You may have realized that you need to prep, and you know there are certain things you need to have to get started. If you're wondering what those things are, keep listening as I share the top 40 items you need to be better prepared for any emergency. If you downloaded my Essential Prepper Checklist, this will better explain why I chose these items.
The Checklist has 38 items. In this podcast, I've included two bonus items that you should have as well. If you don’t have a copy of my Checklist, you can get it at https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/prepper-checklist/ for the FREE essential prepper checklist. Use the password StayReady.
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need to have to get started.
If you're wondering what those things are, keep
listening as I share the top 40 items
you need to be better prepared for any
emergency.
Hi, it's the Urban Lady Prepper.
I help single moms and solo women with
(00:20):
practical emergency preparedness, but of course all are
welcome to be prepared for whatever happens next.
Thank you for sticking around for the past
50 episodes.
It's hard to believe that this is my
sixth season and I'm grateful for all the
listeners I've had from the beginning and the
new ones that have joined in recently.
I appreciate all of you.
(00:41):
I've provided a lot of information over the
last nine months and one thing I've shared
is my essential prepper checklist.
It is still available on my website and
I'll provide the link in the description.
It's always great to have a hard copy
on hand, but I thought this episode would
be the opportunity to advise the listeners what's
in it and also to provide an explanation
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for those who've downloaded it and have questions.
If you're an old school prepper, you may
have taken a peek at my checklist to
see if I included anything you didn't have
in yours.
When I put mine together, I did much
the same thing.
As I've mentioned in one of my YouTube
videos, there is no such thing as the
perfect prepper and with all the information and
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opinions out there, it's still very easy to
forget basic items that you'd be disappointed if
you opened up your prepper kit or go
bag and not find in there.
If you're a new prepper or just want
to know the bare minimum to have, my
checklist is a great place to start.
So here are my 40 items you must
have.
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One, at least three days worth of water,
one gallon per person per day extra for
pets.
Why three days of water, especially if you
barely drink water anyway?
Well, it's the minimum FEMA recommendation, but more
is better, trust me.
I've always recommended getting water in packets instead
of bottles, which saves space and is easier
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to store and conceal.
If you're still not convinced, remember that it's
not just for drinking.
Consider that the average American uses 80 to
100 gallons water per day.
The average household uses up to 300 gallons
and even more in drier, hotter areas.
This use encompasses not just what you drink,
but also cooking, rinsing, and hygiene.
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So to go from 80 gallons a day
to one is quite the difference.
Again, more is better.
Store as much water as you can.
Number two, have three days worth of food,
such as canned goods, meals in pouches, and
canned or frozen protein.
Why three days of food?
It's also the minimum FEMA recommendation.
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More is better.
For your pets, have an extra bag of
their dry and extra cans of wet if
you feed them wet.
Why extra pet food if you can give
them pretty much what you eat in case
of an emergency?
Well, having their normal food on hand will
help prevent accidents and upset tummies.
It's stressful for them too.
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Do you really want to have to deal
with Fido having a bout of the trots
during an emergency?
Yeah, I didn't think so.
Number three, a manual can opener.
Preferably two.
You can find these in the dollar store.
Why two can openers?
Well, you got to open up those cans
with something.
You want to have one and have an
extra in case the other one breaks or
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is lost.
Number four, have a large cooler.
Something that will hold your perishables like dairy,
eggs, and lunch meats.
Why a cooler?
Won't your stuff stay cold in the fridge
for a couple of days?
Yes, things will stay cold in the refrigerator
for up to four hours.
A full freezer for 48 hours or 24
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hours if it's only half full.
That's really not a long time and if
your power is going to be out more
than three days, you don't want your food
to go to waste.
Number five, freezer packs such as gel packs
or blocks.
Why ice packs when you can just get
ice?
Unless you get ice early on, you probably
can't, especially if the power is out.
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If there's no room in the freezer, you
can store these packs anywhere.
You just have to remember to put them
into freeze if you think an outage is
coming or is expected.
Number six, paper products.
A few rolls of cheap toilet paper, paper
towels, compressed towels, some paper plates, and some
plastic utensils as well.
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You may say to yourself, well I have
enough toilet paper and paper towels for at
least a week and I don't save plastic
stuff.
Remember the great toilet paper run during the
pandemic?
Don't be without toilet paper and paper towels.
For water emergencies, paper plates don't have to
be rinsed and can be used as tinder
for a fire if needed.
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You don't know how long an emergency will
last and should you run out, you may
not be able to get to the store
or the store might not have any.
Compressed towels, the size of an anacid tablet,
expand to washcloth size with just a little
water.
As far as the plastic utensils, if you
end up on the go, you want to
make sure you have something to eat the
food with.
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Number seven, soap, deodorant, and shampoo.
For example, the travel sizes or the complimentary
hotel stuff and baby and body wipes.
If you're wondering why, because those trial size
thingies are just clutter, remember if you have
to leave your home, having these will help
keep you fresh.
Cleanliness does improve morale and mood.
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Collect them in a plastic bag or put
them in your go bag to have them
readily available.
Number eight, a basic toolkit.
For example, Ikea had a 17-piece toolkit
for $13.
Why a toolkit?
If you need something fixed, you think you
might be able to call the super or
a friend or relative, but you never know
when you'll need something from it and depending
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on the situation, there may not be someone
around to help.
Having a kit will encourage you to keep
the tools together and hopefully become a little
more handy.
Number nine, a fire extinguisher.
This is a cheap buy for around $20.
Why a fire extinguisher?
That's what the fire department is for, right?
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You definitely want to have one, especially if
you're using candles.
Depending on the emergency, the fire department might
not be available for a single residential fire.
And if you value your home and the
things in it, it doesn't hurt to have
one and keep it near your kitchen.
If you already have one, when was the
last time you checked it?
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Number 10, a first aid kit.
Preferably two first aid kits.
Why?
Well, you want to keep one at home
and it's great to have one you can
grab to travel or keep in the car.
This way you'll have what you need no
matter where you are.
Number 11, aspirin and baby aspirin for children.
You may never use aspirin, but it's good
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to have on hand for reducing fevers, for
pain, and for inflammation when a person can't
tolerate ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Number 12, acetaminophen such as Tylenol or Excedrin.
Now, there's some folks out there that don't
really understand the difference.
They're not the same thing.
Acetaminophen is good to have on hand as
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a pain reliever and fever reducer.
A special note, if you don't have the
one formulated for children, check the recommended kids
dosage as this product should be given to
children in limited amounts.
Number 13, ibuprofen also known as NSAIDs such
as Advil or Motrin.
Why this two when you have the other
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two?
Well, there are people who can't tolerate either
aspirin or acetaminophen.
Sometimes it may be too hard on their
stomach and ibuprofen might be a better bet
for them.
Number 14, over-the-counter allergy medication like
Benadryl.
It's not just for allergies.
It's also for allergic reactions that result in
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hives.
It also works for cold relief and it
can be given to dogs and cats if
needed for the same reasons.
Now, it's a little trickier for cats, so
next time you're at the vet, ask for
their dosage recommendation.
Number 15, electrolyte-infused beverage like Pedialyte.
And why would you want to have that,
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especially since it's not cheap?
Well, it's good for upset tummies, dehydration, and
keeping hydrated when ill.
It's not just for kids.
You can make some of your own with
some basic ingredients and there are some recipes
online.
Number 16, indigestion or antidiarrheal beds like Pepto
or Imodium.
(08:48):
And you may say to yourself, why would
I need that?
You don't normally have tummy issues.
But you want to keep at least a
small size or one of those packets you
can get by the cash register if you
don't use it often.
When you're under stress or if you're on
the go and eating foods you don't have
often, it can give you an upset stomach.
So it's good to have it if you
can.
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Number 17, antibiotic ointment like Neosporin.
Why, when you don't think you're going to
go crazy over a scratch or a paper
cut?
In an emergency, an infection can become a
problem if you can't get to a doctor.
So treat all abrasions, no matter how small,
just in case.
You may get some of that in your
first aid kit, but double check.
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Number 18, rubbing alcohol.
The highest percentage you can find, 91%
is ideal.
Why?
Well, you may think you have alcohol, but
have you checked it to see if it's
expired?
It just might be.
Also, it can be used to help start
a fire in an extreme situation and you
can use it to sanitize surfaces.
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Number 19, bug repellent like OFF.
Why?
If you have to leave your home for
an extended period, especially during the summer, it's
good to have.
Also, if you're bugging out, you don't know
where you'll end up.
You may end up in an area completely
different and they may have a mosquito issue
or other biting insects.
(10:17):
Number 20, petroleum jelly or Vaseline.
Now, some folks might think Vaseline is gross,
but it's a protectant, a moisturizer, and can
help start a fire in an extreme situation.
Number 21, adhesive bandages like Band-Aids.
Now, you may say, I have these in
my first aid kit.
(10:37):
It's better to have an extra box and
use those first rather than using up what's
in your kits.
You don't want to be on the move,
need a bandage, open your kit, only to
find you've used them up and haven't replaced
them.
Number 22, N95 face masks.
Be sure to get N95s and keep them
before the next virus limits availability.
(10:58):
Why?
When there's no real pandemic happening?
They're cheaper and easily available now, and it's
good to store them when the demand is
not as high.
Oh, and by the way, a crisis is
not the time for grandstanding.
If you need to wear a mask, wear
it so you can get what you need
and get out of there.
Save the drama for your mama, okay?
(11:20):
Number 23, extra prescription meds.
Ask your doctor if they can supply you
with an emergency prescription.
You may wonder why you would need to
do that if you maybe get them automatically,
or you figure your doctor might not give
you extra.
But ask anyway, and let them know why,
that you don't want to be without it
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in case of an emergency.
If anything happens to the supply chain, you
may not get your meds when you expect
them, or worse, really need them.
I would recommend that especially with the tariffs
implemented, or not, on China, medications are going
to go up, and they may even skyrocket
in price.
If you want to have an emergency stash
without having to beg your doctor, you can't
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always get a Jace case.
My link will provide a 10% discount
on one, and that information will be in
the description.
Yes, they do provide your daily medication now
too, not just emergency stuff.
I do recommend that you get one because
your medication is about to get a lot
more expensive.
So do check that out now, don't wait.
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Number 24, special needs items like your CPAP,
an extra EpiPen, batteries, and chargers for any
needed equipment.
Well, if you need any of these things
for your health to avoid hospitalization, or worse,
you should consider getting a battery pack or
power bank for backup in case of power
loss, and it's great to have extra supplies
in case there are logistic issues or just
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lack of availability.
Number 25, meds for your pets.
Do you have enough heartworm meds or bug
medication?
Are there shots up to date?
You may not want to carry around a
shot record, and you might think that you
can just get that anytime you want it.
That might not always be the case.
Your vet may not always be available, or
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their office may be closed.
If you have to travel to an emergency
shelter that accepts pets, or need to board
in a new place, they'll want a current
shot record, and they won't make exceptions or
wait for your vet to send it.
Keep it with your other important papers that
need to be renewed every year.
Number 26, flashlights.
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Have one for each person, or at least
just four or five.
You can get cheap ones from the dollar
store.
Now, you may think you have one somewhere,
but do you know where it is, and
is it working?
You might want to check that.
Plus, it's a safe source of light.
You can hang them from the door hinges
so you know where they are, even in
the dark.
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Do you really want to fight over the
one flashlight when there's no other light available?
Number 27, candles, tea lights, or LED camping
lanterns.
Even if you have several flashlights, candles are
cheap, and while they could be a fire
hazard, they're good to have in case your
flashlights don't work, or you want some light
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without using up your batteries.
LED lanterns provide safer and brighter lighting that
can cover a broader area, like a dining
room table.
Number 28, batteries, triple A, double A, and
check to see if any of your larger
flashlights need a C or D size.
Now, I know batteries are expensive, but there's
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nothing worse than having a source of light
and no batteries to power it.
Number 29, lighters.
Long neck lighters are ideal, but having smaller
ones are good too.
Why lighters?
Well, you can use it to light your
candles or start a fire if needed.
There are now USB chargeable lighters too.
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Those are cool.
I have a couple.
Number 30, matches.
Any small box of matches will do, and
they're super cheap.
You can get them at the grocery store.
Now, why matches when you have lighters?
You might need to light a fire, and
if you don't have a lighter or they
don't work, it's good to have them as
backup.
It's best to store them in a metal
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coffee can or waterproof plastic bag.
Number 31, tinder for a fire, dry lint,
or shredded junk mail.
Now, you may think, why that, and I
don't have room to store it.
Well, unless you are skilled in starting a
fire from scratch, you don't need to have
any special techniques for either of those two
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items to ignite, and plus they're free.
Put it in a pouch and put it
in your go-bag.
Number 32, a power station.
A portable one that can charge phones, a
laptop, and maybe a small fridge.
Why a power station?
I realize they're expensive, and you might think
maybe the power won't be out that long,
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but you can get one for around $100.
A solar-charged one is more expensive, but
ideal.
It's worth the investment, especially if you have
items like a CPAP or meds that need
refrigeration, like insulin.
You never know how long the power will
be out.
Why not have a backup?
A solar power bank.
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There are various sizes and brands that will
keep phones and laptops charged.
Why a portable solar bank if you have
a power station?
Well, you can get them for around $30,
and it's good to have them to ensure
you have enough power to go around, especially
if your power station is powering a larger
item, like a small refrigerator or a heater.
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And it's inexpensive enough to where everyone in
the household could have their own to power
their individual items.
Number 34, a NOAA crank emergency radio.
You can get various sizes starting around $20.
Why would you need an emergency radio when
you have the news?
If you end up with a power outage
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or you have no internet, this crank radio
will keep you informed of essential updates, including
where to get supplies locally, safe passage, or
when help is arriving.
The crank provides power instead of batteries.
Number 35, extra security for your home, like
a security bar for your doors, simple window
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alarms, and alarm signs.
You may not feel you need this if
you don't feel unsafe or if you live
in a safe area, but understand that your
doors and windows are your weakest points.
Anything that can deter an intruder or slow
them down is ideal.
In an emergency, any indication that you're secured
may make a criminal choose an easier target.
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Get a beware of dog sign even if
you don't have one.
A video camera, even if it's fake.
Yes, they sell those.
In the event of rioting or martial law,
you want to ensure that these weak points
aren't easily breached.
Number 36, paper maps or printouts of your
local area and where you're going.
And you may think, well, I have my
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phone and my car has satellite navigation.
And that may be true, but understand that
while we've become very dependent on our phones
and our car navigation systems, not everyone has
a car, or maybe your car doesn't have
one, or if the internet or satellite is
down, you may need to go old school
and use a map, especially if you need
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to bug out to a location you're unfamiliar
with.
Number 37, self-protection, weapon or another self
-defense item like pepper spray or a bat.
Now, you might not want a gun in
the house, or you might not want to
have a weapon in the house, and you
may be afraid that it may be used
against you.
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I understand that self-defense is a scary
topic, but you want to be able to
protect yourself and any children or creatures in
your care.
You never know when or if help will
arrive, so you need to find a way
to defend yourself.
It's always good to keep something near you
at night that you can get to quickly.
Remember, if you decide to fight back, you
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have to give 100%.
Give yourself a chance to survive, not a
chance to be a victim.
Number 38, an escape plan, where to go,
where to meet up with your kids or
other family members in case of an emergency.
You might think that you'll know where your
kids are if there's a problem, but some
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disasters happen during the day when you're at
work and the kids are in school.
Having a plan in case phones don't work,
if the power goes out, etc., means you
know where everyone will be or will go.
What if the school had to evacuate?
Do you have a backup plan?
If you're unable to pick them up at
school due to an emergency, do you have
a trusted family member that can go get
them?
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Number 39, miscellaneous items such as playing cards,
pen and paper, a favorite comfort item, and
your fur baby's favorite toy.
You might think that you'd have bigger fish
to fry during an emergency, but there's a
psychological aspect to that.
You'll never know how long you'll be without
power, and if you're on the road, you
don't know how long you'll be traveling, where
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you'll end up, and how long you'll be
there.
Having these items will help you pass the
time, reduce stress, and at least give your
kids something to focus on while you're navigating
the situation.
Number 40, a bug out bag or bags
to put many of these things in.
And I'm sure you're thinking, are you for
real?
All that stuff?
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Yeah, as much of it as you can.
If you have to leave in a hurry,
you want to be able to grab the
bag or bags and go.
You can have more than one bag if
you have the luxury of time, and if
you're either driving or being driven, or if
you have additional family members who can have
their own bag and help carry some of
it.
Hopefully, you'll have the chance to stay home
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and ride it out if you're safe and
have not been placed under a mandatory evacuation.
But in case you don't, you want to
have it available, and it's also a good
place to store these things rather than having
them all over the house.
It'll be the spot where you know where
to find your emergency stash.
So those are the 40 items to help
you better prepare for an emergency.
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I believe this information is good to have,
and if you downloaded the checklist, you can
cross off the things you have or need
to get.
Having these items will ensure that you can
get through a difficult situation where you may
be without power and unable to leave your
area for an extended period.
They will also be helpful should you need
to travel away from home.
(21:32):
Did I forget anything?
Is there anything you feel should have been
included in this list?
Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for listening, and be safe out there.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
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I'm sure I've given you some things to
think about as you go through the upcoming
week.
Has this episode resonated with you?
Let me know in the comments.
Don't forget to click the link in the
podcast description to get your free essential prepper
checklist.
While there, get one of my cool designs
on a shirt, hat, mug, and more at
my Redbubble store, or you can always buy
me a coffee or get a Jace case
(22:15):
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It helps support what I do, and I
really appreciate it.
Join me on the socials, especially on YouTube,
where I'll be uploading videos for my blogs
from urbanladyprepper.com.
I appreciate your time with me.
Stay safe, stay sharp, and be ready.