When preparing for emergencies, disasters, or a potential SHTF (Stuff Hits The Fan) collapse, having the right survival supplies is crucial for self-reliance, sustainable living, and simply surviving. At Modern Survival Blog, we focus on prepping and preparedness strategies for modern risks and independence. This list of 55 emergency preparedness items is designed to spark ideas and help you build a robust plan tailored to your specific needs. While not exhaustive by any means (it’s simply a brief brainstorming list to stimulate thought), it highlights some key supplies to inspire your own thought process and ensure you’re prepared for both short-term disruptions and longer-term challenges. Explore this list of item ideas to enhance your preparedness and align with a self-reliant, independent, sustainable lifestyle.
Emergency Preparedness Supplies for Self-Reliance
This list serves as a starting point to help you consider your survival preparedness. Everyone’s needs vary, so adapt these suggestions to your circumstances. For more in-depth recommendations, use the search function on Modern Survival Blog or browse the various categories.
Again, an encompassing list would take a book! And no two emergency preparedness lists are the same. However, there are many common threads…
In no particular priority order…other than being part of a list…
1. Toilet Paper & Personal Hygiene Products
Stock up on toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and other essentials. These are crucial for maintaining sanitation during disruptions, ensuring comfort and hygiene in all scenarios.
How Many Rolls Of TP Are Used Each Week
2. 30-Day Emergency Food Kits
A 30-day food kit is a quick, grab-and-go solution for emergencies. Look for kits that provide approximately 2,000 calories per day to meet your nutritional needs. Verify calorie counts, as some kits may require supplementation.
Lunch and Dinner Kit
Breakfast Kit
(Augason Farms on Amazon)
3. Everyday Grocery Store Foods
Increase your stock of canned meats, vegetables, sauces, pasta, rice, and beans. A chest freezer can expand storage, but consider investing in a generator for long-term power outages. Explore Modern Survival Blog’s Survival Kitchen and Preps category for lots more tips.
Top 20 Best Canned Foods for Emergency Preparedness
Highest Calorie Canned Food For Survival
4. Long-Term Dry Goods
Invest in bulk staples, such as grains, beans, and other dry goods, designed for long-term storage. These are vital for sustainable food security during extended crises.
Most Common Survival Food In Preppers’ Deep Storage
5. Water Storage Solutions
Store bottled water, water-safe jugs, or a 55-gallon water drum at home for emergency use. Adequate water storage is crucial for addressing short-term emergencies when municipal water systems fail.
5-gallon Samson Stackers
(Check Price on Amazon)
6. Countertop Gravity Water Filter
A high-quality countertop water filter, like a Berkey model, ensures safe drinking water. Clean water is non-negotiable for survival and sustainable living.
Big Berkey
(Amazon)
7. Portable Water Filter
A compact water filter, such as the Sawyer Mini or Lifestraw, is perfect for backpacks or vehicle kits, providing clean water on the go.
Sawyer Squeeze
(Check Reviews on Amazon)
8. Fire-Making Kit
Include multiple fire-starting methods (matches, lighters, ferro rods) in your survival kit. Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling in emergencies.
Fire Starting Kit List
9. Rope, Paracord, & Cordage
Keep a variety of cordage, including a 1,000-foot spool of paracord and heavier ropes, for tasks such as shelter building, securing gear, or repairs.
Paracord – What it’s Used For – How Much Do You Need?
10. Flashlights
Stock flashlights for home use, to keep in emergency/survival kits, attached to your keychain, and all sorts of other uses and places. Don’t forget to stock up on extra batteries. Reliable lighting is critical during power outages.
Batteries That Don’t Leak Or Corrode
11. Headlamp
A hands-free headlamp is invaluable for tasks requiring both hands, enhancing efficiency in low-light conditions.
Headlamp or Flashlight – Which Is Best?
12. First Aid Kit & Supplies
Begin with a general-purpose first aid kit and customize it for use at home, in your backpack, or in your vehicle. Add extra supplies, such as bandages and antiseptics, for comprehensive preparedness.
10 First Aid Kit Ad-on Items
Trauma Kit Checklist: 5 Lifesaving Items
13. 2-Way Radios
Inexpensive 2-way radios enable short-range communication and enhance security. Store some in a Faraday cage to protect against electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
Best Baofeng Antenna Upgrade
14. Portable AM/FM/Shortwave Radio
A battery-operated radio keeps you informed during outages, offering access to news and HAM bands for communication.
Why the Tecsun PL-330 Is the Best General-Use Shortwave Radio
15. Solar Battery Charger
Charge AA, AAA, or USB devices with a solar charger, ensuring power for flashlights, radios, and phones during outages.
Folding Solar Panel To Charge Cell Phones And USB Devices
Charge AA Batteries – And More – With A Portable Solar Panel
16. Rechargeable Batteries
Maintain a supply of AA and AAA rechargeable batteries, supplemented by non-rechargeable options like Energizer MAX for long-term outages.
Best Rechargeable Batteries AA Size
17. Indoor-Safe Portable Stove
A portable stove safe for indoor use ensures you can cook or heat food during power outages, supporting self-reliant meal preparation.
Single Burner Butane Stove | Safer For Cooking Indoors
18. Fuel & Gas Cans
Store fuel safely in gas cans for generators or vehicles. Assess your needs and prioritize safe storage practices (never indoors).
Fuel Stabilizer Choices (Gas & Diesel)
19. Portable Generator
A reliable generator powers essentials like freezers, fridges, or furnaces during outages.
Top Five Brands of Portable Power Station
20. Heavy Duty Extension Cords
Use high-gauge extension cords with your generator for safe and efficient power distribution.
Best Extension Cord | Heavy Duty
21. Heavy-Duty Tarps
Stock various sizes of heavy-duty tarps for shelter, protection, or survival blankets. Avoid thin blue tarps, as they degrade quickly.
Gallons Of Rainwater Collection From A Tarp
22. Ruger 10/22 Rifle
A .22 caliber rifle is a versatile tool for small game hunting or personal security, making it ideal for preparedness. The Ruger 10/22 is a popular, semi-automatic .22 LR rifle known for its reliability, affordability, and versatility.
Only One Gun In A Survival Situation…
23. Backpack
Keep multiple backpacks for survival kits, ready for bugging out or getting home. Always have one in your vehicle.
Survival Items List Of 10 Essentials For A Kit
24. 72-Hour Survival Kit
Build a 72-hour kit for your vehicle, including food, water, and essentials to sustain you during short-term emergencies.
What’s Inside a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
25. Garden Seeds
Store heirloom garden seeds and gain gardening experience for long-term food security. Start now to build sustainable skills.
Survival Seeds – Things To Consider
26. Duct Tape
A roll of duct tape is a versatile fix-all for repairs, from gear to shelters, in any survival scenario.
Uses For Duck (duct) Tape
27. Rocket Stove
A portable rocket stove, such as a Solo Stove, utilizes twigs for efficient cooking or boiling water, thereby reducing reliance on fuel.
Solo Stove Lite
(View on Amazon)
28. Survival Knife & Sharpening Tools
Carry a robust survival knife for cutting, food preparation, and a variety of other uses. A good survival knife is an essential item. And keep sharpening tools!
If You Could Only Have One Survival Knife, Which One?
29. Regional Maps & Compass
Keep hard-copy road and topographical maps, as well as a compass, for navigation when GPS fails.
Road Atlas Map For Your State | Latest
30. Stainless Steel Water Container
A stainless steel cup or container allows boiling water or cooking over a fire, enhancing survival versatility.
5 C’s & 10 C’s of Survival
31. Weather Alert Radio
A weather alert radio is critical for tornado-prone areas, providing timely warnings for severe weather.
Best Weather Alert Radio
(32) Compact Tent
A lightweight tent for backpacking offers portable shelter for camping or emergency scenarios.
Tents in Outdoor Recreation
(Check Availability on Amazon)
33. Sleeping Bag
Similarly, a compact, efficient sleeping bag. Something that you could pack with you. Consider choosing a compact sleeping bag that suits the temperature of your environment for optimal warmth and comfort on the go.
Ultralight Sleeping Bag in Outdoor Recreation
(Check Price on Amazon)
34. Cash Reserves
Keep cash in a home safe for emergencies when digital payments fail, ensuring financial independence.
Survival Disaster Cash For After The SHTF
35. Reference Books
Stock hard-copy survival and preparedness books for skills like first aid, gardening, or tool use.
10 Survival Preparedness Reference Books
36. Binoculars
Compact or full-size binoculars aid in scouting, security, or observing wildlife, enhancing situational awareness.
Binoculars Are Good To Have
37. Night Vision
A luxury item, night vision gear bolsters security during SHTF scenarios, offering a tactical advantage.
Thermal Night Vision
(Check Reviews on Amazon)
38. Fishing Gear
Fishing equipment provides a sustainable source of protein from local water bodies, supporting long-term food security.
Lures and Kits
(Best Sellers on Amazon)
39. Yard Wagon
A sturdy yard wagon simplifies hauling heavy items, such as water or supplies, thereby boosting self-reliance.
Yard Cart, Wagon, Wheelbarrows, For Preparedness
40. Bicycle
A bicycle offers fuel-free transportation, with folding models being ideal for use in urban areas or for attaching utility trailers.
Best Bicycle For Preparedness?
41. Personal Defense Tools
Invest in security tools tailored to your specific needs, as they are critical for protection during escalating emergencies.
50 Personal Security Tips
42. Candles
Candles provide traditional lighting during outages, creating a reliable backup for sustainable living.
Candles For Preparedness | Cost Per Hour To Burn
43. Hurricane Lamp & Fuel
An oil lamp offers safe indoor lighting, with fuel stored for extended use (exercise caution with kids or pets).
Oil Lamp For Preparedness | Quality Matters | Safety & Tips
44. Fire Extinguishers
Keep fire extinguishers in key locations (home, garage, barn) to handle emergencies safely.
Fire Extinguishers | 3 or More Locations Around The House
45. Work Gloves
Stock insulated and summer work gloves to protect hands during labor-intensive tasks.
My Work Gloves For Preparedness
46. Plastic Sheeting
Clear and dark plastic sheeting serves multiple purposes, from weed control to darkening windows for security.
Room Darkening Material For Windows And Your Security
47. Crosscut Saw
A crosscut or bow saw ensures wood collection for heating or cooking if fuel or chainsaws are unavailable.
Crosscut Saw For Cutting Logs & Firewood
48. Emergency Heater
A portable, indoor-safe heater, such as a Buddy Heater, provides warmth during winter outages (use with a carbon monoxide detector).
Buddy Heater Run Time | 1 pound & 20 pound tanks
49. Vitamins
Store vitamin supplements to maintain nutrition during food shortages, complementing your stored foods.
Survival Vitamins and Supplements
50. Regular Bleach
Use regular bleach for disinfecting surfaces or purifying water (note that it weakens over time, losing half its strength in approximately one year).
Bleach – Water Ratio For Drinking Water Purification
51. Home Canning Equipment
Pressure and water bath canning preserve foods without refrigeration, a key skill for sustainable living.
12 Lifesaving Canning Rules
52. Hand Tools
A variety of hand tools supports repairs and projects, essential for self-reliant maintenance.
15 Hand Tool Groups For Preparedness
53. Motion Lights
Install motion-activated lights around your property to enhance security and deter intruders effectively. Consider Solar-powered motion lights, too.
Solar Motion Lights
(Best Sellers on Amazon)
55. A Good Dog
A loyal dog serves as both a companion and a security alarm, enhancing home protection.
10 Items For A Dog Bug Out Bag
55. Food-Producing Trees & Bushes
Plant food-producing trees and bushes suited to your growing zone for long-term, sustainable food sources.
Food Producing Trees | The Most Popular
Building Your Preparedness Plan
While I could have continued to 100 items, 200 items, etc., this list serves to provoke thought for building your own foundation for self-reliant, sustainable living, aligning with Modern Survival Blog’s mission to prepare for modern risks and promote independence. To create your own plan, start with the basics and organize supplies by category, such as Food, Water, Shelter, and Security. Start with essentials like food and water, then expand to other areas based on your unique needs.
For more resources, explore Modern Survival Blog’s extensive resource of articles. Prioritize preparedness today to ensure resilience tomorrow.
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