Prepper Survival Items: The Ultimate Guide to Disaster Preparedness
Disasters can strike at any time, leaving people without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. In times of crisis, having the right prepper survival items can mean the difference between life and death. Whether you are facing a natural disaster, a pandemic, or a long-term societal collapse, the right supplies can help you survive and thrive.
In this guide, we will explore the most essential prepper survival items to help you prepare for any disaster. From water and shelter to food and first aid, we will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to stay safe and healthy in the face of adversity. So, let's get started!
Water
When disaster strikes, access to clean drinking water may be limited or non-existent. According to Primal Survivor, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, but ideally for a week or more. Additionally, according to NYMag, you should have water filters and purification tablets on hand in case you need to purify water from a questionable source.
Here are some key considerations when it comes to prepping for water:
How Much Water to Store
As mentioned earlier, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. This includes water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes. If you have pets, you should also factor in their water needs.
Types of Water Storage Containers
According to Attainable Sustainable, when it comes to water storage containers, you have several options to choose from. One of the most popular options is a plastic water jug, which is affordable and easy to find. Other options include:
- Water storage bags
- Water barrels
- Collapsible water containers
Whatever you choose, make sure the container is made of food-grade material and has a tight-fitting lid to prevent contamination.
Water Filters and Purifiers
If you need to purify water from a questionable source, you should have water filters and purification tablets on hand. According to NYMag, water filters can remove bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants from water, while purification tablets can kill viruses and bacteria. Some popular options include:
- Sawyer Mini Water Filter
- LifeStraw Water Filter
- Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets
Having a combination of both filters and purification tablets is ideal, as they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Shelter
In a disaster scenario, having access to shelter can be a matter of life or death. Not only does shelter protect you from the elements, but it can also provide a sense of security and comfort during stressful times. Here are some key considerations when it comes to prepping for shelter:
The Importance of Shelter
Shelter is an essential prepper survival item and should be considered in your emergency preparedness plan. According to Primal Survivor, you should have a plan for both short-term and long-term shelter options.
Types of Shelter
When it comes to shelter, there are several options to choose from depending on your needs and situation. Some common types of shelter include:
- Tents
- Tarps and Bivvies
- Hammocks
- Sleeping Bags
Emergency Shelter Options
In an emergency scenario, you may need to quickly set up temporary shelter. According to Wild Oak Trail, some options for emergency shelter include:
- Emergency blankets
- Tube tents
- Ponchos
Portable Shelter Options
If you need to be on the move, portable shelter options can be a lifesaver. According to NYMag, some popular portable shelter options include:
- Pop-up tents
- Inflatable tents
- Rooftop tents
Whatever type of shelter you choose, make sure to consider factors such as weight, size, and ease of setup when making your decision.
Food
In emergency situations, access to food may be limited or non-existent. It's essential to have a supply of non-perishable food items stored away to ensure you have enough to sustain you and your family. Here are some key considerations when it comes to prepping for food:
Types of Non-Perishable Foods
According to Attainable Sustainable, non-perishable foods are items that can be stored for long periods without refrigeration. Some examples of non-perishable foods include:
- Canned goods (fruits, vegetables, meats, and soups)
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Jerky
- Crackers
- Peanut Butter
- Energy bars
Storing Non-Perishable Foods
When it comes to storing non-perishable foods, there are a few key things to keep in mind. According to Primal Survivor, you should store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items per person. However, it's recommended to have a week's supply of food stored away if possible.
You should also keep the following in mind:
- Store food in a cool, dry place
- Rotate your food supply regularly, using a “first in, first out” method
- Don't forget to stock up on pet food if you have pets
Cooking and Eating Utensils
In addition to non-perishable foods, you'll need cooking and eating utensils to prepare and consume your food. According to NYMag, some essential cooking and eating utensils to have on hand include:
- A portable stove or campfire grill
- A mess kit (plate, bowl, and utensils)
- A can opener
- Ziplock bags
Alternative Food Sources
In a long-term survival scenario, alternative food sources may become necessary. According to Wild Oak Trail, some alternative food sources to consider include:
- Fishing gear
- Hunting equipment
- Traps and snares
- Gardening tools
Make sure you have the appropriate knowledge and skills to utilize these alternative food sources effectively.
First Aid
In any emergency situation, it's important to have a first aid kit on hand to treat injuries and illnesses. Here are some key considerations when it comes to prepping for first aid:
Essential First Aid Kit Items
According to Primal Survivor, your first aid kit should include the following items:
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Gauze pads and rolls
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Alcohol pads
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Disposable gloves
- Emergency blanket
- Thermometer
- Pain relievers
- Antibiotics
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Anti-nausea medication
- EpiPen (if needed)
Multiple First Aid Kits
It's important to have multiple first aid kits on hand in case of emergencies. According to Primal Survivor, you should have a first aid kit for each member of your household, as well as a larger kit for your home or bug-out location.
First Aid Training
Having a well-stocked first aid kit is important, but it's also crucial to have the knowledge and skills to use the items in the kit effectively. According to NYMag, taking a first aid course can be invaluable in emergency situations. You'll learn how to assess and treat injuries, perform CPR, and more.
Medications
If you or someone in your household requires medication, it's important to have a supply of that medication stored away in your emergency kit. According to Attainable Sustainable, you should have at least a two-week supply of any necessary medications on hand. Make sure to rotate medications regularly and check expiration dates.
Hygiene
In a disaster scenario, it's important to maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Here are some key considerations when it comes to prepping for hygiene:
Personal Hygiene Items
According to NYMag, some essential personal hygiene items to have on hand include:
- Hand sanitizer
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers and wipes (if needed)
Sanitation
In addition to personal hygiene items, you'll need to consider sanitation in your emergency preparedness plan. According to Primal Survivor, some key sanitation items to have on hand include:
- Toilet paper
- Trash bags
- Buckets or portable toilets
- Cat litter or sawdust (for use in toilets)
- Bleach or other disinfectants
Miscellaneous Items
There are a few other hygiene-related items that can be helpful to have on hand in emergency situations. According to Wild Oak Trail, some of these items include:
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Laundry detergent
- Dish soap
Water and Hygiene
In addition to personal hygiene and sanitation items, it's important to have access to clean water for washing and cleaning. According to NYMag, some items to consider for water and hygiene include:
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Collapsible water container
- Portable shower
- Moist towelettes
Make sure to include these items in your emergency preparedness plan to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of illness.
Security
In a disaster scenario, it's important to have a plan in place to ensure your safety and security. Here are some key considerations when it comes to prepping for security:
Personal Protection
According to Attainable Sustainable, personal protection items can include:
- Pepper spray or other self-defense items
- Firearms and ammunition (if you are trained and licensed to use them)
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- Protective clothing
Home Security
In addition to personal protection, it's important to have a plan in place for securing your home or bug-out location. According to Primal Survivor, some key items to have on hand for home security include:
- Reinforced doors and windows
- Deadbolts
- Security cameras
- Motion-activated lights
- Barriers (such as sandbags) to prevent flood damage
Communication
In a disaster scenario, communication can be crucial for ensuring your safety and security. According to NYMag, some key communication items to have on hand include:
- Shortwave radios
- Walkie-talkies
- Whistles
- Signal mirrors
Cash and Important Documents
In the event of a disaster, access to banks and other financial institutions may be limited. It's important to have cash and important documents stored away in a secure location. According to Primal Survivor, some essential documents to have on hand include:
- Identification documents (such as passports or driver's licenses)
- Insurance policies
- Birth certificates
- Wills and other legal documents
- Cash (in small bills and coins)
Make sure to store these items in a secure location that is easy to access in case of an emergency.
Miscellaneous Items
In addition to the essential prepper items mentioned earlier, there are a few miscellaneous items that can be helpful to have on hand in emergency situations. Here are some key considerations:
Lighting
According to Primal Survivor, some key lighting items to have on hand include:
- Flashlights
- Headlamps
- Lanterns
- Candles
- Light sticks
Make sure to have a supply of batteries or other power sources for these items as well.
Tools
In addition to multi-tools, there are a few other tools that can be helpful in emergency situations. According to NYMag, some key tools to have on hand include:
- Shovel
- Axe
- Handsaw
- Crowbar
- Duct tape
Entertainment
In an emergency situation, it's important to have items on hand to keep yourself and your family entertained and occupied. According to Attainable Sustainable, some key entertainment items to have on hand include:
- Playing cards
- Board games
- Books
- Puzzles
- Coloring books and crayons
Pets
If you have pets, it's important to have supplies on hand for them as well. According to Wild Oak Trail, some key pet items to have on hand include:
- Food and water
- Leashes and harnesses
- Carriers or crates
- Litter boxes and litter (for cats)
- Toys and treats
Make sure to have a supply of any necessary medications for your pets as well.
Cash
As mentioned earlier, it's important to have cash on hand in case of an emergency. However, it's also important to have a supply of smaller bills and coins. According to NYMag, having a supply of small bills and coins can be helpful for making purchases when change may be limited.
Conclusion
Preparing for emergencies and disasters can be a daunting task, but having the right supplies and gear on hand can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and survival. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this article, you can create an emergency preparedness plan that meets your unique needs and circumstances.
Remember to regularly review and update your plan and supplies to ensure that you are always prepared for any situation. And don't forget to stay informed about potential threats and risks in your area, so you can take proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.
With the right mindset, preparation, and resources, you can face any emergency with confidence and resilience.
Want to Learn More?
We hope you found this article helpful in preparing for emergencies and disasters. If you want to learn more about emergency preparedness and survival, be sure to check out some of our other articles:
- 5 Essential Skills for Surviving in the Wilderness
- The Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for Emergencies
- How to Build a Bug-Out Bag for Emergency Situations
Thank you for reading, and stay safe out there!
Questions
Who needs prepper survival items?
Anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies and disasters should have prepper survival items on hand.
What are the most important prepper survival items?
The most important prepper survival items include water, shelter, food, first aid, and personal hygiene products.
How do I know which prepper survival items to buy?
When selecting prepper survival items, consider factors such as ruggedness, size and weight, capacity, and performance. Make sure to have a plan and important documents stored in one place.
Who can benefit from having pet prepper survival items?
Anyone with pets should have pet prepper survival items on hand to ensure the safety and well-being of their furry friends in the event of an emergency or disaster.
What are some common objections to buying prepper survival items?
Some common objections include cost, storage space, and the belief that emergencies and disasters are unlikely to occur.
How can I overcome objections to buying prepper survival items?
Overcome objections to buying prepper survival items by emphasizing the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters, and by stressing that having the right supplies and gear on hand can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and survival.
