Essential Checklist for Emergency Preparedness & Outdoor Adventure Planning & Vehicle Preparedness

Many of the items listed in this checklist are available at our product website PrepareDirect. We will be adding new items and categories continually so please visit us.

This exceptionally comprehensive essential checklist for emergency preparedness should be a crucial assist in your emergency, survival and outdoor adventure planning – study it carefully! It is one of the most (if not the most) comprehensive lists available – thankfully copied by many.

For most people planning for emergencies is similar to planning for a camping trip or any other outdoor adventure where the normal conveniences of home are not available. The biggest difference is determining whether to plan for being away from home or in your own residence – or perhaps both. The equipment to include in your emergency kit or camping supplies list will be very comparable. Differences and variations will generally depend upon the severity and length of time you anticipate for your emergency scenario. Long term emergencies and outdoor explorations will require, in addition to this list, more extensive planning and provisioning.

Important questions to answer as you do your planning:

Are the equipment and supplies necessary to fulfill your needs going to be based on how cheap they are, or on the quality, value, and reliability of the product?
What are the repercussions or benefits from the choices that are made?
Who is affected?
What chances are you willing to take with inferior and inadequate provisions?
What will the climate be during the emergency or adventure – weather and political?
What is the probable availability of essential goods and services at the location where you are or where you are going for your adventure or during your anticipated emergency?

Although this list is an authoritative and comprehensive compilation of crucial supplies for emergency preparedness and outdoor adventure, these suggestions focus on basic necessities, and are not intended to be an exhaustive and detailed list of all choices, as each person or group has their own special requirements and needs. While there are numerous options to choose from in each category, use this guideline of essentials to ensure you have evaluated all the possibilities given the scenarios and circumstances for which you are preparing and provisioning, whether for preparedness planning or outdoor adventuring.

Your comfort, enjoyment and life may depend upon it!

Be clear about the time factors, persons involved, and situations that you anticipate will occur in an emergency or an outdoor experience. Knowing this information is crucial to stocking the appropriate items in the appropriate quantities. Many of these items will be essential for bartering if supplies are exhausted and the emergency you are preparing for is long term.

Proper provisioning is about safety, health, protection, comfort, and peace of mind – for not only you, but also your family and friends.

Items with an asterisk * are recommended for a “grab-and-go bag” or “bug out bag.” This is an easily accessible bag you keep near by to grab when you only have a moments notice to evacuate. Items with a double asterisk ** indicates items for your bag whose quantity will depend on the length of your anticipated emergency scenario. You may require more than one quick-grab-bag depending on your specific needs.

As a complement to this checklist I highly recommend answering the questions in: The 12 Crucial Questions of Preparedness Planning article.
THE LIST

Carrier for Provisions

If you anticipate having to relocate, have your transportable supplies in one or two easily accessible carriers, especially if you must leave in a hurry.

*Backpack
*Large duffel/canvass bag with duel shoulder straps in case it has to be carried for some distance
Lightweight suitcase/Sturdy container/Food and Supply Brick™
Wheeled device

Water

An obvious necessity for everyone. Know what water sources are available to you during an emergency, or in the outdoors. Plan accordingly and don’t hold back preparing for this essential category. Don’t go cheap!

*Gravity/hand pump water purifier/filter/extra cartridges/straw filters
*Bottle purifier/filter
*Purification tablets – Chlorine Dioxide/iodine
*Separate containers for dirty and treated water
Multiple containers depending upon situation
WaterBricks water container
Camelback & bladder type containers
**Specially packaged water (5+ years storage life), Aqua Blox
**Bottled water (2 years storage life) – can be filtered or treated if older
Solar or stove top distillers
Survival Still non-electric portable distiller
Desalinators for salt water
Reverse osmosis purifiers
UV purifiers
Additives – colloidal silver/bio-active silver hydrosol/stabilized oxygen/BioFilm drops
Chlorine (5.25 % sodium hypochlorite, non-scented only with no additives – 6 drops per gallon)
Manual pump if near a well
Water gathering supplies – plastic tarps/containers/instructions
Water stored in your own containers – large and small

Food

Numerous options are available. This category must be accessed carefully depending upon the length of time of the emergency or outing, and severity of circumstances you anticipate might occur. Remember, certain foods will require more water and fuel to prepare – is this appropriate to your anticipated situation? Would you store foods for an emergency that you would not normally want to eat? Foods should be shelf stable and easy to prepare. Consider nutrient dense foods not empty calorie foods. When considering whole grains, seeds, legumes and beans don’t forget sprouting.

NOTE: Many newer food companies are promoting their pouched foods to have a 25 year plus shelf life – beware! Many of these food companies market their foods as “survival” foods – they are just that – eaten to survive only – their quality, packaging and shelf stability is questionable. Would you store foods for an emergency that you would not normally want to eat?

**Bars/energy bars/trail mix/food tablets
**Other eat-as-is simple and nutritional compact/nutritionally dense foods
**Freeze-dried/dehydrated from established companies in pouches, cans or bulk – numerous varieties available
Canned – wet pack
**Retort wet-pack pouches/trays/self-heating meals
**MRE’s (Meals-Ready-To-Eat) – military specs (These military designed rations were developed for troops to be eaten for no longer than one month at a time – they are not appropriate for exclusive long term consumption)
Boxed – eat as is/mixes/individual items
Baking soda (numerous uses)
Non-perishable basics
Powdered items – milk/cheese/whey/vegetables/fruits
Wild foods/foraging – get a good illustrated guide
Bulk commodities – Rice (brown rice has a short – 6 months – shelf life), grains, seeds, honey, beans (smaller grains and beans are good for sprouting and cook quicker with less water)
Bulk freeze-dried, dehydrated, air dried, instant, just-add-water, powders – fruits, vegetables, beans, pasta, oats
**Ready-to-eat comfort and nutritional foods
Garden seeds if appropriate – longer term scenarios – heirloom/organic (You will find many who promote storing garden seeds. You must research the shelf life, storage conditions and germination viability of the different varieties you are storing – they vary considerably. Garden seeds alone are inadequate without tools, gardening knowledge, the ability to remain in place and of course water. In the long term emergency situation where survival depends on growing your own food, significant planning is vital.)
Supplements – vitamins/minerals/powdered green drinks/energy formulations
**Concentrated energy powders/bars/tablets
Condiments/seasoning blends/salt/coffee/tea/bullion/sweeteners (as natural as possible such as stevia and coconut sugar)
Gravy – dry mix or canned (can be added to bland foods for flavor)
Cooking oil (olive oil in a steel container has a decent shelf life – avoid hydrogenated oils containing trans-fat)
**Special needs foods – Those with food intolerance’s/nursing mothers/children/medical conditions
Baby foods
Red wine
Freeze-dried meats
Tuna fish in oil/sardines – high protein and long shelf life
**Cooking/heating required for the foods you have in your grab-and-go bag?

Food Preparation

If you must relocate and plan on cooking or heating water, consider lighter weight and efficient equipment.

**Stove – camping/alternative/very portable/Kelly Kettle
**Pots and pans – stainless steel/cast iron/non-stick – avoid aluminum
**Utensils
Pressure cooker
**Cookware kit
Grills
**Fuel – propane canisters/butane canisters/white gas/alcohol/wood/solid fuel cubes/charcoal/kerosene/lighter fluid
*Water/food bottle
*Hand operated can opener/opener on knife or multi-tool/P38 (for all of us military folks)
5 or 6 gallon plastic buckets
FoodBricks – from WaterBrick company
Cleaning supplies
Chlorine bleach – non scented
*Plastic bags/containers
Cheese cloth
Thermos for “prepare in container” whole and cracked cereals (Add about a 1:1 ratio of boiling water and cereal – mix in dried fruit, nuts and sweetener if desired – close container tight – let sit a few hours or overnight.)
Knife sharpener
“Package-you-own” equipment and supplies
Solar oven with cookware/GoSun Solar Stove/All American Sun Oven (both units will also purify water)
Manual grain mills/grinders/juicers/mixers/beaters
Sprouting equipment – portable and/or stationary/sprouting jars
Canning equipment if appropriate
Twist-ties
Corkscrew/bottle opener
Paper plates/bowls/cups/towels
Coffee filters – has multiple filtering uses
Small storage containers
Aluminum foil

Fire Starter – Matches

Be prepared for any situation and the possible need to start a fire, especially if weather conditions are severe.

*Flint/magnesium starters
**Waterproof tinder/very fine steel wool/products designed to start fires in adverse conditions
**Windproof high quality lighters/disposable Bic type lighters
**Matches in a waterproof container/storm proof matches
Magnifying glass

Medical

When your health and survival during a medical emergency is at stake, you don’t want to rely on cheap or inadequate medical supplies. This is an important category to thoughtfully evaluate. Don’t forget medications or products needed for those with special medical conditions.

*Quality kit with adequate components for a multitude of emergencies
*Accessories – dental emergencies/suture kit/snake bite kit – instructions/tweezers/safety razor blades/cotton balls/scissors/safety pins/tick removal
Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting if poisoned)
*Essential prescription medications/allergy medications/birth control
*First Aid manual
*Insect repellant (non DEET recommended)
*Sunscreen/lip balm
*Eyeglasses/sunglasses/contacts/repair kit
*Copies of prescriptions
*Foot care/moleskin/blister pads
Aspirin/Tylenol/ibuprofen/other over the counter drugs for minor issues/antibiotics
Homeopathic remedies
Colloidal Silver – internal/external – gel
Herbal kits/aloe vera
Dust masks/gas masks
Potassium Iodate (Iodate is recommended over Iodide)
Isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol
Anti-itch salve
Medications for head lice
Ear plugs (it could get noisy at night)
Quik Clot (stops bleeding)
Baking soda/hydrogen peroxide
Tourniquet
Thermometer
Latex gloves/Nitrile – latex free gloves

Personal Hygiene – Sanitary Supplies

Depending on individual circumstances and your location, it is vital to prevent any problems that might arise from unsanitary conditions. Take precautions to ensure a disease free environment. The length of an emergency and living/camping conditions require different approaches to personal hygiene.

**Personal hygiene items – soap/toothbrush/toothpaste/shampoo/deodorant/hair brush/comb/dental floss (multiple uses)
**Feminine hygiene
**Treated towelettes/waterless wipes
**Sanitary toilet provisions – portable toilet/powered chlorinates or lime/disposable urinals – solid waste bags
*Plastic bags
Latex gloves/nitrile – latex free gloves
**Toilet Paper
Towels
Solar shower
*All purpose soap/cleaning agents
*Anti-bacterial sanitizer
Kleenex
*Nail clippers
Lime/disinfectant/bleach
Cloth diapers (multiple uses)
Small shovel

Clothing

For warmth, comfort, and protection from insects and the elements.

*Proper and adequate clothing for the appropriate season and location
*Appropriate shoes/socks/boots/snow shoes/extra laces
*Rain gear/poncho/rubberized boots
*Cold weather gear – coats/layered clothing/thermal underwear
*Hat/gloves/bandana
Extra stuff sacks
Insect head net
Belts – regular/military type with small pouches

Shelter – Warmth

For protection from insects and the elements, warmth, sleeping, comfort, privacy.

*Tarps
Plastic sheeting/large plastic trash bags
*Tent – *tube/*lightweight/regular
Shelter building material
Nylon patch repair kit/seam sealer
*Sleeping bag – *emergency/*lightweight/*bivy bag (small individual size tent/bag)/compact lightweight/regular down bag
Sleeping pad/cot/air mattress
Hammock
*Emergency blankets
Regular blankets
Sheets
Hand/body warmers
Insect netting
Extra stakes/rope/bungee cords
Umbrella

10. Communication

It is essential to be kept informed during an emergency with friends, family, and appropriate governmental agencies and emergency organizations. When in an outdoor environment, unsettled weather considerations necessitate weather alert radios. Avoid a sense of isolation during serious emergencies.

*Radios – hand cranked/solar/batteries
Two-way radios
Short wave/CB (citizens band)/GMRS (general mobile radio service)/FRS (family radio service)/VHF (very high frequency) radios
Ham radio for radio amateurs – need license to transmit and/or radio with Ham frequencies for listening
Radios with NOAA (government agency) weather channels (7) and weather alerts if necessary in your area
*Cell phones/smart phones/charger
Satellite phones
*Whistle
*Signaling devices/flares/mirror
*Notebook/pen – regular & space pen that will write in any weather and position/markers/waterproof paper
PLB (personal locator beacon)
Small TV – battery/solar operated
Telephone not requiring external power
Morse code chart

11. Lighting

This is an essential category to address when anticipating any situation where you may be in darkness. Not only for a sense of security and comfort, but to be able to see clearly and act accordingly if emergencies happen in the dark.

*Flashlight – hand cranked/solar/batteries/LED and regular bulbs
*Lantern (*small or large size) – hand cranked/solar/batteries/propane/mantel/ candle/LED and regular bulbs
Oil lamps – kerosene/clear lamp oil/wicks
Strobe light
*Head Lamp
**Extra batteries/power source
**Candles
Extra mantels/extra propane canisters
Light sticks
Solar charger for charging rechargeable batteries

12. Tools – Instruments – Accessories

Numerous unforeseen situations or just routine conditions occur during an emergency or during an outdoor adventure. Be prepared and secure with the proper quality tool.

*Knife/knives/knife maintenance/sharpener
*Multi-tool/Swiss Army knife
*Navigation/compass/GPS device
Repair tools – hammer/screwdrivers/pliers/wire cutters/nails/screws/nuts & bolts/crowbar/spikes/pulley
Repair Kits
*Axe (*small or large)/saw (*hand controlled chain or special outdoor)/hacksaw/wood splitting/wedges
*Rope/wire/bungee cords/straps/paracord/heavy cordage/cable ties
*JB Weld/super adhesive/superglue/epoxy
Goo remover
Lubricating oil/WD-40
Chain
Padlocks
*Work gloves
Shovel/multi-purpose folding shovel
Garden tools if appropriate
Fishing/hunting/trapping gear/Ronco Pocket Fisherman/snare wire
*Duct tape/Hurricane tape/nylon repair tape/patches
*Plastic bags/trash bags/plastic sheeting
*Aluminum foil
*Sewing and repair supplies
Velcro
Safety goggles
Weather condition instruments/thermometer
*Watch – regular/multi-featured
Binoculars
Stuff bags for organizing
Scissors
Rubber bands
Small broom/rake
Buckets
Files
Clothes pins
Dust/gas masks
*Siphoning tube/hose
Hand pump
*Auto/bicycle/boat emergency items (keep in vehicle)
Can of red spray paint to indicate emergency information
Shut-off tool for gas/water supply
Tool for braking auto glass and cutting seat belts/webbing
Fuel – gasoline/diesel/kerosene/propane
Fuel stabilizer
Fire extinguisher

13. Emergency Instructions – Guidance – Support – Back up – Personal Documents

Important and accurate information can not only be helpful it can be life saving. Researching reliable and trustworthy information sources is a vital component to preparedness and outdoor survival planning. Establishing family communication and reunion plans is also essential for security and peace of mind. Certain documents should always be available.

Books/*Bible/novels
Morale builders – personal items that help children and adults cope in stressful situations
*Medical information
*Emergency/survival information
*Manuals appropriate for equipment you have
*Maps
*Pen/magic marker/paper/chalk
*Compass
Edible wild foods publications/field guides
*Essential personal documents – photo ID/will/insurance/stocks/bonds/birth certificates/DD214/bank account & credit card numbers/family records/personal property inventory for insurance/deeds/pink slips/passports/ Social Security cards/check books/credit and debit cards/irreplaceable photographs and certificates – IN WATERPROOF CONTAINER
*Phone numbers and addresses of friends, relatives, and emergency organizations/agencies
*Spare keys
*Instructions on meeting and/or communicating with family and/or friends during or after an emergency
Duel language dictionary if appropriate
Solar calculator
Back-up computer discs/flash drives
Laptop/iPad/tablets/PDA’s/mp3-4 players
*Entertainment – music/instruments/cards/games

14. Power – Energy

A reliable power supply can be crucial in an emergency or for various outdoor recreational activities. Many valuable communication, radio, entertainment and lighting devices require power. Currently there are a number of dependable portable solar (large and small), storage, and hand operated units available to power your electronic devices.

*For power – a small portable solar charger for electronics and rechargeable batteries
For lighting
For radios
For electronic devices
For communication
*Hand cranked radios and lanterns with USB charger & power cords
Solar/storage/hand cranked power devices – fuel free portable power/small power packs
Solar panels
Generator – gas/propane/back up fuel
Appropriate linking cables
*Batteries of all sizes – alkaline/rechargeable
*Battery charger – wall/car/solar
Deep cycle battery
Inverter

15. Cash

It is impossible to know for certain what circumstances might exist during a serious emergency and for what duration normal financial activities will be disrupted. Access to electronic funds or use of credit cards may not be possible. Cash or barter may be the only means of paying for goods or services.

*Cash in smaller denomination bills
Gold/silver coins
Smaller items for barter
*Credit/debit cards

16. Personal Security

Each individual must decide the extent to which they will provide protection for themselves and their families from physical harm by others or wild animals. Don’t forget fire safety.

Weapons/ammunition/gun cleaning supplies/bow hunting supplies – If you have firearms make sure all those who might use them are properly trained
Tazer
Mace
Pepper Spray
Bear repellant
Sling shot
Clubs/bats
Fire extinguisher
Large dog

17. Special Needs

This category must not be overlooked if you, other family members, or friends have specials needs and require individual attention.

**Personal items specifically required by special needs individuals
**Medical items and prescriptions – consider having an adequate supply on hand in the event of a unforeseen and prolonged emergency
**Special foods or other items for children/elderly/disabled/nursing mothers
*Children’s items for comfort and a sense of security – blankets/dolls/toys/diapers/pacifiers
**Pet needs

18. Transportation Support

An often overlooked category, specific transportation support must be assessed especially for longer duration emergencies or for outdoor activities where the transportation devices are critical. Evaluate these options, determine which ones you will utilize, determine what you will need to ensure safety, comfort, repair potential, and adequacy to handle the transportation of your provisions.

Motor Vehicle – car/truck/van/RV/motorcycle/extra gas/repair and emergency equipment/trailer
Boat – motorized/sail/canoe/kayak/paddle/inflatable/folding
Scooter – gas/electric/solar
Bicycle – regular/folding – repair parts/tire pump – special towing cart/small gas engine
Horse
By foot
Wagon/garden cart/wheel barrow – for manual needs

Emergency Preparedness Items for Automobiles – Trucks – Vans – RV’s

These items are especially important for long trips, family outings, new younger drivers, inclement weather, remote areas and at night.

Spare tire
Jack with tire iron and supporting tools
Device to break window and cut seat belts from the inside in an emergency
Tire inflation device – portable power and/or aerosol can inflator/other tire repair materials
JB Weld/super adhesive
Jumper cables
Portable power unit for jump starting and backup power
Tow cables/rope
Chains/cables/bungee cords for tightening
Crowbar
Reflectors/flares
Hidden spare key
Extra oil
Extra gas/funnel if appropriate
Siphon hose
Extra fan belts/bulbs/hoses/additives/sealers/hard to get parts/repair kit
Window scraper
Important phone numbers/documents/insurance information
GPS device if appropriate
Empty gas can
Material to gain traction if stuck in snow or ice – cat liter/sand/wood shavings

Additional critical items from the above Essential Checklist to carry in your vehicle:

Tarps
Blankets/emergency sleeping bag
First Aid kit
Baby supplies
Food and water/water purification/containers if appropriate
Maps
Pen/magic marker/paper
Personal documents and photo ID/registration/insurance
Gloves
Duct tape
Rope/wire
Repair tools
Plastic bags large and small
Cell phone/smart phone/charger
Emergency radio/hand crank radio
Emergency lighting
Rope/wire/bungees
Small solar/12 volt power packs for small electronics
Cash/credit card
Extra clothing in harsh and/or wet weather/hat
Hand/body warmers
Rain gear/rubber boots/poncho
Knife/multi-tool
Whistle
Toilet paper
Towels
Shovel
Small fire extinguisher
Matches/fire starter
Extra batteries
Personal protection devices or items as appropriate/pepper spray
Refer to the Essential Checklist for other items relevant to your vehicles specific needs.

Reproduction of this important Checklist for other media is granted if Denis Korn and Learn To Prepare is appropriately credited