1. Water before gadgets
Store one gallon per person per day, then add a way to treat more. A four-person household needs at least 12 gallons for three days.
- Food-grade containers
- A gravity or squeeze filter
- Unscented treatment option
- Spare gaskets and caps
2. Power the true essentials
List the devices you cannot reasonably go without. Refrigeration, medical equipment, communication, task lighting, and a fan usually matter more than powering the whole house.
3. Food you already understand
Build around shelf-stable food your household will eat. Add a safe cooking method, manual can opener, and enough water for preparation.