Disasters don’t send calendar invites. They hit fast, hard, and usually when you’re least ready. But if you have the right gear before chaos unfolds, you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive while everyone else panics.
Here are 10 absolutely essential survival items (and yes, most people forget #7!).
1. Water Filtration (Because Thirst Kills Faster Than Hunger)
You can survive weeks without food—but only three days without water.
• What you need: A portable water filter (like a LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini) or purification tablets.
• Why? In a disaster, clean water disappears fast. Tap water could be contaminated, and bottled water runs out. A filter lets you safely drink from rivers, lakes, or even puddles if necessary.
Check out this highly-rated water filter on Amazon
2. Emergency Radio (Because Your Phone Will Betray You)
Phones die. Cell towers crash. But an emergency radio keeps you connected.
• What you need: A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA emergency radio. Bonus if it has solar charging.
• Why? Real-time emergency alerts tell you where to go (or where not to go).
Learn more about the best HAM radios for emergency communication here
See this top-rated emergency radio on Amazon
3. Multi-Tool (Your Pocket-Sized Lifesaver)
Think of a multi-tool as a mini survival kit in one gadget.
• What you need: A sturdy multi-tool with a knife, pliers, screwdriver, can opener, and scissors.
• Why? Cutting rope, opening cans, fixing gear—it does everything.
Get a high-quality multi-tool on Amazon
4. First-Aid Kit (Because Small Cuts Can Turn Deadly)
In a crisis, hospitals will be overwhelmed. Be your own medic.
• What you need:
Bandages, gauze, and medical tape
Antiseptic wipes & antibiotic ointment
Pain relievers & allergy meds
Tweezers & scissors
Tourniquet (seriously, don’t skip this)
• Why? A simple infection can turn deadly when medical help is days away.
See our full guide on must-have first aid supplies here
Grab a complete first-aid kit on Amazon
5. Flashlight & Extra Batteries (Because Darkness is Dangerous)
Power will go out. You will need light.
• What you need:
A high-lumen LED flashlight (or headlamp)
Extra batteries (because rechargeable isn’t always an option)
Backup: Hand-crank or solar flashlight
• Why? Seeing in the dark = survival. Period.
Get this ultra-bright flashlight on Amazon
6. Fire Starter (Because Warmth = Life)
Fire keeps you warm, cooks food, boils water, and signals for rescue.
• What you need:
Waterproof matches
Ferro rod or magnesium fire starter
Lighter (simple, but effective)
• Why? Fire isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Find a reliable fire starter on Amazon
7. Personal Defense (The One Most People Forget!)
Disasters bring out the best in some people… and the worst in others.
• What you need:
Pepper spray (legal almost everywhere)
Tactical pen (doubles as a self-defense weapon)
Firearm (if trained & legally owned)
Even a whistle can deter an attacker
• Why? In a crisis, law enforcement may be overwhelmed. You are your own first responder.
Check out this discreet self-defense tool on Amazon
8. Emergency Food (Because the Grocery Store Will Be Empty)
Food shortages happen within hours of a disaster. Be stocked.
• What you need:
High-calorie freeze-dried meals or MREs
Energy bars & peanut butter (shelf-stable & dense)
Canned goods (with a manual can opener!)
• Why? Hunger drains energy. Energy keeps you alive.
Stock up on long-term emergency food here
9. Solar Charger (Because Dead Phones = No Help)
Even if cell service works, a dead phone is useless.
• What you need: A solar-powered charger (or power bank with multiple charges).
• Why? Keeping your phone, flashlight, and radio powered can be lifesaving.
See this top solar charger on Amazon
10. Cash (Because Credit Cards Won’t Work in a Blackout)
ATMs and card readers won’t work when the power’s out.
• What you need:
Small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s)
At least $100-$300 for emergencies
• Why? Cash gets you supplies when electronic payments fail.
Final Thoughts: Get These NOW, Not Later
In an emergency, stores will be stripped bare in hours. The time to prepare is before disaster strikes.
Start with these 10 essentials, and you’ll be ahead of 90% of people.
Which of these are you missing? Time to fix that.
