East Lansing, Michigan

Prepper's Guide

The Ultimate Emergency Checklist

Find vital supplies around East Lansing

Be it a global pandemic or extreme weather event, it can be difficult if not impossible to predict when disaster will strike. Even if you are a seasoned survivalist. If an emergency situation should occur in East Lansing, MI, it is imperative that you have a plan in place for your household.

The best place to start in formulating an emergency plan is with a checklist.

In the event that East Lansing loses power, you aren't able to leave your home, or someone in your group falls ill or gets injured, a properly-equipped household will help avoid further inflaming the situation.

Here is a list of all the essential items to have on your emergency checklist.

Go to top

Toolkit and Emergency Supplies:

From duct tape to extra batteries, you never know what kind of simple tools and equipment you might need. Here are some things you should always have in your home:

  • Multi-tool - A multi-purpose tool is a must in an emergency as it minimizes the amount of supplies you'll need. The Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool includes: premium steel knife blade, pliers, wire cutters, bottle opener, and a large bit driver.

  • Sharpal 6-in-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener - In addition to being a useful and effective knife sharpener, this Sharpal tool also includes a fire starter and emergency whistle.
  • Duct tape - When in doubt, use duct tape. Duct tape can be a life saver in a whole multitude of situations. Order a roll of Duck Max Strength duct tape for heavy-duty hold.
  • Paracord - You might not realize it but having a strong piece of rope is a key item to add to your emergency toolkit. The Titan SurvivorCord paracord can be used for anything from hanging laundry to walking the dog.

  • Monofilament fishing line - This isn't just used for reeling in dinner. Fishing line can be used in a first aid kit, to repair clothing or as a tie for building a shelter. Berkley Super Strong Trilene Fishing Line is sturdy and affordable.
  • Emergency candles - During emergency situations, there's always a chance you'll lose power. Sterno's 115+ Hour Candle is long burning and efficient. You never know how long you'll need an alternative source of light.
  • Matches - When power is lost and your lighters are low on butane, have a backup plan. Purchase a box of GreenLight Diamond Strike matches.
  • Fire-starting kit - If you are without a heat source, being able to build a fire is an imperative skill. Make the process hassle-free with the Friendly Swede Easy-Grip Firestarter.
  • Emergency tinder - As a backup, stock up on other fire-starting resources. Campers swear by Coghlan's Emergency Tinder.

  • Magnifying glass - It may sound gimmicky but with the proper technique, a magnifying glass can help you get a fire started. The Carson MagniFlip is heralded by survivalists and is also great for reading, close inspection, and a variety of other tasks.
  • Extra batteries - For the items in your home that run on battery power, make sure you have backups. AmazonBasics makes all varieties of batteries at a fair price.
  • Rescue signals/signaling mirror - If you are ever lost in a remote area, an emergency signal to notify passers-by of your whereabouts will come in handy. The UST See-Me Waterproof LED Emergency Light will hold up in tough conditions, is visible for nearly 3.5 miles on a dark (and clear) night, and provides light for up to 17 hours.
  • Whistle - A no-fail way to signal someone. The Shoreline Marine Safety Whistle is loud, easy to find if lost because of its bright orange coloration, and will work in wet or dry conditions.
  • LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - Don’t ever go without water. This lightweight and packable product from Lifestraw can filter 1,000 gallons of water, removing bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. If you find yourself without clean water to drink, this product could save your life.

  • Water purification tablets - Access to clean, safe-to-drink water is of utmost importance. If you don't have clean water to drink, the Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets will make unclean water suitable to drink within 35 minutes.

  • Safety pins - Safety pins aren't just something to let accumulate at the bottom of your junk drawer. Add the Officepal safety pins to your survival kit for clothing repair and first aid.
  • Large tarp - If you are at risk of exposure out in the wilderness, a proper tarp could save your life. Tarps make for an excellent shelter and can protect your gear from the elements. The B-Air Grizzly Tarp is lightweight but extremely durable making it a great, packable option for emergencies.
  • Space blanket - When things get chilly, wrap yourself up in an emergency blanket. The ANMEILU Emergency Thermal Blanket helps prevent hypothermia by locking in 90% of your body's heat. In extreme sun, the blanket can provide life-saving reflection.
  • Rain/winter jacket - Weather conditions can change on a dime and you can never predict when they'll be working against you. Make sure you always have a suitable jacket. Columbia has an impressive selection of waterproof rain jackets for men and women that are made with high-quality materials and will get the job done (without breaking the bank).
  • Emergency poncho - Don't rely solely on your rain jacket. Ponchos are highly packable and reliable in the event of a downpour. Buy a pack of FROGG TOGGS ponchos for your whole group.
  • Trekking poles - If you're caught in a sticky situation on the hiking trails, you might need some support. Montem Trekking Poles will provide you that extra stability.
  • LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - Don’t ever go without water. This lightweight and packable product from Lifestraw can filter 1,000 gallons of water, removing bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. If you find yourself without clean water to drink, this product could save your life.


If you have any other life-saving survivalist supplies that you swear by, comment below and we might add it to our list:

Find Hardware Stores Near You
Enter City / State or Zip code below

Find Hardware Stores Near You

{"keyword":"Tools Retail","title":"Find Hardware Stores Near You","prompt":"Find Hardware Stores Near You","show":3,"list-insert":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","radius":null,"limit":15,"page":1,"sef":"","tags":"","tags_logical":"","terms":"","show_limit":3,"sort":"","days":"","images":true,"max-days":365,"max-miles":45,"message":"[message to follow]","min":50,"height":"","width":"","data_id":"","more":true,"type":"","autoshowmore":false,"link":"","showdesc":"","rankby":"","empty-message":"","ad_slots":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","see-more-title":"","searchdate":"","searchenddate":"","lat":42.735198974609375,"lng":-84.48380279541016,"latlng":"42.735198974609,-84.48380279541","city":"East Lansing","state":"MI","theme":"","page_type":"town"}
loading...
Go to top

Food Checklist:

If you are unable to leave your home or advised not to, make sure you have enough food stocked up to last you for at least a few weeks. Canned and non-perishable foods are cabinet essentials, as well as non-meat sources of protein. Here's our list (and make sure you have a can opener!):

  • Canned meats (tuna, chicken)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, peas, carrots)
  • Longer-lasting vegetables (sweet potatoes, squash)
  • Canned fruits (berries, pears, peaches)
  • Canned soups
  • Canned juices
  • Peanut butter
  • Jams and jellies
  • Salt, pepper, spices, and herbs
  • Condiments
  • Crackers

  • Dried fruits
  • Nuts and trail mix
  • Cereals and oatmeal
  • Protein and granola bars
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Longer-lasting milks (oat milk, cashew milk, almond milk)
  • Electrolyte drinks (Gatorade, Powerade)
  • Coffee and tea
  • Baby food (if needed)
  • Comfort food (snacks and sweets)

Find Grocery Stores Near You
Enter City / State or Zip code below

Find Grocery Stores Near You

{"keyword":"Grocery Stores Supermarket","title":"Find Grocery Stores Near You","prompt":"Find Grocery Stores Near You","show":3,"list-insert":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","radius":null,"limit":15,"page":1,"sef":"","tags":"","tags_logical":"","terms":"","show_limit":3,"sort":"","days":"","images":true,"max-days":365,"max-miles":45,"message":"[message to follow]","min":50,"height":"","width":"","data_id":"","more":true,"type":"","autoshowmore":false,"link":"","showdesc":"","rankby":"","empty-message":"","ad_slots":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","see-more-title":"","searchdate":"","searchenddate":"","lat":42.735198974609375,"lng":-84.48380279541016,"latlng":"42.735198974609,-84.48380279541","city":"East Lansing","state":"MI","theme":"","page_type":"town"}
loading...
Go to top

Pro Tip: Hunting for food

An alternative way to keep your freezer filled with protein is to go hunting.

North American game ranges from whitetail deer to wild hogs, so there isn't any shortage of high-quality meat to be hunted. Be sure to consult Michigan's hunting regulations, permit requirements, and seasonal schedule before stepping afield.

Hunting your own meat is also a sustainable and health-conscious way to feed your family. Wild game is fully unprocessed and isn't loaded with antibiotics, so you know you are getting fresh and nutritionally-rich protein. Skipping out on the factory-farmed meats is also a lot more eco-friendly.

When the meat section is cleared-out during crisis, you can have the peace of mind that your freezer is full.


Find Gun Stores & Resources Near East Lansing
Enter City / State or Zip code below

Find Gun Stores & Resources Near East Lansing

{"keyword":"Guns Ammunition Dealer","title":"Find Gun Stores & Resources Near East Lansing","prompt":"Find Gun Stores & Resources Near East Lansing","show":3,"list-insert":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","radius":null,"limit":15,"page":1,"sef":"","tags":"","tags_logical":"","terms":"","show_limit":3,"sort":"","days":"","images":true,"max-days":365,"max-miles":45,"message":"[message to follow]","min":50,"height":"","width":"","data_id":"","more":true,"type":"","autoshowmore":false,"link":"","showdesc":"","rankby":"","empty-message":"","ad_slots":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","see-more-title":"","searchdate":"","searchenddate":"","lat":42.735198974609375,"lng":-84.48380279541016,"latlng":"42.735198974609,-84.48380279541","city":"East Lansing","state":"MI","theme":"","page_type":"town"}
loading...
Go to top

First Aid Kit:

If someone in your group falls ill or gets injured, have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. Your kit should include:

  • Bandages of various sizes
  • Gauze
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Triple antibiotic ointment
  • Tweezers
  • Disposable gloves
  • Burn/sting relief ointment
  • Aspirin

The Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit includes the majority of our recommended emergency supplies. You, or someone in your group, could get injured in a dangerous situation. To clean up and correctly dress wounds, you will need gauze, antiseptic wipes or antibiotic ointments, and properly-sized bandages. If someone gets a splinter or a tick, you're going to need tweezers. And make sure you're doing all of your wound care while wearing a pair of disposable gloves to avoid contact with germs, blood, or other bodily fluids.

Go to top

Medication:

Make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked. Having the necessary medication for all members of your household can help avoid a potentially disastrous health event.

  • NSAIDS (Motrin, Advil) - Always have these in case you or a member of your household is dealing with pain of any kind such as headaches, cramping or injury.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - A fever can be deadly. Keep fever-reducers and pain relievers like Tylenol on hand in case someone in your group develops an illness such as the flu.
  • Cough medicine (DayQuil, Robitussin) - Having a cough-suppressing medication available will help alleviate symptoms.
  • Antihistamines (Zyrtec) - An allergic reaction can mean life or death for some. Antihistamines will provide relief.
  • Thermometer (iProven Thermometer) - A pivotal tool. Monitor a person's illness by regularly checking their temperature until it returns to normal.

Find Pharmacies Near You
Enter City / State or Zip code below

Find Pharmacies Near You

{"keyword":"Pharmacy","title":"Find Pharmacies Near You","prompt":"Find Pharmacies Near You","show":3,"list-insert":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","radius":null,"limit":15,"page":1,"sef":"","tags":"","tags_logical":"","terms":"","show_limit":3,"sort":"","days":"","images":true,"max-days":365,"max-miles":45,"message":"[message to follow]","min":50,"height":"","width":"","data_id":"","more":true,"type":"","autoshowmore":false,"link":"","showdesc":"","rankby":"","empty-message":"","ad_slots":"CV - Ad Event-Place Module-1|4,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-2|8,CV - Ad Event-Place Module-3|12","see-more-title":"","searchdate":"","searchenddate":"","lat":42.735198974609375,"lng":-84.48380279541016,"latlng":"42.735198974609,-84.48380279541","city":"East Lansing","state":"MI","theme":"","page_type":"town"}
loading...
Go to top

Recent Prepper News

I’m a doomsday prepper — here’s everything you need to know about surviving a catastrophic event

“The Costco prepper kits might help you survive, but we want the population to ‘surthrive’ and that will require more than just a box full of pasta and beans,” Nelson said. In the event of ... More info »

New York Post - 03/14/2024 05:39am

Where is your polling place for the 2024 Michigan primary? How to know where to vote.

(CBS DETROIT) - With the presidential primary on Tuesday, Michigan officials urge voters to make sure they have everything needed to vote, especially where they're going to vote. Here's what to ... More info »

CBS News - 02/25/2024 10:59pm

Michigan Sports Betting: Best Legal Michigan Sportsbooks

In December 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed off on the Lawful Gaming Act, which allowed nearly every type of online gambling provider in the state to apply for a license. More info »

Covers - 03/15/2024 12:37am

Michigan jury returns to decide fate of school shooter's father in deaths of 4 students

A jury in Michigan resumed deliberations Thursday in a trial that will determine whether another parent will be held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting committed by a teenage son ... More info »

KMBC Kansas City - 03/14/2024 03:50am

Michigan Minute

March 13, 2024 • 1872: After 25 years with a temporary location for our seat of government, MI Governor Baldwin calls for new Capitol Building to be built. Elijah E. Myers of Springfield ... More info »

NPR - 03/12/2024 12:00pm

Best Michigan Sports Betting Apps in March 2024 - Up to $3,350 in Bonus Offers

Using our Covers BetSmart Rating, we've thoroughly evaluated all aspects of the 13 Michigan online sportsbooks, from welcome bonuses to unique sports betting app features; all to provide the ... More info »

Covers - 03/15/2024 02:12am

Michigan Lottery Results

In Michigan, two tickets sold won $10,000 in the drawing. That was the largest prize won in the state. Friday night’s numbers draw will feature a $792 million Mega Millions jackpot, and you ... More info »

MLive - 03/11/2024 12:00pm

Best Solar Companies In Michigan Of 2024

Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Thanks to a new solar parking lot at Michigan State University that’s expected to generate millions in revenue to a growing solar ... More info »

Forbes - 03/14/2024 12:11pm

ESPN BET Michigan Promo Code NYPOST: Make Any Sportsbook Bet, Get $150

Michigan has become a bustling hub for sports enthusiasts and betting aficionados alike, as the state’s sports betting industry continues to gain remarkable momentum. And now an even bigger ... More info »

New York Post - 03/15/2024 04:18am

Michigan jury to decide fate of school shooter's father in deaths of 4 students

A jury in Michigan was set to resume deliberations Thursday in a trial that will determine whether another parent will be held criminally responsible for a mass school shooting committed by a ... More info »

WPBF - 03/14/2024 01:10am
Type in your Search Keyword(s) and Press Enter...