Practical preparedness, checked against primary sources. Built for ordinary U.S. households.Editorial standards →

The PrepHearth Essential List

Complete a household gap check

Write the people covered, planning duration and whether supplies stay at home or travel. Then fill in the table using items and arrangements you actually have. Mark missing information as a gap instead of treating it as ready.

Function Ready quantity or arrangement Location Next action
Safe water Record supply and additional needs Containers and access Calculate or replenish
Usable food Meals and preparation method Pantry or portable subset Fill menu gaps
Light and communication Working devices and power sources Reachable storage Check, charge or replace
Care and sanitation Approved individual arrangements Supplies and instructions Confirm support
Leave or shelter Destination, route and assistance Portable essentials Resolve access

Resolve quantities separately from equipment

Use the quantity worksheet for consumables and the inventory guide for functions. A large battery does not fill a water gap; a stocked pantry does not provide accessible transport.

Assign the next action

Give each unresolved item an owner and date. Actions can be phone calls, maintenance or a destination confirmation as well as purchases. Keep “reported” and “completed” separate.

Use buying guides after the check

Browse the buying guides for identified gaps, then use the storage map and the upkeep record to keep the plan usable.