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Are you ready for a disaster? If not, now’s the time to get ahead. Don’t wait until everyone else is scrambling to empty the store shelves; prepare yourself now while you still can. But what should you focus on getting? Here’s a list of must-have items to secure before it’s too late.

Non-Perishable Food

canned food — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Stock up on canned goods and shelf-stable foods like pasta, rice, and dried beans. For emergencies, you’ll also want energy bars and ready-to-eat foods that don’t require cooking.

First Aid Supplies

Essential items like gauze pads, bandages, and pain relievers will be crucial. Instead of buying a pre-made kit, consider building your own for better customization. Check out lists online and buy supplies in bulk or at dollar stores to save money.

Water

Water is more important than food in a disaster. The rule is one gallon per person per day, but that can add up. If you have access to water sources, invest in water purification tools for long-term solutions.

10 Reliable Ways to Purify Water Every Prepper Should Know

Emergency Lighting

Flashlights are a must, and LED lights are ideal because they last longer on less power. Solar lights, even the inexpensive ones from the dollar store, are a great choice because they can recharge daily and last about 6 hours. Consider crank lights, glow sticks, and solar or battery-powered lanterns as well.

Manual Can Opener

Having a manual can opener is important, especially for opening all your canned goods. Be sure to keep a couple on hand, so you’re not stuck with no way to open them.

Personal Sanitation Supplies

Don’t forget the essentials like toilet paper, feminine products, wipes, and paper towels. The great toilet paper shortage taught us all the value of being prepared.

Garbage Bag

In a disaster, cleanliness is key to avoiding bugs, disease, and bad odors. Stock up on garbage bags—both standard kitchen sizes and heavy-duty contractor bags for larger cleanup tasks.

Fire Starting Supplies

Matches are essential, but it’s also smart to have lighter fluid and lighters on hand. Magnesium fire sticks are a great backup option for emergencies.

How to Save Money on Firewood

Portable Stove

A propane camp stove can be a lifesaver. Make sure you have plenty of propane bottles on hand, or invest in a kit that lets you connect your stove to a larger tank. There are also portable stoves that use charcoal, pellets, or wood.

Duct Tape

Duct tape can fix just about anything. Invest in high-quality tape to handle everything from sealing doors to waterproofing shoes.

PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)

Gloves, face masks, and other protective gear, such as shoe covers and disposable gowns, are essential in disaster situations to protect against germs, viruses, and other contaminants.

Cleaning Supplies

Sanitation is vital during and after a disaster. Bleach is excellent for cleaning and even purifying water—just a few drops per gallon can make water safe. Keep in mind that bleach loses its potency after about six months, so rotate your stock regularly.

Basic Tools

If you don’t already have basic hand tools like hammers and nails, get them now. In a power outage, your electric tools won’t help much, so manual tools are a must. Yard sales and thrift shops are good places to find them cheaply.