A Preppers Checklist

Being prepared is hard work. Assessing the potential world changing events that could happen. Making sure you are prepared for each one and for anything else that could happen. It takes time to find and store all of your supplies and preps. However, all of this time and effort could be for nothing if your preps are no longer usable should the need to use them arise. Checking your preps should be part of your preparedness plans. This Preppers Checklist can be used to ensure you keep your preps in ready to use condition.

Food

Check your supplies of stored food –

Is everything still in date? Do some foods need eating or throwing away? Are there any signs of damage to containers? Are there any signs of rodents or pests? Are all foods stored still things your family likes to eat? Does anything need rotating to prevent food expiring? Is your can opener still functional and in place?

Water

Check your drinking water supply –

Do you need to replace any water? Does any water need rotating to prevent water going bad? Is algae visible in any container? Do any containers need replacing? Are there any signs of damage to containers? Does water in your bug out bag, car kits etc need replacing?

Safety

Check your home’s safety tools –

Are smoke detectors still working? Do any batteries need replacing? Are carbon monoxide detectors working? Are they suitably placed? Are your fire extinguishers still in working order and in the correct place? Is your gas shut off tool in place? Does all the family know how to turn off gas, water and power?

Emergency kits

Check your EDC’s and BOB’s to ensure all gear is in unusable condition –

Is food in date?(BOB food will have shorter shelf life than other foods) Does the clothing carried still fit? Does some clothing need to be removed or swapped for the coming season? Do you need to add anything for the new season? (blankets for winter etc) Are all battery operated tools working and batteries replaced?

Security

Check your home defence systems –

Are all security lights in working order? Is your alarm fully functional including all sensors? Is it due a service? Have you changed the alarm code? Are any weapons you have in good condition and accessible to you? Are all perimeter fencing/walls stable with no cracks or weak points? Do you have escape routes planned? Are they up to date?

Shelter

Check your shelter provisions –

Is your house fully stocked with at least 72 hours’ worth of provisions for your family? If you have a bug out location – is it still secure and are your planned routes still correct? Are your emergency shelter provisions in your BOB in good condition? Are shelter building materials in ready to use condition? Does all the family know where to go for shelter in an emergency?

Provisions

Check your comfort provisions –

Do you have materials and tools for more than one method of lighting and maintaining a fire? Do you have provisions for cooking food? Is any hand sanitiser in date and sealed? If you have a generator – is it in working order with sufficient fuel? Is your fuel supply stocked and does it need replacing/rotating?

Records

Check your important documents –

Is your insurance up to date? Do you have a copy of up to date emergency contact numbers? Are any documents out of date and ready to be archived? Are important documents suitably protected from water damage etc? Do you have a copy of id, bank details, etc in a safe and accessible place?

Communications

Check your communication plans and equipment –

Are walkie talkies charged and in working order? Is your emergency crank radio in working order? Is your solar charger working and ready to use? Are pens, pencils etc working with paper available for note taking or map drawing? Do any batteries need replacing? Do you have a topped up supply of spares?

Finances

Check your financial provisions are in place –

Do you have some cash stored securely? Are your debit/credit cards still valid? Are they expiring soon? Do you have barter items available should money lose value? If you have been storing gold or silver – is it still in place? Is it still safe to leave it there? Are all your household bills up to date? Is there any chance you may be cut off?

Travel

Check your travel equipment is ready to go when you are –

Is your bug out bag stocked and ready to go? Do you have suitable footwear readily available? Does it fit? Has it been worn in? Does it need additional waterproofing or maintenance? Is the map of your area up to date? Is anything likely to change soon (building works etc)? Do you have suitable clothing for the coming season in your bug out bag? Does it still fit? Is it still fit for purpose? Does your car have sufficient fuel to get you out of danger? Are other forms of transport required? Are they well maintained?

Tools

Check your survival tools are in working form –

Is your knife sharpened and safe to use? Do you have more than one method of catching food? (fishing line, snare traps etc) Is your compass working? Do you have a suitable supply of cordage? Is it still safe to use? Does it show signs of wear? Does it need replacing? Is your basic tool kit stocked and ready to use? (basic vehicle maintenance tools, hammer, screwdrivers etc)

Medical supplies

Check your first aid supplies are fully stocked and sufficient –

Are all first aid items in date? Do any items need replacing? Do you have enough spares? Are all sterile dressings sealed in their correct packaging? Is stored medication still current and appropriate for your family members? Has dosage changed? Has medication changed? Is first aid kit in good condition? Are there signs of wear and tear? Is your doctors emergency contact number correct? Is your local hospital’s contact details still up to date?

Alongside these checks it is also beneficial to run through some practice emergencies with your family. Get everyone to go through a full bug out situation from getting out of the house to the agreed location. Turn off your water and power for the day so everyone has the chance to get used to this type of situation before it happens for real. Doing this practice alongside the checks listed above at least twice a year will put you in a strong position to survive a bad situation.