Prepping List For Beginners: Tips And Advice On How To Start Prepping Today

Prepping is a great way to keep you and your family safe in case of an emergency.

But there are a few things you need to know to get started.

In this article, we’re going to outline some tips for beginner preppers, as well as provide a list for you to start building today.

Not sure what a prepper is? Check out our what is a prepper guide.

beginner prepper kit

When it comes to prepping, everyone is different, it’s not all about being able to survive in the wilderness, it’s more about being able to prepare for any emergency . 

Beginner preppers should start by stocking up on the basics, like food, water, and emergency supplies.

Once you have those items covered, you can start thinking about more specialized items that would be helpful.

For example, if you live in a rural area may want to stockpile firearms and ammunition because they might not have easy access to other forms of self-defense.

You want to stock up on food and supplies in case of a disaster that causes damage to supply chains

There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you might need and what will be most helpful for emergency preparedness.

The key is to think about what would be most important for you and your specific needs before starting to stockpile any supplies.

In a nutshell you need to cover off the following when you make a list (which we’ll discuss in detail throughout this article):

  1. Food
  2. Medicine
  3. Survival tools and equipment
  4. Knowledge and planning.

Table of Contents

How do I start prepping?

If you’re new to all of this, it can seem like a daunting task.

Where do you start? What do you need to do? You need a way to get started.

When most people think of prepping, they think of those Doomsday Preppers who stockpile food and weapons in preparation for the end of the world.

But preparedness is more than just stockpiling supplies for a hypothetical emergency.

Becoming a prepper is about creating a plan for contingencies and reducing your risk of becoming victim to unforeseen events.

Preppers can take many different approaches to preparing for emergencies.

Some people stockpile supplies like food, water, and emergency shelters in preparation for natural disasters or other unexpected events.

Others focus on building up their personal security by stockpiling firearms and other defensive gear.

Still others prepare by learning basic self-reliance skills, such as how to build a campfire or start a fire with sticks.

Whatever approach you choose, its is about taking control of your safety and security in an unpredictable world.

By understanding the basics, you can create an individualized plan that fits your needs and priorities. 

Prepper checklist

Want To Prep But Not Sure Where To Begin?

The first step is to start with the basics. Make sure you have emergency supplies on hand, such as survival food, water, and medical supplies. Create a list for both short-term and long-term needs.

These are all essential for survival in any situation. It is also important to have a plan in place for when an emergency does occur.

Have an idea of where you would go if evacuation is not possible? Know how to signal for help? Make sure you are fully prepared before anything happens!

Preparing for a natural disaster (and there’s been plenty of those recently!) or emergency can be overwhelming for beginners.

A few recommendations to get started:

Know your evacuation zone. Have an idea of where you would go if evacuation is not possible?

Do you know how to signal for help?

These are all things that you should look into in your local area to make sure you are fully prepared before anything happens! It really helps to create an emergency plan that you can refer back to later on.

Be prepared, mentally and physically.

Take some time to prepare yourself mentally and physically for potential disasters or emergencies by practicing drills and exercises regularly.

Many people underestimate the value of physical fitness, but being fit can save your life in a survival situation.

This will help you stay calm in any situation and make the best decisions when it comes to safety and survival.

This will help you get through any situation smoothly.

The Beginner Prepper Checklist

When starting out as a beginner prepper, it’s important to start with the basics.

This means stocking up on food, water and survival supplies such as a flashlight, knife and first-aid kit.

Begin by stocking up on foods that are easy to store, such as canned goods and dried goods.

Make sure to also have enough water storage containers so that you can survive for at least three

days without access to a tap or other fresh (and clean!) water source.

And finally, make sure to include a quality first-aid kit in your arsenal.

This should include items such as bandages, painkillers, and antibiotic ointment.

Prepping an emergency survival food stash – what should you buy?

Prepper food storage

Getting together an emergency food stash can be a daunting task if you don’t know what to buy.

Here is a list for beginner survivalists to give some ideas on what to get first.

Make sure you have enough food and water storage to last at least three weeks, and make sure that the stockpile is located in a safe place that you can easily access. 

Here are some items you may want to purchase when stocking your emergency food stash to make sure you have food on hand when you need it:

Freeze-dried meals

Freeze-dried meals are a great option for your survival food stash, because they are quickly and easily stored and they have a long shelf life.

You can find freeze-dried food products in many stores, including camping and hunting stores. 

They can usually be stored for years without going bad – some of the best ones can actually be stored for up to 30 years!

It’s not the cheapest food option for sure, but it will last you a very long time, so this really is a solid choice.

So if you’re starting out prepping, then getting some freeze-dried meals should be top of your food list.

Canned goods (beef, chicken, tuna, soup, vegetables)

A cheaper option that freeze-dried food, canned goods are also a great choice for your emergency food stash.

Canned goods are easy to store and they last for a long time.

You can find canned goods in both grocery stores and convenience stores (you wont need to go to a specialist survival store).

While they are a cheaper option, they can only be stored for up to three years without going bad.

So if you’re prepping for an extended period of time, canned goods may not be the best option for you.

Instant oatmeal

Oatmeal is a good choice for your food list because it is nutritious and satisfying.

Instant oatmeal can be eaten hot or cold, making it a good choice for when you want something quick and easy.

You can usually find instant oatmeal in grocery stores.

Energy bars

When you think of survival food, you might not instantly think of energy bars, but they make a great prepper food choice.

Energy bars are high in energy and protein, which is important for when you’re struggling to keep going.

They’re also convenient to take with you, so you can have something to eat on the go, and they last a long time.

While this is not a food source you’d want to rely on long-term, it’s a great choice for when you need a quick fix.

Water filters

When getting their first food stash together, beginners will often overlook water.

But water is one of the most important things you can have.

You really don’t want to go 3 days without water. You’ll be putting yourself at serious risk.

Of course, one option is just stocking up on water, but that isn’t a practical long-term strategy – because you would need gallons of water (unless you are lucky enough to have a lot of land to store on).

Water filters are a great way to ensure that you have clean and safe water when your stock piles ruin out. And it also avoids the need for complex rainwater collection systems.

There are a few different types of water filters, so choose the one that is best for your needs.

Many people think the best types of water filters for survival needs are the ones that can purify water containing bacteria and viruses.

This is a great choice for drinking water that you find, with peace of mind.

Water filters can be expensive, but they’re worth it if you want to be safe and have access to clean water wherever you are. 

These sorts of water filters aren’t going to be found in your local grocery store though, you’ll need to find them online or at a retailer that specializes in survival gear.

What Do You Need In A Survival Kit?

survival kit

Prepping can be a daunting task, but it’s one that is important for everyone to do. In order to be ready for anything, you need to have a basic survival kit on hand.

Your kit should be high up your prepper’s checklist and contain the following items as a minimum:

First Aid supplies

Some of the most important supplies for a beginner survivalist are first aid supplies.

A good first aid kit should include items such as bandages, ointments, painkillers, and sterile gauze pads.

These items can help you treat injuries and prevent infection in the event of a emergency.

Have a Whistle

Whistles can be very helpful in emergencies.

You can use a whistle to signal for help, to attract attention, or to warn others of an impending danger. 

It can also be used as a communication tool when no other form of communication is available.

Whistles are small and easily carried, so they are a good option for your beginner survival kit

Have Matches Or A Fire Starter

When it comes to prepping for a survival situation, having a reliable fire starter is key.

Matches are one of the most basic items you need to keep your campfire burning, and they can come in handy in a variety of other situations as well. Where possible get ‘windproof’ ones.

A fire starter like a lighter or Flint and Steel can be useful if you’re stranded without matches, but they’re not always easy to carry around.

However, unlike matches, a fire starter has the benefit of not failing due to moisture or bad weather.

Have a Multi-tool

Survivalists have a multi-tool in their survival kit because it has so many uses.

Multi-tools are perfect for repairing equipment and making shelter, among other things, like whittling pieces of wood into fire starters.

Have A Knife

A reliable knife is also a must-have in any beginner’s survival kit.

Knives can be used to hunt, chop vegetables or build shelter or even self-defense and home defense.

Choose a knife that is lightweight and easy to carry, but make sure it’s durable enough to handle the occasional tough situation.

One great option for a someone starting out is the Gerber Lightweight Knife.

This knife is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, but it’s also durable enough to handle the occasional tough situation.

Plus, its simple design means that you won’t have trouble learning how to use it effectively in a pinch.

Have a Flashlight

A flashlight is a must-have item for any kit.

Not only will it let you see in the dark, but it can also be used to signal for help if you get lost.

Make sure you include a quality flashlight in your kit, and always carry extra batteries with you.

Ideally, it would be very bright (in the thousands of lumens) and also be water resistant (or even better water proof). 

Don’t be tempted to skimp on purchasing a flash light, as it could be the difference between life and death in a survival situation.

Situational Prepping for Beginners

For many people, prepping means stocking up on canned goods, bottled water, and other supplies in the event of a disaster or emergency.

But what if you never have to use all that stuff? What if you never have to leave your home?

Situational prepping is a term for preparing for specific events or emergencies.

It can include things like stockpiling food and water in case of a natural disaster, building an emergency shelter, and stocking up on essential supplies like first-aid kits and radios in case of a pandemic.

Some people think that situational prepping is overkill, especially if you never have to leave your home.

Others believe that it’s important to be prepared for any possible situation, no matter how unlikely it may seem.

Whichever camp you fall into, there are some things you should definitely do to prepare yourself for situational prepping:

1) Make sure you have enough food storage space – Most people don’t need more than enough food storage space to last 3-6 months without having to go out shopping every few days. If you’re living off the grid or living in an area where there is a food shortage, even more food storage space is probably a good idea.

2) Make sure you have enough water storage space – If there’s a major disaster or emergency where the water supply is cut off, you’ll need to have enough water stored in case you can’t get it from your tap. A good rule of thumb is to store enough water for three days.

3) Get yourself prepared for any kind of disaster—Whether it’s hurricane season, earthquake season, or any other season, be prepared for anything. You never know when something might happen that will require you to be ready.

4) Have an emergency evacuation plan – Even if you think you won’t ever have to use it, make sure you have an emergency evacuation plan in case something happens and you need to leave your area quickly.

5) Stock up on supplies that are needed in a disaster – This could include things like extra batteries for your radios and flashlights, canned goods and bottled water, first-aid kits, and other supplies that will be useful in a disaster situation.

6) Learn about the different types of disasters- Some disasters are more likely than others, so it’s important to learn about them so you can be prepared for them. For example, earthquakes are more likely than hurricanes, but hurricanes are more likely than tornadoes.

7) Practice engaging in situational prepping – Just because you have all the supplies doesn’t mean you’re ready to use them in an actual emergency situation. It takes practice to be able to handle whatever comes your way during a disaster or emergency.

Prepping for First Aid

first aid kit

For those of you who are new to prepping, it is important to have a basic understanding of first aid.

When it comes to first aid, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Firstly, always know the basic steps for administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

Secondly, make sure you have enough supplies on hand in case of an emergency situation where access to medical help is not possible.

Your survival first aid kit shopping list

In order to be prepared for any situation, it is important to have a survival first aid kit in case of an emergency. This can include items such as bandages, painkillers, and antibiotics.

1. Ibuprofen

2. Aspirin

3. Tylenol

4. Benadryl

5. Ibuprofen and Tylenol Combo Pack

6. Aspirin and Benadryl Combo Pack

7. Epinephrine

8. Bandages

Thirdly, be aware of the signs and symptoms of different emergency situations and know how to treat them.

You can learn basic first aid by attending a registered course – these are life saving skills PLEASE don’t try and learn them from YouTube…

Tips and common beginner prepper mistakes to avoid

As a beginner prepper, it’s important to take the time to avoid making common beginner mistakes

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is not preparing enough.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when starting prepping, and it’s important to take things one step at a time. 

It’s also important to be prepared for everything, not just the obvious disasters like hurricanes or floods. Make sure you have enough food and water storage in case of an economic downturn or natural disaster that cuts off access to stores or damages supplies on hand.

And remember: don’t be afraid to be creative in your preparations!

There are lots of ways to make sure you’re prepared for anything, no matter what might happen.

Here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Make a prepping list. This is one of the most important things you can do as a beginner prepper. Write down everything you need in order to survive in an emergency situation, including food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. It will help you keep track of your preparations and make sure you don’t forget anything important.

2. Check the weather forecast regularly. Always be aware of current weather conditions and update your prepping list accordingly. If there is any chance of an emergency happening in your area, make sure to have enough supplies stocked up in case things go wrong.

3. Get organized and keep your supplies safe. It’s important to have an organized system for storing your preps so that they’re easy to access if necessary. Store them in containers that are sturdy but easy to transport (like storage containers or gallon-sized ziplock bags). And make sure to keep your preps away from damp or humid areas.

4. Be prepared for different types of emergencies. Not all emergencies are going to be the same. Be sure to have supplies for every type of emergency you might face, including storms, wildfires, and pandemics.

5. Practice your prepping skills regularly. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at preparing for an emergency situation.

This will also help you build confidence in your preparations and make sure that everything goes smoothly in an emergency.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are likely to be prepping groups local to you, who might be able to lend a helping hand.

On the whole, us preppers are a friendly bunch – and happy to give you some advice when you need it. 

Summing up

All of these tips are great starting points for prepping for your next emergency.

Keep them in mind as you start stocking your home with emergency supplies.

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