The Ultimate Prepping Lists: Be Ready for Anything

In today’s unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is more important than ever. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a sudden car breakdown, or an unexpected event that requires you to leave home quickly, having the right supplies can make all the difference. Here are the ultimate prepping lists to ensure you’re ready for anything.

Start with the Highest Priority

It’s essential to prioritize your preparedness efforts. Begin with the most critical items and gradually build your supplies over time. Focus on immediate survival needs first, then expand to longer-term preparedness.

Vehicle Preparedness

Being stranded on the road can be a daunting experience. A vehicle emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable until help arrives. This should be your first priority.

• Cell phone and car charger
• First aid kit
• Blanket
• Drinking water and snacks
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Rags, paper towels, or pre-moistened wipes
• Basic set of tools (including duct tape and car emergency warning devices such as road flares or reflectors)
• Ice scraper/snow brush
• Jumper cables/jump pack
• Traction aid (such as sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter)
• Tarp, raincoat, and gloves
• Shovel
• Portable air compressor

Home Emergency Preparedness

Next, focus on a three-day home emergency kit. This will help you and your family survive for several days without outside assistance.

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio (with NOAA Weather Radio tone alert)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Building Your Supplies Over Time

Once you have your vehicle and three-day home kits ready, you can start expanding your supplies. Set goals for immediate survival, three days, seven days, one month, three months, six months, and one year. Prioritize based on the most likely emergencies you might face.

7-Day Kit:

• Additional water and food supplies
• Extra clothing and bedding
• More comprehensive first aid supplies
• Additional personal hygiene items

1-Month Kit:

• Bulk food storage (such as rice, beans, and canned goods)
• Water storage solutions (larger containers or water barrels)
• Cooking supplies (portable stove, fuel, and cooking utensils)
• Extended first aid supplies

3-Month Kit:

• Expanded food variety (freeze-dried meals, dehydrated foods)
• Water purification systems
• Additional tools and equipment (such as a generator)
• More extensive medical supplies

6-Month to 1-Year Kit:

• Long-term food storage (Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and food-grade buckets)
• Advanced water filtration systems
• Comprehensive medical supplies and medications
• Self-sufficiency items (seeds for gardening, livestock care supplies)

Get Home / Bug Out Bags

A Get Home Bag (GHB) or Bug Out Bag (BOB) is designed to help you get home or evacuate quickly in an emergency. Here’s what you should pack:

Get Home Bag:

• Water and water purification tablets
• Non-perishable snacks
• Multitool
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Personal hygiene items
• Local maps and compass
• Extra cash
• Portable phone charger
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Emergency blanket
• Whistle

Bug Out Bag:

• Shelter (tent, tarp, or emergency blanket)
• Fire starting kit (matches, lighter, and fire starters)
• Food and water (enough for 72 hours, including a portable water filter)
• Clothing (full change of clothes, sturdy shoes, and weather-appropriate gear)
• First aid kit (including prescription medications)
• Tools (multitool, knife, duct tape, and paracord)
• Navigation (maps, compass, and GPS device)
• Communication (battery-powered radio and extra batteries)
• Personal hygiene items (including soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper)
• Self-defense items (pepper spray or other legal self-defense tools)
• Firearms (for self-defense and hunting, where legally permitted)