15 Critical Essentials to Survive In Any Disaster

Are you ready for anything life throws your way? Discover the critical essentials that can mean the difference between survival and disaster.

When it comes to emergency preparedness, having the right tools and supplies is essential. These items ensure you can tackle any situation, from natural disasters to unexpected emergencies.

When my kids were growing up, they got so used to our disaster preparedness drills that they could probably escape down a ladder in their sleep. They still joke about our monthly drills, but as a single mom, I needed to ensure I could save all three of my children during a fire, earthquake, tornado, or any other disaster. When disaster strikes, having a solid plan and a well-stocked bug-out bag can be the difference between life and death. We chose these essentials based on their proven effectiveness and versatility in various scenarios.

1. Water and Water Purification

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Hydration is crucial during emergencies. Pack enough water to last a few days. Include a portable water filter or purification tablets to ensure access to clean drinking water. A LifeStraw or a Sawyer Mini Water Filter are excellent options.

2. Non-Perishable Food

Woman rotating pantry supplies
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Calorie-dense, non-perishable foods are a must-have in your bug-out bag. Choose items with a long shelf-life, such as energy bars, trail mixes, dehydrated meals, and high-protein snacks. Remember to rotate your food supply regularly.

3. First Aid Kit

first aid kit
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A well-stocked first aid kit is a no-brainer. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, scissors, tweezers, and any prescription medications you or your family might need. My daughter is asthmatic and allergic to a million things, so we always include an extra inhaler in our bug-out bag – as well as an Epi-pen.

4. Shelter and Warmth

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A lightweight, waterproof tent and emergency blankets can provide much-needed shelter. Pack a sleeping bag or thermal blanket to keep you warm and a portable camping stove and fuel for cooking and warmth, if possible.

5. Fire Starting Tools

Man starting a fire with flint
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The ability to start a fire can be life-saving. Include waterproof matches, lighter, and fire-starting tools like a ferro rod, flint, and steel. Tinder, such as dryer lint or cotton balls soaked in wax, can also be helpful in a pinch. As an alternative, cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly can give you a good 3-4 minutes of flame. That does not keep you warm for long, but it’s sufficient to help get a fire going or to warm food quickly.

6. Navigation and Communication

Couples with map
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A compass, maps of the area, and a whistle for signaling can help you navigate and communicate in an emergency. Put a hand-crank or solar-powered radio and a backup portable charger for your electronic devices in your bug-out bag, too.

7. Lighting

Tactical Flashlights
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A reliable source of light is essential. Pack headlamps or flashlights with extra batteries, as well as glow sticks or chemical light sticks for emergency lighting. Being able to navigate without electricity isn’t something most people have had to do in this lifetime. Your headlamp will be your best friend and might keep you alive.

8. Hygiene and Sanitation

Toothbrush, tongue cleaner, floss, toothpaste tube and mouthwash on blue background with copy space. Flat lay. Dental hygiene. Oral care kit.
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Personal hygiene is crucial for maintaining health and preventing the spread of illnesses. Once one person in your family gets a transmittable disease, preventing others from getting it is difficult. Your best course of action is to prevent them altogether. Your bug-out bag should include toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, soap, and a trowel for burying waste.

9. Tools and Repair Items

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A multi-tool or a good quality knife will be invaluable in many emergencies. Duct tape, paracord, and a sewing kit will go a long way.

10. Self-Defense

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Depending on your location and situation, you may want to consider including self-defense items like pepper spray or a personal alarm. Note pepper spray is legal in all 50 states in the U.S.

11. Cash and Important Documents

Middle aged Woman counting money
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In case of an emergency evacuation, carry cash in small denominations and copies of important documents like identification, insurance papers, and emergency contact information. Especially in the event of government checkpoints and quarantines, you’ll want to be able to prove you are who you say you are.

12. Protective Clothing

Personal protective equipment
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Pack appropriate clothing for the climate and weather conditions, including sturdy boots, rain gear, and work gloves. Remember that you may be traveling long distances, depending on the disaster that strikes. Being prepared with clothes for “all seasons” is ideal, but layering can also help keep your bags lighter.

13. Signaling Devices

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Whistles, signal mirrors, and flares can help you attract attention and aid in rescue efforts. These can be ordered from Amazon and placed in your bug-out bag ahead of time. They are some of the first items that will sell out during the event of an impending disaster.

14. Entertainment and Morale Boosters

Happy family at home in the couch playing classic table games
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Don’t forget to include items that can help boost morale and keep spirits high during a stressful situation, such as a deck of cards, a small notebook and pen, or a portable game. This is especially important if you have children; they aren’t as prepared for these types of things as we are. A deck of cards can be used to create 100s of variations of games that can be played by candlelight if need be.

15. Pet Supplies

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If you have pets, include pet food, water bowls, leashes, and any necessary medications in your bug-out bag. Packing their vaccination records is also a good idea. Having a digital copy on your phone is not enough; make copies and bring a folder with hard copies with you. You may not always be able to use your phone, and in the event of a disaster, you need to preserve your battery. Preparedness is key when it comes to emergencies. Remember to tailor your bug-out bag to your specific needs and regularly check and rotate the contents to ensure everything is in working order. Stay safe and be prepared!

38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons

Get home bag
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This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation?

None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.

31 Ways to Boost Home Security: How to Fortify Your Fortress and Deter Burglars

home security
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We sadly live in a society where it’s all too common for criminals to want to take what we’ve worked hard to get. The results of a break-in are traumatic, too. Beyond just losing your stuff. Victims often feel violated, anxious, and unsafe, sometimes for years after the event.

Prevention is the best way to stay safe. And, while you shouldn’t have to turn your home into a fortress, that’s the stark reality of our world. But you can take plenty of simple steps to deter burglars and ensure your home is less attractive to would-be thieves.

23 Smart Ways to Preserve Food

Canning home grown vegetables tomatoes
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Preserving food is an art as much as it is a science, tapping into our ancestral roots and addressing modern needs. Whether you’re looking to avoid waste, prepare for leaner times, or simply enjoy the fruits of your labor year-round, these 23 smart methods will guide you through.

I’m a huge fan of preserving things I find on sale, gluts of produce from my homestead, or produce I’ve bartered with someone else.

Sadie Smiley
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Sadie has been writing for over 15 years, teaching other people how to make money online. She's got plenty of real-world experience in disaster preparedness, and has traveled through the US, Mexico, and India.

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