What is an emergency preparedness kit?

An emergency preparedness kit is a selection of items and food that can do everything from significantly reducing discomfort in an emergency to saving your life as well as the lives of your loved ones and others.

Check out our ready-made emergency preparedness packs!

We have compiled a list of many of the items you will need or want to have in your emergency preparedness kit from The Perfect Prepper.

Basic emergency kit needs (essential items):

  • Headlamp (light source)
  • Food
  • Water
  • Simple water filter
  • Fire starter/lighter/emergency matches
  • AM/FM radio with outlet and battery power
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency mylar blanket or bivvy
  • Knife
  • Cooking pot
  • Mess Kit (plates, bowls, cups and utensils)
  • Portable propane stove or burner
  • Portable propane heater
  • Fuel cylinders (propane, isobutane) for stove/burner/heater/lantern
  • Soap (all purpose)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Rope or cord (50 feet or more)
  • Spare batteries
  • Duct tape (repairs, first aid)
  • Rain gear
  • Can opener
  • Portable toilet (Comfortably do your business and dispose of waste)
  • Toilet paper
  • Waterproof containers
  • A convenient way to carry gear (backpack, bin, etc.)

Additional emergency kit items (non-essentials):

  • Shelter (tent)
  • Sleeping bags
  • Sleeping mat
  • Rain poncho
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra-large first aid kit
  • High-capacity water filter
  • Multi-tool
  • Signal mirror and whistle
  • Compass
  • Maps
  • Shovel
  • Pepper spray (self-defense)
  • Heavy duty gloves
  • Lantern
  • Glow sticks
  • Compact pillow
  • Water storage container
  • Siphon pump for water/fuel
  • Dry bag (Durable, waterproof bag to hold clothing, electronics and other items that need to stay dry)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Wire cutters
  • Bolt cutters
  • Hatchet/axe
  • Hand saw (portable/folding style)
  • Pliers (Turn off utilities, etc.)
  • Moist towelettes
  • Dust and particulate masks (Keep dust, debris, etc, out of your nose, mouth and lungs)
  • Pet food
  • Insect repellent
  • Latex gloves

You may also want to have:

  • Generator
  • Fuel
  • Air filter face masks (Deluxe masks with full face, nose and eye coverage)
  • Biological/chemical hazard suit
  • High-end food
  • Extra water filters
  • CB radio
  • Satellite phone
  • Taser (Self defense)
  • Life vests (flotation)
  • Self-Inflating life raft
  • Signal flares
  • Travel games
  • Solar charger
  • Solar shower
  • Escape ladder (Safe and easy way to exit a second-story window)

Every item we put in your emergency preparedness kit has been thoroughly tested by The Perfect Prepper staff members and their families.  If we wouldn’t use it in our personal emergency preparedness kits, we would never consider putting it in yours.  An emergency preparedness kit can also double as a complete camping package for outdoor recreation.