The Cool Affiliate · Be Ready
The Emergency Prep List
Power outage, winter storm, hurricane or a quick evacuation: here are 42 highly rated items to keep on hand, sorted by what they do, with a line on why each one earns its spot.
Start here
Ready.gov suggests a gallon of water per person per day and enough supplies to get through several days on your own. For a winter outage, plan on two weeks, and count your dog in every number.
How we picked: every product here is from our catalog, rated 4.4 stars or higher on Amazon with thousands of reviews. This list is research-based. We haven't stress-tested every item in a real disaster, so read the current reviews and check the price before you buy.
💡 Five prep tips
- Start small. A gallon of water and a flashlight today beats a perfect kit someday.
- Buy one or two items a week until each section is covered.
- Store the kit in one spot everyone knows, in bins you can grab and carry.
- Check and rotate food, water, batteries and meds twice a year.
- Practice once: a night with the power off shows you what you forgot.
Water
Water runs out first. Ready.gov suggests one gallon per person per day, and at least several days of supply. A filter and tablets mean you are not stuck when the stored water is gone.
Top tips
- Fill clean pots, jugs and the bathtub before a storm hits. Tub water is for flushing and washing, not drinking.
- Swap stored tap water every 6 months, and write the fill date on the jug.
- Filters like the LifeStraw and Sawyer stop bacteria and parasites but not viruses or chemicals. In flood water, use tablets or boil too.
- Count your dog in the math: roughly an ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.
Why it's in the kit: Drink straight from a stream or a questionable tap. No pumps, no batteries.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel & Emergency
A lightweight, no-batteries-needed personal water filter for hiking, travel, and emergency preparation.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Screws onto a bottle or pouch so you can filter a whole family’s water.
Sawyer MINI Water Filtration System
A compact personal water filter for hiking, travel, emergency kits, and backup drinking-water readiness.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Treats water a filter can’t, and the second bottle fixes the iodine taste.
Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus (Two 50-Count Bottles)
Tiny tablets that make sketchy water drinkable, plus a second tablet that takes the iodine taste back out.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: Water jugs or a 5 to 7 gallon container per person · Bleach (unscented) for emergency water treatment
Light
Candles are a fire risk in a dark house with kids and dogs running around. Battery and rechargeable lights are safer and brighter.
Top tips
- Put one light in every bedroom and know where it is in the dark.
- Headlamps keep both hands free for cooking, first aid and carrying the dog’s gear.
- Store batteries outside the devices so they don’t leak and ruin the light.
Why it's in the kit: Lights a whole room on AA batteries and collapses flat for storage.
Etekcity LED Camping Lanterns, Battery Operated, 2-Pack
Compact collapsible lanterns that deliver reliable 360-degree light for outages, camping, and emergency kits.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Two hands-free lights that recharge from a power bank.
LHKNL Rechargeable LED Headlamp Flashlight, 2-Pack
A lightweight rechargeable two-pack with hands-free lighting, red light, motion sensing, and eight modes.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Bright, rugged and rechargeable for checking the yard or the breaker box.
Fenix PD36R Rechargeable Flashlight
1600 lumens, USB-C rechargeable, IPX8 waterproof. Professional grade.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: A 48-pack covers lanterns, radios and remotes for a long outage.
Energizer MAX AA Alkaline Batteries, 48 Pack
A high-capacity household battery supply for flashlights, remotes, game controllers, and emergency kits.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: The budget option if you just need a lot of AAs on the shelf.
Amazon Basics 48-Pack AA Alkaline High-Performance Batteries
A long-shelf-life AA battery reserve for everyday devices and emergency readiness.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: AAA, C and D batteries for anything else you own
Power & Radio
When the cell network is jammed or down, a weather radio is how you hear about road closures and shelters. Power banks keep phones alive for days.
Top tips
- Charge every power bank and phone the moment a storm is in the forecast.
- Set your phone to low-power mode and close apps to stretch the battery.
- Save local emergency numbers and your vet’s number in your phone and on paper.
Why it's in the kit: Hand crank, solar and battery power, NOAA alerts, a flashlight and a USB port to top up a phone.
FosPower NOAA Emergency Weather Radio A1
A compact NOAA weather radio with solar, hand-crank, USB, and battery power options for power outages and travel.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: About four to five phone charges in a pocket-size brick.
Anker 20,000mAh Portable Charger
Charges iPhone 15 nearly 5 times. Dual USB-A + USB-C outputs.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: A smaller, cheaper bank to keep in the car or go-bag.
INIU 10000mAh 45W Fast Charging Portable Charger
A compact 45W travel power bank with a detachable USB-C cable built into the everyday carry.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Quiet, fuel-free backup for a fridge, CPAP or lights, with a built-in solar panel. Safe to run indoors, unlike a gas generator.
BLAVOR S1600 Solar Generator, 1024Wh Power Station with Built-In 40W Panel
A 1024Wh LiFePO4 power station with a fold-out solar panel built right into the unit.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Starts a dead car battery and doubles as a USB charger and light.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter
1000A peak current. Jump starts up to 6L gas / 3L diesel. Works in -40°F.
“This thing saved me at 6 AM in a Walmart parking lot. Jumped my truck in 30 seconds. Worth every penny.” — Jason
(affiliate link)
Warmth
In a winter outage, heat matters more than anything else on this list. Pick one small room, close it off, and keep everyone there.
Top tips
- Choose a warm room with few windows. Hang blankets over doors and windows to hold heat in.
- Dress in layers of wool or fleece. Cotton holds sweat and makes you colder.
- Never use a grill, camp stove or generator indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide kills quickly.
Why it's in the kit: Hours of heat with no power. Tuck them in pockets, gloves or a sleeping bag.
HotHands Hand Warmers Value Pack, 10 Pairs
Air-activated, single-use warmth that fits easily into a cold-weather bag, pocket, or glove compartment.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Reflects body heat back at you. Light enough to keep one in every bag.
Emergency Mylar Blankets (10-Pack)
Retain 90% of body heat. Waterproof, windproof. Essential for any kit.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Shows when your warm room is getting too cold, and can tell you if the fridge is warming up.
Govee Indoor Hygrometer Thermometer H5075 with Bluetooth App Control
A compact Bluetooth sensor that keeps room temperature and humidity within easy reach.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: For when the power is back or you have a generator. It will not run on a power bank.
DREO Portable Space Heater with Thermostat, 1500W
Compact 1500W ceramic heat with a remote, thermostat, ECO mode, and 70° oscillation.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: Wool socks, hats and gloves for everyone · Sleeping bags or heavy blankets · A battery carbon monoxide alarm
Cooking & Food
Plan on two weeks of food that needs no fridge. A camp stove turns canned and dry food into a real meal.
Top tips
- Stock what you already eat: canned soup, beans, tuna, peanut butter, oatmeal, crackers. Rotate it into meals so nothing expires.
- Keep the fridge and freezer shut. A full freezer stays frozen about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24.
- Cook outside only, with a fire extinguisher nearby.
Why it's in the kit: Runs on propane or butane, so you can use whichever fuel you can find.
Gas One GS-3400P Dual Fuel Portable Camping Stove (Propane or Butane)
A one-burner camp stove that runs on butane or propane, so a power outage never stops dinner.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Six hours of flame per can for keeping food and water warm.
Gas One 6-Hour Chafing Fuel (12 Pack) with Lid Opener
Keeps a buffet line hot for up to six hours, so the Thanksgiving sides are still warm for seconds.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Works on a camp stove, grill or open fire and lasts forever.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 10.25 Inches
#1 in Skillets. PFAS-free, pre-seasoned, made in the USA since 1896.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: A manual opener. An electric one is useless in an outage.
KitchenAid Classic Multifunction Can Opener and Bottle Opener
A best-selling manual can opener with a sharp stainless-steel wheel, ergonomic handles, and an integrated bottle opener.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Thousands of sparks, wet or dry, when the lighter runs out.
bayite 4" Survival Ferro Rod Fire Starter with Striker
A pocket-size ferro rod that throws a shower of hot sparks in any weather.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Keep a few frozen to move food into a cooler when the power goes out.
Cool Coolers by Fit & Fresh XL Slim Ice Packs (4 Pack)
Thin, reusable ice packs that slide into any lunch box or cooler.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: Two weeks of shelf-stable food per person · Propane or butane canisters · Paper plates and plastic utensils
First Aid & Health
Help may take longer to arrive, so be ready to handle cuts, burns, fevers and dehydration yourself.
Top tips
- Keep a two-week supply of prescription meds, and ask your doctor about an emergency refill.
- Write down everyone’s meds, doses and allergies and keep the list with the kit.
- Check expiration dates twice a year, when the clocks change.
Why it's in the kit: A well-stocked 140-piece kit in a case that fits a shelf or a car.
Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit (140-Piece)
Complete 140-piece kit in a portable case. Ready for home, car, or trail.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: You will go through bandages faster than you think when cleaning up.
BAND-AID Brand Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages, All One Size, 100 Count
A grab-and-go first-aid staple that flexes with you and stays ready for life’s little mishaps.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Quick fever checks for the whole family without sharing a probe.
iHealth PT3 No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
A one-second, no-touch fever check that won't wake a sleeping kid, with over 178K ratings.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Electrolytes for heat, sickness or a long day of storm cleanup.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier - Lemon Lime (16 Servings)
Hydrates 2-3x faster than water alone. 105K+ reviews. Non-GMO.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Standing water after a storm means mosquitoes. This lasts for hours.
Sawyer Products Premium Picaridin Insect Repellent, 20% Picaridin Lotion, 4 oz
DEET-free, non-greasy insect repellent. 14 hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks. 24K+ reviews.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: Pain and fever reducer · Allergy medicine · Glasses or spare contacts
Tools & Safety
A few good tools handle most of what a storm throws at you, from a loose hinge to a flat tire on the way out of town.
Top tips
- Know how to shut off your water, gas and electricity, and keep the right wrench by the valve.
- Treat stored gasoline with stabilizer so the generator and car are ready when you need them.
- Keep a full tank of gas when bad weather is coming. Pumps need power too.
Why it's in the kit: Pliers, knives, saw and screwdrivers in one tool that lives in a drawer or bag.
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
18 tools in one. Made in USA. The gold standard of multi-tools.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: A cheaper second multi-tool for the car kit.
Gerber Gear Suspension-NXT 15-in-1 EDC Multi-Tool
15 tools in one. Spring-loaded pliers, pocket knife, wire stripper. Limited lifetime warranty.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Keeps stored gas fresh for up to two years for the generator or car.
STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer, 16 oz
Put the mower, generator and boat away for winter and have them start right up in spring.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Fix a flat from storm debris without waiting for a tow.
CTR Heavy Duty Tire Plug Kit — 68-Piece Universal Repair Kit
68-piece professional tire plug kit. Works on cars, trucks, Jeeps, ATVs, motorcycles.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Personal safety on a keychain if things get tense.
SABRE Pepper Spray with Quick Release Keychain
A compact keychain pepper spray with a quick-release design, twist-lock safety, and UV marking dye for everyday personal-safety readiness.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: Duct tape · Heavy work gloves · A fire extinguisher · A whistle for each person
Dog Care
Your dog is part of the plan. Pack enough food, water and meds for them for the same two weeks, and have a way to keep them calm.
Top tips
- Keep a recent photo of your dog and their vaccine records on your phone and on paper.
- Make sure the collar tag and microchip have your current phone number.
- Find pet-friendly shelters and hotels on your evacuation route before you need them.
Why it's in the kit: A secure harness for evacuations, crowds and scared dogs who pull.
rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No Pull for Large Dogs, 2 Leash Clips
A padded, adjustable no-pull harness with two leash clips for calmer, more controlled walks.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Shelters and hotels expect you to clean up. 270 bags last a long time.
Earth Rated Unscented Dog Poop Bags on Refill Rolls, 270 Count
Extra-thick, leak-proof unscented bags that make the daily dog-walk routine less of a hassle.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Clean muddy paws when there is no water to spare for a bath.
Earth Rated Dog Wipes for Paws & Butt, Unscented, 100 Count
Thick, unscented wipes for muddy paws and quick between-bath cleanups.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Stress and food changes upset stomachs. Ask your vet if it suits your dog.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Dog Probiotic
The vet-recommended probiotic powder that settles upset doggy tummies fast.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Makes giving meds easy when routines fall apart.
Greenies Pill Pockets Large Size Dog Treats, Peanut Butter, 15.8 oz
The end of the pill-in-cheese battle: a soft peanut butter treat that wraps around your dog's meds.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: A big box of treats keeps them happy and rewards good behavior in strange places.
Milk-Bone Original Medium Dog Biscuits (10 lb Box)
The classic crunchy biscuit in a 280+ treat box that keeps the treat jar full for months.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Something familiar to chew on helps an anxious dog settle.
KONG Classic Dog Toy (Large)
The #1 vet-recommended dog toy. Fill with treats to keep dogs busy for hours.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: Two weeks of dog food in a sealed bin · A collapsible water bowl · A crate or carrier · A spare leash
Hygiene & Cleanup
Staying clean prevents sickness when water is limited, and cleanup starts the minute the storm passes.
Top tips
- Use hand sanitizer and wipes to save water for drinking.
- Line a bucket with heavy trash bags as a backup toilet if the water is off.
- Wear gloves and boots for cleanup. Flood water can hide sharp debris and germs.
Why it's in the kit: Cleans dishes with very little water. Spray, wipe, rinse quickly.
Dawn Powerwash Spray, Fresh — 1 Starter Kit + 3 Refills
A powerful dish-cleaning spray system with a starter bottle and three ready-to-use refills.
(affiliate link)
Why it's in the kit: Quick-dry towels that don’t stay damp and sour when there’s no dryer.
We Sweat's Microfiber Towels 2-Pack — Quick Dry Travel & Gym
74K+ reviews. Ultra-absorbent, quick-dry microfiber. Perfect for beach, gym, camping.
(affiliate link)
Also grab: Hand sanitizer and wet wipes · Toilet paper and heavy trash bags · Toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap
🎒 If you have to leave: the go-bag
Pack one bag per person (and one for the dog) that you can grab in under five minutes.
- Water for 3 days and a filter
- Food that needs no cooking for 3 days
- Phone charger and a full power bank
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- First aid kit and a week of prescription meds
- Copies of IDs, insurance and medical records in a waterproof bag
- Cash in small bills
- A change of clothes, rain jacket and sturdy shoes
- Emergency blanket and hand warmers
- Dog food, water, bowl, leash, meds and vaccine records
- Car keys and a full tank of gas
- A paper map of your area with two routes out marked
📄 Documents & meds
Copies in a waterproof bag, plus photos on your phone.
- IDs, passports and birth certificates (copies)
- Insurance policies with phone numbers
- Medication list with doses and your doctor’s number
- Your vet’s number and your dog’s records
- Bank and credit card contact numbers
- A family meeting spot and an out-of-town contact
🤔 Ask yourself
Talk these through as a family before you need the answers.
- Where would we go if we had to leave in 15 minutes?
- Which room would we keep warm (or cool) if the power were out for a week?
- How would we reach each other if the phones stopped working?
- Who checks on our neighbors who live alone?
- Who takes care of the dog if we can’t get home?
- Do we know how to turn off the water, gas and power?
Print it, check it off, stay ready
The free PDF has every section, the go-bag list and a tap-to-shop link for each item. Stick it on the fridge or keep it with your kit.
Download the Emergency Prep List (PDF) →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure. This list is general guidance, not professional safety advice. Follow local emergency officials during any event.
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