A prepping checklist is a comprehensive collection of items you must have on hand in case an emergency arises. It can help you get started with prepping and stay organized over time.
When creating a prepping checklist, there are many items to take into account. Water, for instance, should always be top of mind in any crisis scenario.
1. Food
No matter if you’re prepping for an emergency or just wanting to be more prepared, food should always be on your list of essentials. Stock your pantry, fridge and freezer with staple foods like ketchup, butter, pasta, rice cereal nuts fruits and vegetables so that your pantry stays stocked during any prep event.
Maintaining a well-stocked kitchen will make meal planning much simpler. Not only that, but having all your ingredients on hand gives you the assurance to cook nutritious meals in no time and with ease.
When creating a menu, the first step should be listing all of the items needed for that meal. This makes determining ingredients much simpler and saves money and energy in the long run since you won’t have to visit the grocery store as often.
Once you have your list made, make a copy and store it somewhere visible such as in the fridge or freezer. It can serve as a handy reference when preparing for meals in the future.
Another step you should take when creating your meal prep checklist is marking the days of the week where certain types of meals will be needed. This will make it simpler for you to plan and prepare your meals ahead of time for the week.
When beginning meal prepping, especially if you don’t have much experience cooking, start by analyzing your daily schedule and marking which days require breakfast, lunch or dinner. Doing this will give you an accurate count of how many meals and snacks need to be prepared each week; keeping track of these numbers will enable you to stay on track with your prep goals and achieve them successfully.
2. Water
Water is one of the most essential items any prepper should have on hand. Not only for drinking and cooking, but also hygiene purposes and treating wounds or medical conditions.
Water security may not always be top of mind when prepping, but it’s an integral component of any survival checklist. FEMA recommends storing at least a gallon of water per person for drinking and another for food preparation purposes.
As with emergency food storage, water storage should be done gradually. Many novice preppers begin by stocking up on 24 packs of bottled water and gradually add to their collection over time.
When it comes to food storage, aim for at least a two-week supply of healthy, nutritious survival items on hand. These can be dehydrated or freeze-dried items but you should also include some nonperishable options like canned goods and snacks that don’t need refrigeration.
You’ll also need a way to purify water, and having access to an effective resource can be invaluable in times of emergency. The CDC suggests adding 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stirring thoroughly and letting stand for 30 minutes – the water should have an unpleasant odor; if not, don’t drink it.
When it comes to water, the key is being prepared and never being caught off guard. While it’s impossible to anticipate every scenario that might arise, being prepared for common ones will help keep you safe and secure when something unexpected occurs. Furthermore, having peace of mind gives you confidence in your ability to navigate any unknown scenarios that come your way.
3. Tactical Gear
Tactical gear refers to a broad category of items, from gun accessories and knives, flashlights, and even survivalist apparel. Designed with extreme use in mind, tactical gear is often employed by soldiers, police officers and others who require high levels of security and durability in their gear.
Tactical products can be invaluable in many different settings, such as camping and hiking. They’re particularly helpful when it comes to self-defense, making them a great investment for anyone with an active lifestyle.
It’s essential to recognize that tactical gear isn’t necessarily suitable for every circumstance, and you should select an item based on your individual requirements. For instance, soldiers may require bullet proof vests while hunters prefer clothing with extra pockets for food and water.
The ideal tactical gear should not slow you down and can be a lifesaver when in an adverse circumstance. This includes items like tactical pants with gussets strategically placed to allow for maximum movement without impeding performance.
These products tend to be more comfortable and reliable than traditional gear. Plus, they’re made with lightweight yet fire-resistant materials so that they can be worn under various circumstances without adding extra weight to your body.
Though the future of tactical gear remains uncertain, it’s evident that its growing popularity among EDC wear has driven manufacturers to create high-quality products that can withstand even extreme conditions. Some businesses have managed to blend military designs with civilian apparel while others have chosen to target a more specific market.
4. Shelter
Shelter should be a top priority on any prepping checklist. In case you are forced to evacuate your home, having somewhere safe to stay during an emergency is key.
Thankfully, there are numerous shelters that provide temporary relief and protection from the elements. These often exist within cities or towns.
One of the most essential aspects of your shelter is ensuring it’s secure and well-maintained. This includes making sure there’s proper drainage and ventilation, no fire hazards present, no damage caused by wildfires or other natural disasters, easy access for medical needs if any arise, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for you to rest in.
In addition to these essential necessities, it’s wise to have some extra supplies on hand. These could include a tent, heavy-duty tarp, rain ponchos and privacy curtains.
Another essential item is a first aid kit. These typically contain bandages, Neosporin, alcohol & hydrogen peroxide, Benadryl, as well as pain relievers.
You may also want to stock up on personal items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors and soap for emergency use. These will help keep you clean in stressful situations and make taking care of yourself easier during a survival event.
Although a prepping checklist is designed with basic needs in mind, it’s still essential to consider specific needs and requirements based on where you live and any potential threats. Doing this will enable you to customize your list and plans according to individual circumstances, ensuring you have everything necessary in case an emergency occurs.
5. First Aid
First aid is the initial care provided to someone who is injured or in pain before professional medical assistance arrives. It aims to save lives, prevent the injury from getting worse, and promote recovery.
Most people are aware of the basic principles of first aid, but knowing how to apply them correctly in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. There are various types of first aid available, from treating minor cuts and abrasions to providing care for serious injuries or illnesses.
First aid requires staying calm, assessing the situation, and stabilizing the individual until trained professionals arrive. Furthermore, good housekeeping should be practiced after administering first aid; used bandages, PPE, or sharp objects should be disposed of promptly to reduce the risk of infection due to contact with blood or bodily fluids.
Though many can provide basic first aid without special training, it’s always better to receive instruction beforehand. That way, you can be certain to provide the highest quality care when someone needs it most.
Furthermore, it’s beneficial to be familiar with the most common first aid situations and how to appropriately respond. These could include managing bleeding, burns, poisonous bites or stings, as well as other conditions that could arise in an emergency.
If you have never taken a course in first aid before your next trip or event, I strongly suggest doing so. These courses provide the fundamental principles of first aid, how to utilize emergency equipment and supplies, as well as how to react in an emergency scenario.
A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential item on any prepper’s survival gear list. It’s wise to start building up your stockpile as soon as possible.
