In times of uncertainty, being prepared is not just a choice—it's a necessity. Whether it's a natural disaster, a power outage, or any other unexpected crisis, having the right supplies can mean the difference between safety and hardship. With recent events reminding us how quickly our normal systems can fail, it’s more important than ever to ensure that our families and neighbors are ready to face challenges without relying on electricity or utilities. Below, we've compiled a list of the essential items you should have on hand, along with free and safe alternatives to help you stay prepared, no matter what comes our way. Let's take action now to protect ourselves and our community.
Water Storage (1 gallon per person per day)
Water is critical for survival, sanitation, and cooking. In emergencies, access to clean water is often compromised, making it essential to store enough for at least three days per person. Having multiple containers allows for flexibility in transportation and usage. Keep water in safe, durable containers and refresh supplies regularly. Examples:
5-gallon water jugs
Collapsible water bags
Water bricks (stackable containers)
Clean soda/juice bottles
Water barrels with manual pumps
Bottled water cases
Non-Perishable Food
Food that doesn’t spoil quickly ensures you remain nourished when grocery stores are inaccessible or refrigeration isn’t available. Stock items that are easy to prepare and provide essential nutrients. Foods with long shelf lives can be stored easily and used over extended periods. Focus on ready-to-eat or easily cooked meals to conserve energy and resources. Examples:
Canned vegetables, fruits, and beans
Dried pasta or rice
Peanut butter and crackers
Freeze-dried camping meals
MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat)
Granola bars and trail mix
Manual Can Opener
Canned goods are a staple of emergency food storage, but without a manual can opener, they can be unusable. In a power outage, electric can openers will be useless. This small tool is easy to store and essential for accessing food. Make sure it's sturdy enough to handle frequent use. Examples:
Handheld manual can opener
Multi-tool with can opener feature
Water Purification (Tablets or Filters)
Stored water can run out, so having a way to purify water is vital. Water sources during emergencies may be contaminated, and boiling may not always be an option. Water filters or purification tablets make potentially unsafe water drinkable. Ensure you have multiple ways to treat water for both short-term and long-term needs.
Examples:
Water purification tablets
Boiling (if fire or stove is available)
First Aid Kit
Injuries and illnesses can escalate quickly during a crisis if not treated promptly. A comprehensive first aid kit ensures you can address wounds, cuts, or burns and manage minor health issues. Include items for both basic care and more serious injuries, as professional medical help may be delayed. Regularly check and replenish expired items. Examples:
Bandages and gauze
Antiseptic wipes and ointments
Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Tweezers and scissors
Sterile gloves
Elastic bandages
Multi-tool
A multi-tool provides various functions in one compact device, useful for many tasks like cutting, repairing, or building. It can replace an entire toolkit when space and weight are concerns. In emergencies, adaptability is key, and this tool offers quick solutions. Choose one with durable materials that can handle heavy use. Examples:
Swiss Army knife
Keychain multi-tools
Flashlight (Hand-crank or Battery-powered)
When the power is out, a reliable flashlight ensures visibility during dark hours. It is essential for safety, navigation, and doing tasks when daylight isn’t available. Opt for hand-crank models or ensure you have plenty of batteries on hand. Rechargeable models can also be charged via solar if needed. Examples:
Hand-crank flashlight
Solar-powered flashlight
LED flashlights (battery-powered)
Headlamps
Tactical flashlights
Lanterns with manual operation
Solar or Hand-Crank Radio
Communication is vital during an emergency to stay informed about the situation. When the grid is down, a solar or hand-crank radio lets you listen to news updates, weather alerts, or government instructions. These radios require no batteries and can last indefinitely. They are a key tool for maintaining situational awareness. Examples:
Hand-crank emergency radio
Solar-powered radio
NOAA weather radio
AM/FM radio with dynamo crank
Bluetooth-enabled emergency radio
Wind-up radios with USB charging ports
Extra Batteries
Battery-operated devices, such as flashlights or radios, are only useful if they have a consistent power source. Stocking extra batteries ensures your essential electronics will work throughout the duration of the emergency. Be sure to store batteries in a cool, dry place and regularly check expiration dates. Consider having different sizes for various devices.
Blankets or Emergency Bivvy
Staying warm is crucial, especially during cold weather or in unheated environments. Blankets or emergency bivvies (reflective blankets) retain body heat and can be used in a variety of situations. They are lightweight and easy to store but provide crucial insulation during a crisis. Regular blankets can also serve double purposes as padding or makeshift shelters. Examples:
Wool blankets
Fleece blankets
Emergency Mylar blankets
Sleeping bags
Reflective bivvy sacks
Insulated thermal blankets
Fire Starters (Lighters, Matches, Ferro Rods)
Fire provides warmth, light, and a way to cook food or boil water. Reliable fire-starting tools are essential for survival in situations where modern heat sources are unavailable. Waterproof or windproof options are ideal for inclement weather. Having a variety of methods ensures you can start a fire in different conditions. Examples:
Waterproof matches
Butane lighters
Flint and steel
Portable Stove (Butane or Propane-powered)
When the power is out and your gas stove is non-functional, a portable stove allows you to cook meals and boil water. These stoves are compact and easy to use, requiring small fuel canisters. Ensure proper ventilation when using them indoors. For longer-term emergencies, consider options with reusable fuel sources. Examples:
Butane camping stoves
Propane camp stoves
Portable grills with charcoal or wood
Cash (Small Bills)
During a major power outage, electronic payment systems like credit cards and ATMs may not work. Having cash on hand allows you to purchase goods or services when banking systems are down. Small bills are preferable for flexibility when exact change is required. Keep the cash in a secure, accessible location.
Personal Hygiene Items
Staying clean is essential for maintaining health and preventing the spread of disease. Without running water, basic hygiene supplies allow you to manage personal cleanliness in a crisis. Items like soap, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer help prevent infections and maintain dignity. Prioritize portable, no-water-needed products. Examples:
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Bar soap
Dry shampoo
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Feminine hygiene products
Dust Masks or Respirators
In emergencies like wildfires, earthquakes, or chemical spills, the air quality can be hazardous. Dust masks or respirators filter out particles that can cause respiratory problems. They are essential in protecting your lungs from smoke, ash, or dust. Having a supply for each family member ensures everyone is protected. Examples:
N95 masks
Surgical masks
Reusable cloth masks with filters
Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape
Plastic sheeting and duct tape can be used to seal off rooms from contaminated air or water or create makeshift shelters. In hazardous situations, they help block out harmful elements like chemical spills, smoke, or radiation. Duct tape’s versatility makes it invaluable for quick repairs, securing items, or even patching clothing. Keep a generous supply of both for emergency repairs and shelter-building. Examples:
6-mil plastic sheeting
Tarps
Duct tape rolls
Clear plastic drop cloths
Heavy-duty trash bags
Painter’s plastic rolls
Portable Solar Charger
As more devices rely on electricity, a portable solar charger ensures your essentials remain powered when the grid is down. Solar chargers harness energy from the sun, making them perfect for long-term emergencies. They can charge phones, radios, or small electronics. Look for durable, weather-resistant models for outdoor use.
Whistle
In situations where you’re trapped or need to signal for help, a whistle is a simple but effective tool. Its loud sound can be heard over long distances, alerting rescuers to your location. It’s also useful for group communication during an evacuation. Keep whistles on hand for each family member.
Maps and Compass
If GPS or phone services are down, physical maps and a compass ensure you can navigate safely. Whether evacuating or finding resources, knowing your area’s layout is crucial. Digital tools fail in power outages, but maps and a compass are reliable navigation tools. Familiarize yourself with using them before an emergency strikes. Examples:
Local area road maps
Topographic maps
Compass with sighting mirror
These essentials will help you navigate through a variety of off-grid emergencies, providing safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Ensure you rotate supplies and keep everything accessible so you're ready to act swiftly when needed.
Have any suggestions to add to this list? The community needs your input too!
