Reference Tool

The Shopping List

Every physical item the Manual suggests buying, across all 15 categories and all 4 tiers, in one place. 245 items total. Skills, licenses, and paperwork aren't included here, this is what to buy, not what to learn; see each category's own chapter for the full reasoning, exact quantities, and sourcing notes behind every item.

Shop by tier, not by category

Working through this list tier by tier, across all 15 categories, before moving to the next tier gets a real household to a genuinely useful baseline faster than fully completing one category at a time. Tier 1 alone, done across everything, covers the first two weeks of nearly any disruption.

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4

Tier 1: Short-to-Medium Term

Hours – 14 Days

Download Tier 1 as PDF Print

Water & Food 8 items

Manual can opener: +1 spare

Food thermometer

Water containers: 55-gal food-grade barrels, or 5-7 gal jugs for portability

▸ Break it down

Size total capacity to your household's water target: 14 gallons times the number of people Choose barrel format, 55-gal, more volume but less portable, or jug format, 5-7 gal, more portable but less volume Confirm each container is actually food-grade rated Get sealing lids or caps sized to each container

Barrel spigot or siphon pump

Drinking & sanitation water: 14 gal/person

▸ Break it down

Calculate your total: 14 gallons times the number of people in your household Know that 14 gal/person is the FEMA/CDC survival floor, not a comfort target; WHO/Sphere humanitarian standards put a fuller comfort range at roughly 2-4 gal/person/day, up to 4x this figure, which Tier 2's Bulk Water Storage item is for if space and budget allow Clean and sanitize every container before filling Check each container for leaks before you rely on it Place containers in a stable, cool, dark spot, off bare concrete Fill with tap water, or treat first if the source is questionable Label each container with the fill date and seal it Set a reminder to rotate the water every 6-12 months

Water treatment: unscented bleach or ClO₂ tablets How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Pick a primary method, unscented bleach or ClO2 tablets Write down the exact dose/ratio on a card and store it with the treatment supplies Store treatment chemicals away from heat and direct sunlight Check the expiration date and replace bleach roughly every year

Non-perishable food: 14-day supply/person, no-cook options included How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Count actual household members, then plan 14 days of food per person, household size times 14 equals the total person-days of food to store Build the bulk of the target from calorie-dense staples like rice, oats, beans, and oil, not canned goods; see Calorie Planning for Your Food Supply for the real numbers Include no-cook items in case the stove and power are both out Check for allergies or dietary restrictions per person Store in a cool, dry, pest-proof location Rotate stock oldest-first and note expiration dates

Pet food: 14-day supply, waterproof container

▸ Break it down

Confirm the container is actually waterproof and pest-proof Rotate the supply every 6-12 months so it doesn't go stale

Full Water & Food chapter ›

Sanitation & Hygiene 2 items

Hygiene supplies: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene, hand sanitizer, baby wipes

▸ Break it down

Toothbrush and toothpaste, one toothbrush per household member Bar or liquid soap for handwashing and bathing Shampoo, or confirm the soap you have can double as shampoo Deodorant Feminine hygiene products (pads, tampons, or a cup) sized to each person's actual cycle length within the 14 days Hand sanitizer Baby wipes, useful for sponge-bathing anyone, not just infants Calculate a 14-day quantity per person for each item above, not one shared bottle for the household

Sanitation supplies: heavy-duty contractor bags (3-6 mil), twist ties, toilet paper, 14-day supply

▸ Break it down

Get 3-6 mil heavy-duty contractor bags sized to your bucket toilet or waste system Get twist ties to seal each bag before disposal Calculate a 14-day toilet paper supply per person Calculate the total waste-bag count needed for 14 days across the whole household

Full Sanitation & Hygiene chapter ›

Medical Care 6 items

Digital thermometer

Pulse oximeter: optional

Headlamp

Prescriptions: 14-day supply, all household meds

▸ Break it down

List every household member's medications and exact dosages Ask your doctor or pharmacist about an emergency-supply refill or vacation override Set the 14-day supply aside separately from the daily-use bottles Note expiration dates and store away from heat and humidity Write down the medication list in case someone else has to administer them

Trauma kit: commercial tourniquet (CAT/SOFT-T), Israeli bandage, hemostatic gauze How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Buy a real commercial tourniquet (CAT or SOFT-T), not an improvised one Add an Israeli bandage, hemostatic gauze, and a chest seal for a penetrating wound Add nitrile gloves, trauma shears, a permanent marker, and an emergency blanket, see Medical Kits: What Actually Goes in Each One for the full list Get hands-on training on how to actually apply them, not just own them Check the kit every 6 months for expired or used components

Basic medications: pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, antacids

Full Medical Care chapter ›

Energy & Heat 8 items

LED flashlights/headlamps: one per person

Power banks: 20,000+ mAh, roughly $25-50 each

Propane camp stove: outdoor use only

Carbon monoxide detector: battery-operated; check the expiration date

Warmth: wool blankets, 0°F-rated sleeping bags, thermal underwear

Batteries & glow sticks: Li-ion/AA/AAA, chemical glow sticks

16 oz propane cylinders: ~1 can/day estimate

Ignition: waterproof matches, lighters, fire starters, at least two independent methods

▸ Break it down

Get at least two independent fire-starting methods (e.g. lighter plus a ferro rod) Store them waterproof and together with the camp stove, not scattered

Full Energy & Heat chapter ›

Shelter & Structural Safety 7 items

Gas shut-off wrench: kept at the meter

Cordless drill

Seismic straps: heavy-duty steel, water heater + furnace

▸ Break it down

Find the studs behind the water heater and furnace Buy heavy-duty steel strap kits sized to each unit Install straps at both the top and bottom of each unit Confirm the straps actually anchor into wood studs, not just drywall

Furniture anchors: L-brackets or nylon straps, into wall studs

▸ Break it down

Identify top-heavy furniture that could tip: bookshelves, dressers, TVs Find the studs behind each piece Install L-brackets or nylon straps into those studs Pull-test each anchor after installing it

Window protection: pre-cut plywood or security film, labeled per window

▸ Break it down

Measure every window you plan to protect Pre-cut plywood, or order security film, sized to each window Label each piece for its specific window Store the pieces somewhere accessible, not buried in the garage

N95/P100 respirators: wildfire smoke

Corsi-Rosenthal box materials or HEPA purifier: wildfire smoke

▸ Break it down

Decide between building a Corsi-Rosenthal box or buying a HEPA purifier If building: get a box fan and MERV-13 furnace filters sized to it Assemble and tape the filters to the fan following a real build guide Test airflow direction before you actually need it

Full Shelter & Structural Safety chapter ›

Security & Self-Defense 4 items

Door/window entry sensors: battery-operated

Lock reinforcement: 3-inch strike plate screws, deadbolts How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Replace short strike-plate screws with 3-inch screws on every exterior door Add a deadbolt to any exterior door that doesn't have one Check every door frame for reinforcement gaps

Blackout curtains or heavy blankets

Gun safe/lockbox + separate ammo storage: if firearms are in the home How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose a safe or lockbox sized to your actual firearms Mount or secure it so it can't just be carried off Store ammunition in a separate location from the firearm Decide, in writing if needed, who in the household has access and how

Full Security & Self-Defense chapter ›

Communication 6 items

NOAA weather radio: roughly $20-40

▸ Break it down

Program it to your local NOAA weather frequency or county code Test it running on battery power Learn the hand-crank charging method as a backup Store it together with your other Tier 1 gear, not loose in a drawer

Solar charger: foldable panel, roughly $30-70

Contact cards: laminated, one per person

▸ Break it down

Gather each household member's key numbers: out-of-area contact, doctor, work Print and laminate one card per person Put a copy in the go-bag as well

Physical maps: Utah state + specific county

Waterproof notepad + pens

Spare charging cables: stored separately from phones

Full Communication chapter ›

Access & Functional Needs 6 items

Backup power for medical devices: battery/inverter sized to the specific device's draw How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Identify every powered device: CPAP, oxygen concentrator, power wheelchair Get the exact wattage and runtime for each from the manufacturer, not a guess Size a battery bank or inverter to that real number Test the setup with the actual device before you have to rely on it

Manual medical tools: manual wheelchair, manual hospital bed crank, where a real manual equivalent exists

Assistive communication: portable TTY device, large-print notepad, or picture/communication board

Extra medications: 30-day supply, disability-related

Personal items: spare glasses, hearing aid batteries, dentures, prosthetic components, insulin

FRIO-style cooling wallet: in-use insulin, no power/ice required

Full Access & Functional Needs chapter ›

Mental Health 2 items

Comfort items: familiar toys, blankets, hobbies, especially for children

Journaling supplies: notebooks and pens

Full Mental Health chapter ›

Pet Evacuation & Shelter 8 items

Pet carriers/crates: sized per animal, labeled with contact info

Pet first aid kit: styptic powder, saline, muzzle, sling, vet records, gauze How to use this ›

Microchip scanner: optional

Food & water: 14-day supply, airtight/waterproof containers

Pet medications: 14-day supply

Extra leashes/harnesses

Sanitation: litter, poop bags, disinfectant, waste bags

Comfort item: familiar blanket, toy, or bed

Full Pet Evacuation & Shelter chapter ›

Digital Data & Documents 5 items

Fireproof/waterproof safe: UL-rated; match the class to paper vs. electronics stored How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Match the UL rating class to what you're storing, paper and electronics need different ratings Pick a location that's accessible to you but not obvious to anyone else Set a combination or key backup plan, e.g. with a trusted relative

Encrypted external hard drive: 1TB+

Fireproof document bag: for the go-bag How to use this ›💡 Photocopy or photograph both sides of every card you carry, not just the front. The back has the issuer's own loss-reporting number, exactly what you need to freeze a card fast if a wallet goes missing.

Scanner: flatbed or portable

Cloud backup subscription: e.g. Backblaze, iCloud, Google Drive

Full Digital Data & Documents chapter ›

Economic & Financial 3 items

Cash counting tray: optional

Calculator

Small-denomination cash: $1,000+ in $1/$5/$10/$20 bills

▸ Break it down

Decide an amount your household can realistically set aside Break it into small denominations: $1, $5, $10, $20 bills Store it somewhere secure but accessible without power

Full Economic & Financial chapter ›

Fitness 4 items

Broken-in footwear: one pair per person, go-bag staged How to use this ›

Properly sized pack: fitted to carry weight on the hips How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get fitted for a pack that carries weight on the hips, not the shoulders Adjust it while loaded with your actual go-bag weight, not empty

Blister/chafing supplies: moleskin, pads, anti-chafe balm

Electrolyte supplies: oral rehydration salts or electrolyte mix

Full Fitness chapter ›

Transportation 10 items

Jumper cables or portable jump-starter How to use this ›

Tire repair/plug kit

Portable air compressor

Tow strap

Ice scraper/snow brush

Traction devices: tire chains or snow socks, test-fitted in advance

▸ Break it down

Buy tire chains or snow socks sized to your actual tires Test-fit them before winter, not during the first storm

Basic tools: adjustable wrench, screwdriver set, flashlight

Vehicle 72-hour kit: water, non-perishable food, blanket, first aid How to use this ›

Paper maps: state + county, kept in the vehicle

Winter driving supplies: ice melt/sand, blankets, hand warmers

Full Transportation chapter ›

Post-Disaster Recovery 2 items

Basic re-entry PPE: sturdy closed-toe boots, work gloves, N95+ respirator How to use this ›

Flashlight/headlamp: for structures without power

Full Post-Disaster Recovery chapter ›

Tier 2: Extended

2 Weeks – 3 Months

Download Tier 2 as PDF Print

Water & Food 9 items

Gravity water filter: Berkey/Sawyer-style, high volume + full spare element set How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Compare ceramic/carbon gravity filters (Berkey-style) against hollow-fiber filters (Sawyer-style) for your household size Buy a unit sized to your household's actual daily water volume, not the smallest model Buy a full spare set of filter elements, not just the unit alone Prime new filter elements exactly per the manufacturer's instructions before first use Note the rated gallon lifespan of each element and track usage against it Store spare elements where they won't freeze or dry out

Two-burner propane camp stove

▸ Break it down

Confirm it uses the same fuel canisters as your Tier 1 stove, or stock the adapter it needs Test-cook a full meal on it before relying on it

Backup cooking fuel: wood rocket stove or fire ring, independent of propane

▸ Break it down

Choose between a wood rocket stove or a dedicated fire ring Check your local burn restrictions for open-flame cooking Stock dry tinder and kindling alongside it Cook one full meal on it before you have to rely on it

Pressure cooker How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose a stovetop model compatible with your camp stove or wood fire, not one that needs an electric base Read the manual and learn its pressure-release procedure Run one full canning or cooking cycle before relying on it

Water testing kit: pH, chlorine residual, bacteria How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get a kit that actually tests pH, chlorine residual, and bacteria, not just one of the three Learn how to read and interpret each test correctly Test your current stored water once as a baseline Restock reagents or strips before they expire

Bulk water storage: 55-gal food-grade drums How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Calculate your Tier 2 target volume, enough to extend your supply toward 2 weeks-3 months Buy food-grade drums only, and confirm the food-grade rating on each Clean and sanitize every drum before filling Get a bung wrench and a spigot or pump sized to the drum's opening Place drums on a stable surface off bare concrete, out of direct sunlight Label each with a fill date and set a rotation reminder

Bulk treatment chemicals: ClO₂ tablets, calcium hypochlorite, or bleach

▸ Break it down

Choose a primary bulk method: ClO2 tablets, calcium hypochlorite, or bleach If using calcium hypochlorite, learn the correct dilution into a stock solution first, it's a concentrate, not direct-use Store away from heat, direct sunlight, and any food items Label with purchase date and recheck potency or expiration on a schedule

Bulk food: grains, beans, powdered milk, salt, sugar, Mylar + oxygen absorbers How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Calculate your target: enough bulk staples to extend supply from 14 days toward 2 weeks-3 months Choose long-shelf-life staples: grains, beans, powdered milk, salt, sugar See Calorie Planning for Your Food Supply for how these staples compare in calorie density, since that's what makes them the actual calorie backbone, not the canned goods Buy Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers sized to your container volume Seal and label each batch with contents and date Store in a cool, dark, pest-proof location Check the batch on a yearly schedule

Household multivitamins

▸ Break it down

Choose a formulation appropriate to each household member's age and any medical conditions A daily multivitamin is the simplest way to cover the vitamin C and B12 gap a shelf-stable diet creates; see Calorie Planning for Your Food Supply for why that gap exists Store with your other bulk medical supplies and track the expiration date

Full Water & Food chapter ›

Sanitation & Hygiene 5 items

Bucket toilet system: 5-gal buckets, sealing lids, snap-on seat attachment How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get food-grade 5-gallon buckets, sealing lids, and a snap-on seat attachment Line each bucket with a heavy-duty bag before use Stock cover material (sawdust, cat litter, or lime) next to it Decide where the system will live and set up privacy and ventilation Decide your plan for full bags: store, or feed into your Tier 3 composting system

Compost additives: bulk sawdust, cat litter, or agricultural lime How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose a cover material based on availability and cost: sawdust, cat litter, or agricultural lime Buy enough for roughly one cup per use across your household's estimated usage Store it dry, away from moisture

Waste cover material: 5+ gal/person

▸ Break it down

Calculate 5+ gallons per person for the full Tier 2 period Store it dry and sealed until needed

Disinfectant: unscented bleach, several gallons

▸ Break it down

Buy unscented bleach only, scented additives make it unreliable for disinfection Store away from heat and out of reach of children Replace roughly every year, since bleach loses potency

Feminine care: reusable cloth pads or menstrual cups

▸ Break it down

Choose reusable cloth pads or a menstrual cup for a supply that doesn't run out Learn the cleaning and sanitizing routine for whichever you choose

Full Sanitation & Hygiene chapter ›

Medical Care 3 items

Medical instruments: blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, otoscope, SAM splints

▸ Break it down

Get a manual, non-electronic blood pressure cuff so it works without power Learn to actually take a blood pressure reading and use the stethoscope and otoscope before you need them Get SAM splints in sizes that fit your household's members

Sterilization method: pressure cooker or alcohol burner

▸ Break it down

Choose a method: a dedicated pressure cooker or an alcohol burner Learn the correct time and temperature for actually sterilizing instruments, not just cleaning them Run the process once as practice before you rely on it

Bulk medical supplies: boxes of nitrile gloves, masks, gauze, tape, sutures/staples

▸ Break it down

Buy nitrile gloves in sizes that actually fit your household's caregivers Stock masks, gauze, and tape in bulk, not just single-kit quantities Get sutures or staples only alongside real training on when and how to use them Store away from moisture and check expiration dates yearly

Full Medical Care chapter ›

Energy & Heat 8 items

Solar generator: portable power station, 1000Wh+, sized to actual device wattage How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

List the devices you actually need to run and their combined wattage Size the station's capacity and output to that real number, not just "1000Wh+" as a guess Test it by actually running your intended devices off it once Learn its recharge time from a solar panel versus a wall outlet

Unvented propane heater with oxygen-depletion sensor How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Confirm the specific model has a built-in oxygen-depletion sensor before buying Learn the correct ventilation requirement, an ODS heater still needs some fresh-air exchange Never run it in a fully sealed room; crack a window per the manual

Wood stove servicing: professional chimney sweep + damper check, if already installed

▸ Break it down

Schedule a professional chimney sweep annually Have the damper and door seals checked at the same visit Test the stove's draft before the season it's actually needed

Battery bank: deep-cycle AGM or lithium, for solar storage How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose AGM (cheaper, heavier, shorter life) or lithium (pricier, lighter, longer life) based on budget and space Size total amp-hours to your actual daily energy need, not a guess Get a charge controller matched to the battery chemistry Store in a temperature-stable location, since extreme cold cuts usable capacity

Fuel reserves: 20+ gal propane/kerosene, or 1+ cord seasoned firewood

▸ Break it down

Choose your primary heating fuel and calculate the volume needed for your climate's worst stretch Store propane or kerosene in approved containers, outdoors or ventilated, never in living space Season firewood at least 6-12 months before relying on it Rotate liquid fuel on its real shelf life (kerosene degrades over 1-2 years)

LED lanterns: 100+ hr runtime, extra bulbs

▸ Break it down

Buy at least one per main living space Stock extra bulbs, or confirm it's sealed LED with no replaceable bulb Test runtime once on a full charge or battery set

Heavy-duty extension cords: 12-gauge

▸ Break it down

Buy 12-gauge or heavier, thinner cords are a fire risk under generator load Confirm outdoor rating if running from a generator outside

Window insulation: plastic shrink kits or heavy blankets

▸ Break it down

Measure every window you plan to insulate Apply shrink film per the kit's instructions, or hang heavy blankets with a sealed top edge

Full Energy & Heat chapter ›

Shelter & Structural Safety 3 items

Reinforcement kits: door jamb bars and window security bars, test-fitted

▸ Break it down

Measure every door and window you plan to reinforce Buy jamb bars and security bars sized to those measurements Test-fit each one now, not during an emergency Store each one near the opening it belongs to, labeled

Boarding materials: pre-measured plywood + screws

▸ Break it down

Measure every window and door you'd need to board Pre-cut plywood to those exact measurements now Label each piece for its specific opening Store screws and a drill or driver together with the plywood

Safe room supplies: water, radio, first aid, stocked interior room

▸ Break it down

Identify the interior room with the fewest exterior walls and windows Stock it with water, a radio, and a first aid kit specific to that room Confirm the door seals reasonably well Make sure every household member knows this is the safe room and how to get there

Full Shelter & Structural Safety chapter ›

Security & Self-Defense 5 items

GMRS radios: handheld, shared purchase with the Communication chapter How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get the FCC GMRS license, it covers your whole household Buy handhelds for each household member who'd need to communicate during a lockdown Program them to a shared channel and test range around your property

Motion sensor lights: solar-powered, directional

▸ Break it down

Install at each entry point and blind corner Aim directionally so they don't light up your own windows Test detection range and angle after mounting

Surveillance cameras: battery or solar, local SD storage

▸ Break it down

Choose battery or solar power so it works without grid power Choose local SD card storage over cloud-only, so it still works without internet Mount to cover entry points and blind spots Check battery level and review footage on a regular schedule

Barrier materials: sandbags, gravel

▸ Break it down

Determine how many sandbags your actual vulnerable points need Either pre-fill and store where they won't degrade, or store empty bags with a fast filling plan

Deterrent signage: “No Trespassing,” “Protected by Alarm”

▸ Break it down

Post at every visible approach to the property Confirm your local laws about what a deterrent sign can legally claim

Full Security & Self-Defense chapter ›

Communication 6 items

GMRS radios: handhelds (~$30-60 each) + mobile/base unit (~$100-250) How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get the FCC GMRS license, it covers your whole household Buy handheld units for each household member plus a mobile/base unit for the home Program all units to the same primary channel and a backup channel Test actual range between the base and handhelds around your property and neighborhood

Satellite messenger: e.g. Garmin inReach or Zoleo, ~$300-450 + subscription

▸ Break it down

Compare inReach, Zoleo, or similar for coverage and subscription cost against your needs Activate the subscription before you need it, some require advance activation Pair it with your phone and test sending a message with no cell signal Register your emergency contacts in the device's SOS settings

HAM scanner: receive-only, no license needed to listen, ~$30-150 How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Buy a scanner, no license is required to only listen Program it with local emergency services, weather, and repeater frequencies Test reception at home before relying on it

Repeater antenna: extends GMRS base station range, ~$40-150

▸ Break it down

Mount it as high as practical for range Match the antenna to your radio's frequency band and connector

Bulk AA/AAA batteries

▸ Break it down

Buy enough to cover 3+ months of your radios, flashlights, and other devices Store in a cool, dry place and check shelf life periodically

Printed frequency list: local GMRS repeater + HAM net frequencies

▸ Break it down

Look up your local GMRS repeater and HAM net frequencies Print a physical copy, not just a phone note Store one copy with each radio and one in the go-bag

Full Communication chapter ›

Access & Functional Needs 7 items

Solar power station: sized to actual medical/adaptive device wattage

▸ Break it down

Get the exact wattage draw of the medical or adaptive device it needs to power Size the station's capacity and output to that real number, with margin Test it running the actual device before relying on it

Manual tools: hand-cranked devices for mixing food, pumping water

▸ Break it down

Identify which daily tasks currently depend on an electric appliance Get a manual or hand-cranked equivalent for the ones that matter most

Communication aids: phrase cards, picture boards, or a charged device

▸ Break it down

Choose the aid type that matches the household member's actual communication need Keep a charged backup device and confirm phrase cards or boards are current

Adaptive utensils: specialized eating/cutting tools

▸ Break it down

Match the specific utensils to the household member's actual grip or mobility need

Mobility aid parts: spare wheels, batteries, repair kits, matched to make/model

▸ Break it down

Look up the exact make and model of each mobility aid in the household Order spare wheels, batteries, and a repair kit matched to that specific model Learn the basic repair steps before you need them

Incontinence supplies: 3-month supply, sized to actual use

▸ Break it down

Calculate a 3-month supply based on actual daily use, not an estimate Store in a cool, dry, easily reachable location

Comfort items: extra pillows, blankets, seating aids

Full Access & Functional Needs chapter ›

Mental Health 3 items

Coping/resilience books: physical, non-digital

Activity kits: card games, puzzles, board games

Exercise equipment: resistance bands, jump ropes; shared with Fitness

Full Mental Health chapter ›

Pet Evacuation & Shelter 8 items

Pet thermometer: digital rectal

▸ Break it down

Learn your pet's normal baseline temperature and how to safely take a rectal reading

Collapsible bowls

Pet grooming kit: brushes, nail clippers, pet-safe shampoo

Bulk pet food + flea/tick prevention: 3-month supply, dry kibble, Mylar + oxygen absorbers

▸ Break it down

Calculate 3 months of food per pet Seal it in Mylar with oxygen absorbers sized to the container Store in a cool, pest-proof location and rotate before expiration Get a 3-month supply of flea/tick prevention sized to each pet's weight

Extended pet medications: 3-month supply of chronic meds

▸ Break it down

Talk to your vet about a 3-month refill for any chronic medication Store with your other pet supplies and track the expiration date

Bulk sanitation: 3-month litter, poop bags, disinfectant

▸ Break it down

Calculate 3 months of litter and waste bags based on your actual pet count and usage

Comfort/morale items: extra treats, toys, familiar scents

Printed pet-friendly shelter list: 5+ locations within 50 miles

▸ Break it down

Research pet-friendly shelters, hotels, and boarding options within 50 miles Confirm each one's actual pet policy by calling ahead, not just trusting a listing Print the list and keep a copy with the pet evacuation kit

Full Pet Evacuation & Shelter chapter ›

Digital Data & Documents 4 items

Portable SSD: additional encrypted storage for rotating backups

▸ Break it down

Enable encryption on the drive before storing anything on it Set a rotation schedule so backups stay current

Labeled binders and folders: paper-based manual record-keeping system

▸ Break it down

Organize by category matching your digital folder structure Store somewhere fire- and water-safe

Thermal printer: optional; treat printouts as short-term only

Silica gel packets: moisture/mold prevention, replace when saturated

▸ Break it down

Place packets with any paper or electronics storage Replace when saturated, check the color-change indicator

Full Digital Data & Documents chapter ›

Economic & Financial 5 items

Bound ledger notebook: for tracking trades and expenses

Scale: for weighing bulk trade goods

▸ Break it down

Get one accurate enough for the actual trade goods you'd weigh

Secondary secure storage: lockbox for trade goods, separate from the Tier 1 safe

▸ Break it down

Choose a location physically separate from your Tier 1 safe, so one point of failure doesn't lose everything

Barter inventory: alcohol, tobacco, coffee, sugar, salt, batteries, hygiene products, OTC meds

▸ Break it down

Choose items based on genuine historical barter value, not guesses Buy in shelf-stable, small-unit quantities that are easy to trade individually Store separately from your own household's Tier 1-2 supplies, so trading doesn't eat into your own stock

Precious metals: optional; historical barter medium, not investment guidance

▸ Break it down

Treat this as a historical barter medium, not an investment Buy only recognizable, easily verified forms: widely known coin or bar sizes

Full Economic & Financial chapter ›

Fitness 5 items

Resistance bands

Weighted pack/rucksack: can be a normal pack loaded with water jugs or sandbags

▸ Break it down

Load it to a realistic go-bag or hiking weight using water jugs or sandbags Test-carry it on a real walk before relying on it

Jump rope

Training log notebook

Basic injury supplies: compression wraps, elevation-friendly setup

▸ Break it down

Learn basic wrapping technique for a sprain before you need it

Full Fitness chapter ›

Transportation 6 items

Basic mechanic tool kit: ideally matched to your specific vehicle

▸ Break it down

Match the kit to your specific vehicle's fastener sizes, metric versus standard

Manual fuel transfer pump: never mouth-siphon

▸ Break it down

Learn to use it safely before you need it Store it away from any ignition source

Bicycle with cargo capacity: panniers or a small cargo trailer

▸ Break it down

Choose panniers or a small cargo trailer sized to what you'd actually need to carry Test-ride it loaded before relying on it

Bike repair kit: tire levers, patch kit, spare tube, compact pump How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Learn to actually patch a tube and use each tool in the kit before you need it

Spare vehicle parts: belts, fuses, essential fluids

▸ Break it down

Match belts and fuses to your specific vehicle's make and model Check fluid levels and top off before storing the spares

Bicycle spare parts: tubes, chain links, brake pads

▸ Break it down

Match tube size and brake pad type to your specific bike

Full Transportation chapter ›

Tier 3: Permanent

Indefinite

Download Tier 3 as PDF Print

Water & Food 11 items

Irrigation systems: drip lines, solar-powered pump, rain-catchment diverters

▸ Break it down

Map your growing area and lay out the drip line network it needs Size a solar-powered pump to your water source's flow rate and elevation change Install rain-catchment diverters on existing gutters and downspouts Run the full system through one watering cycle before the growing season starts

Hand-crank grain mill How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose a mill rated for the grains you actually store, wheat, corn, or others Practice milling a batch before relying on it for real flour

Dehydrator: solar or electric How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose solar (no power needed) or electric (faster, needs power) based on your setup Learn safe drying times and temperatures for the foods you actually grow or store

Full canning supply set: jars, lids, pressure canner How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get a pressure canner, not just a water-bath canner, for low-acid foods Stock enough jars and new lids for a full season's harvest, lids aren't reusable Learn altitude-adjusted processing times for your specific elevation

Greenhouse or cold frames: season extension How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Size it to your actual growing area and your climate's shoulder-season needs Confirm ventilation to prevent overheating on sunny days

Hydroponic or aquaponic system: grow lights, pump, reservoir, or a fish tank and biofilter for aquaponics How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Pick a system type based on real tradeoffs (wick needs no electricity; DWC, NFT, and ebb-and-flow all need a running pump) Budget for a battery or generator backup for the pump if going with a system that needs one For aquaponics, budget the full cycling period before adding fish, not just the tank and plants

Hunting gear: rifle or bow appropriate to local game, traps, field dressing kit How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Complete your state's hunter education requirement Choose a rifle or bow appropriate to the game actually available in your area Get a field dressing kit and learn the cooling window that keeps meat safe Learn the three main trap styles if trapping is part of your plan

Heirloom/non-GMO seed bank: 5+ year supply How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose heirloom over hybrid seed specifically because it breeds true for reseeding Store in a cool, dry, dark location, sealed against moisture Test germination rate on a small batch every year or two Avoid commercial "survival seed vault" products that pad the count with unsuitable varieties

Livestock: breeding stock + feed reserve How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Check local zoning and ordinances before acquiring any animals Choose species and breed suited to your space and climate Build or confirm adequate housing before the animals arrive Stock a feed reserve sized to your actual head count

Compost bin & cover crop seed: a 3-bin or tumbler system, plus a fall-sown cover crop (clover, vetch, or cereal rye) How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Size the bin to hold at least a 3x3x3 ft pile, smaller piles won't reach hot-composting temperatures Buy cover crop seed by the actual sowing deadline for the species, not whenever it's convenient

Soil amendments: compost, lime, manure, wood ash

▸ Break it down

Test your soil first, so amendments actually address a real deficiency Store amendments dry and covered

Full Water & Food chapter ›

Sanitation & Hygiene 1 items

Soap-making supplies: lye, fats/oils, essential oils How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Buy food-grade lye and know the correct fat-to-lye ratio for your recipe Get safety gear: gloves, goggles, and a well-ventilated workspace Learn the SNOW rule, always add lye to water, never the reverse, before starting

Full Sanitation & Hygiene chapter ›

Medical Care 6 items

Medical library: Where There Is No Doctor, Where There Is No Dentist, The Survival Medicine Handbook

▸ Break it down

Get physical copies, not just digital, so they work without power Read through each once before you need to reference it under pressure

Surgical kit: scalpels, forceps, retractors, bone saw, fully sterilizable

▸ Break it down

Buy fully sterilizable instruments, not disposable ones Get real training before considering using any of it, ownership isn't skill Confirm your sterilization method actually works for these specific tools

Dental kit: extraction forceps, temporary filling material, clove oil How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Learn to save a knocked-out tooth in the critical first 30-60 minutes before you need the kit Learn temporary filling technique with the clove oil and filling material included Understand the real risks of a last-resort DIY extraction before ever attempting one

Microscope: optional

Medicinal herb seed bank: echinacea, lavender, mint, aloe, etc.

▸ Break it down

Choose species with real evidence behind them, not just folk reputation Learn to identify each plant correctly before using it medicinally

Raw materials: alcohol, honey, salt

▸ Break it down

Store away from heat and label each for its intended medical use

Full Medical Care chapter ›

Energy & Heat 7 items

High-efficiency wood stove with cooktop

▸ Break it down

Size it to your actual living space's square footage Have it professionally installed or inspected for clearance and venting

Off-grid solar array: panels, charge controller, inverter, sized for full household power How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Use a real sizing methodology to calculate panels, charge controller, and inverter for full household power Get a qualified installer, or thoroughly learn the wiring code requirements yourself Account for your actual winter sun-hours, not summer-only figures Test the full system under real household load before relying on it

Hand tools: saws, axes, drills, grinders, non-electric or DC-powered

▸ Break it down

Choose non-electric or DC-powered versions specifically so they work off-grid Learn to sharpen and maintain each one

Bicycle generator How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Confirm it's a real direct-drive-plus-flywheel design, not an inflated marketing claim Test actual output before relying on it for anything beyond small device charging

Fuel stockpile: cordwood reserves, coal, or charcoal capability

▸ Break it down

Calculate the volume needed for your climate's worst-case heating season Season cordwood 6-12 months before relying on it Store under cover, off the ground, away from the home's exterior wall

Spare electrical parts: fuses, wire, diodes, capacitors, solder

▸ Break it down

Match parts to the specific systems you're maintaining: solar, generator, or wiring Store organized and labeled so you can find them under pressure

Thermal mass: water barrels, stone, or brick inside the home

▸ Break it down

Place it where it receives direct winter sun for passive heat storage Confirm the floor can support the added weight

Full Energy & Heat chapter ›

Security & Self-Defense 6 items

Long-range optics: binoculars and spotting scopes

▸ Break it down

Choose optics suited to your actual property's sightlines and distances

Perimeter alarms: solar wireless sensors, tripwires, seismic detectors

▸ Break it down

Map your property's actual approach routes and blind spots Place sensors to cover those specific points, not just randomly Test detection range and false-alarm rate after installing

HF radio base station: shared purchase with Communication

▸ Break it down

Coordinate this purchase with your Communication category's HF transceiver, it's the same equipment

Thermal imaging

▸ Break it down

Choose a model with the detection range your property actually needs Learn to interpret what you're seeing before relying on it

Fortification materials: high-tensile fencing, reinforced gates, bollards

▸ Break it down

Identify your property's actual vulnerable entry points first Install fencing and gates rated for the threat you're actually planning for Place bollards only where vehicle intrusion is a real risk

Defensive landscaping: hawthorn, rose, barberry under windows/fences

▸ Break it down

Plant thorny species specifically under ground-floor windows and along fence lines Choose species that actually thrive in your climate

Full Security & Self-Defense chapter ›

Communication 7 items

HF transceiver: shortwave, global reach via ionospheric skip, ~$600-1,500+ How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get your ham radio license, Technician minimum, General for HF privileges Choose a transceiver within budget that covers the bands you're licensed for Join a local net to actually practice operating it

Meshtastic/LoRa nodes: e.g. Heltec V3, RAK WisBlock, ~$30-80 each How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Buy enough nodes to cover your household and key locations, one node alone has limited range Flash and configure each node with the same channel settings Test real-world range in your actual terrain, not the marketing spec

High-gain antennas: long-wire or dipole for HF, Yagi for directional VHF/UHF How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Match the antenna type to your actual use case: long-wire or dipole for HF, Yagi for directional VHF/UHF Mount as high as practical for range

Solar power station: dedicated, high-wattage, shared purchase with Energy & Heat

▸ Break it down

Coordinate this with your Energy & Heat category purchase, it's the same equipment serving both needs

Technical manuals: radio repair, antenna theory, electronics schematics

Spare parts: fuses, diodes, capacitors, coaxial cable

▸ Break it down

Match spares to the specific radios and antennas you actually own

Signal mirrors and whistles: no-battery, no-license backup signaling

▸ Break it down

Learn the actual signal mirror aiming technique before you need it Attach a whistle to each go-bag, it carries farther than shouting

Full Communication chapter ›

Access & Functional Needs 2 items

Custom fabrication tools: hand tools, a 3D printer if feasible How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Learn basic use of each tool before you need to fabricate something under pressure

Reference library: disability & assistive technology: disability management, herbal remedies, assistive technology

Full Access & Functional Needs chapter ›

Mental Health 2 items

Reference library: psychology & resilience: psychology, philosophy, history

Music/art supplies: instruments, paints, or clay

Full Mental Health chapter ›

Pet Evacuation & Shelter 4 items

Pet medical library

Basic surgical tools: sterilizable forceps, scissors, sutures, layperson-safe procedures only

▸ Break it down

Get training on layperson-safe procedures only, and know exactly where that line is

Feed stock or small livestock: 5+ year ingredient supply, or rabbits/chickens

▸ Break it down

Check local ordinances before acquiring any animals Calculate a real 5+ year ingredient supply, or acquire actual breeding stock

Pet-safe herbal remedies: chamomile, valerian, topical aloe only

▸ Break it down

Confirm each remedy is actually pet-safe, many human herbs are toxic to animals Learn correct dosing for your specific pet's size

Full Pet Evacuation & Shelter chapter ›

Digital Data & Documents 5 items

Archival storage: acid-free folders and boxes

Film camera & darkroom: for analog document/photo backups

▸ Break it down

Learn basic film developing before relying on it Store film and chemicals away from heat

Magnetic tape drive: if available; enterprise-grade, not a baseline expectation

Microfilm rolls: for permanent analog backups

Climate control: dehumidifiers, silica gel, temperature monitoring

▸ Break it down

Place dehumidifiers and monitoring in the actual storage room, not just anywhere in the house Check and empty or replace on a regular schedule

Full Digital Data & Documents chapter ›

Economic & Financial 3 items

Standardized weights/measures: calibrated scales for fair trade

Secure vault: community safe for shared valuables or trade reserves

▸ Break it down

Site it somewhere multiple trusted households can access if it's truly shared Confirm it's rated for the value it will actually hold

Trade goods: bulk salt, alcohol, ammunition, tools, medical supplies How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose goods with real historical trade value, not personal guesses Store separately from your own household's supply

Full Economic & Financial chapter ›

Fitness 2 items

DIY strength equipment: filled sandbags, water jugs, or containers with rocks/sand

▸ Break it down

Fill sandbags or containers to a specific, progressive weight rather than randomly

Yoga mat or padded surface: for a stretching/mobility routine

Full Fitness chapter ›

Transportation 5 items

Advanced tool set: engine-level repair tools

▸ Break it down

Match tools to your specific vehicle's engine and fastener types

Draft animal tack: harness and related equipment, if pursuing animal-powered transport

▸ Break it down

Get tack properly fitted to the specific animal, poor fit causes injury Learn to use it before you need to rely on it

Wood gasifier or biodiesel processing setup: advanced, assumes the skill is already developed

▸ Break it down

Don't acquire this before the underlying skill is actually developed Learn the process on a small scale first

Comprehensive spare parts stockpile: belts, hoses, filters, fluids, common wear parts

▸ Break it down

Match every part to your specific vehicle's make and model

Detailed regional maps: physical, beyond the immediate county How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get physical maps beyond your immediate county for any longer-range travel plan

Full Transportation chapter ›

Tier 4: Thriving

Sustainable Community

Download Tier 4 as PDF Print

Water & Food 3 items

Community-scale processing equipment: shared grain mill, canning kitchen, or root-cellar co-op How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Identify which neighboring households actually want to participate Choose a location and confirm access and security for shared equipment Agree in writing on a shared usage schedule and maintenance responsibility

Expanded water infrastructure: shared well, developed spring, or larger filtration system

▸ Break it down

Identify a realistic shared source: a well, spring, or larger filtration system Secure any required water rights or permits for your area Agree on cost-sharing and access rules with participating households

Seed library infrastructure: labeled, cataloged storage with germination-testing tools How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Choose a secure, climate-stable location for storage Label and catalog by variety, source, and year Set up germination testing on a rotating schedule Agree on lending and return rules with participating households

Full Water & Food chapter ›

Medical Care 2 items

Shared medical cache: community-level surgical instruments, trauma supplies, antibiotics

▸ Break it down

Agree with participating households on what the cache covers and who can access it Store it in a secure, climate-controlled location Assign someone with real medical training to manage and rotate stock

Community apothecary/herb garden

▸ Break it down

Choose a shared plot with suitable sun and soil Agree on planting, harvesting, and access responsibilities Label every plant clearly to prevent misidentification

Full Medical Care chapter ›

Energy & Heat 3 items

Shared microgrid or battery bank: sized to serve multiple households

▸ Break it down

Size it to the combined real load of every participating household Get an electrician or qualified installer for the shared wiring Agree on cost-sharing and access or priority rules in writing

Community woodlot tools

▸ Break it down

Identify a shared wooded area and confirm legal access and harvesting rights Agree on a shared tool inventory and storage location Set maintenance and replacement responsibility

Shared repair workshop: stocked hand tools and spare electrical parts

▸ Break it down

Choose a central, secure location Stock hand tools and spare electrical parts based on what participating households actually own Agree on access hours and a tool check-out process

Full Energy & Heat chapter ›

Shelter & Structural Safety 1 items

Guest/shelter capacity: extra bedding, tents, allocated space for displaced neighbors or family

▸ Break it down

Identify how many displaced people you could realistically house Stock extra bedding and tents sized to that number Designate the actual space in advance, not during an emergency

Full Shelter & Structural Safety chapter ›

Security & Self-Defense 3 items

Shared observation post: community watchtower or elevated observation point

▸ Break it down

Identify the highest or best-sighted point available to the group Agree on a watch schedule among participating households Equip the post with optics, communication, and shelter from weather

Community alert system: siren, relay radio network

▸ Break it down

Choose a siren or relay radio network reachable by every household Agree on distinct signals for different types of alerts Test the system with everyone present before relying on it

Shared perimeter materials: fencing, gate hardware, signage

▸ Break it down

Map the group's actual perimeter and vulnerable points Agree on cost-sharing for fencing and gate hardware Assign installation and maintenance responsibility

Full Security & Self-Defense chapter ›

Communication 3 items

Community repeater: shared GMRS or HAM repeater on the highest available point How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Get proper licensing for a GMRS or HAM repeater Site it on the highest available point with group agreement Agree on shared power and maintenance responsibility

Shared mesh backbone: multiple Meshtastic nodes positioned for coverage overlap How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Map coverage gaps across the group's properties Position multiple nodes for overlap, not just one central node Test the full mesh's real coverage before relying on it

Community net control station: well-equipped, well-powered base station

▸ Break it down

Choose a well-powered, centrally located site Assign a trained net control operator and a backup Schedule regular practice check-ins so it's not first used during a real event

Full Communication chapter ›

Access & Functional Needs 2 items

Shared adaptive equipment cache: spare mobility aids, communication devices, adaptive tools How to use this ›

▸ Break it down

Inventory what mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive tools the group actually has spares of Store in a secure, accessible location known to everyone who might need it Agree on access and return rules

Community fabrication workshop

▸ Break it down

Choose a shared location and confirm power and access Stock based on the specific adaptive-equipment needs of participating households Assign someone with fabrication skill to lead it

Full Access & Functional Needs chapter ›

Mental Health 1 items

Shared creative/recreation supplies: music, art, and game supplies sized for group use

▸ Break it down

Choose supplies sized for group use, not individual household use Store centrally and agree on access

Full Mental Health chapter ›

Pet Evacuation & Shelter 2 items

Shared pet medical cache

▸ Break it down

Agree on what it covers and who can access it Assign someone with veterinary knowledge to manage it

Shared feed/livestock infrastructure

▸ Break it down

Agree on cost and labor sharing for feed and housing Confirm zoning covers a shared livestock arrangement

Full Pet Evacuation & Shelter chapter ›

Digital Data & Documents 1 items

Shared digitization equipment: community-level scanners, cameras, archival supplies

▸ Break it down

Choose a central, secure location for the equipment Agree on a shared scanning schedule and who maintains it

Full Digital Data & Documents chapter ›

Economic & Financial 1 items

Market infrastructure materials: tables, signage, scheduling materials

▸ Break it down

Identify a central, accessible location for a local market Agree on a schedule and basic ground rules with participants

Full Economic & Financial chapter ›

Fitness 1 items

Shared heavy tools: two-person saws, heavy hauling equipment

▸ Break it down

Store in a central, secure location Agree on check-out and maintenance responsibility

Full Fitness chapter ›

Transportation 2 items

Shared heavy equipment: community-pooled tractor, trailer

▸ Break it down

Agree on cost-sharing, usage scheduling, and maintenance responsibility Store securely with clear access rules

Community fuel depot: shared, securely stored fuel reserve

▸ Break it down

Choose a secure location well away from occupied structures Follow proper fuel storage regulations for the volume held Agree on access, rotation, and replenishment responsibility among the group

Full Transportation chapter ›

Post-Disaster Recovery 1 items

Shared rebuild equipment: community-pooled tools beyond individual household sets

▸ Break it down

Inventory what tools the group collectively owns before buying duplicates Agree on check-out and return responsibility

Full Post-Disaster Recovery chapter ›

Checked items are saved in your browser only, the same way every other checklist on this site works. Want the full reasoning behind quantities or brand-agnostic specs for any item? Every row here traces back to its own chapter's Materials & Supplies or Tech & Equipment section, linked at the bottom of each category above.