’ve used 55-gallon barrels, larger tanks with drain spigots, and smaller containers like Water Bricks that can be stored under a bed.
I recommend Water Preserver as a treatment for long-term storage since it lasts five years.
Remember that the water you store needs to be clean enough to drink, and the local municipal supply may become contaminated. Consider your options for water purification so you’re adequately prepared. The volume you need typically can’t be handled by water purification tables alone. There are some great choices for water filtering systems, with some being gravity-fed and others running through the filters with an effective pump.
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2. Food
Regarding food storage, I recommend that you build a several-day supply by stocking up on non-perishable food products. Those foods can have a long shelf life. You want food in your stash with a long shelf life that will still be good when you need it. Some food items to consider include canned goods like meat, fruit, and vegetables (don’t forget a can opener!).
It can also include protein bars, peanut butter, dried fruits, nuts, beef jerky, dried cereals, pasta, rice, dry beans, and high-energy foods. A three-day supply of food is a great place to start, but again, I’d encourage you to continue to add to your stockpile until you build up to a three-month supply for the whole family. The more, the better.
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3. First Aid Kit
Injuries are known to happen at any time, but especially during emergencies. That’s why you don’t want to get caught without a first aid kit for your family. Besides bandages and gauze, ensure your kit also has some of the items you use daily. That could include pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, scissors, basic medical supplies unique to your family, and a thermometer. Oximeter (measures oxygen levels)
- First Aid Kits- What You Need To Survive
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4. Prescriptions and Medicines
If you have any family members with medical conditions or who require regular medications, make sure to include their prescriptions in your kit. You should also consider allergy medicine, stomach and pain relievers, and flu and cough medicine.
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5. Clothing and Blankets
I suggest you set aside a few extra clothing and blankets for each family member in case the temperatures dip suddenly or members get wet during an emergency. This way, you’re sure to stay warm and dry. These items don’t require a lot of survival skills to use efficiently.
- 6 Reasons To Store Blankets For Any Emergency
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6. Flashlight (extra batteries)
Don’t be left scrambling around in the dark during a crisis. Every prepper should have a flashlight and extra batteries in their emergency kit. I’d also recommend having an alternative light source, such as candles, glow sticks, or camping lanterns. Rechargeable batteries also make sense if you can access a power source during an emergency.
I love my solar-charged flashlights. I keep several stored on my window sills, so I can count on them being available when needed. I also suggest you have some headlamps. You may need to carry items as you evacuate or move within your home, so having both hands free and using those headlamps for the light needed makes things much easier.
Other handy devices include lanterns. We’ve had units that run on white gas, but prefer those that use propane and butane. You can also get solar-powered units that charge up pretty quickly using solar charger panels.
7. Hand-crank Radio
Even after the disaster is in your rear-view mirror, you’ll still need to know what’s happening around you. After all, there could be essential updates or warnings that you need to know about. A hand-crank radio could provide you with that information.
Communication is essential during emergencies. You should also consider walkie-talkies for relatively short-range use, but a ham radio can come in handy to stay on top of world events. You can’t always count on the cell phone working full-time, so have some backup plans—plan so the higher-priced purchases don’t all come at once.
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8. Tools
You may be required to use several different tools during a disaster. If you have to turn off your main water valve or gas line, you’ll need a wrench, pliers, and possibly a screwdriver. Ensure your kit includes a hammer, a pocket survival knife with a sharp blade, and a multi-purpose tool. Having shovels of various sizes can prove very helpful, too. Don’t forget duct tape, screws, nails, and a saw with sharp teeth.
Other essential survival gear items you should strongly consider are a compass, a weapon for self-defense, a backpack, a poncho, an emergency blanket, and a quality GPS or compass unit.
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9. Portable Water Filter
In the unfortunate situation where you’re forced to leave your home quickly and your emergency drinking water supply behind, a portable water filter would help. I love the LifeStraw water filter because it’s easy to carry and can filter bacteria and small particles from any water source.
10. Fire Extinguisher
Your situation could become much worse if you don’t have a fire extinguisher to help put out the flames. Be sure to have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of your home.
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11. Matches
Matches can be a great help if you don’t have any other way to start a fire. And, of course, keeping them in a waterproof container is essential so they’ll still work when called upon on those wet and rainy days.
12. Eating utensils, Cups, Plates, Paper Towels
Don’t forget the little things like stocking up on eating utensils, cups, plates, and paper towels. They can make a big difference when you have to eat or clean something up in an emergency. Paper towels and toilet paper are also a must.
13. Trash Bags
Trash bags can come in handy when you have to clean up around your home during a disaster, or even be used to create a makeshift shelter. But don’t forget the duct tape for that scenario!
14. Sleeping Bags
Sleeping bags are excellent for warmth and comfort if you’re ever forced to evacuate during a disaster. They also come in handy if you lose the power needed to warm up your home. So don’t forget to add one for each family member to your stockpile!
15. Camping Tent
Again, if you’re forced to evacuate and have nowhere to go, you’ll be glad you had a camping tent for shelter so your family has a place to rest their heads.
16. Dust Mask
When things start really hitting the fan, you may need to use a dust mask to protect your lungs from toxic particles. If you’re planning to shelter in place or evacuate, make sure you have at least one mask per family member. Multiple masks are better since you don’t know how long you’ll need them.
17. Whistle
Should your family become trapped inside your home following a natural disaster, don’t think that you can depend upon your lungs to be loud enough to be heard. Because who knows, you could have a bunch of debris piled on top of you. A whistle would do the trick!
18. Personal Hygiene
Nobody likes feeling unkempt during an emergency, so remember to include items like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products. These items will help you stay clean and comfortable for longer periods if needed.
- 35 Essential Personal Hygiene Products You Need to Stock
- 10 Hygiene and Sanitation Tips for a Disaster
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- Personal Hygiene: How to Survive Without Power
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19. Baby Items
For those with a baby, stock up on diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and diaper rash cream.
20. Pet Supplies
Whatever you do, remember your pet! Your prepper’s kit should include food, water bowls, a collar or harness, a leash, and kitty litter. Don’t forget crates, a blanket, and their favorite toy. Please be aware to keep your pet’s vaccination records in the pet emergency bag.
21. Important Documents
Be sure to keep all of your important documents in a fire- and waterproof portable container next to your prepping supplies. Some of these include insurance policy information, passports, birth certificates, and bank account and medical records. Documents are essential basic prepper items!
- How to Help Your Family Organize Important Documents
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22. Entertainment
It may not seem a priority right now, but items such as books, board games, and puzzles can do wonders for morale during an emergency. And it’s probably best to have these on hand in case of boredom or cabin fever.
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Final Word
These are essential basic prepper items for anyone to survive a crisis. Don’t leave yourself or your family unprotected during an emergency. Be sure to start gathering all the supplies on this list to be ready for whatever comes your way!
You can start small and build up your emergency inventory over time. I don’t recommend that people go into debt to acquire these items. Take your time, buy quality the first time, and follow a plan you put in place. Are there any other items I failed to mention that would also be great to have on hand for emergencies? I’d love to hear from you! May God bless this world, Linda
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