10 Basic Items to Stock Up for Emergencies

Are you prepared for the unexpected? In this post, I’m sharing must-have items to help your family stay safe and ready for unexpected emergencies.

In today’s uncertain world, it’s more important than ever for families to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. Whether it’s a natural disaster or some other type of crisis, having a solid plan and essential supplies can make all the difference.

This week, I’ll be sharing a series of posts to help you take actionable steps toward family preparedness. Today, I want to start by sharing a basic list of supplies to stock up on. These items can help ensure that you and your family are equipped to handle short-term and long-term emergencies.

The Importance of Being Prepared

As believers, we trust that God is in control and will ultimately care for our needs. However, the Bible also encourages us to be wise and prepare for the future.

In Proverbs 6:6-8, we’re reminded to consider the ant, which stores up food in the summer to be ready for the winter. It’s important to take practical steps to ensure that our families are safe and secure in the event of a crisis. A crisis could be anything from job loss to a natural disaster to another pandemic.

While we might not be able to stock up on supplies all at once, having a plan and setting goals allows us to make wise decisions as we prepare over time. Whether you live in an area prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, or economic instability, these basic items can serve as a foundation for your family’s preparedness plan.

A Mindset of Readiness

As I prepare our home, I am reminded that while it’s important to gather supplies, the most important part of preparation should always be faith and trust in God. We must be ready to walk away from our earthly possessions if the time comes.

Our homes, food, and belongings are temporary. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”

The last couple weeks alone here in the United States have seen multiple natural disasters including massive flooding in the southeast, hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, wildfires in North Dakota. I’ve seen so many heart-wrenching videos. It isn’t possible to prepare for every scenario. All we can do is do our best and trust God for the rest.

10 Essential Items to Stock Up On

Here’s a basic list of supplies I’m working on for our family. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to modify or add to this list, but these items are a great starting point.

You can find a lot of these items in my Amazon shop that you can check out here.

#1 Water

Experts recommend having one gallon of water per person per day. While it’s difficult to store enough water for long-term emergencies, especially for larger families, finding alternative water sources is critical. For us, there’s a spring nearby where we can collect fresh water. However, if that spring becomes inaccessible, we’ll need other solutions.

#2 Rain Barrels

If storing water isn’t practical, rain barrels are an excellent option for collecting water. You’ll need a method to purify the water, such as boiling, bleach, or filters. In an emergency, you can also use tarps to collect rainwater. Even a 10×10 tarp can collect around 50 gallons of water for every inch of rain.

#3 Activated Charcoal

We keep activated charcoal in our home for stomach issues, but it’s also useful for water purification. You can stir a teaspoon into contaminated water to help cleanse it. Charcoal is tasteless and odorless, making it an easy option for emergency water purification.

#4 Toiletries and Sanitation

Basic hygiene becomes challenging in an emergency. Stock up on items like toilet paper, soap, and feminine products. Consider alternatives like cloth diapers or reusable menstrual products in case you can’t access running water. If toilets aren’t working, tools like the Luggable Loo can be useful, along with clay kitty litter for sanitation.

#5 Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your home clean is crucial, especially in emergencies where water might be scarce. Stock up on cleaning basics like vinegar, baking soda, borax, and bleach. A washboard and large pot for heating water over a fire can also be helpful for cleaning clothes and dishes.

#6 Medicines and First Aid

In a long-term crisis, access to medical care and supplies might be limited. Prepare a first aid kit with essentials like Tylenol, bandages, rubbing alcohol, and peroxide. In our home, we also use herbal remedies. Having a supply of herbs and tinctures like cayenne, garlic, and ginger can provide natural support when conventional medicine isn’t available.

#7 Food

Stock up on long-lasting, non-perishable foods such as dried beans, rice, oats, and canned goods. The key is to store food you actually eat and rotate your supplies regularly. Websites like Food Storage Made Easy offer resources to help you plan and stock up a 3-month supply of food for your family. Remember to include any special items like formula for babies if needed.

#8 Lighting

Power outages are common in emergencies, so having alternative lighting is essential. Stock up on candles, solar lanterns, and hand-crank flashlights. These tools will help keep your family safe and comfortable when the lights go out.

#9 Fuel and Cooking Resources

In the event of a prolonged power outage, staying warm is critical, especially during the colder months. Stocking up on alternative fuel sources like propane, firewood, or charcoal can ensure you have the means to cook food or keep warm. You may also want to consider portable camp stoves, solar-powered ovens, or even a wood-burning stove if you have the space and capability.

#10 Communication Devices

If cell towers go down or the power grid fails, staying informed and connected becomes challenging. Consider having a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio to receive important news and updates. Walkie-talkies or two-way radios can also be essential for short-range communication with family members if you’re separated or if your phone isn’t working. Make sure you have spare batteries or a solar charger to keep these devices running.

Preparing Spiritually and Practically

While it’s important to prepare physically for emergencies, spiritual preparation is even more critical. Jesus spoke of times of great tribulation, and we may face circumstances where we need to leave everything behind and trust entirely in God’s protection. In Mark 13:14-23, Jesus tells His followers to be ready to flee when they see the signs of the end times.

As we prepare our homes, we must also prepare our hearts. We need to be spiritually ready to follow God’s lead, even if it means walking away from our earthly possessions. It’s a balance—taking practical steps to care for our families while trusting that God will provide in the most difficult moments.

What Would You Add to Your List?

I want encourage you to think about what else might be important for your family in an emergency. Every family is different, and your unique needs will shape your preparedness plan. What steps are you taking to prepare your home and your heart for what may come?

This week, I’ll be sharing more practical advice on how to prepare for different types of crises. My hope is that by the end of the week, you’ll feel more confident and equipped to face whatever challenges lie ahead, with your heart anchored in faith and trust in God.