If you’re just beginning your prepping journey, here are the essential supplies you’ll need. These items will keep you and your family safe during an emergency and provide enough food for at least two weeks of basic needs. These can easily be purchased online or from any local grocery store.
1. Water
Water is essential for long-term survival or emergency situations, whether you’re prepping for a long-term survival scenario or an emergency scenario. Having plenty of it available is vital in all aspects of survival such as medical care, hygiene, food preparation and shelter.
Water is essential to life due to its unique properties, such as its asymmetric molecular structure and network of hydrogen bonds that connect each molecule.
Water’s unique ability to bind with other molecules allows it to behave in ways not possible with many other liquids, making it a universal solvent – capable of dissolving most substances without issue.
Water has the unique property of existing in three distinct states: solid (ice), liquid and gaseous (vapor). This ability to exist in various forms is essential for life on Earth as it ensures the smooth functioning of the water cycle.
Water is a precious resource and should always be treated and stored for long-term survival. Although you can get safe drinking water from taps, private wells, rainwater capture systems or local creeks, there’s no assurance that it will be pure. Furthermore, consider that some sources may contain microscopic pathogens and bacteria which could cause illness or even death in certain circumstances.
2. Shelter
Shelter is essential in any survival situation. It could mean the difference between living or dying during a devastating disaster.
No matter where you find yourself during a tornado or stuck in the woods, finding shelter is paramount. Not only does this give you time to think and get warm and dry, but it also allows for reflection and self-recollection.
It’s also a convenient place to store all your supplies, making them quick and effortless when needed. Preppers shouldn’t just have this essential item on hand – everyone should have an emergency kit with everything they need when needed.
The ideal shelters are small and lightweight enough to fit into a backpack or bag. Not only are they easy to assemble, but many of these shelters are waterproof as well. Not only do these hold in heat well but also shield you against windy conditions.
Some shelters can be built using specialty materials like foam insulation and tarps. But it’s easy to whip together a quick shelter using what you already have on hand, like an overhanging rock and your rain poncho.
For the truly prepared prepper, there are various shelters to consider – bunkers and underground shelters being two examples. While these may be more expensive than other options, they could serve as your backup plan in case something catastrophic occurs. While not a top priority for most preppers, those who possess the knowledge and resources to build them should definitely give these options some serious thought.
3. Food
Food storage in your prepper pantry is essential for ensuring you and your family have enough nourishment during an emergency. Although stocking up on perishable items may seem intimidating, having at least three months’ worth of nutritious, calorie-dense food at hand is essential for survival in times of trouble.
When it comes to long-term food storage, dried and canned goods are both excellent options for the prepper pantry. Dry foods are lightweight, nutrient dense and versatile while canned goods are easy to come by and inexpensive – making them ideal for emergencies.
When storing survival food, make sure you have a system for rotating and replenishing, which will help keep your supply fresh and tasty for years to come. Furthermore, be aware of each food item’s expiry date so you can swap out the old with a new one when necessary.
Other essential prepper items include knives, saws, fire starters and buckets. You’ll also want a good set of tools for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. A ferro rod is great for starting a fire that will cook food and keep warm. A fire extinguisher should also be included in any survival kit as this could be lifesaving during an emergency situation.
4. Medical
Medical supplies, whether you are a healthcare professional or not, should be an integral part of any preparedness plan. They ensure the wellbeing and security of those closest to you.
You have access to a wide range of medical equipment and supplies that can be tailored to fit your requirements, such as otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes and thermometers. These instruments allow you to take someone’s temperature accurately and make diagnoses.
Every Prepper should have a comprehensive first aid kit. It should include several types of bandages, Neosporin, alcohol & hydrogen peroxide, Benadryl and pain relievers for emergencies.
You can store these items in a medical pouch or bag, like an IFAK kit. These contain all essential medical supplies in one convenient location so that you can grab them quickly and use them when needed.
In addition to a comprehensive first aid kit, it’s wise to invest in a solar-powered flashlight as well. This way, you won’t run out of light during an unexpected emergency.
Another essential item for Prepper supplies is a bucket of emergency food. These large containers of sustenance can last for an extended period of time.
If your plumbing goes out, have a bucket of kitty litter handy to use as a toilet. This way, you can utilize your own private bathroom instead of having to rely on public facilities – this will be invaluable in an emergency.
5. Hygiene
Hygiene is essential in any survival situation. Without it, you could quickly become ill or even die without protection.
Hygienic care is the practice of using clean water, soap and cleaning products to keep your body, skin and clothes free from dirt. It also encompasses food storage and proper waste disposal as well as keeping away pests, rats and insects.
Though it may seem less urgent than other items on our list, personal hygiene is essential for your wellbeing and survival in a survival situation. Not only does it prevent infections and illnesses, but it also keeps your body healthy and strong while lifting your spirits too!
Soap is an indispensable element of hygiene, serving to keep you clean, tend wounds, wash dishes and clothing, and more. Packing soap into your bug out bag will guarantee that you can stay comfortable during a long-term survival situation.
6. Safety
Maintaining a well-stocked arsenal of prepper gear can make for a happier, more secure life. However, in order for it to be truly useful, you must know how to utilize it correctly.
No matter your level of preparation, safety should always be top of mind when creating your survival plan. Having items like gloves or sleeveless shirts handy can make all the difference in protecting yourself from harm.
For example, rubber gloves can keep your hands dry and free from itching when working outdoors or hiking in the woods. A sleeveless shirt is another ideal layer to wear during cold weather or when you want to stay cool.
Another essential item for any good prepper is a flashlight that can illuminate dark places and provide directions when necessary. The ideal kind of flashlight is one that can be operated with one hand.
Additionally, having a flashlight that stores energy to charge other devices is invaluable. Batteries in flashlights often run out after several uses, so having an emergency power source on hand is key.
Food is an essential element of any emergency prepper’s supply list. Make sure you have enough nutritious food to last at least three months, stored in airtight containers with airtight lids to avoid spoilage. Other must-haves include Mylar bags, food-grade 5-gallon buckets and desiccant packets for quick access when needed.