Prepping basics beginners

{{whyLabel}}: Water is the most critical resource for survival, and most people underestimate how much they need for drinking and hygiene.

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• Multiply the number of people in your home by 4 liters (approx. 1 gallon) per day.
• Add an extra 2 liters per day for pets or individuals with medical needs.
• Aim for a 14-day supply as a baseline for localized emergencies.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a written total of liters/gallons needed for a 2-week period.

{{whyLabel}}: Commercial water bottles are prone to leaking over time; dedicated heavy-duty containers are safer for long-term storage.

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• Look for BPA-free, food-grade plastic containers (often blue).
• Choose 10-liter or 20-liter sizes to ensure they remain portable enough to carry.
• Ensure they have a secure screw-top lid and integrated handle.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have enough empty food-grade containers to meet your calculated 14-day goal.

{{whyLabel}}: Tap water can contain bacteria that may multiply over months of storage if not handled correctly.

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• Clean containers with a mild dish soap and rinse thoroughly.
• Fill with municipal tap water.
• If the water is not chlorinated, add 2 drops of unscented liquid household bleach (5-9% sodium hypochlorite) per liter.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All containers are filled, sealed, and dated with a permanent marker.

{{whyLabel}}: Sunlight and heat degrade plastic and encourage algae growth in stored water.

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• Identify a spot away from direct sunlight, such as a basement, closet, or under a bed.
• Ensure the floor can support the weight (1 liter = 1 kg).
• Avoid storing directly on bare concrete to prevent chemical leaching; use a wooden pallet or cardboard.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Water containers are organized in a stable, dark, and temperature-controlled environment.

{{whyLabel}}: If your stored supply runs out or is contaminated, you need a way to make found water safe to drink.

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• Select a hollow-fiber membrane filter (straw-style or pump) rated to 0.1 microns.
• Ensure it removes 99.99% of bacteria and protozoa.
• Keep it in its original packaging to prevent damage to the filter elements.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have at least one portable water filter per person in your household.

{{whyLabel}}: Prepping should start with what you already eat to avoid waste and ensure you have familiar comfort foods.

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• List all non-perishable items currently in your kitchen.
• Note expiration dates.
• Identify 'anchor' foods (rice, pasta, oats) that provide high calories for low cost.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a complete list of current food stocks and their shelf lives.

{{whyLabel}}: Buying specialized 'survival food' is expensive; building a deep pantry of regular groceries is more sustainable.

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• Buy extra quantities of canned beans, vegetables, and fruits.
• Stock up on white rice, pasta, and flour (stored in airtight containers).
• Include high-calorie fats like peanut butter and olive oil.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a 14-day supply of non-perishable food that requires minimal or no water to prepare.

{{whyLabel}}: Electric can openers will not work during a power outage, rendering canned goods difficult to access.

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• Choose a heavy-duty, stainless steel manual opener.
• Test it on one can to ensure it operates smoothly.
• Store it specifically with your emergency food supply, not just in the kitchen drawer.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A functioning manual can opener is stored with your emergency food.

{{whyLabel}}: If your home uses electric burners, you will need an alternative way to boil water and heat food during a blackout.

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• Select a simple single-burner butane or propane camping stove.
• Ensure it is rated for outdoor use (never use indoors without extreme ventilation due to CO risk).
• Store it in its carrying case to keep it clean.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a portable stove and have read the safety manual.

{{whyLabel}}: A stove is useless without the energy to run it; 4-6 canisters typically provide enough cooking time for 2 weeks.

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• Buy the specific fuel type (butane or propane) required by your stove.
• Store fuel in a cool, dry place (never in a living area or near heat sources).
• Check for leaks or rust on the canisters periodically.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have at least 4 full fuel canisters stored safely.

{{whyLabel}}: High-stress situations are mentally taxing; familiar treats improve morale and provide quick energy.

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• Include chocolate, hard candy, or savory snacks.
• Stock instant coffee, tea, or powdered drink mixes.
• Ensure these items have a shelf life of at least 6-12 months.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a small 'morale box' within your food storage.

{{whyLabel}}: Headlamps keep your hands free for tasks like cooking, repairs, or navigation, which is safer than holding a flashlight.

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• Choose models with at least 100 lumens of brightness.
• Look for a 'red light' mode to preserve night vision.
• Ensure the headbands are adjustable for all family members.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every household member has an individual, tested headlamp.

{{whyLabel}}: Most emergency gear relies on standard battery sizes; having a dedicated stash prevents 'robbing' batteries from other devices.

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• Buy bulk packs of AA and AAA batteries (the most common sizes).
• Check the 'best before' date (aim for 10-year shelf life).
• Store them in their original packaging to prevent short-circuiting.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have at least 2 full sets of replacement batteries for every battery-powered emergency device.

{{whyLabel}}: During major outages, cell towers may fail; a radio provides critical updates from local authorities.

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• Select a radio that supports AM/FM and NOAA weather alerts (if applicable in your region).
• Choose a 'tri-way' power model: hand-crank, solar, and battery/USB.
• Test the reception in different areas of your home.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a functioning emergency radio and know how to tune it to local news stations.

{{whyLabel}}: Your smartphone is your primary tool for communication and navigation; keeping it charged is a high priority.

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• Look for a capacity of at least 20,000 mAh.
• Ensure it has multiple USB output ports.
• Keep it charged to 80-100% at all times.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a fully charged power bank and the necessary charging cables stored together.

{{whyLabel}}: If your phone dies or is lost, you likely won't remember critical phone numbers.

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• Include family, neighbors, local police, fire, and utility companies.
• Write down out-of-state contacts (who may be easier to reach during local network congestion).
• Laminate the paper or put it in a waterproof plastic sleeve.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A physical contact list is placed in your emergency kit and your wallet.

{{whyLabel}}: Minor injuries can become life-threatening infections if not treated during an emergency when hospitals are overwhelmed.

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• Include various sizes of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, and medical tape.
• Add antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and nitrile gloves.
• Include trauma shears and a digital thermometer.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a organized kit containing all basic trauma and wound care items.

{{whyLabel}}: Supply chains for pharmacies can be disrupted quickly; a one-month buffer is a standard safety recommendation.

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• Talk to your doctor about getting a 'vacation override' or extra prescription for maintenance meds.
• Include over-the-counter essentials: Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen, anti-diarrheal, and antihistamines.
• Store in a waterproof, light-proof container.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a 30-day supply of all critical medications and a basic OTC kit.

{{whyLabel}}: Poor sanitation is a leading cause of illness in post-disaster scenarios.

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• Stock heavy-duty trash bags and zip ties.
• Buy large packs of wet wipes (for 'sponge baths') and hand sanitizer.
• Keep a 2-week supply of toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A dedicated 'hygiene bin' is packed and stored.

{{whyLabel}}: Using alternative heating or lighting (candles, stoves) significantly increases fire and carbon monoxide risks.

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• Place one smoke detector in every bedroom and on every level of the home.
• Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector near sleeping areas.
• Test the 'test' button on all units immediately.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All detectors are installed, tested, and have fresh batteries.

{{whyLabel}}: You must be able to suppress small fires before they spread, especially when emergency services may be delayed.

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• Choose a multi-purpose 'ABC' rated extinguisher (suitable for wood, liquid, and electrical fires).
• Mount it in a visible, accessible location near the kitchen or exit.
• Read the instructions on how to use the 'P.A.S.S.' technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A fire extinguisher is mounted and all adults know how to operate it.

{{whyLabel}}: Physical documents can be destroyed; digital copies allow you to prove identity and insurance claims anywhere.

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• Scan IDs, passports, insurance policies, property deeds, and vaccination records.
• Save them to a generic USB drive.
• Use free open-source software (like VeraCrypt) to encrypt the drive with a strong password.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a password-protected USB containing all vital documents.

{{whyLabel}}: In a power outage, credit card machines and ATMs will not work; cash is the only way to buy supplies.

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• Aim for $100-$500 depending on your budget.
• Request small denominations ($1, $5, $10) as shops may not be able to make change for large bills.
• Store the cash in a waterproof container in a hidden but accessible location.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have a hidden cash reserve in small denominations.

{{whyLabel}}: Stopping a gas leak or water pipe burst immediately can save your home from total destruction.

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• Locate the main water shut-off valve, the gas meter valve, and the electrical breaker box.
• Label them clearly with bright tape or tags.
• Keep a generic adjustable wrench near the gas valve if a tool is required to turn it.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All main utilities are labeled and you have practiced turning them off.

{{whyLabel}}: Food expires and batteries leak; a regular schedule ensures your 'insurance policy' actually works when needed.

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• Set a recurring calendar alert for every 6 months (e.g., during Daylight Savings change).
• Check expiration dates on food and meds; move items nearing expiry to the kitchen for immediate use.
• Test all flashlights and the radio.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A recurring reminder is set in your digital or physical calendar.

{{whyLabel}}: A drill reveals gaps in your plan (e.g., 'I can't find the matches') without the stress of a real emergency.

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• Turn off the main breaker and water for 4 hours one evening.
• Use only your emergency lighting and cook one meal on your camping stove.
• Take notes on what was difficult or what items were missing.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: You have completed one 4-hour simulated outage and updated your kit based on the results.

{{whyLabel}}: Some emergencies (fire, flood) require you to leave in seconds; you won't have time to pack then.

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• Use a generic sturdy backpack.
• Pack a change of clothes, copies of documents, a small water bottle, and some snacks.
• Keep it near your primary exit or in your vehicle.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A backpack is packed and ready for immediate evacuation.