Preparing for an emergency involves more than filling a pantry with canned food and bottled water. During a long blackout, severe storm, or disruption to local services, everyday supplies can make caring for your household much easier.
The goal is to have what you need for basic first aid, hygiene, repairs, cooking, and other daily tasks when stores are closed or help is delayed. Building an emergency stockpile over time can also spread out the cost, so here are 15 supplies worth keeping on hand beyond food and water.
1. First Aid Supplies and Medications
A well-stocked first aid kit should include bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic, burn dressings, pain relievers, allergy medicine, and any prescription medications your household needs. Check expiration dates regularly, replace used supplies, and keep medicines stored according to their labels.
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2. Personal Hygiene Supplies
Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and other personal care items can be hard to replace during a local emergency. Keep extra supplies of the products your household uses most, and store them in a clean, dry place.
3. Heirloom Seeds
Having seeds on hand gives you a head start if you plan to grow some of your own food. Choose vegetables and herbs suited to your local climate, and look for varieties that produce seeds you can save for future planting.
4. Fuel
Firewood, propane, charcoal, and other fuels can support cooking or heating when used with compatible equipment and in suitable conditions. Store each fuel type in approved containers, follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions, and keep gasoline and other flammable fuels away from living spaces and ignition sources.
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5. Backup Lighting
Flashlights, rechargeable lanterns, and LED lights make it easier to move around safely during a blackout. Keep spare batteries or charged backup units available, and store candles only as a secondary option because open flames can start fires.
6. Sewing Supplies and Fabric
A basic sewing kit can help repair torn clothing, blankets, backpacks, and other household items instead of replacing them. Stock needles, thread, scissors, buttons, patches, and sturdy fabric scraps for quick fixes.
7. Yarn and Knitting or Crochet Supplies
Yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks take up little room and can be used to make hats, mittens, blankets, and warm clothing. Wool yarn can still provide insulation when damp, making it a useful option for cold-weather projects.
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8. Canning and Food Preservation Supplies
Canning jars, replacement lids, rings, and fermentation supplies can help preserve homegrown produce or bulk-bought food. Keep suitable jars and unused lids on hand, and follow tested preservation instructions to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
9. Cheese-Making Supplies
For households with access to fresh milk, cheese-making supplies can help turn it into food that lasts longer than fresh milk when prepared and stored correctly. Cheesecloth, food-safe containers, a thermometer, and rennet are useful items to keep together if you plan to make cheese at home.
10. Tools and Rope
Hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, and utility knives can help with basic household repairs. Keep nails, screws, duct tape, and sturdy rope or paracord with your tools, so you have common repair materials ready when needed.
11. Water Filters and Purification Tablets
Stored water may eventually run low, so a suitable water filter and water-disinfection supplies can help you prepare. Choose products rated for the contaminants you may face and follow their instructions, since some filters do not remove viruses, chemicals, or salt.
12. Tarps and Plastic Sheeting
Tarps can cover firewood, protect equipment from rain, or provide temporary shelter after a storm. Heavy plastic sheeting can also help cover damaged areas or protect belongings, though roof repairs and other structural damage may still require professional help.
13. Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher can help contain a small fire if it is safe to do so, so it’s worth keeping one in suitable areas of your home. Choose an extinguisher rated for the types of fires you might face, check its condition regularly, and make sure household members know how to use it safely.
14. Animal Feed
Households with pets or livestock should keep an extra supply of their animals’ usual feed in case deliveries are delayed or stores close. Store feed in sealed containers in a cool, dry place, rotate it before it expires or spoils, and check that any stored food remains suitable for the animal.
15. Emergency Radio and Entertainment
A hand-crank or solar-powered emergency radio can help you receive weather updates and official alerts when internet service or household electricity is unavailable. Books, playing cards, puzzles, and board games can also help children and adults pass the time during a prolonged outage.
