Top 20 Emergency Supplies for Beginners

JT Crenshaw2 hours ago

0 0 11 minutes read

If you’re new to emergency preparedness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are hundreds of products out there, countless articles and videos, and no shortage of people telling you what you absolutely must have to survive.

But let’s slow down for a second. You don’t need to build a bunker or spend thousands of dollars to be prepared. For a short-term emergency like a power outage, hurricane, earthquake, or anything that might knock out utilities and close down stores for a while, you should need some basic supplies.

In this article, we’re going to go over the first 20 items every new prepper should get. We’re talking about simple, essential supplies that can make a huge difference if you’re stuck at home without power, water, or access to groceries. Here they are (in no particular order).

1. Water and Water Storage Containers

Water should be your number one priority when it comes to emergency supplies. You can survive a long time without food, but only a few days without water. The general rule is at least 1 gallon per person per day, but if you can manage 2 gallons per person per day, you’ll have plenty extra for cooking, hygiene, and cleaning.

For a family of four, that adds up quickly, so you’ll need a way to store it. The best containers are made from food-grade plastic or BPA-free materials. Even better if they’re opaque or dark-colored to block out light (which can cause algae to grow). Here are a few solid options:

5-gallon water jugs – Sturdy, stackable, and easy to carry.
Stackable containers (3-7 gallons) – These give you flexibility without being too heavy to move.
Water bricks – More compact and modular, so they’re great if you’re short on space.

Try to avoid reusing old containers like milk jugs or juice bottles. They’re made from thinner plastic that can degrade or crack over time, and it’s really hard to get all the residue out, especially from milk. That leftover residue can lead to bacteria growth and ruin your water supply.

If you’re going to store water for a while, keep it in a cool, dark place, and rotate it every 6 to 12 months. You can also add water preserver drops to extend the shelf life.

Related: Emergency Water Storage for Beginners

2. Water Purification

Even if you’ve stored water, you should have a backup plan in case you run out or need to collect water from a questionable source like rainwater, a pond, or even your water heater. That’s where purification comes in.

There are a few simple, reliable options for beginners:

Water purification tablets – Cheap, lightweight, and easy to store. They can make most clear water safe to drink in 30 minutes.
LifeStraw or similar filters – These mini water filters let you drink straight from a stream or bottle. Super portable and no chemicals required.
Berkey water filter – This is more of a home setup. It’s a gravity-fed filter that removes bacteria and viruses. Great for long-term emergencies if you’re stuck at home.

No matter which method you use, don’t assume that clear water is safe water. Bacteria, parasites, and chemical contaminants are too small to see with the naked eye. Having a way to purify water is something you’ll be glad you thought of ahead of time.

3. Non‑Perishable Food

The best emergency food is shelf-stable and ready to eat. Aim for a mix of carbs, protein, and fats to keep your energy up.

Here are some solid staples to have on hand:

Canned soups and stews – Complete meals in a can.
Canned beans – High in protein and fiber.
Peanut butter – Packed with calories and healthy fats.
Instant rice or pasta – Easy to cook with minimal water.
Oats – Can be eaten raw or cooked.
Canned meats (tuna, chicken, Spam) – Long shelf life and good protein source.
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) – Military-style rations, no cooking needed.
Granola or protein bars – Convenient, calorie-dense snacks.
Powdered milk or shelf-stable boxed milk – Good for kids and recipes.
Salt and basic seasonings – Makes a big difference when meals start to feel bland.

Also consider keeping a bottle of multivitamins around. You won’t be getting much fresh produce during an emergency, so it’s a good way to fill nutritional gaps.

4. Camp Stove and Fuel

If the power goes out, your electric stove and microwave won’t do you much good. A basic camp stove is great to have so you can cook meals or boil water during an emergency.

There are a few types to consider, but for most beginners, a small propane or butane camp stove is the easiest option. They’re portable, easy to use, and don’t require any fancy hookups.

Just make sure you have enough fuel canisters to last a few days, and store them safely. Propane is more common and can be used with other emergency gear, but butane stoves tend to be a little more compact.

If you don’t want to mess with fuel, there are also solid fuel stoves or even wood-burning backpacking stoves, but those take a bit more practice.

Whatever type you get, test it out before an emergency. The middle of a blackout isn’t the time to learn how it works.

5. Fire Starters / Wood

Fire is one of the most basic tools for survival. It gives you heat, light, a way to cook, and even some comfort in stressful situations. Even if you have a camp stove, it’s smart to have backup options for making fire.

At the very least, keep a mix of reliable fire starters on hand:

Lighters (get a few, and stash them in different places)
Waterproof matches
Ferro rod or magnesium fire starter (works even when wet)
Cotton balls with petroleum jelly or commercial firestarter cubes

If you have a fireplace, wood stove, or fire pit, keep a stash of dry firewood or compressed logs nearby. Don’t forget kindling and tinder, too. The small stuff is what actually gets the fire going.

And of course, always think about ventilation and safety. Don’t start fires indoors unless you’re using a proper wood stove or fireplace.

6. Flashlights

When the power goes out, one of the first things you’ll miss is light, and candles only go so far. A few good flashlights can make a huge difference.

Don’t just rely on your phone’s flashlight. You’ll want an LED flashlight or two, plus a headlamp for hands-free use (really helpful if you’re doing something like cooking, fixing something, or digging through gear in the dark).

Here’s what to look for:

LED lights – Longer battery life and brighter than old-school bulbs.
Rechargeable flashlights – Some can charge via USB or even solar.
Rugged, water-resistant build – In case you drop it.

Keep flashlights in a few key places: next to your bed, in your emergency kit, and maybe one in your car. The last thing you want is to be stumbling around in the dark trying to find one.

A flashlight without batteries is just an expensive paperweight. The same is true for radios, headlamps, and a lot of other gear, too. That’s why it’s important to stock up on extra batteries, especially the sizes your devices use most often.

Common ones to have on hand:

AA and AAA – These power most flashlights and radios.
D and C cells – Useful for larger lanterns or older devices.
9V – Good to have for smoke detectors and some emergency tools.
Coin cell batteries – Often used in small gadgets or headlamps.

If possible, choose devices that all use the same type of battery. It makes things easier and cheaper in the long run.

Store your batteries in a cool, dry place, and check expiration dates now and then. If you’re using rechargeables, make sure you have a way to charge them without power (like a solar battery charger).

8. Portable Phone Charger / Power Bank

Even in a disaster, your phone can be a lifeline. And not just for texting and phone calls. You can use it for accessing maps, emergency alerts, offline documents, or even downloaded survival guides. But none of that helps if your battery’s dead.

That’s why a portable phone charger or power bank is essential.

Look for one that:

Has at least 10,000 mAh capacity (enough for 2–3 full phone charges)
Is USB-compatible with your devices
Ideally, supports solar charging or can be recharged via wall outlet or car adapter

If you can afford it, having multiple power banks or a solar panel charger can give you backup power for days.

Just remember to keep them charged. A dead power bank is just dead weight.

9. Portable Radio

When the internet’s down and your phone stops working, a portable emergency radio might be your only source of news and weather updates. That’s especially important during disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or power grid failures, where things can change fast.

Look for a radio that can receive NOAA weather alerts and AM/FM stations. Even better if it has multiple power options like batteries, hand crank, solar, or USB. A built-in flashlight or emergency siren is also good to have.

Crank radios take a bit of work, but they’ll keep you informed when everything else goes dark. Some models can even charge your phone, which adds another layer of backup.

10. First Aid Kit

Accidents don’t stop just because there’s an emergency. In fact, they’re more likely to happen when you’re stressed, working in the dark, or dealing with broken infrastructure.

That’s why a first aid kit is a non-negotiable. You can buy a pre-made one or build your own, but at a minimum, make sure it includes:

Bandages and gauze (various sizes)
Antiseptic wipes or ointment
Tweezers and scissors
Medical tape
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Allergy meds (like Benadryl)
Gloves and a CPR mask

Also throw in any personal medical items you or your family might need like asthma inhalers, EpiPens, or diabetes supplies.

The goal here isn’t to perform surgery. It’s just to stop bleeding, treat minor injuries, and prevent infections until help is available.

11. Medications

If you or someone in your household relies on daily medication, even a short disruption can turn into a serious emergency. That’s why it’s critical to have at least a week’s worth of essential prescriptions stored ahead of time, and more if you can swing it.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting an extra refill or a longer supply for emergencies. Explain you’re preparing, not hoarding.

Also stock up on:

Over-the-counter meds – pain relievers, antacids, allergy meds, cold/flu tablets
Vitamins and supplements – especially if you’re relying on a limited diet
Medical supplies – such as insulin syringes, glucose monitors, or blood pressure cuffs if needed

Store everything in a cool, dry place, and check expiration dates regularly.

12. Hygiene Supplies

Staying clean might not seem like a top priority in an emergency, but good hygiene helps prevent illness, especially when medical help might be hard to find. Even just being able to wash your hands and clean up a bit can make a big difference in how you feel and function.

At a minimum, you’ll want:

Toilet paper (obviously)
Soap or hand sanitizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Feminine hygiene products
Wet wipes or baby wipes (great when showers aren’t an option)
Trash bags for disposal

A few basic hygiene items can go a long way toward keeping you healthy, comfortable, and sane during a longer emergency. And no, you probably won’t be showering every day, but you’ll at least want to feel like a human being.

A solid multi-purpose tool is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you really need it. Whether you’re opening cans, cutting rope, fixing gear, or prying something loose, a multitool can handle dozens of small but important tasks.

Look for a tool that includes:

Pliers
Screwdrivers
Knife blade
Can opener
Wire cutter
Scissors (optional but handy)

Brands like Leatherman and Gerber make high-quality multitools that are built to last. Even a simple one is better than nothing. Just make sure it’s sturdy and actually useful, not one of those 50-tool gimmicks you’ll never use.

And if nothing else, having a good fixed-blade or folding knife is always a smart backup.

Disasters tend to break things. A few basic hand tools can make the difference between solving a problem and being stuck with it.

You don’t need a full toolbox, but at the very least, keep:

A hammer (for general repairs or boarding up windows)
A screwdriver (preferably multi-bit or both flathead and Phillips)
An adjustable wrench (for turning off gas or water lines)

If you’ve got space, toss in pliers, a utility knife, and some zip ties or nails. Nothing fancy, just the kind of stuff that lets you do simple repairs or shut things down if something goes wrong.

The idea is to be able to fix what you can, and safely secure what you can’t.

15. Dust Masks

In some emergencies, like wildfires, earthquakes, or even major storms, the air can get full of dust, ash, or debris. Breathing that stuff in can be dangerous.

That’s why it’s smart to have a few N95 or KN95 masks in your emergency kit. They’re designed to filter out small particles and provide a tight seal around your nose and mouth.

If N95s aren’t available, even a basic dust mask or cloth face covering is better than nothing.

These can come in handy for:

Cleaning up after a storm or flood
Being around smoke or airborne debris
Helping reduce the spread of illness if someone gets sick

They’re lightweight, compact, and cheap. And in the right situation, they’re worth their weight in gold.

16. Trash Bags

Trash bags might not sound like survival gear, but they’re surprisingly versatile in an emergency. They’re not just for garbage, they can also help with sanitation, water protection, and even makeshift repairs.

Stock up on heavy-duty contractor bags if you can. They’re thicker and more durable than regular kitchen bags.

Here are a few ways they come in handy:

Collecting and disposing of waste when plumbing is down
Keeping gear dry in wet conditions
Lining buckets for emergency toilets
Creating temporary ponchos or ground cover
Storing used hygiene products or contaminated materials

They’re cheap, take up almost no space, and can be a real lifesaver when things get messy, which they usually do during a disaster.

17. Duct Tape

Duct tape is the ultimate emergency fix-it tool. It’s strong, waterproof, flexible, and sticks to just about anything, which makes it perfect for quick repairs when things start to break (and they will).

A few ways duct tape can help in a crisis:

Patching up torn tarps, clothing, or gear
Sealing broken windows or air leaks
Fixing cracked containers or tools
Making splints or bandage wraps in a pinch
Even creating makeshift rope or restraints

Get a high-quality roll, not the cheap stuff. It might cost a little more, but it’ll hold up better under pressure, and that’s exactly when you’ll need it.

18. Fire Extinguisher

In an emergency, you’re already dealing with enough chaos, the last thing you need is a fire making it worse. Whether it’s caused by a candle, a camp stove, or faulty wiring, a fire can spread fast, especially when emergency services are overwhelmed or unavailable.

That’s why every household should have at least one multi-purpose fire extinguisher. This type covers:

A – Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, fabric)
B – Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, cooking grease)
C – Electrical equipment

Mount it in an easy-to-reach spot, like the kitchen or near your emergency supplies, and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use it. Remember: PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Also, check the expiration date periodically. A dead fire extinguisher is just a red can.

19. Emergency Cash

If the power goes out, so do ATMs, credit card machines, and payment apps. That means your money might be stuck in the cloud while you’re standing at a gas station that only takes cash.

That’s why it’s smart to keep a stash of emergency cash in small bills like $1s, $5s, and $10s. You don’t want to hand someone a $100 bill for a $15 item and hope they have change.

Keep it somewhere safe but accessible, like a hidden spot in your emergency kit or a waterproof pouch. Don’t rely on your wallet alone. If you need to leave in a hurry, you’ll want that money ready to grab and go.

Even just $100 to $300 can go a long way for fuel, food, or other supplies when digital payments aren’t an option.

20. Copies of Important Documents

In an emergency, you might have to prove who you are, file insurance claims, access bank accounts, or get medical help, and doing any of that is a lot harder if your documents are lost, soaked, or sitting in a file cabinet you can’t get to.

That’s why it’s smart to keep copies of key documents in both paper and digital form.

Paper copies should be stored in a waterproof pouch or fireproof safe, and digital copies can be saved to a secure USB drive or cloud storage (just make sure it’s password-protected).

Important documents to include: