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Are you ready for a disaster? If not, now’s the time to get ahead. Don’t wait until everyone else is scrambling to empty the store shelves—prepare yourself now while you still can. But what should you focus on getting? Here’s a list of must-have items to secure before it’s too late.
Non-Perishable Food
Stock up on canned goods and shelf-stable foods like pasta, rice, and dried beans. For emergencies, you’ll also want energy bars and ready-to-eat foods that don’t require cooking.
First Aid Supplies
Essential items like gauze pads, bandages, and pain relievers will be crucial. Instead of buying a pre-made kit, consider building your own for better customization. Check out lists online and buy supplies in bulk or at dollar stores to save money.
Water
Water is more important than food in a disaster. The rule is one gallon per person per day, but that can add up. If you have access to water sources, invest in water purification tools for long-term solutions.
Emergency Lighting
Flashlights are a must, and LED lights are ideal because they last longer on less power. Solar lights, even the inexpensive ones from the dollar store, are a great choice as they can recharge daily and last for about six hours. Consider crank lights, glow sticks, and solar or battery-powered lanterns as well.
Manual Can Opener
Having a manual can opener is important especially to open up all your canned good. Be sure to keep a couple on hand, so you’re not stuck with no way to open them.
Personal Sanitation Supplies
Don’t forget the essentials like toilet paper, feminine products, wipes, and paper towels. The great toilet paper shortage taught us all the value of being prepared.
Garbage Bag
In a disaster, cleanliness is key to avoiding bugs, disease, and bad odors. Stock up on garbage bags—both standard kitchen sizes and heavy-duty contractor bags for larger cleanup tasks.
Fire Starting Supplies
Matches are essential, but it’s also smart to have lighter fluid and lighters on hand. Magnesium fire sticks are a great backup option for emergencies.
Portable Stove
A propane camp stove can be a lifesaver. Make sure you have plenty of propane bottles stored, or invest in a kit that allows you to connect your stove to a larger tank. There are also portable stoves that use charcoal, pellets, or wood.
Duct Tape
Duct tape can fix just about anything. Invest in high-quality tape to handle everything from sealing doors to waterproofing shoes.
PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
Gloves, face masks, and other protective gear like shoe covers and disposable gowns are essential in disaster situations to protect against germs, viruses, and contaminants.
Cleaning Supplies
Sanitation is vital during and after a disaster. Bleach is excellent for cleaning and even purifying water—just a few drops per gallon can make water safe. Keep in mind that bleach loses its potency after about six months, so rotate your stock regularly.
Basic Tools
If you don’t already have basic hand tools like hammers and nails, get them now. In a power outage, your electric tools won’t help much, so manual tools are a must. Yard sales and thrift shops are good places to find them cheaply.
Aluminum Foil
This deserves its own line item. Tin foil can be used to cover windows, store food, and make a solar oven. There are a ton of uses for foil, making it one of your most valuable items.
Insect Repellent
Sanitation is key, and keeping insects at bay is part of that. Insects are not only annoying but can also carry diseases. Stock up on bug repellent like Off or your preferred brand to keep your family safe. Bug spray for your home is also a smart addition to your supplies.
Homemade All Natural Bug Spray for Mosquitoes and Ticks
Portable Solar Panel
Portable solar panels are handy and affordable. They can charge your phone so you can stay connected or keep kids’ electronics powered up to help maintain some normalcy. A portable solar panel can also be a great tool in an emergency situation.
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