Shelter in Place Plan

My picks

The products I link to most across the site, grouped by what they're for, each with a plain reason drawn from the maker's own specs.

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I put this page together so you don't have to dig through every guide to find the gear. I haven't tested these products, and nothing here is a review. I picked each one from what its maker publishes, matched to what official preparedness guidance says a household needs. You may already own a lot of it, so check your cupboards first.

The buttons go to the store for the country you've chosen at the top of the page. Prices change, so I don't show them. How I choose products.

Storage first, then a way to treat water if the tap stops being safe.

Water

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  • Water storage container, 7 gal / 26 L

    Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container

    A rigid 7 gal (26 L) container sold for drinking water storage, so one jug covers several person-days.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Water filter rated for bacteria and protozoa

    Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System

    Sawyer rates this filter at 0.1 absolute micron and states that bacteria, protozoa and cysts cannot pass through it.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Water filter rated for bacteria and protozoa

    LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

    A straw-style filter that needs no power, sold by LifeStraw for hiking, travel and emergency preparedness.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets, 30 Count

    A small chemical backup to a filter that stores easily; follow the dose and contact time on the label.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Aquatabs 334 mg Water Treatment Tablets, 30-Pack

    The Amazon.ca listing cites NSF/ANSI/CAN 60, and each tablet is sold for treating 20 L, so it suits larger containers; follow the label.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

Read first:How much water for two weeksWater filters comparedTreating water

Ready-made buckets, and the bulk staples and packing supplies to do it yourself.

Food storage

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  • ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply Entree Bucket, 60 Servings

    A single bucket of pre-portioned meals; the listing states a shelf life of up to 25 years, which suits food you buy once and store.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Mountain House Classic Meal Assortment Bucket, 24 Servings

    Mountain House backs its meals with a 30-year taste guarantee when stored unopened and kept out of prolonged heat above 75°F (24°C).

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Rice, pasta or oats

    Long-grain white rice, 20 lb (9 kg) bag

    Plain white rice in a large bag; USDA FSIS lists rice and dried pasta at 2 years in a cool, dry place.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Rice, pasta or oats

    Old-fashioned rolled oats, large bag

    Rolled oats can be soaked instead of cooked, as in the soaked oats recipe on this site.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Dried beans, 20 to 25 lb (9 to 11 kg) bag

    University of Missouri Extension puts dry beans in its cool, dry storage group, 32 to 50°F (0 to 10°C); they need soaking and cooking.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • 1 gal mylar food storage bags with oxygen absorbers

    Sold for sealing dry foods such as rice and beans; follow the seller's instructions for absorber size and heat sealing.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • 5 gal (19 L) food-grade bucket with Gamma Seal screw-on lid

    A screw-on lid that opens and reseals by hand, for rice, beans or oats; buy buckets sold as food-grade.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

Read first:Emergency food storage comparedPantry staples that keep a yearFood by calories

Battery stations for quiet indoor power, solar to refill them, and generators for outdoor use only, with a CO alarm.

Carbon monoxide warning. Generators give off carbon monoxide, which can kill within minutes. Run one outdoors only, at least 20 ft (6 m) from doors, windows and vents, never in a garage or basement, and keep a battery CO alarm inside.

Power and generators

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  • Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station, 1070Wh

    A 1070 Wh LiFePO4 unit with 1500 W AC output, sized for running small appliances through an outage with no fumes indoors.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station, 1024Wh

    A 1024 Wh LiFePO4 unit with 1800 W AC output that can be expanded with an extra battery if a household needs more.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Folding solar panel for a power bank or station

    EcoFlow 220W Bifacial Portable Solar Panel

    EcoFlow lists 220 W front and 175 W rear rating, 21.5 V open-circuit voltage, IP68 and about 15.4 lb (7.0 kg).

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Folding solar panel for a power bank or station

    Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

    Jackery lists 200 W peak, 22 V open-circuit voltage, IP68 and 14.33 lb (6.5 kg), made for its Explorer stations.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Portable generator, outdoor use only

    Champion 201531 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator with CO Shield

    Champion lists 3,250 running watts on gasoline (2,925 on propane), 64 dBA at 23 ft, and CO Shield, which shuts the engine off at unsafe CO levels.

    Check prices and optionsat Home DepotCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Portable generator, outdoor use only

    Westinghouse iGen4500DFcv Dual Fuel Inverter Generator with CO Sensor

    Westinghouse lists 3,700 running watts on gasoline (3,330 on propane), up to 18 hours at 25% load, and automatic CO shutdown.

    Check prices and optionsat Tractor SupplyCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Phone power bank

    Anker Power Bank, 20,000mAh, Built-In USB-C Cable

    A 20,000 mAh pack holds several phone charges and has its own cable, so one less thing to find in the dark.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm

    Kidde KN-COB-B-LP Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Battery Operated

    Kidde lists it as UL Listed with an electrochemical sensor, and it runs on 3 AA batteries so it keeps working in a power outage.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCanadian link coming soon

  • Battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm

    Kidde C3010 Worry-Free Carbon Monoxide Alarm, 10-Year Sealed Battery

    Kidde lists its Canadian C3010-CA as CSA Listed with an electrochemical sensor and a sealed lithium battery, so it keeps working in an outage; check the listing shows the CSA mark before buying.

    US link coming soonCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

Read first:Generator vs power stationPortable generators for home backupSolar panels for a power stationGenerator safety

A headlamp for each person, a lantern for the room, and spare batteries. Flashlights, not candles.

Light

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Read first:Solar and battery lights comparedLighting in an outage

A manual can opener, and a camp stove for outdoor use only.

Carbon monoxide warning. Camp stoves and grills give off carbon monoxide. Use them outdoors only, never in a home, garage, tent or covered porch.

Cooking

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  • Manual can opener

    OXO Good Grips Lock & Go Can Opener

    A manual opener that works without power and has locking arms that hold the can while you turn.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Camp stove, outdoor use only

    Coleman Classic 2-Burner Propane Camp Stove

    A two-burner propane stove for cooking through an outage; use it outdoors only, never indoors or in a garage, because it produces carbon monoxide.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

Read first:Cooking without powerFood that lasts without a fridge

The short list from official kit lists: shutoff wrench, multi-tool, tape, tarp, radio and a fire extinguisher.

Tools and safety

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  • Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

    Leatherman lists 18 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers and a can opener, at 8.5 oz.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Wrench or pliers to shut off utilities

    Ready America 4-in-1 Gas and Water Shutoff Tool

    Ready America says it shuts off gas and water, pries open doors and digs through debris, in a non-sparking alloy.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Duct tape, scissors and plastic sheeting

    Duct tape, heavy-duty roll

    Ready.gov lists duct tape, with plastic sheeting and scissors, in its basic kit for sheltering in place.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Heavy-duty waterproof tarp

    A thick tarp can cover a broken window or roof leak for a short time until a professional repair.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Battery or hand-crank radio, with NOAA Weather Radio

    Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio

    Runs from multiple power sources including a hand crank, and receives NOAA weather channels with alert.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Battery or hand-crank radio, with NOAA Weather Radio

    Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW Weather Alert Radio

    Has solar, hand-crank and other power options plus a flashlight and reading lamp.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Fire extinguisher

    First Alert HOME1 Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher, 1-A:10-B:C

    First Alert lists a 1-A:10-B:C rating for wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquid and electrical fires, with a mounting bracket.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Kidde 20SD10 DETECT 10-Year Battery Powered Smoke Alarm

    A battery-powered alarm that keeps working when the power is out; Kidde describes the 10 years as a limited warranty on the alarm, and its Canadian version is ULC Listed.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

Read first:Tools worth having for outagesShutting off utilitiesHome fire safety

A stocked first aid kit, a backup toilet, and warmth if the heat goes out.

First aid and hygiene

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  • First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and gloves

    First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit

    A soft-sided kit with a broad mix of common supplies for home use; check contents and replace used items.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes and gloves

    Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit

    Sized by the maker for 2 people for 2 days and includes a guide book for when you can't get information online.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • 5 gal / 19 L bucket with a lid

    Reliance Luggable Loo Portable 5 Gallon Toilet with Snap-On Lid

    A 5 gal (19 L) bucket toilet with a seat and snap-on lid, for when the toilet can't be flushed.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Reliance Double Doodie Toilet Waste Bags, 6-Pack

    Sealable waste bags made for portable toilet use, for when plumbing is out.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • SOL 90% Heat Reflective Heavy Duty Emergency Blanket

    A compact reflective blanket that the maker rates at 90% heat reflection, useful as a low-cost layer in a home without heat.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

Read first:First aid kitHygiene without running water

Seeds, sprouting jars and containers for a small, steady supply of fresh food.

Grow your own

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  • True Leaf Market Organic Heirloom Variety - 16 Pack

    True Leaf Market states all 16 varieties, including beet, carrot, kale, lettuce, snap pea and tomato, are non-GMO, open-pollinated and heirloom.

    Check prices and optionsat True Leaf MarketCanadian link coming soon

  • True Leaf Market Garlic Bulbs - Fall - Hardneck - German Red

    Sold as a fall pre-order expected to ship in October, 3 bulbs per bag; True Leaf cannot ship it to Hawaii, Idaho, Washington or Puerto Rico.

    Check prices and optionsat True Leaf MarketCanadian link coming soon

  • Handy Pantry Premium Jar Sprouting Kit

    Three glass jars with strainer lids and ten 4 oz bags of seed sold for sprouting.

    Check prices and optionsat True Leaf MarketCanadian link coming soon

  • 1020 seed-starting trays

    Utah State Extension uses 1020 trays for microgreens; one with drainage holes inside one without lets you bottom-water.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat West Coast Seeds

  • LED grow light for seedlings and microgreens

    For a dim window; Utah State Extension suggests a timer set to 18 hours on and 6 hours off for microgreens.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat West Coast Seeds

  • Potting mix, large bag

    Oregon State Extension advises potting mix rather than garden soil in containers because it is light and drains well.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

  • Fabric grow bags, 5 gal (19 L), multi-pack

    Oregon State Extension gives 5-gallon containers for tomatoes, peppers and eggplant, in any container that drains well.

    Check prices and optionsat Amazon.comCheck prices and optionsat Amazon.ca

Read first:Sprouts and microgreens in 7 daysA balcony garden in potsHow much to plant for a family