Food
You'll want to have a stash of nonperishable food that’s easy to prepare and, dare I say, tasty. This is not the time to experiment with recipes that call for 20 ingredients you’ve never heard of. Think simple, comforting, shelf-stable and family-friendly (your family).Canned goods: Beans, soups, veggies, fruits, stew, chili. Let me stress again: store foods your family is happy to eat now—things you regularly purchase and happily eat.
Pasta and rice: Both are great base options. Pair them with canned or jarred sauce, and you’ve got dinner. Pro tip: Precook some pasta and rice, freeze it, and just heat when needed if you have power.
Peanut butter (or any nut butter): Not only does it last nearly forever, but it’s packed with protein and doesn’t need refrigeration. Also, no judgment if you just grab a spoon and dig in.
Granola bars, trail mix, and crackers: Think snacks but also calorie-packed options that keep you fueled without requiring cooking.
Powdered milk: This might sound a little 1950s, but it works. A splash of it can make you feel a bit more normal when cereal becomes dinner on day 10.
Water
This is not the time to cut corners. The rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day, which covers drinking, cooking, and a little bit of washing up. You’re going to need at least 14 gallons per person for two weeks. Bottled water is easy to store, but make sure you check the expiration date. Yes, water has an expiration date that relates to plastic breakdown and potential contamination. Store your bottled water in a cool, dark place, and rotate through it periodically. If you find a bottle that’s a few years past its “expiration date,” don’t panic—it’s probably still fine, but maybe just crack open a fresh one for good measure.Power and Light
Flashlights are your best friend when the power’s out. You know what isn’t? That drawer full of dead batteries. You need more flashlights than you think, and lots of batteries.Solar or hand-crank chargers for your phone: Because, let’s be real, scrolling through cat videos or looking up “how to make a solar oven” will help keep your sanity.
First Aid
When someone inevitably trips over the cat in the dark or gets a mysterious splinter from who knows where, you'll be glad you prepped a basic first aid kit.Band-Aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers—all the usual suspects.
Prescription meds: Make sure you’ve got at least a two-week supply of any necessary medications. Now’s not the time to run out of anything important.
Hygiene
Two weeks is a long time to go without a shower, especially if you’re cooped up with family. Keep hygiene in mind so everyone doesn’t start daydreaming about how nice it would be to live alone in the wilderness.Toilet paper: Stock up. Trust me. You don’t want a repeat of early 2020.
Hand sanitizer and soap: For when the water is precious and the germs are many.
Comfort Items
After day five of board games and “just for fun” pushup contests, everyone’s going to need a little something to stay sane.Books, puzzles, and games: Distraction is key. Have a stash of things that don’t require power. No, you cannot spend two weeks on your phone unless you want to drain that battery in two hours flat.
Blankets and warm clothes: If the power’s out, it can get cold—cozy up and pretend you’re camping, even if it’s in your own living room.