What Every New Prepper Needs to Start Prepping

The Essential Prepper: What Every Newbie Needs to Start Prepping

When you’re new to prepping, it can feel overwhelming. With so many potential scenarios to prepare for, where do you even start? The key is to begin with the basics—items that will cover your most immediate needs in a crisis. This blog post will guide you through the essential items every new prepper should have, explain why they’re important, and give you an idea of how much or how many of each you should stock up on.

1. Water: The Lifeblood of Survival

Why You Need It: Water is the single most important resource for survival. The human body can survive for weeks without food but only a few days without water. In a crisis, clean drinking water might become scarce due to infrastructure damage, contamination, or supply chain disruptions.

How Much You Need: The general rule is to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. If you’re just starting, aim for a minimum three-day supply, but ideally, you should build up to a two-week supply per person.

Pro Tip: Store water in food-grade containers and keep it in a cool, dark place. Consider also having water purification tablets or a portable water filter like the LifeStraw in case your stored water runs out or becomes contaminated.

2. Food: Fuel for Your Body and Mind

Why You Need It: In any emergency, you’ll need food to maintain your energy levels and keep your mind sharp. Preppers focus on non-perishable food that doesn’t require refrigeration and has a long shelf life.

How Much You Need: Start with a three-day supply of food per person, focusing on items that are easy to prepare and have a long shelf life. Gradually increase this to a two-week supply as you get more comfortable with your prepping routine.

What to Stock:

• Canned goods (vegetables, beans, meat)

• Rice and pasta

• Peanut butter

• Granola bars

• Dried fruits and nuts

• Freeze-dried meals

• Instant coffee or tea

Pro Tip: Rotate your stock every six months to ensure freshness, and make sure to include foods that you and your family actually enjoy eating.

3. First Aid Kit: Your Personal Emergency Room

Why You Need It: Injuries and illnesses can happen at any time, and in a crisis, professional medical help might not be immediately available. A well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver, literally.

What You Need: Start with a basic first aid kit, but consider customizing it with additional supplies based on your family’s specific needs. Here’s a basic list to get you started:

• Bandages (various sizes)

• Gauze pads and medical tape

• Antiseptic wipes and ointment

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

• Tweezers and scissors

• Cold packs

• Elastic bandages

• A thermometer

• Prescription medications (enough for at least a week)

• An emergency blanket

Pro Tip: Learn basic first aid skills, either through online resources or a local class, so you’re prepared to use these supplies effectively.

4. Shelter: Protecting Yourself from the Elements

Why You Need It: Shelter is one of the top priorities in any survival situation. If your home becomes unsafe due to natural disasters or other emergencies, you’ll need a backup plan.

What You Need: A basic shelter kit should include:

• A sturdy tent or emergency shelter

• Sleeping bags rated for the lowest temperatures you might encounter

• Tarps and ropes (for additional shelter or protection)

• Extra blankets

Pro Tip: Practice setting up your tent or shelter in your backyard so you’re familiar with the process if you need to do it in an emergency.

5. Fire-Making Tools: The Key to Warmth and Cooking

Why You Need It: Fire provides warmth, allows you to cook food, and can be a signal for help. In a survival situation, the ability to start a fire is crucial.

What You Need:

• Waterproof matches or a lighter

• Firestarter sticks or cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly

• A magnesium fire starter (as a backup)

How Much You Need: Having multiple ways to start a fire is key. Store a few lighters, waterproof matches, and a magnesium fire starter in your kit. They’re small, lightweight, and easy to store, so having several won’t take up much space.

Pro Tip: Practice starting a fire in different conditions so you’re confident you can do it when it counts.

6. Communication Devices: Staying Connected in a Crisis

Why You Need It: In a disaster, cell phone networks might be down, and power outages could render your electronics useless. Having alternative ways to communicate or gather information is essential.

What You Need:

• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (with NOAA weather capabilities)

• Walkie-talkies for short-range communication

• A whistle (to signal for help)

• Solar chargers or extra batteries for your devices

Pro Tip: Keep all communication devices fully charged and store extra batteries in a waterproof container.

7. Personal Hygiene Items: Maintaining Health and Morale

Why You Need It: Maintaining hygiene in a crisis is not just about comfort—it’s about health. Poor sanitation can lead to illness, which is the last thing you want in an emergency.

What You Need:

• Hand sanitizer and soap

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste

• Feminine hygiene products

• Wet wipes or baby wipes (great for quick cleanups)

• A portable toilet or heavy-duty garbage bags

How Much You Need: Start with a one-week supply for each person, then build up from there.

Pro Tip: Store these items in a dry, easily accessible location, and don’t forget to include a small mirror and a comb or brush—sometimes a little grooming can do wonders for morale.

8. Tools and Supplies: Your Survival Toolbox

Why You Need It: In a survival situation, you’ll likely need to make repairs, build shelters, or create makeshift tools. A basic set of tools can make a huge difference.

What You Need:

• A multi-tool (with pliers, a knife, screwdrivers, etc.)

• Duct tape (versatile for repairs and more)

• A sturdy knife

• Paracord (useful for tying, securing, or even building)

• A manual can opener (for all those canned goods)

Pro Tip: Practice using your tools before you need them—knowing how to use them effectively will save you time and effort in an emergency.

9. Cash and Important Documents: Be Prepared Financially

Why You Need It: In a disaster, ATMs might be down, and credit card machines might not work. Having cash on hand can be crucial for purchasing supplies or services. Important documents, like IDs and insurance papers, should be easily accessible in case you need to evacuate quickly.

What You Need:

• Small bills (at least $100 per person)

• Copies of important documents (stored in a waterproof container)

• An emergency contact list

Pro Tip: Keep your cash and documents in a grab-and-go bag that you can easily take with you if you need to evacuate.

10. Knowledge and Skills: The Most Important Prep of All

Why You Need It: All the gear in the world won’t help you if you don’t know how to use it. Building your knowledge and skills is perhaps the most important part of prepping.

What You Need:

• Books or guides on survival, first aid, and edible plants

• Practice skills like fire-starting, navigation, and basic medical care

• Join a local prepping group or take a survival course

Pro Tip: Start small and build your skills gradually. Prepping is a journey, not a race.

Conclusion: Start Small, Build Smart

Prepping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the basics, build your supplies gradually, and focus on what you and your family need most. Remember, the goal is to be prepared for the unexpected, not to panic. By taking a thoughtful and measured approach, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident and capable prepper. Happy prepping!