SHTF Prep

Emergency kit checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your progress is saved in this browser, and you can print the list to keep with your kit.

Reviewed October 2026

Pack your kit into one or two containers that are easy to carry, such as a plastic bin or a duffel bag, and seal items in airtight plastic bags. Keep it somewhere everyone in the house knows about. Ready.gov also suggests a smaller kit for your car and enough supplies at work to shelter there for at least 24 hours.

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Water and food

Light, power and information

Health and hygiene

Tools and safety

Documents and money

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Clothing and comfort

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Pets

Worth investing in

Not essential for a basic kit, but these make a long emergency much easier. They don't count toward your packing progress.

  • Satellite messenger

    Sends texts and an SOS by satellite where there's no cell service, such as a Garmin inReach. It needs a paid monthly plan. Some newer phones can text emergency services by satellite too, so check what yours can do first.

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  • Portable power station and solar panel

    A big rechargeable battery for phones, lights and small appliances. It gives off no fumes, so unlike a generator it's safe to use indoors, and a solar panel recharges it during a long outage.

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  • Two-way radios

    Keep the family in touch when phone networks are down. FRS radios need no license; GMRS radios reach farther but need an FCC license, currently $35 for 10 years with no exam.

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  • FRS walkie-talkies, 4-packSponsored pick

    License-free radios that talk to each other without phone service, so they still work when cell networks are down. One per family member.

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  • Water filter

    Useful when stored water runs out. The CDC notes most portable filters remove parasites but not all bacteria or viruses, so filter first, then disinfect: see our water guide.

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  • Electric water purifierSponsored pick

    A battery-powered pump filter, faster than hand-pumping when you have a lot of water to treat. Disinfect afterwards too.

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  • Rechargeable LED work lightSponsored pick

    Hands-free light that sticks to metal or hangs from a hook, so both hands stay free in an outage.

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  • Wound closure stripsSponsored pick

    Hold the edges of a small, clean cut together until you can get it seen. A good addition to any first aid kit.

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  • Battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm

    Generators, grills and heaters cause carbon monoxide poisoning after storms. An alarm that works without power is cheap protection: see our alarm check.

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  • Compact survival tool kitSponsored pick

    A small kit for the car, a hike or a go-bag, with a fire starter, whistle, cutting tools and more in one pouch. It's an add-on, not a replacement for the water, food, light and first aid on the checklist above.

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  • Fireproof, waterproof document safe

    Keeps IDs, insurance papers and cash together and protected, ready to grab if you have to leave.

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Items marked Sponsored pick link to one specific product. The brand pays us a higher commission when you buy it through our link, at no extra cost to you. We only feature products that suit the guide.

Keep it ready

  • Check the kit once a year and replace anything expired, including food, water you stored yourself, medicines and batteries.
  • Update it when your household changes: a new baby, a new pet, new prescriptions.
  • Use the supply calculator to check you have enough water and food for everyone.
  • Print a map of your area for the kit, in case phones and GPS are down.

Sources