5 Critical Emergency Preps Every Family Should Have (With Ham Radio Tips!)

Emergencies come in all forms—power outages, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, supply chain failures, and even cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. Being prepared isn’t about paranoia—it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re new to prepping or you’ve been ready for years, this guide will help you strengthen your family’s emergency plan by covering five key categories every household should focus on.

And as a licensed ham operator, I’ll also show you how amateur radio can be a crucial piece of your preparedness puzzle.

1. Water Storage and Purification

Water is life. You can survive weeks without food but only a few days without clean water. FEMA recommends at least one gallon of water per person, per day—just for drinking and hygiene. For a family of four, that’s 12 gallons for just a 3-day emergency. Most preppers aim for at least two weeks of water storage.

• Storage Tip: Use BPA-free, stackable containers like the Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon to save space and maintain water quality.
• Filtration Options: Keep personal filters like the Sawyer Mini and gravity-fed systems like the LifeStraw Family in your bug-out bag and vehicle kits.
• Bonus Prep: Store water purification tablets and unscented bleach as backup methods.

2. Food Storage That’s Built to Last

Food shortages can happen fast. In a crisis, grocery store shelves can be empty in hours. Build your food supply in layers—start with two weeks of shelf-stable canned goods and expand to 30 days or more. Include a mix of canned meats, beans, rice, pasta, powdered milk, and long-term freeze-dried meals.

• Rotation Tip: Mark expiration dates and rotate older cans into your weekly meals to prevent waste.
• Cooking Backup: Invest in a propane stove or rocket stove so you’re not relying on the grid.
• Learn More: See our guide on The Best Long-Term Food for Preppers.

3. Reliable Emergency Communications

When cell towers go down, landlines are out, and the internet is unreachable, ham radio steps in. Amateur radio operators have been providing emergency communications for decades, and it remains one of the most effective tools in a grid-down scenario.

Every prepper should have at least one handheld ham radio, even if unlicensed (for now). Ideally, someone in your family should study for and pass the Technician exam to become legally operational before an emergency hits. It’s easier than you think—especially if you use our Technician Exam Prep Guide.

• Get Started: Our full review of the Baofeng UV-5R shows why it’s the top choice for beginners on a budget.
• Step Up Your Game: Mobile rigs like the Yaesu FTM-510DR are perfect for base stations or vehicles.
• Stay Connected: Program essential emergency frequencies and store them in your radios in advance.

Don’t forget: Join your local ARES group or check into local nets to get familiar with radio traffic and emergency protocols.

4. Backup Power: Keep the Lights (and Radios) On

Electricity is often the first thing to go during a disaster. Having multiple ways to generate and store power ensures you can charge radios, flashlights, medical gear, and even laptops. Start with small solar banks and scale up to battery boxes or solar generators as your budget allows.

• Starter Option: A solar battery pack with USB output can power your phone or handheld radio for days.
• Portable Power: Consider a Jackery or Bluetti power station paired with a folding solar panel.
• DIY Enthusiast? Build a custom battery box with Anderson Powerpoles (a tutorial is coming soon to KI5QHC.com).

5. First Aid and Medical Self-Reliance

In an emergency, hospitals may be overcrowded—or unavailable altogether. Your kit should go well beyond basic band-aids. Build out your medical supplies with trauma gear, OTC meds, prescription backups, and manuals for off-grid care.

• Must-Have Items: Include a tourniquet, Israeli bandages, SAM splints, and a blood stopper agent like Celox.
• Training: Take a Stop the Bleed or CERT course in your area. When seconds count, you’ll be glad you did.
• Offline Library: Download or print emergency medicine guides like “Where There Is No Doctor.”

Final Thoughts

Preparedness isn’t about hoarding—it’s about helping your family stay safe, calm, and connected when normal life is disrupted. Start with these five pillars and build outward. You don’t have to do everything overnight. One item, one skill, one step at a time.

For more hands-on guidance, gear reviews, and comms tips, visit KI5QHC.com. And if you haven’t already, read our latest post on how to set up a simple field comms station.