A Quick Prepper Checklist

Prepper Checklist

1. Water

• Short-Term (72 hours to 1 month):
  • Store bottled water (3-30 gallons per person).
  • Collapsible water containers for easy storage.
  • Water purification tablets or drops (e.g., iodine, chlorine dioxide).
  • Portable water filter (e.g., Sawyer Mini, LifeStraw).
  • Bleach (unscented, 8 drops per gallon for purification).
• Long-Term (3 months+):
  • Large water storage tanks (55-g-dot-com barrels, IBC totes, or rain collection systems).
  • Water harvesting supplies (gutters, barrels, tarps).
  • Well or spring access (if applicable).
  • Backup purification systems (e.g., ceramic filters, UV purifiers).
  • Knowledge of local water sources (rivers, lakes, springs).

2. Food

• Short-Term:
  • Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, meats, soups; 3-30 days’ worth).
  • Protein bars, granola bars, or meal replacement bars.
  • Dried fruits, nuts, and trail mix.
  • Instant meals (e.g., ramen, oatmeal, freeze-dried meals).
  • Comfort foods (chocolate, candy, coffee, tea).
• Long-Term:
  • Bulk staples (rice, beans, pasta, oats, flour, cornmeal; 25-50 lbs per person for 6 months).
  • Freeze-dried or dehydrated foods (e.g., MyPatriotSupply).
  • Powdered milk, eggs, or cheese.
  • Cooking oils (olive, coconut, vegetable; 1-2 gallons per person per year).
  • Salt, sugar, honey, spices (for flavor and preservation).
  • Multivitamins and supplements (to address nutrient deficiencies).
  • Seeds for sprouting or gardening (e.g., alfalfa, broccoli, mung beans).
  • Food storage supplies (mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, 5-gallon buckets with gamma lids).
  • Manual can opener (2-3 for redundancy).
  • Knowledge of foraging wild edibles (field guide for your region).

3. Shelter and Warmth

• Short-Term:
  • Emergency blankets (mylar space blankets).
  • Tarp or poncho for rain protection.
  • Sleeping bags or wool blankets (rated for your climate).
  • Hand/foot warmers (chemical-based).
  • Tent or bivvy sack for temporary shelter.
• Long-Term:
  • Insulated clothing (layers, wool, fleece, waterproof outerwear).
  • Sturdy boots and extra socks.
  • Fire-starting tools (lighters, ferro rods, waterproof matches, tinder).
  • Wood-burning stove or portable heater (with fuel).
  • Axe, saw, or hatchet for firewood processing.
  • Candles, lanterns, or solar lights for illumination.
  • Repair supplies (duct tape, paracord, sewing kit).
  • Insulation materials (foam pads, curtains, draft stoppers).

4. First Aid and Hygiene

• Short-Term:
  • Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, pain relievers).
  • Prescription medications (30-day supply, rotate regularly).
  • Over-the-counter meds (ibuprofen, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, electrolytes).
  • Soap, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.
  • Feminine hygiene products or reusable options (menstrual cup).
• Long-Term:
  • Advanced first aid kit (sutures, trauma shears, hemostatic agents like QuikClot).
  • Medical reference book (e.g., Where There Is No Doctor).
  • Extra glasses, contacts, or vision aids.
  • Bulk hygiene supplies (bar soap, baking soda, vinegar).
  • Portable toilet or composting toilet system.
  • Toilet paper or reusable cloths (bidet option).
  • Disinfectants (bleach, hydrogen peroxide).
  • Knowledge of herbal remedies or essential oils (e.g., tea tree, lavender).
  • Long-term storage meds (Jase)

5. Tools and Equipment

• Short-Term:
  • Multi-tool or pocketknife (e.g., Leatherman, Swiss Army).
  • Flashlight (LED, with extra batteries) or headlamp.
  • Whistle for signaling.
  • Small shovel or entrenching tool.
  • 100 ft of paracord (550 lb strength).
• Long-Term:
  • Quality fixed-blade knife (e.g., Mora, Ka-Bar).
  • Tool kit (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, hammer).
  • Shovel, pickaxe, and rake for gardening or digging.
  • Solar charger or power bank for electronics.
  • Two-way radios (e.g., Baofeng UV-5R) or walkie-talkies.
  • Binoculars or monocular for scouting.
  • Fishing and trapping gear (hooks, line, snares, nets).
  • Self-defense tools (firearm, pepper spray, or bow, depending on laws and skills).
  • Ammunition (500-1000 rounds for primary firearm, if applicable).
  • Sharpening stone or system for blades.

6. Power and Communication

• Short-Term:
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather alerts).
  • Extra batteries (AA, AAA, CR123A, etc.).
  • USB power bank (10,000-20,000 mAh).
• Long-Term:
  • Solar panels (100-400W with inverter).
  • Deep-cycle batteries for energy storage.
  • Generator (gas or propane) with fuel storage (safely rotated).
  • HAM radio license and equipment for long-range communication.
  • Faraday bags or cages to protect electronics from EMP.
  • Satellite phone or messaging device (e.g., Garmin inReach).

7. Documents and Finances

• Short-Term:
  • Copies of IDs, passports, and insurance policies (in waterproof bag).
  • Cash (small bills, $100-500 per person).
  • Emergency contact list (hard copy).
• Long-Term:
  • Digital backups of documents on USB (encrypted).
  • Precious metals (silver coins, gold bars) for barter.
  • Barter items (alcohol, tobacco, ammo, batteries).
  • Property deeds, wills, and legal papers in fireproof safe.
  • Local maps, compass, and GPS (with extra batteries).

8. Skills and Knowledge

• Short-Term:
  • Basic first aid and CPR training.
  • Fire-starting techniques (bow drill, flint and steel).
  • Knot-tying (bowline, clove hitch, taut-line).
  • Navigation (map reading, compass use).
• Long-Term:
  • Advanced wilderness survival (shelter building, water sourcing).
  • Gardening and seed saving.
  • Food preservation (canning, dehydrating, fermenting).
  • Hunting, fishing, or trapping skills.
  • Basic mechanics and home repair.
  • Self-defense training (martial arts, firearms proficiency).
  • Community building (network with like-minded preppers).

9. Psychological and Community Preparedness

• Short-Term:
  • Games, books, or cards for morale.
  • Journal and pen for mental health.
  • Stress management techniques (meditation, breathing exercises).
• Long-Term:
  • Build a local prepper group or mutual aid network.
  • Practice scenarios (bug-in vs. bug-out drills).
  • Develop a positive mindset (focus on adaptability, problem-solving).
  • Spiritual or philosophical grounding (faith, meditation, or purpose).

10. Bug-Out Bag (BOB)

• Backpack (30-50L, durable, comfortable).
• Water (2-3L in bladder or bottles, plus filter).
• Food (high-calorie bars, freeze-dried meals, 3000 calories total).
• Shelter (tarp, bivvy, or lightweight tent).
• Clothing (weather-appropriate, extra socks, hat).
• First aid kit (compact, trauma-focused).
• Fire kit (lighter, ferro rod, tinder).
• Tools (multi-tool, folding knife, paracord).
• Navigation (compass, local map, small GPS).
• Cash ($100-200 in small bills).
• Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries).
• Personal items (meds, ID copies, hygiene essentials).

Additional Considerations

• Location-Specific Needs:
  • Cold climates: Extra insulation, heavy-duty sleeping bags, snow shovel.
  • Hot climates: Sunblock, wide-brim hat, cooling towels.
  • Urban areas: Focus on bug-out plans, compact gear, barter items.
  • Rural areas: Emphasize self-sufficiency (gardening, livestock).
• Family Considerations:
  • For kids: Comfort items (toys, snacks), kid-sized gear.
  • For elderly: Mobility aids, extra medications, easy-to-eat foods.
  • For pets: Food, water, leash, portable crate, medical records.
• Storage and Organization:
  • Use clear, labeled bins for easy access.
  • Store in cool, dry, pest-free areas.
  • Regularly inspect and rotate supplies (every 6-12 months).
  • Keep a detailed inventory (digital and hard copy).
• Legal and Ethical Notes:
  • Ensure compliance with local laws (firearms, medications, water rights).
  • Avoid hoarding to the detriment of others; focus on self-reliance.
  • Share knowledge with community to build resilience.

Sample Timeline for Building Your Prep

• Week 1-2: Assess needs, budget, and storage space. Start with water and 72-hour food supply.
• Month 1: Build bug-out bag, acquire first aid kit, and learn basic skills (fire-starting, knot-tying).
• Month 3: Expand food storage to 1 month, add tools, and secure documents.
• Month 6: Reach 3 months of food/water, invest in power (solar/batteries), and practice scenarios.
• Year 1: Aim for 6-12 months of supplies, start gardening, and join a prepper network.