Prepper essentials: Tips for building an emergency prepping kit

04/01/2024 / By Zoey Sky

Planning for different emergencies such as a civil war or a hurricane may seem stressful. But you can start preparing by doing something as simple as building an emergency prepping kit. Like a bug-out bag for when you need to evacuate after SHTF, an emergency prepping kit will be useful if you plan to bug in, or stay at home, after unexpected disasters or emergencies.

An emergency prepping kit ensures that you have access to a variety of essential supplies, which can help your family stay safe during an emergency.

If you already have emergency prepping kits at home, you can create more kits for family and friends who aren’t preppers so they can get started on their journey to preparedness and self-sufficiency. (h/t to FoodStorageMoms.com)

Food and water supplies

Food and water supplies will ensure that you have enough to eat and drink and give you the energy you need to accomplish various tasks that might need doing after a disaster, like repairing damage to your home.

Water

Get at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. You will need clean water for drinking and personal sanitation.

If you have extra space in your garage or stockroom, try to prepare extra water, allocating four gallons per person per day. This should be enough for your hydration, cooking, sanitation and limited laundry needs.

Non-perishable/shelf-stable food

If possible, prepare a three-day supply of non-perishable food, or close to it, such as:

Canned beans
Canned meats like canned chicken, salmon, tuna or turkey
Canned soups
Canned vegetables such as carrots, green beans or peas
Cereal
Crackers
Dried fruits, apricots or raisins
Dry pasta
Granola bars
Nuts or trail mixes
Pasta sauces
Peanut butter
Powdered milk
Seasonings like sugar, salt and pepper

These non-perishable items will provide sustenance without requiring refrigeration.

Manual can opener

Electric can openers are convenient, but when preparing an emergency prepping kit it’s better to include a manual can opener so you can still eat canned food even during a power outage. (Related: Prepping tips: How to prepare a food storage starter kit.)

Water purification tablets or filters

Since clean water is key to your survival, you can benefit from having water purification tablets or filters in your kit.

If the water supply becomes contaminated, you can use items like purification tablets or a portable water filter to make water safe for consumption.

Medical and hygiene supplies

These items are essential for maintaining proper hygiene and for treating minor medical emergencies after SHTF.

Prescription medications

If someone in the family has asthma, diabetes, hypertension or other health conditions that require prescription medications, look into getting extra supplies of those.

If possible, try to get enough medication that will last them at least several days.

First aid kit

Find a sturdy container and turn it into your first aid kit.

Include the following first aid supplies:

Adhesive bandages and tape
Allergy medications
Anti-diarrhea medications
Antiseptic wipes
Bandages
Disinfectants
Gauze pads
Scissors
Tweezers

Don’t forget other supplies for babies or older people.

Basic personal hygiene items

Prepare toiletries like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste so you can maintain proper hygiene even after SHTF.

You might also need items like dust masks, a solution for your contact lenses and hand sanitizer for disease control during emergencies.

Miscellaneous personal hygiene products

Women in the family will need various feminine hygiene products like pads or tampons. If you have a baby at home, stock up on diapers and baby wipes.

Even if you don’t have an infant at home, moist towelettes or baby wipes can be used to maintain cleanliness when water is scarce. You should also get extra toilet paper and paper towels.

Garbage bags

You will need garbage bags for proper waste disposal and sanitation purposes.

Tools and safety equipment

These items are important for keeping everyone at home safe.

Portable radio

Use a battery-operated or hand-crank radio to stay informed about all emergency updates and news broadcasts. If you have a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio, you can check the weather conditions at all times.

Flashlights

Prepare several flashlights and extra batteries for battery-powered devices. Use the flashlights to provide illumination during power outages.

You can also get solar flashlights that you can charge in window sills when the sun is up.

Whistle

Tiny but important, a whistle can be used as a signaling device when SHTF or to attract attention if you need rescue.

Multi-tool or Swiss army knife

A multi-tool has many uses, and you may need one for cutting, opening, or repair work.

Other useful tools for your tool kit include:

Ax
Hammer
Pliers
Screwdrivers
Wrench
Saw

Shelter and warmth

These items will help you stay warm and shelter you if you have to bug out after a disaster.

Warm clothing

When preparing kits for the family, include a spare change of clothes with items like hats, gloves, socks and additional layers so you can stay warm in inclement weather.

If possible, the kits should have a complete change of clothing for each family member.

If your area has severe rain storms, you should also have rain gear in addition to a change of clothes.

A pair of sturdy shoes or boots

Shoes protect your feet, especially if you have to walk in an area with debris or if you need to walk long distances as you bug out.

Plastic sheeting and duct tape

If you need to evacuate, you can use these items for temporary shelter or to seal windows and doors in case of damage.

Tent or tarpaulin sheet

It’s ideal to have a portable shelter option for outdoor emergencies or evacuation scenarios.

Thermal blankets

Use thermal blankets to stay warm, especially in cold weather conditions. If you live in very cold climates, you may need a sleeping bag for all family members.

Communication and navigation

Maps and other tools in this section can help you navigate if you need to bug out.

Compass and local maps

These navigational tools will help you find your way if you can’t use your GPS or electronic devices.

Signal flares

Use signal flares if you need to signal for help or alert rescue teams to your current location.

Portable battery or hand-crank charger

With a portable battery, you can keep your electronic devices charged for communication and information access.

Emergency/survival whistle

An emergency or survival whistle can be used as an additional signaling device to attract attention after SHTF.

Fire and cooking supplies

These supplies are crucial if you have food in your kits that require cooking.

Matches or lighters

Store matches or lighters in a waterproof container so you can use them even in wet conditions.

Portable stove or camp stove

With a portable stove, you can cook and boil water when traditional methods are unavailable.

Cooking utensils

Your kits should include pots, pans, utensils and other cooking tools for meal preparation. To conserve water, include paper cups and plates along with plastic utensils for multiple meals.

Fire extinguisher

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher to put out small fires and prevent them from spreading.

Pet supplies

If you have pets, they’ll also need food, water and supplies. Their kits should include pet food, a leash, a collar with an ID tag, a pet carrier and additional items specific to your pet like treats and toys.

Stay one step ahead of emergencies and survival scenarios by building your emergency prepping kits today.

Visit Health Ranger Store to learn about a variety of useful prepping products.

Watch the video below to learn about the benefits of including nascent iodine in your emergency prepping kits.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.