Prepper’s Cheat-sheets: 20 Safety & Security Items

We all need to worry about safety in this day and age, no matter where we live. Safety has become more critical than ever with the rise in home invasions, natural disasters that were once unheard of, like hurricanes and tornadoes, and the threat of terrorism that feels like it is always present in our lives. With all these things in mind, here are 20 safety & security items every prepper should have!

1. Safety Glasses 

Safety glasses are beneficial for the prepper to have around. Safety glasses can protect your eyes from damage due to flying objects, dust particles, and even chemical spills. Safety glasses come in different shapes/forms according to what you need them for. Safety Glasses can cost $5-$20 depending on quality and brand name.

2. Emergency Fire Starter Safety matches are one of the best ways to start a fire in an emergency. 

Matches can become damp, so it is vital to start a fire in more than one way. Safety matches work great for starting fires, but they still risk being wet with water. It is always wise to have a backup plan, so an emergency fire starter is also essential. Emergency fire starters can cost about $1-$20, depending on where you buy them from.

3. Safety Whistle

Safety whistles are great for helping your family find you in case of an emergency or natural disaster that would cause separation. Safety whistles can be heard over long distances and make a loud enough noise to scare off animals. Safety whistles cost about $1-$20, depending on the material and brand name.

4. Emergency Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Safety is something we all need to worry about in this day and age, no matter where you live. Safety has become more critical than ever with the rise in home invasions, natural disasters that were once unheard of, like hurricanes and tornadoes, and the threat of terrorism that feels like it is always present in our lives.

5. Knife Safety

One way tools are most commonly used for home defense is in the form of a knife. While these weapons can be highly effective, they are also quite dangerous if not handled with care. As Safety Glasses USA points out, "knives are one of the most dangerous weapons to use" when employed improperly or when not adequately safeguarded against accidental cutting. To avoid such an accident, Safety Glasses USA recommends that "when you train with your knife, don't wear jeans and a flannel shirt." Instead, it is best to wear pants and a T-shirt when practicing with knives to move accidentally during the exercise will not result in severe injury or death.

6. A Heavy-Duty Flashlight 

It is pretty much a must. You can even get some that are waterproof or have different modes of use. For example, there are some flashlights with breakaway straps so you can wear them around your wrist while biking at night if need be. Just make sure the one you buy is sturdy and quality-made because otherwise, it will not last you. You can't just rely on your phone to light the way! Make sure you have a good flashlight around.

7. A Radio

An old-fashioned radio is great because it allows you to listen to emergencies broadcasts, official announcements, and the like. But what if you spend most of your day indoors? Sure, you can still listen to music or news on your smartphone, but this isn't as reliable as using a proper radio - smartphones run out of battery, right? A full-sized radio doesn't need batteries to function as long as you have batteries to power it. If you want to go down this route, I suggest that you pick yourself up a Kaito KA888 emergency radio. It's got loads of valuable features like AM/FM, an EL backlight display, and four ways to power it - AC adaptor, solar power, hand-crank, or batteries. It has an LED flashlight as well!

8. A Multi-Tool

The Swiss Army Knife is a classic. Many companies make them, and they all work great for general use. Not only will a high-quality multi-tool provide you with the ability to tighten screws, open cans, cut cordage, whittle sticks or pry things open in an emergency, but it also has a very sturdy pocket. There are many different multi-tools on the market for different prices and uses, but a simple model with pliers and a wire cutter is ideal if you're starting.

9. A Good First Aid Kit

A simple first aid kit with all the essentials can go a long way in tough times. Please make sure you have bandages of varying sizes, antibiotic ointment, sprays for cuts and burns, scissors to get rid of clothing obstructing access to wounds, wound cleaner & disinfectant (iodine-based), pain reliever (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin), band-aids of all sizes and shapes, tweezers to remove splinters or stingers from wounds, latex gloves for emergencies that involve blood or germs, petroleum jelly to help protect your skin from infection in cuts and scrapes, a razor blade to shave hair from around a wound, gauze pads, and gauze rolls, wet wipes to clean the area before washing it with soap and water, an elastic bandage to support injuries or provide compression, heat or cold packs for sprains, swelling & pain relief.

Note: The list above is just a sampling of essential items that should be in your first aid kit.

10. A Fire Extinguisher

It should be the #1 Safety item on your list. I have been in a house that caught fire from a candle being left burning, and there is nothing scarier than trying to escape a burning building as you hear the floorboards begin to crackle and snap behind you as you flee for safety.  In case of an emergency (and you are NOT a firefighter), you should have a fire extinguisher in your home.

Fire Safety needs to be taken very seriously, as fires can quickly spread throughout the house, leaving you with little time to escape without injury. Every Safety and Security kit should include some fire extinguisher, but if you're doing your gear on the cheap, you can find a small one for just $10-$15!

11. Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is a powerful tool for anyone, especially if you have to walk around at night. In general, it takes a considerable amount of time to get the full effect of pepper spray - about 20 minutes. Until then, the spray might not keep an attacker away, so you still need to be cautious. The first seconds after spraying are the most important as the person can still see you. So spray from a distance and then step back. There are different types of pepper spray depending on what kind of attacker they're designed for: animals, humans, etc. Choose according to your needs and environment. You can also buy both or a refillable prescription pepper spray if you have a medical condition.

12. Canned Food 

Even if you don't have space for a pantry, having some canned goods with your emergency supplies is an excellent way to make sure you always have something to eat, even if the power goes out. Look for canned foods that are low-sodium or have no salt added. You can also find canned meats, vegetables, and fruit in their natural juices instead of heavy sauces. If you have young children, keep a stash of kid-friendly canned food on hand as well, like puddings, ravioli without meat sauce, and fruit.

13. Bottled Water 

There are some pretty good reasons to always have bottled water on hand. Not only can it be used for drinking, but you can also use it for cleaning and cooking in a pinch if the power goes out. Don't forget to keep a supply of pet food and supplies, so your furry friends don't go hungry.

14. Pet Safety & Security Items 

Your pets are a valuable part of your family, and they need to be protected during a disaster as well. It's never easy to evacuate with animals in tow, so having all their needs met before an emergency is critical.

Make sure you have the following supplies on hand:

- Humane animal traps (for trapping and moving any pets who refuse to be evacuated)

- Leashes, collars & harnesses

- 5 days worth of food and water dishes for each pet

- Current photos and physical descriptions of your pets in case they get lost after you evacuate. Include contact information, such as address and phone number, on the back of each photo.

- Cat litter/pan for solid waste so you can dispose of it without contaminating your home.

- Current vaccination records, medications, and medical history for your entire household (including pets). Keep some extra supplies in case you need to board them or transport them somewhere after an evacuation.

15. Cash

There may be a point during an emergency when the power is out, and it becomes impossible to use a credit or debit card. Make sure you always have some cash on hand in case that happens.

16. Car Safety Items

In case of an accident, having a first aid kit and flares in the car can go a long way to protecting you and your passengers.

17. Toys

Staying entertained during a crisis can help kids feel calmer and give their minds something to focus on other than the scary situation.

18. Duct Tape

Duct tape is a very versatile material for prepping. It can be used to seal ducts and piping, hang up your food bags, make repairs to clothing and equipment; it even has many uses in first aid situations, to name a few! On top of this, it's incredibly cheap and readily available at most stores. A very versatile material that is extremely useful for first aid purposes as well as many other activities.

19. Batteries

If you are using electronic devices, you will need batteries. Stock up on these now while they are still available and cheap.

20. Bleach

If your water supply is compromised, bleach can purify the water to make it safe for drinking. Bleach also has many other uses ranging from hygiene use to cleaning purposes. It is a must-have item.

Safety Items to Have in the Car

When it comes to safety, we can't be too prepared. Whether you are driving or your home is under attack, we become vulnerable if we don't have certain safety items. Unfortunately, we can not always count on someone else – police, firefighters, EMTs – to protect us. As a prepper and survivor myself, I take great pride in ensuring that I am prepared to handle any situation at hand. Safety is an essential factor for my family and me when we are driving or staying at home.

For this reason, I like to make sure that we have certain safety items in the car at all times:

1. Safety Vest - If you are ever stranded on the side of the road, whether due to a vehicle breakdown or an accident, you will need this vest for your protection. The bright neon colors ensure that other drivers can see you and will not try to hit you.
2. Safety Triangle - Safety triangles are essential for obvious reasons because it lets other drivers know that you have been pulled over on the side of the road. Again, bright neon coloring makes sure that they can see you quickly.
3. Jumper Cables - In the unfortunate event that you get a flat tire, jumper cables are necessary to get back on the road.
4. Tire Iron - This is part of your car's emergency package, though if it doesn't have one make sure you buy a good quality one for emergencies.
5. Tire Pressure Gauge - Safety is always important to keep in mind, especially if you ever get a flat tire. Make sure the car's tires are properly inflated before heading out on your journey.
6. First Aid Kit - Safety is essential for everyone no matter where they are, including if you are traveling. Make sure you have the proper first aid kit for home, travel, or work.
7. Emergency Blanket - Safety is critical to plan for your safety in case of an accident. Having an emergency blanket can save your life by keeping you warm in cold weather problems.
8. Safety Goggles. Safety Goggles Safety goggles safeguard your eyes from flying debris, dust, and other airborne particles. It would help if you had a pair for each member of the family.
9. Safety Gloves. Safety Gloves Safety gloves will allow you to work with tools that may be sharp or abrasive without inflicting wounds on yourself. They also protect you from coming in contact with hazardous chemicals. Safety gloves come in two basic types: puncture-resistant and cut-resistant. Which is best depends on what you're planning to be doing. If your plans require cutting, go for cut-resistant gloves; if they involve working with sharp objects or tools that may leave shards behind, then go for puncture-resistant. Safety gloves are available in cotton, leather, and rubber, so your choice depends on your needs, preferences, and budget.
10. Safety Apron. A simple apron will keep you clean when you're working with messy equipment or chemicals. There is some evidence that wearing an apron may protect you from getting sick. Safety Apron Safety Goggles
11. Hand Sanitizer. Hand Sanitizer Your hands can quickly become a medium for spreading infection when you're working with a patient in a professional capacity or if someone at home is ill. Hand sanitizers will help sterilize your hands and stop the spread of germs. Hand Sanitizer
12. Safety Boots. Safety Boots Safety boots are the ideal footwear for construction sites where falling objects or other hazardous materials pose a risk. They also protect against chemicals, nails, and other sharp objects. Safety Boots
13. Safety Shoe Covers. Safety Booties Safety boot covers look like flimsy thin plastic bags that slide easily into your shoes, but they are designed to be extremely tough and puncture-resistant. Safety Shoe Covers Safety Booties
14. Safety Hats. Safety hats protect your head from falling objects just as safety helmets do. Safety Hats Safety Gloves Safety Goggles Safety Apron Hand Sanitizer Safety Boots Safety Shoe Covers Safety Hat.
15. N95 Masks. It's a good idea to have several boxes of these, as most people will not prepare without one. They come in little packets that you can store, and very few places carry them for PREPAREDNESS. If they do — buy out the stock — they may not be available post SHTF.

Safety and security are essential considerations for any prepper. These 20 Safety & Security Items will help you get started on your safety and peace of mind, whether it's a home invasion or an EMP attack that has you concerned. From pepper spray to self-defense gloves, these items can be the difference between living in fear or feeling secure during trying times. If this list is too long or short for what you need, don't worry!

Browse through our Safety & Security Items today if you want some reassurance that no matter how bad things might seem at first glance, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself from danger while still striving to live everyday life.