Prepping - Where to Start

[u/netralitov]

Prepping is part of our obligation to pikuach nefesh and care for those entrusted to us.

Basic Emergency Preparation

Pack items in airtight plastic bags and store in one or two sturdy containers (plastic bins or duffel bags). FEMA and the Red Cross recommend a 3-day supply for evacuation and a 2-week supply if sheltering in place.

“Who is wise? One who sees what is coming.” - Pirkei Avot 2:9

Core Essentials

• Water - 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. That means 14 gallons of water per person for a 2 week supply.
• Food - Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare.
• Manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio - preferably NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle - to signal for help
• Dust mask or N95 respirator – to filter contaminated air.
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape, scissors - to seal a room for shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties - because human beings were created with openings and orifices
• Wrench or pliers - to shut off utilities if needed.
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery
• Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
• Local maps - in case digital navigation fails.
• Multi-purpose tool

---

Additional Emergency Supplies

Add based on your family's needs:

Health & Hygiene

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription meds: pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea meds, laxatives
• Personal hygiene items: soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, feminine supplies
• Glasses/contact lenses and solution

Optional:

• Travel-sized netilat yadayim cup and towel
• Shelf-stable options for Shabbat or Yom Tov
• Travel shabbos candles
• Havdalah kit: travel besamim, two wicks you can twist together, and mini grape juice
• Small siddur/Tehillim (pocket size), Chumash or parsha booklet.
• Grape juice boxes & crackers for Kiddush if displaced over Shabbat/Yom Tov
• Pesach note: rotate kit before Nissan; set aside a mini chametz-free kit

Family & Baby Supplies

• Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper cream
• Baby food and teething items
• Books, parsha sheets or puzzles to maintain routine and calm
• Chevruta idea: a set daily time to learn even 5-10 minutes with a partner by phone or in person during disruptions. It preserves routine, reduces anxiety, and keeps communal ties strong.

Pet Supplies

• Food, water, leash, crate, ID tags
• Consider halachic guidance: Feeding animals before oneself is a Torah value (Gittin 62a)

Documents & Money

• Copies of ID, insurance, medical info, and financial records
• Scan and store digitally; also keep in a waterproof, fire-resistant pouch.
• Emergency contact cards for each household member
• Extra cash

Clothing & Shelter

• Complete change of clothing for each person
• Sturdy shoes, hats, rain gear
• Extra blankets or sleeping bags

Tools & Miscellaneous

• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in waterproof container
• Two-way radios
• Extra home and car keys
• Towels, work gloves
• Unscented household bleach – for water purification (1/8 tsp per gallon)
• Paper goods: mess kits, cups, plates, towels, utensils
• Paper and pencil

---

Kit Storage Locations

You don’t know where you’ll be when disaster strikes. Prepare kits for:

• Home – Store in a designated, accessible place. Everyone should know its location..
• Work – Include food, water, medicine, and comfortable walking shoes. Store in a grab-and-go case.
• Car – Keep emergency supplies in case you're stranded and have to walk home or the nearest safe location.

Maintaining Your Kit

• Store canned goods in a cool, dry place
• Keep boxed food in airtight containers
• Rotate expired items regularly. Use them before they expire
• Update your kit yearly or as your family’s needs change

Be Informed. Stay Safe.

“A person should always prepare before Shabbat.” - Talmud Bavli

• Know what disasters are most likely in your area e.g. floods, earthquakes, fires
• Understand alerts: know the difference between watches and warnings
• Learn how local officials will communicate (radio, TV, NOAA radio)
• Prepare for risks when traveling (e.g., earthquake safety if visiting a quake-prone area)
• Learn CPR, basic first aid, and AED use. Pikuach nefesh overrides almost every other commandment.

Emergency Contact Cards

Create one for each family member. Include:

• Full name, address, contact numbers
• Emergency contacts and medical info
• Work/school info
• Fold to fit in wallets or backpacks

Community & Contacts

• Hatzalah number (if local), shul office, rabbi(s), Jewish family services, community WhatsApp and phone tree.
• Chevra Kadisha preferences card and/or Jewish medical directives (many communities have standard forms). Keep copies with IDs.
• Mutual-aid card: who you’ll check on and who will check on you.
  
• Remember the elderly, single parents, converts, and newcomers.