Store at least 1 gallon per person per day (2–3 is safer when factoring cooking and hygiene). For 30–90+ day readiness, acquire large-capacity containers and rotate them. Develop renewable sources: rain catchment, wells, streams, and snowmelt. Use multi-stage purification (mechanical filters, boiling, chemical treatment, charcoal/activated carbon where appropriate).

• Store 30–90 days of potable water; secure larger tanks for long-term.
• Install rain catchment with first-flush diverters and debris screens.
• Have portable filters (Sawyer, Katadyn, Berkey) + purification tablets.
• Keep metal containers for boiling; learn solar disinfection methods.

Short-term preps (30–60 days) are a baseline; aim for 6–12 months or more for true resilience. Prioritize long-shelf-life staples (rice, beans, oats, freeze-dried meals, canned proteins) and high-calorie items (oils, nuts). Rotate inventory and combine storage with production—gardening, foraging, hunting, small livestock.

• Stock a 6–12 month mix of shelf-stable foods.
• Use Mylar bags + oxygen absorbers for grains; rotate FIFO.
• Learn preservation: canning, drying, fermenting, smoking.
• Plan gardening and seed storage (heirloom seeds recommended).

Ensure your primary shelter (home) is structurally sound, insulated, and securable. Prepare portable shelters (tents, tarps, bivy sacks) for evacuation. Learn primitive shelter-building skills and maintenance for alternative heating/cooling methods.

• Weatherproof and insulate living spaces; fix leaks and drafts.
• Store tarps, bivies, emergency blankets, and tent repair kits.
• Know safe indoor heating methods (woodstoves) and ventilation.
• Practice rapid shelter deployment and repair techniques.

Design layered defenses: perimeter (lighting, fences), immediate entry points (reinforced doors/windows), and safe rooms. Security is not just hardware—train in situational awareness, de-escalation, and collective defense with trusted neighbors.

• Reinforce doors, frames, and windows; add deadbolts and bars where legal.
• Install motion lighting and passive deterrents (fencing, natural barriers).
• Create community watch protocols and shared alert systems.
• Train with defensive tools appropriate to your law and skill level.

Keep redundant ignition methods: lighters, waterproof matches, ferro rods, and tinder. Stock fuels (wood, propane, charcoal) and maintain appliances (stoves, woodstoves). Practice safe indoor and outdoor burning and monitor CO levels with battery-operated detectors.

• Store multiple ignition types and a reliable tinder stash.
• Stock fuel safely; rotate and store per regulations.
• Use cast iron or heavy cookware for direct-fire cooking.
• Train in wet-weather and primitive firecraft skills.

Assemble a trauma-capable kit (tourniquets, clotting agents, chest seals), keep prescription meds rotated, and learn skills—CPR, bleeding control, wound care, splinting, and basic suturing. Manuals and practicum-based training significantly increase survival chances.

• Build a trauma kit and an individual first-aid kit per person.
• Store necessary prescription backups legally and safely.
• Train in advanced first-aid or take an EMT/first responder course.
• Keep medical procedure references and sterile tools.

Plan for toilets (bucket systems, composting toilets), greywater disposal, pest control, and sealed trash management. Stock disinfectants, gloves, hand soap, and PPE. Train the household on sanitation protocol to limit contamination.

• Implement non-flush toilet systems and composting solutions.
• Manage trash to avoid pests; burn or bury refuse where safe.
• Stock disinfectants, bleach, hand soap, and PPE (gloves, masks).
• Maintain laundry and hygiene routines to reduce disease spread.

Solar arrays with battery banks are the most sustainable option. Include panels, charge controllers, inverter, and protected battery storage. Gas/diesel generators help short-term; store fuel safely and stabilize it. Learn power budgeting and prioritize critical devices.

• Install a small solar + battery system for essential loads.
• Keep multiple portable power banks and hand-crank devices.
• Store generator fuel and stabilizers for short-term use.
• Protect critical electronics from EMP with Faraday storage.

Use HAM radios for long-range, GMRS/FRS for local comms, and crank/solar emergency radios for news/weather. Create family and neighborhood comms plans with frequencies, check-in windows, and backups. EMP-harden equipment and keep analog maps and paper contact lists.

• Obtain and learn HAM radio if possible; keep license info handy.
• Use local radios for neighborhood coordination.
• Keep a battery or crank emergency radio and analog maps.
• Build written comms plans and rendezvous points.

Keep vehicles maintained, store stabilized fuel, and plan multiple escape routes. Prepare bug-out bags and practice evacuation drills. Alternate transport (bikes, trailers, carts) and foot-travel plans are critical when roads fail.

• Maintain a vehicle with spare parts and rotate fuel.
• Plan primary, secondary, and tertiary bug-out routes.
• Keep bicycles and repair tools as alternates.
• Drill evacuation triggers and timings with household members.

Learn to use a compass, read topographic maps, identify landmarks, and pace distances. Store waterproof maps and teach everyone how to navigate. Practice orienteering without electronics.

• Train in map & compass skills; practice regularly.
• Keep waterproof, up-to-date topo maps for your region.
• Learn natural navigation techniques and landmarks.
• Teach these skills to family members and practice drills.

Develop stress-management routines, train to make decisions under pressure, and maintain morale with routines, roles, and small comforts. Reduce exposure to rumor and misinformation. Prepare for long-term mental strain.

• Practice breathing and stress-control techniques.
• Create daily routines to reduce uncertainty.
• Keep morale-boosting activities and games available.
• Limit rumor exposure and focus on verified info.

Train for functional strength, endurance, and mobility. Practice tasks you may face—carrying water, moving gear, long-distance walking, and repetitive manual work. Keep family fitness plans practical and gear-weight-tested.

• Build strength and cardio with real-world tasks.
• Train carrying loaded packs and water containers.
• Maintain flexibility and injury-prevention routines.
• Practice tasks in full kit to simulate physical demands.

Keep emergency cash, small-denomination bills, and consider precious metals for longer-term value. Stock tradeable goods (medical items, batteries, fuel) for barter. Reduce debt to increase flexibility and store essential documents securely.

• Hold cash reserves and small bills for immediate needs.
• Consider silver/gold or other tangible stores of value.
• Stock barterable supplies discreetly.
• Reduce recurring debts to free resources for preps.

Assemble essential hand tools (axes, saws, wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers, shovels) plus fasteners, adhesives, rope, and spare parts. Learn basic carpentry, plumbing, and mechanical repair. Keep manuals and practice maintenance routines.

• Build a comprehensive hand-tool kit and hardware stock.
• Store consumables: tape, nails, bolts, lubricants.
• Learn repair skills and practice on your own systems.
• Maintain a small inventory of spare parts for critical gear.

Focus training on gardening, seed saving, foraging, hunting, fishing, food preservation, mechanical repairs, and water sourcing. Skills let you convert limited supplies into sustainable living.

• Learn to grow, preserve, and store food effectively.
• Practice foraging with authoritative guides.
• Build butchering and food-prep competence.
• Teach skills across your household and neighbors.

Assemble a lightweight, functional pack: shelter, water purification, lightweight food, multi-tool, first aid, clothing, navigation, fire-starting, and lightweight cookware. Test and refine the pack for weight and accessibility.

• Keep BOB weight ~20–35 lb, tailored to capability.
• Include shelter, water filter, fire starters, and food.
• Rotate perishable gear seasonally.
• Practice real-world deployment and drills.

Fortify your home, secure long-term supplies, develop alternate energy and water systems, and establish internal routines and defense plans. Bug-in requires storage, redundancy, and a defensible structure.

• Fortify entry points and create secure rooms.
• Establish long-term food and water systems.
• Implement rotation and rationing plans.
• Coordinate with trusted neighbors for mutual aid.

Cold climates need insulation, fuel reserves, and winter survival techniques. Hot climates require hydration plans and shade. Flood, wildfire, earthquake, and coastal plans differ—evaluate your local threats and equip accordingly.

• Assemble climate-specific clothing and shelter systems.
• Plan evacuations tailored to local hazards (floods, wildfires).
• Store climate-appropriate fuels and equipment.
• Train in region-specific survival techniques.

Install rain catchment, large tanks, and gravity-fed filtration. A manual well pump or hand pump for wells offers resilience. Ensure tanks are food-grade, protected from contamination, and secured against freezing or contamination.

• Use 55-gallon barrels or larger tanks for storage.
• Implement first-flush diverters and meshes for debris.
• Install manual well pumps where possible.
• Monitor and maintain water storage cleanliness.

Establish trusted networks, share skills, and assign roles. Formalize plans for defense, medical care, food production, and information sharing. Build redundancy into the group so single failures don't collapse the whole structure.

• Form small trusted groups with clear roles (medic, mechanic, gardener).
• Practice shared drills regularly and set meeting points.
• Pool resources for larger infrastructure projects.
• Maintain good neighbor relations and mutual aid pacts.

Keep LED flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, glow sticks, and solar-powered area lighting. Use red-light modes to preserve night vision. Maintain battery supplies and solar chargers for recharging.

• Keep multiple light sources and spare batteries.
• Use solar lanterns and headlamps for extended use.
• Practice light discipline for security.
• Use red or low-intensity light for night operations.

Stock items with universal value—medical supplies, batteries, hygiene goods, water filters, fuel, seeds, and tools. Skills like medical care or mechanical repair also become high-value barter services.

• Stock discreet trade goods likely in demand locally.
• Maintain a balance of consumables and durable trade items.
• Learn negotiation and fair trade principles.
• Keep trade goods secure and rotate consumables slowly.

Use local reporting, radio monitoring, observation posts, and a watch rotation to maintain situational awareness. Keep simple logs of activity and develop indicators for escalation. Train scouts and watchers in quiet, safe observation techniques.

• Establish a watch schedule and reporting protocol.
• Monitor local radio and community channels for changes.
• Use observation posts and discreet patrols where safe.
• Develop early-warning and evacuation triggers.

Practice OPSEC: limit who knows what, avoid broadcasting your preps, and use grey-man principles. Understand local laws on weapons, property, and self-defense. Maintain ethical behavior to preserve community cohesion and long-term sustainability.

• Keep preparation details private and offline.
• Use a small circle of trusted individuals for sensitive planning.
• Know local laws and prepare legally compliant defense plans.
• Prioritize ethical behavior to maintain internal trust.