The Prepper’s Inventory Checklist

Be Ready for Anything

Are you ready for the unexpected? A natural disaster, economic crisis, or global pandemic. Being prepared makes all the difference.

When disaster strikes, your first concern is staying fed and hydrated. Stock up on non-perishable foods that’ll last months or years.

Canned goods are your best friends. Think soups, vegetables, fruits, and meats. They’re easy to store and don’t need cooking. Don’t forget a manual can opener.

Dried foods like rice, beans, and pasta are great for long-term storage. They’re cheap and filling. Add flavor with dried herbs and spices.

For a quick energy boost, keep granola bars, nuts, and dried fruits on hand. They’re perfect for grab-and-go situations.

Water is necessary. Store at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

Aim for a two-week supply at minimum. Water purification tablets or filters are must-haves for longer-term scenarios.

A well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver. Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Don’t forget prescription medications.

OTC meds like antihistamines, anti-diarrhea pills, and antacids can provide relief. A multivitamin fills nutritional gaps in your emergency diet.

For more serious situations, add items like a tourniquet, burn gel, and a suture kit. Invest in a comprehensive first aid manual and learn basic medical skills.

In a power outage or evacuation scenario, you need to stay warm and dry. Emergency blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing are essential.

A sturdy tent provides shelter if you need to leave home. For urban preppers, include a tarp and some rope for make-shift shelter.

Don’t underestimate the need of fire. Stock up on matches, lighters, and fire starters. A good knife and hatchet help gather firewood.

With a basic tool kit, you can make repairs. Include a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and a wrench set.

For power outages, flashlights and extra batteries are important. A hand-crank radio provides emergency updates.

A multi-tool is versatile in many situations. Look for one with pliers, a knife, can opener, and screwdriver attachments.

In prolonged emergencies, security is an issue. Non-lethal options are pepper spray or a sturdy walking stick.

If comfortable with firearms, have appropriate ammunition and know how to use your weapon.

The best self-defense is avoidance. Have a plan to secure your home and stay out of dangerous situations.

In a disaster, information is vital. Consider a satellite phone for communication when cell networks are down. Don’t forget extra batteries or charging options.

Documents like IDs, insurance papers, and medical records should be stored in a waterproof container.

Sanitation can prevent disease. Stock up on toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer.

For women, don’t forget feminine hygiene products. Diapers are essential if you have infants.

In case water is scarce, have a supply of moist wipes and rinse-free shampoo. A bucket with a tight-fitting lid works if plumbing fails.

If you need to leave quickly, have a “bug-out bag” ready with essentials for 72 hours. Include food, water, clothes, and a first aid kit.

Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times. Store an emergency kit in your car with jumper cables, a spare tire, and basic tools.

Have physical maps of your area and know multiple evacuation routes. Don’t rely solely on GPS, which might not work in an emergency.

Different emergencies call for different preps.

Hurricanes and Floods

Prioritize waterproof containers for food and supplies. Have sandbags ready to protect your home from flooding.

A battery-powered sump pump can remove water from your basement. Don’t forget life jackets if you live in a flood-prone area.

Earthquakes

Secure heavy furniture to walls to prevent tipping. Have a wrench handy to turn off gas lines.

Keep sturdy shoes and a flashlight near your bed for nighttime quakes. Have a plan for reuniting with family members.

Pandemics

Stock up on masks, gloves, and disinfectants. Have a supply of any medications you take.

Check out ways to work from home. Have activities to keep yourself occupied during lockdowns.

Economic Crisis

Focus on building a financial cushion and reducing debt. Stock up on items that become scarce.

Learn skills like gardening or basic home repairs. These increase self-reliance.

Nuclear or Radiological Events

Have potassium iodide tablets to protect your thyroid. Know how to create a fallout shelter in your home.

Plastic sheeting and duct tape help seal windows and doors against radioactive particles.

There are additional steps you can take to ensure you’re ready for any situation.

Beyond canned goods and dried foods, invest in freeze-dried meals. These are lightweight, have a long shelf life, and require only water to prepare. They’re ideal for situations where space and weight are concerns, such as in a bug-out bag.

For those with the space, a home canning setup lets you preserve fruits, vegetables, and meats. This extends your food supply and provides healthy options.

Consider building a small aquaponics or hydroponics system. These systems let you grow fresh produce year-round, even in small spaces. They’re a sustainable source of food if supply chains are disrupted.

In addition to basic first aid supplies, add specialized medical equipment. A blood pressure monitor and a pulse oximeter can help you keep track of health conditions during prolonged emergencies.

If you have specific needs, stock up on necessary medical supplies. If someone uses an inhaler, have spares and consider alternatives like nebulizers.

Learn herbal remedies and keep a stock of common herbs like chamomile for calming nerves or ginger for digestive issues.

If serious about prepping, invest in a portable solar generator. It provides power for lights, small appliances, and communication devices without relying on fuel-based generators.

If living in areas prone to extreme weather, reinforce your home’s structure. Storm shutters, reinforced doors, and impact-resistant windows provide protection against hurricanes and tornadoes.

Learn carpentry skills to make quick repairs or build temporary shelters. Having the tools and knowledge to create makeshift structures can be important in extended survival situations.

It’s wise to familiarize yourself with amateur radio operations. Ham radios reach long distances and connect with operators worldwide, providing a communication method when all else fails.

Create a network of fellow preppers or community members who share similar interests in emergency preparedness. Establish communication protocols for mutual support during crises.

Diversify your assets by investing in precious metals like gold and silver. These provide financial security if traditional currencies lose value.

Keep cash on hand in small denominations for emergencies where electronic transactions aren’t possible. Keep this in multiple secure locations.

Develop valuable skills for barter situations, such as gardening, sewing, or mechanical repair, so you have something to trade when necessary.

Mental resilience is as important as physical preparedness. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga to maintain mental health during high-pressure situations.

Engage in family discussions about emergency plans so everyone understands their roles.

Role-play scenarios to prepare emotionally for potential challenges. This reduces panic and improves decision-making during actual emergencies.

Whether it’s through food storage techniques, shelter options, communication methods, or community involvement, each strengthens your ability to face the unknown.

Inventory Checklist: Essential Items

Here’s a list of items every prepper should have on hand.

Food and Water

Grains:

• Rice (long grain, short grain, basmati)

• Wheat berries

• Dried corn and popcorn

• Rolled oats

• Cornmeal

• All-purpose and cake flour

• Pasta and quinoa

• Instant grits and mashed potatoes

Beans and Legumes:

• Pinto, black, navy, and kidney beans

• Chickpeas, lima beans, black-eyed peas

• Lentils

Fats:

• Lard, peanut butter, shortening

• Vegetable, olive, and coconut oils

• Coconut milk

Spices and Condiments:

• Salt, granulated sugar, honey

• Vinegars (white, apple cider, rice wine)

• Soy sauce, black peppercorns

• Cinnamon sticks, chicken bouillon

• Garlic powder, Italian seasoning

Baking Supplies:

• Syrup (various types)

• Powdered milk, baking soda, baking powder

• Cocoa, corn starch, yeast

• Pure vanilla extract

Fruits and Vegetables:

• Canned fruits and vegetables

• Dried fruits like raisins and apricots

Drinks:

• Instant coffee and drink mixes

First Aid Kit:

• Bandages, gauze pads

• Antibiotic ointment

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)

Medications:

• Prescription medications as needed

• Over-the-counter meds like antihistamines

Shelter Supplies:

• Emergency blankets or sleeping bags

• Tent or tarp with rope for shelter

Fire Supplies:

• Matches, lighters, fire starters

Basic Tools:

• Hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrench set

Lighting and Power:

• Flashlights with extra batteries

• Hand-crank radio for updates

Multi-tool:

• A versatile tool with pliers, knife, can opener attachments

Self-defense -Non-lethal Options:

• Pepper spray or a sturdy walking stick

Communication:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Satellite phone or ham radio for emergencies

Hygiene Products:

• Toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer

• Feminine hygiene products if needed

Bug-out Bag Essentials:

• 72-hour supply of food and water

• Clothing suitable for the climate

Special Considerations for Different Disasters

Hurricanes/Floods:

• Waterproof containers for food/supplies

• Sandbags for flood protection

Earthquakes:

• Secure heavy furniture to walls

• Keep shoes/flashlight near bed for night emergencies

Pandemics:

• Stock masks/gloves/disinfectants

• Supply of necessary medications

Economic Crisis:

• Build financial cushion/reduce debt

• Stockpile items that may become scarce/expensive