Prepping List for a Family of Five: 30-Day Emergency Supply with Costs and Storage

This list provides essential supplies for a family of five (two adults, three children) to survive at least one month without outside help during most disasters. It includes approximate costs (U.S. retail, 2025) and storage methods for critical items (water, food, medical, documents).

Water

Plan for 150 gallons (1 gallon/person/day). Costs reflect durable containers and purification. Storage prevents contamination.

Water Storage (150 gallons): $300 30 five-gallon BPA-free jugs ($10 each). Storage: Cool, dark basement/garage, on wood pallets. Rotate every 6–12 months, label dates.
Water Purification Tablets (300 tablets): $15 Potable Aqua, $15. Storage: Waterproof, airtight container, cool/dry, with medical supplies.
Portable Water Filters (2 units): $60 Sawyer Mini, $30 each. Storage: Sealed plastic bag in emergency kit, away from moisture.
Collapsible Water Containers (5 units, 5-gallon): $50 $10 each.
Bleach (1 gallon, unscented): $5
Waterproof Matches (200 count): $10

Subtotal: $440

Food

Target ~288,000–345,000 calories (~9,600–11,500 daily). Costs reflect bulk purchases. Storage ensures shelf life.

White Rice (100 lbs): $50 $0.50/lb. Storage: 5-gallon food-grade buckets with oxygen absorbers, cool/dry basement. Label, use FIFO.
Dried Beans (50 lbs, mixed): $75 $1.50/lb. Storage: Same as rice, sealed buckets, cool/dry.
Oats (30 lbs): $30 $1/lb. Storage: Airtight buckets with oxygen absorbers, cool/dry.
Pasta (20 lbs): $25 $1.25/lb. Storage: Airtight containers/buckets, cool/dry pantry.
Canned Vegetables (60 cans, 15 oz): $90 $1.50/can. Storage: Cool/dry pantry, check for dents/rust, rotate annually.
Canned Fruits (30 cans, 15 oz): $60 $2/can. Storage: Same as canned vegetables, rotate annually.
Canned Meats (30 cans, 12 oz): $120 $4/can. Storage: Same as canned vegetables, pop-top cans, rotate 2–3 years.
Peanut Butter (10 lbs): $40 $4/lb. Storage: Original jars or airtight containers, cool/dry pantry, rotate 1–2 years.
Powdered Milk (10 lbs): $50 $5/lb. Storage: Airtight buckets with oxygen absorbers, cool/dry, check for clumping.
Honey (5 lbs): $25 $5/lb. Storage: Original containers or airtight jars, cool/dry pantry.
Cooking Oil (1 gallon): $15 Storage: Cool/dark pantry, original container, rotate 1–2 years.
Multivitamins (150 tablets): $30 $30 for 150. Storage: Original bottles or airtight containers, cool/dry, with medical supplies.
Electrolyte Packets (60 packets): $30 $0.50/packet. Storage: Waterproof, airtight container with medical supplies, cool/dry.
Hard Candies (5 lbs): $20 $4/lb. Storage: Airtight containers, cool/dry pantry.
Manual Can Opener (2 units): $10 $5 each.
Portable Camping Stove with Fuel (1 stove, 10 propane canisters): $100 $50 stove, $5/canister.

Subtotal: $770

Basic Medical

Supplies for injuries, illnesses, chronic conditions. Costs reflect comprehensive kits. Storage maintains sterility/potency.

Comprehensive First Aid Kit (1 unit): $50 Includes bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, burn gel. Storage: Waterproof, hard-case container, cool/dry, accessible. Check expiration dates annually.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Ibuprofen (400 tablets, 200 mg): $15 Acetaminophen (400 tablets, 325 mg): $15 Diphenhydramine (100 tablets, 25 mg): $10 Loperamide (48 tablets, 2 mg): $10 Rehydration Salts (20 packets): $15 Storage: Original bottles or airtight containers, cool/dry, with first aid kit. Label expirations, rotate 1–2 years.
Prescription Medications (30-day supply per person): $100 $20/person (estimated). Storage: Original containers, cool/dry, secure, with first aid kit. Rotate before expiration.
Antibiotic Ointment (4 tubes, 1 oz): $20 $5/tube. Storage: With first aid kit, cool/dry, check expirations.
Hydrogen Peroxide (1 quart): $5
Medical Tape (4 rolls): $10 $2.50/roll.
Thermometer (2 units, non-mercury): $20 $10 each.
Tweezers and Scissors (2 sets each): $10 $5/set.
CPR Face Shields (5 units): $15 $3 each.
First Aid Manual (1 copy): $10
Sunscreen (2 bottles, 8 oz, SPF 50): $20 $10/bottle.
Insect Repellent (2 bottles, 8 oz, DEET): $15 $7.50/bottle.

Subtotal: $340

Tools

Durable, multi-purpose tools for shelter, food prep, repairs. No critical storage needs.

Multi-Tool (2 units): $100 Leatherman/Gerber, $50 each.
Fixed-Blade Knife (2 units): $60 $30 each.
Duct Tape (4 rolls, 60 yards): $20 $5/roll.
Paracord (500 feet): $25
Heavy-Duty Tarp (2 units, 10×12 feet): $40 $20 each.
Work Gloves (5 pairs): $25 $5/pair.
Axe (1 unit): $30
Shovel (1 unit, folding): $25
Crowbar (1 unit): $20
Headlamps (5 units, with 15 AAA batteries): $75 $15 each, with batteries.
LED Lantern (2 units, with 12 D batteries): $60 $30 each, with batteries.
Firestarter Kit (2 units): $20 $10 each.
Waterproof Matches (200 count): $10
Sewing Kit (1 unit): $10
Compass (2 units): $20 $10 each.
Local Area Map (1 copy, laminated): $15
Whistle (5 units): $10 $2 each.
Plastic Sheeting (2 rolls, 100 sq ft): $20 $10/roll.
Bucket with Lid (2 units, 5-gallon): $20 $10 each.

Subtotal: $605

Other Essentials

Items for hygiene, safety, morale. Documents require secure storage.

Toilet Paper (60 rolls): $60 $1/roll.
Hand Sanitizer (5 bottles, 8 oz): $25 $5/bottle.
Biodegradable Soap (10 bars): $30 $3/bar.
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste (5 brushes, 3 tubes): $15 $3/brush, $2/tube.
Feminine Hygiene Products (2 boxes, 40 pads/tampons): $20 $10/box.
Trash Bags (100 count, 13-gallon): $20
Disposable Plates and Utensils (150 plates, 150 utensil sets): $30 $15 each.
N95 Masks (50 count): $50 $1/mask.
Rain Ponchos (5 units): $25 $5 each.
Emergency Blankets (5 units): $15 $3 each.
Sleeping Bags (5 units, 0°F rating): $250 $50 each.
Board Games and Books (3 games, 5 books): $50 $10/game, $4/book.
Important Documents (1 waterproof folder): $10 Storage: Waterproof, fireproof safe, accessible location. Include IDs, insurance, medical records, contacts.
Cash ($500, small bills): $500 Storage: Waterproof, fireproof safe with documents, small denominations.
Two-Way Radios (2 units, with 12 AA batteries): $60 $30 each, with batteries.

Subtotal: $1,160

Total Approximate Cost

Grand Total: $3,315