Basic Stockpile List

/ N95 RESPIRATORS

For: All Stockpiles

N95 Respirators / What to know?

While plenty of face masks exist on the market, only N95 respirators provide medical-grade protection against infectious droplets and hazardous air particles. A proper N95 respirator will be National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved and FDA cleared for medical use. Non-FDA cleared masks are generally designed for industrial purposes that do not consider medical uses.

Note that:

• N95 means the respirator is capable of blocking out 95% of particulates in the air when properly worn.
• Despite the confusing name, a KN95 is not an N95 respirator. KN95s are unregulated and the majority provide inferior filtration.
• Avoid exhalation valves, which defeat the respirator’s ability to protect others from you.
• Pay close attention to authenticity given rampant counterfeits.

N95 Respirators / Where To Buy?

Purchase NIOSH N95 Approved Respirators from Armour

/ WATER

For: All Stockpiles

WATER / What to know?

The most crucial item in any stockpile list, water is crucial for both hydration and sanitation. Water purification tablets should be kept in case of a complete loss of safe drinking water.

Since it could be years before you need it, look for water that comes in packaging with a long shelf life. Stockpile.org recommends Aqua Blox, which can be safely stored for up to 5 years.

WATER / What Quantity?

You should plan for 1 gallon of water per person, per day. According to the CDC, you should have a minimum of 3 days worth, and 2 weeks is recommended.

WATER / Where To Buy?

Purchase hermetically sealed drinking water from Aqua Blox

/ FOOD

For: All Stockpiles

FOOD / What to know?

Stockpile non-perishable items such as canned goods, protein and energy bars, canned juices, peanut butter, boxed pasta and rice, and dried fruit.

If you live on property that supports the cultivation of vegetables, consider planting seeds that could provide an alternate source of sustenance.

Non-perishable items will last without refrigeration, but refrigerated/frozen goods may spoil without power. You should dispose of any food that has been kept at a temperature of above 40°F for more than two hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for approximately four hours, and it’s safe to refreeze thawed food if ice crystals are present. Keep a food thermometer handy, and--as a rule--throw out any food that looks or smells abnormal.

If you have to evacuate, consider stockpiling Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MREs), akin to the rations traditionally used by the military. A good MRE will have a long shelf-life, a high and balanced calorie count, and is lightweight and easily transportable.

FOOD / What Quantity?

The amount of food needed for each person will vary based on age, weight, and body type. Speak to your doctor or consult a calorie calculator to determine the amount of daily food required for each family member. You should stockpile a minimum of 3 days’ worth of food, while FEMA and the Red Cross recommend 2 weeks’ worth of food for each family member.

FOOD / Where To Buy?

Augason Farms
ReadyWise
Mayday Supplies

/ FIRST AID KIT

For: All Stockpiles

In addition to any medical equipment that you use on a regular basis, The American Red Cross recommends that every first aid kit contain the following items (based on a family of four): 

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5x9 in.)

• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

• Adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

• 5 antibiotic ointment packets 

• 5 antiseptic wipe packets

• 2 packets of aspirin

• Emergency blanket

• Breathing barrier (w/ one-way valve)

• Instant cold compress

• 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves

• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets

• 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage

• Roller bandage (4 inches wide)

• 5 3x3 in. sterile gauze pads

• 5 sterile gauze pads (4x4 in.) 

• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass) 

• 2 triangular bandages

• Tweezers

• Emergency first aid guide

Additionally, you may want to consider adding the following items:

• CPR mouth shield

• CAT tourniquet

• Rapid response wound seal

• Tissues

• Throat lozenges

• Eye drops

• A variety of over-the-counter medications, based on typical family usage.

/ CELL PHONE

For: All Stockpiles

While some disasters may pose a threat to cell phone reception, a smartphone will often be the best means of communication and information in a disaster. A smartphone camera can also come in handy for keeping track of important information, and documenting damage for insurance claims. Keep an extra cell phone charger, as well as at least one portable charging device, in the event that you do not have ready access to power. 

/ CHILDREN'S SUPPLIES

For: All Stockpiles

In addition to maintaining an extra supply of your childrens’ medications or special dietary items, non-electronically powered items such as books and games can help keep your child distracted and relaxed during an evacuation or lockdown.

/ CLOTHING

For: All Stockpiles

• Complete Change of Clothing: If you are forced to evacuate, be sure to bring along a complete set of clean clothes, as well as clothes comfortable for sleeping. 

• Rubber Boots: While a must for hurricanes and floods, rubber boots can be crucial for post-disaster cleanup, especially in the event of flooding caused by burst or broken pipes. 

• Protective clothing for cleanup: Depending on the damage that your property suffers, keep protective clothing (Gloves, long sleeves, thick pants, helmet) to mitigate against the dangers posed by sharp objects, falling debris, and wild animals. 

• Sturdy shoes: Evacuation and post-disaster cleanup may entail lots of time on your feet over rough or uneven surfaces. 

• Wide brimmed hat: Evacuation or post-disaster cleanup may entail prolonged exposure to the sun. 

• Poncho: For evacuation or cleanup in wet or rainy conditions. 

 / COOLER

For: All Stockpiles

/ FIRE EXTINGUISHER

For: All Stockpiles

The risk of fire is present not only during wildfires, but in hurricanes and other disasters that may result in downed power lines.

/ FLASHLIGHT

For: All Stockpiles

Make sure to have one high powered, tactical flashlight per family member in the event of evacuation or power loss, and for post-disaster cleanup. Stockpile extra batteries.

/ HOME INVENTORY

For: All Stockpiles

A detailed inventory of the home should be securely maintained for post-disaster recovery, as well as insurance claims.

/ IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

For: All Stockpiles

In the event of evacuation or damage to your home, important documents such as identification documents (birth certificate, social security card, etc.), bank records and insurance records should be kept in a secure (waterproof and fireproof) case.

/ MATCHES

For: All Stockpiles

For light, warmth, and cooking, be sure to have weatherproof (wind and water-resistant) matches.

/ MONETARY SUPPLIES

For: All Stockpiles

• Credit/Debit Cards

• Cash/Change: In the event of a grid failure or cyberattack, you may not have immediate access to your bank accounts. 

• Crypto Wallet: A portable device for storing the keys for cryptocurrency transactions. Can be especially crucial for grid failures or cyberattacks, but will likely take on greater relevance as more and more companies and cities integrate cryptocurrency into their economies and purchasing systems.

/ NOAA RADIO

For: All Stockpiles

In an emergency, instructions and notices will be broadcast via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A NOAA radio should be battery powered or come with a handcrank for use during a power failure or evacuation.

/ PERSONAL MEDICATION

For: All Stockpiles

Keep an extra supply of personal prescriptions, and make sure they are not expired.

/ PET SUPPLIES

For: All Stockpiles

If you have a pet, make sure your pet is microchipped, prepare your vehicle in advance for animal transport, and--when possible--identify in advance shelters or accommodations that accept animals. Stock basic supplies, including: 

• Food packs

• Water

• Mylar blanket

• Medicine

• Animal First aid kit 

• Collapsible bowls for food and water

• Toys

• Collar w/ ID

• Leash

• Carrier bag or crate

• Grooming supplies

• Sanitation supplies (Poop bags, cat litter, paper towels, newspaper, bleach)

• A photo of your pet (in case you become separated--ideally you are in the photo as well, so you can claim ownership)

/ PORTABLE HARD DRIVE

For: All Stockpiles

A portable hard drive is crucial in the event of an evacuation, and should be regularly updated in the event of a cyberattack or power failure.

/ PORTABLE SPACE HEATER

For: All Stockpiles

For use outside during evacuation, or when utilities have been cut. Some heaters should be charged in advance, while others utilize propane fuel. Be sure to follow best safety practices, depending on the type of model being used.

/ SANITATION SUPPLIES

For: All Stockpiles

• Hand Sanitizer

• Bleach 

• Disinfectant

• Personal sanitary items, including feminine hygiene items, oral care items, and miscellaneous non-essential portable/lightweight items, such as deodorant and razors.

• Toilet paper

• Tissues

• Toilet supplies: In the event of evacuation or a loss of water, we recommend purchasing a bag or bucket-based toilet kit. Alternatively, you can construct your own toilet kit using moist towelettes, plastic ties, and garbage bags.

/ SOLAR CHARGE BANK

For: All Stockpiles

For charging electrical appliances without tapping into the electrical grid. A portable solar charge bank can come in handy during an evacuation, or in the event of a power failure.

 / SURGE PROTECTORS

For: All Stockpiles

For protecting electrical appliances when power is restored after a grid shutdown or failure.

/ TOOLS

For: All Stockpiles

We recommend the following items to be used in a variety of emergency situations:

• Scissors

• Can opener

• Duct Tape can help in almost every emergency, from sealing cracks around doors and windows for greater insulation, to repairing broken and torn items.

• Multipurpose tool (such as a Swiss Army Knife)

• Pry bar: For freeing blocked entrances/exits and utility boxes. Can also be useful in search and rescue efforts and cleanup.

• Utility wrench: Household damage during a disaster can be mitigated by shutting off utilities, sparing you and your home everything from gas leaks to water damage.

/ VEHICLE SUPPLIES

For: All Stockpiles

• Gas: Be sure to keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle at all times. In the event of an evacuation, you may not have time to stop at a gas station, and refueling may prove difficult in the wake of a disaster or grid failure. 

• Reflective Triangle or Flares: For alerting drivers to road obstructions. 

• Jumper Cables

• Spare Tire

• A natural disaster that forces you out of your home--such as a flood, landslide, or blizzard--poses the additional risk of decreasing your car's tire traction. Sand or cat litter spread underneath your tires can provide enough traction to safely evacuate the area or continue driving through uneven terrain.

/ WHISTLE

For: All Stockpiles

Each family member should have an emergency whistle, in the event that they become separated, lost, or trapped.