• Do you plan ahead?

• Are you thrifty?

• Do you live off the government?

• Can you live without going to a job every day?

• What are you going to do if nobody is there for you?

• Have you gone camping / Do you like camping?

• Have you ever gone hunting?

Basic:

• Acquire the proper insurance (home, renter, auto, health, life etc.) and safeguard the insurance plan and contact information

• Document with pictures and/or video all possessions for insurance purposes, including writing down the serial numbers for guns and electronics.

• Post in a quick-access location the numbers for all emergency services (police, fire, ambulance, poison control, utility services), and include non-emergency numbers for the same services as well as family, friends, neighbors, etc.

• Post a list of important websites next to (or along with) the important phone numbers.

• Copies of personal information like birth certificates, SS cards, driver licenses, with current pictures, kept in fire safe.

• Have a written plan for what your actions will be for all conceivable events

• Create a “Trigger Point” list that determines what plans need to be activated by event criteria

• Write down your plan for increasing your preparedness level and then use the plan to improve your state of preparedness

• A list of “last-minute purchase items” – in case you have time to “top off”

• Current inventory

• Resource materials (books, CDs, etc.) covering a wide range of topics

• Instruction and repair manuals for everything

• Backups of all important computer files

• Hard copies (printouts) of all critical information contained in computer files

• Backup copies of your computer data on discs, USB flash drives, portable HDDs

• An evacuation plan and prioritized grab list

• Plans and equipment for making expedient antennas (see Communications and Computing)

• Pocket list of contact numbers for family, friends, team members (see Communications and Computing)

• Pocket list of radio frequencies used (see Communications and Computing)

• Forms of entertainment (games, books, music, DVDs, CDs, MP3 players drawing, coloring, cards, football, frisbee, baseball/throwing ball, soccer ball, etc.)

• Backpack

• Mesh Bag 

• Empty Milk Jugs 

• Ziplock Bags (assorted)

• Waterproof Bags 

• Garbage Bags 

• Buckets with Lids 

Advanced:

• Maps of surrounding area with extensive notes on routes and areas, including conditions at different times of the year (see

• Navigation and Signaling)

• “Range cards” for your entire property

• Defense plan for entire property (who goes where, with what, does what, etc.)

• Triple backups of everything that’s important

• Personal Items

• Purse

• Wallet

• ID

• Watch

• Money

• Daily carry items

• Patrol Pack

Notes:

• A “last-minute checklist” is generally a bad thing to implement. It’s better to have all the equipment and supplies on hand before an event occurs.

• A Grab List is a list of items that you want to take with you in case you need to evacuate your home. The grab list should include everything that you would want to take, in priority order, so that you don’t have to try and remember while you’re scrambling to evacuate.

• Additional Entertainment considerations include games for kids, books (or reading material) for both education and learning resources, and books that show how to play more games (adult and children) using cards and other materials.

• It’s a good idea to keep important documents in a fire-resistant safe

• Entertainment items such as DVDs and CDs require the use of additional electronics and power, see appropriate categories.

• A “Trigger Point” is an event that you have pre-determined that will cause you to enact certain parts of your plan. For example, When virulent H5N1 reaches Canada or Mexico, your plan calls for you to do _______ (whatever that might be).

Basics:

• Hydration Pack

• Canteens

• Thermal Bottle 

• Small Water Filter 

• Stored water for 30 days

• Ability to siphon water out of bulk containers

• Purify / disinfect water from the 30-day storage

• Pre-filter / purify / disinfect water for an additional 30 days from gathered water

• Gather small quantities of water (less than 30 gallons at a time)

• Rain barrels

• Dedicated “dirty water ” containers

• Water Purification Tablets 

• Spigot-controlled water (on / off valve)

• Catch waste water for reuse as grey-water or black-water, small scale (buckets, etc)

• 5-day supply stored in containers that are easy to move when full

• Portable capability to pre-filter / purify / disinfect water for additional 30 days or more

Advanced:

• Stored water for 90 days or more

• Backup ability to (conveniently) transfer water out of bulk containers

• Pre-filter / purify / disinfect large quantities of water (bulk chlorine, gravity/drip filter, etc.)

• Gather large quantities of water, in excess of 100 gallons at a time

• Dedicated “dirty water” containers* 100 gallons or more

• Pressurize lines to feed water to one or more locations

• Catch waste water for reuse as grey-water or black-water, large-scale

• Well water system with alternative energy to keep it running (see Alternate Energy)

Notes:

• Quantities listed are per person

• Know how much water each person consumes per day while performing strenuous activity; use this to calculate how much water you need.

• *A dedicated “dirty water” container is what you use to collect and store raw water before you purify and/or disinfect it. They should always be kept separate from “clean water” containers.

• A spigot-controlled water supply can be as simple as an Aquatainer.

• “Gray Water” is water from sinks and showers that can be used for gardening, flushing toilets, etc.

• “Black Water” is water that contains animal, human, or food waste

Basics:

• Canned Goods

• Corn: (dried)

• Sugar (canned)

• Flour (Potato)

• Oats

• Beans

• Dried Pasta

• Rice

• Spices

• Peanut Butter

• Cooking Oil

• Salt

• Wheat

• Yeast

• Powdered Milk

• Fruit Bars

• Dried Meats

• Canned Meats 

• Food Store  - 30 days minimum

Advanced:

• Gathering food

  • hunt

  • fish

  • trap/snare

  • gather wild plants - edible plant books

• Food Store  - 90+ days

• Portable capability for minimum-prepared foods for 30 days (for traveling)

• Dress and prepare gathered food

• Grow food and harvest the seeds for the next planting

• Grow and tend livestock

Notes:

• Minimum-prepared foods are those that require little or no cooking before eating.

• Oils: make sure you have enough oil, lard, etc. on hand to cover the increase in pan-cooking.

Basics:

• Cutlery

• Plate

• Kettle

• Pot

• Pan

• Have cookware that can be used over an open fire (cast iron)

• Disposable flatware for 30 days

• Durable cooking utensils

• Equipment to cook over fire pit (grates, tripods, hooks, etc.)

• Aluminum Foil

• Keep perishable food cold using alternative energy methods for 30 days (see Alternative Energy)

• Open cans and other packaging

• Cook food 3 times a day with alternate methods for 30 days (minimum, work up to 90 days)

• Recipes for making a variety of dishes from the food you store

Advanced:

• One year’s worth of food, in any combination of everyday, minimum-prepared, and long-term storage foods, with the experience and equipment to prepare it

• Preserve food on indefinite basis (canning, smoking, jerking, etc)

• Keep perishable food cold using alternative energy methods for indefinite basis

• Cook food 3 times a day with alternate methods for 1 year or more

• Disposable flatware for 90 days (if continuous supply of water not obtained)

• Compost pile

Notes:

• Flatware means plates, bowls, cups, spoons, forks, knives, napkins, etc. The idea of disposable flatware is to reduce consumption of water and is typically for shorter-term events. Those with Advanced Preppers for alternate energy and water will have less use for disposable flatware.

Basics:

• Three complete changes of rugged clothes for all members

• Three complete changes of sleep clothes for all members

• Seven changes of underclothes for each member

• One pair of rugged, waterproof boots for each member

• One pair of comfortable shoes (sneakers, sandals, etc.) for each member

• Outer gear (boots, gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, etc) for all climates (cold weather, rain, etc.)

• Spare shoes, Boots, and boot laces

• Thick Wool Socks

• Polarized Sunglasses

• Wide-brimmed Hat 

Advanced:

• Seven sets of rugged clothes for each member

• Fourteen changes of underclothes for each member

• Spare boots (rugged and waterproof)

• Spare comfort shoes

• Ability to make/repair clothes

• Ability to make/repair boots and shoes

• Quantity of various materials for repairs and creation of clothing

• Second (spare) set of outer gear for all climates

Basics:

• Keep all vehicles in good repair

• Four wheel drive on main vehicle, or traction-enhanced

• Vehicle needs to be able to carry family, including gear and supplies for 4 weeks

• Vehicle runs on standardized fuel, not specialized fuel (high octane, bio-mix, propane,etc.)

• Navigation (Rand McNalley map, hand held GPS), stored in vehicle

• Stored fuel for one full vehicle tank in 5 gallon containers

• Siphon hose

• Funnels

• Full-sized spare tire

• Emergency road equipment

  • flares

  • warning reflectors

  • jack / lug wrench

  • 'Fix a flat’ or Slime

  • Self-vulcanizing plug kit

  • Air compressor (12 VDC)

• Basic spare parts 

  • hoses

  • belts

  • sparks plugs

  • fasteners

  • wipers

  • Hose clamps, various sizes

• Extra fluids

  • oil

  • coolant

  • transmission fluid

  • washer fluid

  • chassis lube grease gun (and tube)

• Tool kit, stored in vehicle

• Fire extinguisher

• Jumper cables

• Recovery strap/tow rope

Advanced:

• Extended fuel storage

• Additional spare parts for vehicle

• Full Automotive Tool set

• 12v wench

Basics:

• Tent(s), enough tent space to contain all members and gear

• Mosquito Net 

• Tarps, decent selection for general and miscellaneous use

• Sleeping bag (sub-freezing temperatures)

• Ability to make fire in, at least, 3 different ways

• Spare sheets and blankets

• Pillows (as needed)

• Portable Propane Heat

• Household Supplies

  • Cleaning Solvent

  • Aerosol Lubricant

  • Lysol

  • Baking Soda

  • Bleach

  • Detergent (and making your own)

Advanced:

• Alternate heating source for home

• Land Mobile – more durable and mobile sheltering system (trailer or camper)

• Shelter building tools (see Tools, Repair and Utility)

• Ability to repair and maintain your home

  • Plumbing - toilet internal replacements

  • Electrical

  • Carpentry

  • Roofing

  • Fencing

  • Concrete

  • Welding

  • wood strips

  • plastic sheeting

  • screws, nails, etc. (see also Tools, Repair and Utility below)

  • Plywood for covering windows

Basics:

• Pay one month of bills cash on hand

• Supply of hard currency (silver, gold, etc.)

Advanced:

• Pay three months or more of bills from cash on hand; increase to 6 months when possible

• Supply of barter goods

• Ability to capitalize on opportunities (like, group buys or cheap land after a crisis/pandemic)

• Know the silver content of junk silver and the gold content of various coins and how to convert that into current market value

• Know how to calculate and determine specific gravity for various metals (how to spot fake silver and gold)

 Notes:

• Hard currency amounts at your discretion, although it may be worthless. Use gold to store larger amounts of wealth and silver for smaller amounts. Silver is also better in a barter environment.

Basics:

• Ability to handle human waste (ask yourself, “how and where am I going to go to the bathroom, and what am I going to do

• with it once I’ve finished?” and “Do I have enough toilet paper?”)

• Two pairs of eyeglasses, both with current prescription

• eyeglass retaining straps

• Toiletries: Make sure you can do everything in the bathroom that you do on a daily basis, including:

  • bath / wash (soap)

  • brush teeth

  • take care of dentures

  • wash hands

  • floss

  • clean contacts

  • trim nails

  • comb/brush hair

  • shave

  • deodorant/antiperspirant

  • Keep skin from drying (lotion)

  • Tweeze hair

  • Clean ears

  • Blow/clean nose

  • Dry self (towels)

  • Feminine hygiene items

  • Vaseline 

• Garbage disposal and recycle/reuse

• Plastic trash bags for waste both human and other to keep buckets clean

• Deodorizers (Lysol, baking soda and vinegar, liquid porta-potty enzymes, etc.)

• Lice/Nit comb.

Advanced:

• More of everything above

• Running hot water (see Alternate Energy and Water)

• Running showers

• Compost garbage and waste

• Spare buckets

• More plastic trash bags

Basics

Preventative

• Block Sun UV rays

• Repel (keep away) insects

• Blister pre-treatment - Moleskin

• Protect care-giver from infection while treating others

• Take CPR and other First-Aid courses

• Maintain good dental hygiene practices

Immediate Response

• CPR

• Clear the airway / Start the breathing

• Stop bleeding

• Soothe burns

• Treat bite and stings

• Remove splinters, stingers, etc.

• Remove venom

Diagnose

• Patient assessment:

• Primary (ABC – Airway, Breathing, Circulation)

• Secondary, Head-to-Toe survey

• Determine body temperature

• Determine blood pressure

• Determine heart rate

• Recognize signs and symptoms

• Treat and Protect Wounds

• Disinfect minor wounds

• Wound irrigation and/or cleansing

• Splinting and limb immobilization

• Dress and bandage wounds

• Debride wounds

• Close lacerations

• Temporary dental fillings

• Ongoing Care

• Relieve pain

• Reduce swelling

• Reduce fever

• Relieve allergy symptoms

• Stave off infection (antibiotics)

• Blister treatment

• Shock prevention

• Dehydration prevention

• Muscle relaxer

Miscellaneous

• Ice & heat packs

• 30 days of life saving prescription medications

• 30 days of OTC and “maintenance” medications

• List of patient info for each person on their person & in BOB

Advanced: 

• IV supplies to start one IV per person covered (including extras for missed sticks). 3 liters of solution per person

• Knowledge of blood types of all persons covered. Transfusion* compatibility planned. Transfusion capability for one

• transfusion for each three people covered

• Perform Dental care

• Additional 90 days of life-saving prescription medications

• Additional 90 days of non-critical and “maintenance” medications

• Take Advanced First Aid Courses, and yearly re-qualifiers

Notes:

• Need to perform the above for at least 90 days

• Warning on transfusions: you can kill people easily if you do this wrong.

• DO NOT perform any medical treatment that you are not trained for.

Basics:

• Ability to recharge NiMH or NiCd batteries from an indefinite power source , 

• Generator, with enough capacity to power critical needs for 14+ days (like freezer, refrigerator, needed electronics, etc.)

• (short term solution)

• Store of fuel to power generator for 14+ days

• Put Uninterruptible Power Supplies on all computers and other sensitive critical electronic equipment

• Spare extension cords

• battery maintenance items

Advanced:

• Solar-power, or other renewable/long-term power, setup capable of running all mission critical devices for indefinite period,

• working eventually to powering entire household

• Make ice on indefinite basis

• Spare parts for Alternate Energy generations, (fuses, wire, connectors, inverter parts, etc.)

Basics:

• Instant-on light for each member (a decently bright flashlight that doesn’t burn through batteries, like an LED light)

• Area light (prefer safe LED or fluorescent instead of flame-based light)

• Spotlight, handheld, battery powered (see Alternate Energy)

Advanced:

• Provide power to all normal light for home with Alternative Energy.

• Spare parts for all lights (bulbs, etc.)

Notes:

• LED lights are preferred due to their lower consumption of battery power.

Basics:

• N100 or P100 masks/filters

• Tyvek suits, including hood and over-boots

• Nitrile gloves

• Air filtration system capable of providing positive pressure in a saferoom area, with spare filters

• EMP surge protectors on all sensitive equipment

• Decontamination gear and supplies

• 6 mil plastic in rolls and metal tape for safe rooms plus back up materials

• Potassium Iodine/Iodate (KI) tablets, enough for a minimum of 14 days for each person

• Log book for noting exposures and readings, pencils, pens, calculator, ruler, log-log paper

• Radiological Instruction manual (like “Fallout Survival” by Druce D. Clayton; FEMA)

Advanced:

• Air filtration system capable of providing positive pressure to whole house, with spare filters

• EMP surge protectors on all house outlets

• Radiation meters (survey and dosimeters)

• Fallout shelter

Notes:

• Air filtration system filters needs to be at least HEPA and possibly ULPA.

• Quantities for the above are at your discretion

• Do not expect to stay in any room that has been sealed up with plastic for more than a few hours unless you are providing filtered air into the room.

Basics:

• Tactical Communications (0 – 5 miles), generally a handi-talkie (FRS, GMRS, Ham, CB, etc.), transmit and receive, with extra batteries (see also alternate energy)

• Shortwave radio with SSB capability, for general listening of world events

• Basic computer to access the Internet and review files (.doc. .pdf. .html. etc.) {it should be obvious that an Internet connection goes along with this}

• AM/FM radio, battery operated (TV sound optional, but might be worthwhile if you are close to a TV broadcast tower that can run on emergency power)

• Plans and equipment for making expedient antennas (see Information and Plans)

• Radio and computer manuals and backup discs (see Information and Plans)

• If you have a cell phone, have a 12VDC charging cord for it, and a spare battery for it

• Pocket list of contact numbers for family, friends, team members (see also Information and Plans)

• Long distance phone calling card that doesn’t expire

• Pocket list of frequencies (see also Information and Plans)

• USB drive containing pocket computer system (OS, files, programs, PGP, etc.)

• USB drive containing your data files

• Door Intercom for communicating with people outside your door, while staying safe inside

Advanced:

• Short-distance Communications (up to 50 miles) (generally, a mobile ham VHF/UHF radio and a vehicle or yagi antenna), transmit and receive

• Packet radio for short-distance digital communications (can be particularly useful for local Groups/Teams/Family Units)

• Long-distance communications (greater than 50 miles), generally ham HF, transmit and receive

• Ham Radio Email, like Wavemail or Winlink/Netlink over HF and possibly VHF (Packet)

• Satellite phone 

Notes: 

• Always store your electronics in Faraday Cages when not in use.

Basics:

• Security system that monitors home inside perimeter

• Monitoring system so that you know when someone has breeched key areas of your property

• Outside floodlights on motion sensors covering the outside perimeter of home and any other key areas on property

• Put out small fires (a fire extinguisher for kitchen, garage and every level of the home)

• Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors on all floors

Advanced:

• Camera surveillance around home, complete 360 degrees

• Motion and seismic sensors monitoring perimeter and other key areas of property

• External fire suppression system

• Add laminate to exterior windows (resists break-ins, etc.)

• Hardened Saferoom, from physical assaults (weather, crime, etc.)

• Night Vision (mono- or binocular)

Notes:

• You can’t have too many fire extinguishers. You need to be able to put out a fire quickly, especially if there is no fire department available.

Basics:

• Basic defensive firearms so that every able person can defend the home, with adequate ammunition supply

• Handgun

• Rifle

• Every handgun has a holster, every rifle and shotgun has a sling; cases for all firearms

• 500 rounds for every firearm that is in working condition (defensive ammunition)

• 500 rounds of training ammo for each firearm

• Three magazines or 30 clips for every firearm that uses one (yes, there’s a difference between clips and magazines)

• Cleaning gear for all firearms

  • Foaming Boar

• Bow & Arrow 

Advanced:

• Spare parts for every firearm, along with the knowledge to repair it

• Spare magazines and clips for every firearm that uses them (10 magazines and 300 clips, at your discretion)

• Spare cleaning gear for all firearms

• 1000 rounds for every firearm (defensive ammunition)

• 1000 training rounds for each firearm

• Reloading equipment and supplies for each of your main calibers

• 5000 rounds for your main battle rifle

• .22 LR training rifle and 10,000 rounds of good quality .22 LR ammuniton

Notes:

• Yes, it seems like a lot of ammunition, but every year our freedoms erode a little bit more. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it (that pretty much goes for everything on this CC list).

Basics:

• Maps of surrounding area, including topo, road atlas, etc. (see also Information and Plans)

• Compass, several quality instruments

• Protractor, rulers, grid squares, alcohol-erase markers, pencils, grease pencils etc. for map use

• Waterproof map cases, waterproofed maps, or maps covered in clear acetate

• Magnifying glass

• Whistle

• Mirror

Advanced:

• GPS with built-in mapping software and direct-entry of information (coordinates, descriptions, etc), preloaded with the

• appropriate maps

• Power support for GPS (see Alternative Energy)

Basics:

• 30 days of stored food and water for each pet

• Ability to handle pet waste if pet cannot go outside for 30 days

• Pet care needs, special medications, toys, etc for 30 days

• Leashes and kennels for each animal

• Tie-down stake

• Pest control for pets

• Shot / Vet record

• Up-to-date shots

Advanced:

• 90 or more days of stored food and water for each pet, eventually working towards an indefinite supply for all pets

• Ability to handle pet waste if pet cannot go outside for 90+ days

• Pet care needs, special medications, toys, etc for 90+ days

• Pet first-Aid kit

• Tested recipes for pet food from stored and/or gathered food sources, food scraps, etc.

Basics:

• Buckets, with and without lids

• Socket set

• Screwdriver set

• Wrench set

• Saws (wood, metal, etc.)

• Files

• Allen wrench set

• Multi-meter

• Tarp and plastic sheeting for temporary repair of roof, windows, and siding from storm damage. Large-head nails and wood strips to attach them

• Multi-tool, quality construction

• Hammers

• Shovels

• Pickaxe

• Axe

• Hatchet

• Rope

• Wire (bailing and electrical)

• Twine

• Fuses

• Crimp connectors

• Duct Tape

• Electrical Tape

• Scissors (need several pair for different tasks; a good set of scissors is indispensable)

• Soldering iron

• Solder

• Drill and drill bits

• Measuring tool (tape measure, carpenter’s rule, etc.)

• Repair/Mend clothing

• Sewing kit

• Clothes pins, wooden

• Eyeglass repair kit

Advanced:

• Gather & prepare fuel (axes, saws, splitter, etc.)

• Supply of nails, screws, and some lumber for structural repair of house

• Parts & tools to repair critical plumbing items

• Spare buckets, with and without lids

• Welding setup

Notes:

• This is one of the exceptions where this lists actual items. The reason is that the tool is often the action; for example, it’s easier to say “hammers” instead of “ability to hammer.”

• Some of the items above may require the use of electrical power (see Alternate Energy)

Basics:

• NOAA weather radio

• Basic understanding of clouds, weather systems and storms typical in your area

• Weather reference book or poster

• Thorough understanding of weather related alerts, watches and warnings

• Barometer

Advanced:

• Handheld weather measurement instruments

• Powered Weather monitoring station

• Attend Weather Spotter class/participate in area SKYWARN activities/training

Basics:

• Keep quiet – do not tell anyone about your preparedness plans, equipment or supplies

• Teach your children not to talk about your preparedness plans, equipment or supplies

• Have ready and plausible reasons for what you’re doing (”I’m buying all this food for the church cookout this weekend.”)