Preparedness storefront
What to look for in each category. Your report narrows this to the items and quantities your household actually needs, and leaves out what you already have.
Links go to Amazon search results for the specification shown. Affiliate tagging is not yet active on this preview. Prices shown are our estimated typical ranges for planning, not Amazon's current prices. We don't display reviews or ratings. Disclosure
Water storage
5-gallon food-grade water container
- BPA-free HDPE, food-grade
- Spigot or pour cap
- Stackable if storing many
55-gallon water storage drum kit
- Food-grade blue HDPE drum
- Includes bung wrench and siphon or drum pump
- Store on a pallet, away from chemicals
Bathtub water storage bladder (~100 gal)
- Fills from tub faucet before a forecast storm
- Includes hand pump
- Single-use or short-term
Water treatment
Water preserver concentrate for long-term storage
- Look for an EPA registration number on the label
- Follow label dosing
Unscented household bleach (6% or 8.25%)
- Plain, unscented, no additives
- Label lists sodium hypochlorite %
- Replace yearly; strength fades
Portable water filter (0.3 micron absolute or NSF Protocol P231 purifier)
- Absolute pore size 0.3 micron or smaller removes bacteria and parasites, not viruses
- An NSF Protocol P231 purifier is also tested for viruses
- Always disinfect after filtering; filters do not remove chemicals
Emergency food
Long-shelf-life emergency food bucket
- Check calories per serving (many list low calories)
- Check allergens
- Many need boiling water
Bulk shelf-stable staples (rice, beans, oats)
- Store in sealed food-grade buckets with gamma lids
- Rotate first-in, first-out
Outdoor camp stove (propane or butane)
- Outdoor use only. Carbon monoxide hazard indoors
- Store fuel per label
Portable power
Portable power station (500–1,000 Wh LiFePO4)
- LiFePO4 chemistry for cycle life
- Pure sine wave AC output
- Pass-through charging is not the same as a UPS. For uninterrupted power, choose a model with a stated UPS/EPS switchover time and check it with your device maker
Battery backup
Solar charging
Folding solar panel (100–200 W) for power station
- Connector compatible with your power station
- Expect far below rated output in clouds
Radios
NOAA Weather Radio with SAME alerting
- SAME county coding so it alarms only for your area
- Battery backup
- Public Alert certified if available
Hand-crank AM/FM/NOAA radio with USB
- Crank + solar + battery
- AM band for regional news stations
FCC-certified FRS or GMRS handheld radios (pair)
- FRS-certified radios: no license needed
- GMRS-certified radios: an FCC GMRS license is needed for any transmission (no exam; covers immediate family)
- Check the certification on the box
Upgraded handheld antenna (SMA, dual-band)
- Match the connector to your radio (SMA-female on most Baofengs)
Radio programming cable (CHIRP/CPS compatible)
- Genuine FTDI chipset avoids driver problems
- Match your radio model
First aid
Lighting
Heating and cooling essentials
Fire safety
Carbon monoxide alarm (battery or battery-backup)
- UL 2034 listed
- Every level and outside sleeping areas
Smoke alarm (10-year sealed battery)
- UL 217 listed
- Every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, every level
Fire extinguisher, multipurpose (2-A:10-B:C or larger)
- One per level and the kitchen
- Check the pressure gauge as the label directs