Our goal here, at American Survival Guide, is to provide you with the information and advice you’ll need to survive any emergency situation. Everyone’s needs are different, so we’ve developed this expanded checklist to help simplify and organize your efforts, inventory and to-do lists.
No matter where you live or what you’re planning for, this checklist will help ensure you have what you need to survive. It’s organized in the same order as the sections in this Prepper Manual edition. We encourage you to add your specific needs to it so it’ll meet your requirements better. Whatever gear you’re able to gather, be sure you know how to use it before you need it.
We suggest you make copies of this checklist that you can keep in your storage areas as inventory sheets. In addition, file a copy with your other important documents, and use a copy as a shopping list for items you need to acquire or replace.
1. WATER
We suggest storing enough potable water so each person has access to 2 gallons per day for at least 30 days. This covers hydration, food preparation and hygiene requirements. Always use FDA-approved, food-grade, non-BPA containers and rotate your supply every six months (unless you treat it with a water preservative). Note: Be careful where you store it. One gallon of water weighs 8.3 pounds.
1.1 WATER STORAGE
Individual bottles or cans
Portable water containers (1 to 5 gallons)
Static water storage (30- and 50-gallon barrels, tanks, bladders, cisterns)
Water resupply plan
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1.2 PRESERVATION AND TREATMENT
Chemical disinfectant supplies
Heat source and fuel for boiling water
Ultraviolet water sterilizer
Water filter/purifier (at least one device per person)
Water flavoring (to improve the taste of treated water)
Water preservative
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2. FIRE
Fire is an essential element of successful survival situations. There are many ways to start fires, and you should have a selection of tools that includes multiple methods, especially those that work in inclement weather. You can’t have too many fire starters, and each responsible person in your group should have at least one fire starter and tinder on their person.
2.1 FIRE STARTERS
Disposable or refillable lighters (various sizes and types), replacement fuel
Ferrocerium rods and strikers (various sizes and carry methods)
Flint and striker
Magnesium fire starters and scrapers
Magnifying glass with cover
Waterproof matches/weatherproof container/striker
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2.2 TINDER
Commercially made tinder
Homemade tinder
Weatherproof tinder container
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3. FOOD
American Survival Guide recommends keeping on hand at least a 30-day supply of food for each person. Remember that on average, men need about 2,500 calories a day, and women need around 2,000. This can vary, depending on age, condition, stress and activity levels, and other factors.
3.1 FOODSTUFFS
Cooking oils
Cooking powders (baking soda, flour, etc.)
Dairy products, dry
Eggs, dry
Freeze-dried entrées and meals
Fruit (canned, dried, preserved)
Grains and cereals
MREs and other packaged, ready-to-eat foods
Pasta
Protein, animal (fish, meat, poultry)
Protein, plant (beans, lentils, nuts, powdered mixes)
Rice
Salt, iodized
Seeds for planting and consumption
Soups and stews
Sweeteners (agave, honey, sugar, etc.)
Vegetables (canned, dried, preserved)
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3.2 FOOD PROCUREMENT
3.2.1 HUNTING AND TRAPPING
.22 air pellet gun, pellets and accessories
Bow, arrows and accessories
Maintenance materials for items in this group
Rifle, ammo and accessories
Shotgun, ammo and accessories
Traps and snares
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3.2.2 FISHING
Fishing rod, tackle and accessories
Packable fishing kit
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3.3 PREPARATION AND EATING
Cooker, stove and fuel (if gas-powered)
Cooking utensils (knives, tongs, spatulas and other tools for food preparation)
Eating utensils, dishes, mess kits
Pans, pots, grills and other implements used for cooking
Seasonings and spices
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4. NAVIGATION
You don’t have to go very far into unfamiliar areas before you run the risk of getting lost, especially if you’re dealing with an emergency situation that could provide unexpected distractions and stress. Everyone in your group should know basic navigational skills.
4.1 NAVIGATION TOOLS
Addresses/coordinates of important places
Binoculars/monocular
Compass
GPS unit, batteries and accessories
Map cases and markers
Pace-counter beads
Road and topographic maps
Smartphone navigation apps
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5. SHELTER
In an emergency, you’re usually better off hunkering down in your home. However, a time might come when you need to seek shelter elsewhere. In addition to knowing where local emergency shelters are, you need to have a bug-out plan for moving to a safe location where you can take shelter.
5.1 HUNKERING DOWN AT HOME
Fire extinguishers
Fuel and kindling for fireplace/woodstove
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and batteries
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5.2 FABRICATED SHELTER
Bivy/sleeping bags and ground mats
Tarps, 550 cord, bungee cords
Tent(s), repair and replacement parts
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5.3 LOCAL EMERGENCY SHELTER
Know the locations and contact information of nearby emergency shelters
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5.4 CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT
Base layer, mid layer and street clothes suited to the weather and situation
Hunting/camouflage clothing and accessories
Insect- and snake-protective clothing
Weather-protective outerwear, footwear and accessories
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6. TRANSPORTATION
The mode of transportation you use requires significant additional resources. Your best bet is to have one or more vehicles that can dependably handle multiple, if not all, mobility roles. If you have more than one vehicle, select those that use common fuel, lubricants, tools and other support materials to reduce the variety and volume required.
6.1 ALL VEHICLES
Cargo containers and tie-downs, 550 cord, duct tape
First aid kit
Fuels, fuel additives, lubricants, motor oil (on-site and portable)
Light sources, replacement batteries
Navigation aids (maps, compass, GPS)
Replacements for parts most likely to wear out or break
Rescue aids (flares, high-visibility panels, air horn, whistles, mirrors)
Secure storage for weapons and ammunition
Shelter-in-place kit with food, water, shelter, fire starters, etc.
Tools, wire, zip-ties and other items useful for field repairs and extrication
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6.2 LAND VEHICLES
Extrication and road-/path-clearing equipment
Spare keys
Spare tires, air pump, patch kits
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6.3 WATERCRAFT
Ditch bag with rescue/survival gear, first aid kit
EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) and/or PLB (personal locator beacon)
Paddles, oars
Personal flotation devices for everyone aboard
Repair kits
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7. SECURITY
Security includes safety issues, along with self-defense, wherever you are. If you have additional security and safety preparations than what’s listed here, you should add them to this list.
7.1 HOME SECURITY/EARLY-WARNING SYSTEM
Emergency/portable lighting and replacement batteries/chargers
Home alarm
Motion-sensing cameras and automatic lighting
Remote-adjustable video/audio systems
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7.2 LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS
Cleaning and maintenance equipment for all firearms
Handgun with spare mags or speed loaders, ammunition, accessories
Holsters and other means for safe/concealed-carry/transportation of firearms
Rifle with spare mags, ammunition, accessories
Shotgun with spare mags, ammunition, accessories
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7.3 LESS-THAN-LETHAL WEAPON SYSTEMS
Less-than-lethal shotgun rounds
Personal-defense spray/tear gas dispenser and replacement cartridges
Restraint systems
Stun gun and replacement batteries or Taser and projectiles and accessories
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8. ENERGY
Many of our devices require electricity, making a backup energy source plan very important. Short-term power outages can generally be handled with generators—as long as there’s access to fuel. Adding solar, wind or other generation options to your plan will help, as will reducing your dependence on electricity for essentials and conveniences.
Batteries/chargers for all associated devices
Generator, accessories, fuel and maintenance tools and materials
Power inverter
Solar power-generation equipment (panels, cables, batteries and accessories)
Tools and replacement parts to support all energy sources
Wind power-generation equipment (turbines, cables, batteries and accessories)
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9. COMMUNICATIONS
During any emergency, it’s imperative to maintain contact with others in your group, as well as with external information sources. Connectivity can take many forms. Take into account distance, energy and equipment requirements when you put your plan together.
Amateur/ham radio, CB radio, multiband scanner and accessories
Cell phone and accessories
Computer/laptop/tablet and accessories
Faraday cage or other EMP-protective containers
FM/AM/SW/weather radio and accessories
List of group members’ addresses and contact information
Satellite phone and accessories
Television, reception gear and accessories
Two-way radios (FRS/GMRS), batteries and accessories
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10. HEALTH
Maintaining good physical and mental health will become more difficult and important during an emergency. Managing existing conditions and avoiding or dealing with illness and injury should be placed high in your prepping priorities. Be sure your group knows how to use the materials and equipment before you need it.
90- to 180-day supply of all vital medications
Backboard or other type of litter
Blankets (compact/packable and traditional)
Emergency dental kit—one per person
Epinephrine pen kits
Home first aid kit, upgraded for your specific needs
Hygiene and sanitation supplies for individuals and group
Individual first aid kit—one per person
Neck brace and assorted-sized splints
Slings and triangle bandages
Snake bite kit—one per person
Specialized equipment (defibrillator, CPAP, oxygen supply and accessories)
Suture and trauma kit—one per person
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11. ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Assorted hand tools for building, repairs, gardening, etc.
Bug-out bag—one per person
Bushcraft knife (we suggest that each person has more than one knife), sharpeners
Candles
Copies of all important documents on thumb drive or other media
Optics for use during the day or night
Pet supplies, medications, toys and accessories
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12. EMERGENCY PLANS
Bug-out plan and leave-behind note
Group emergency preparedness plan with contingencies
Local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) contact information
Local FEMA/Homeland Security contact information
Local hospital addresses and contact information
Local National Guard Armory address and contact information
Police, Fire, EMS addresses and contact information
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Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the Spring-Summer 2021 Prepper Manual print issue of American Survival Guide.