Emergency Preparedness Step 6

Gear Up Without Losing Your Cool

Because charging your phone with a potato isn’t a plan.

Emergency-Preparedness-Power-Preps-Phase-2-Chicken-Little-Preps

Step 4  >  Step 5  >  Step 6

Gear Up Without Losing Your Cool

You’ve stocked food, planned ahead, and packed a solid first aid kit. Now it’s time to level up with the gear that keeps your home running (or at least humming) when things go sideways.

This step is all about smart, sanity-saving emergency gear: back-up power, off-grid cooking, lighting, water filtration, and more.

Don’t worry—we’re not filling the garage with night-vision goggles. Just giving you the practical, modern gear that makes tough situations easier.

Why This Step Matters

In a power outage, natural disaster, or bug-in situation, the right gear helps you stay safe, sane, and semi-comfortable.
It’s also what lets you help others—by charging a neighbor’s phone, boiling water, or just offering light when the candles burn out.

You don’t need everything all at once. Start with the basics and build up as budget allows.

Download Printable Checklist

Heads up! Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy something—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the lights on (literally, in case of a power outage) and most importantly helps us spread the word that prepping can be simple and fun! Thank you for supporting our mission here at Chicken Little Preps.

Emergency Preparedness Gear

Backup Power (Stay Lit, Stay Connected)

When the lights go out, a little power goes a long way.

Start Small (and plan for multiples):

Then Level Up (as budget allows):

💡 Cluck-Worthy Tip: Store all charged devices and batteries together in one “power kit” so you’re not scrambling.

Water Storage & Filtration (Don’t Forget the Basics)

Don’t Forget a Way to Cook

If the power’s out, you’ll need a backup cooking method:

Other Gear That’s Good to Have

This isn’t your end-of-the-world pile—just genuinely helpful gear that makes any emergency easier.

  • Duct tape (because it fixes everything)

  • Rope or paracord

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Tarp or plastic sheeting

  • Space blankets or emergency bivy

  • Sleeping bags

  • Basic toolkit (hammer, wrench, pliers, screwdriver)

  • Extension cords and power strips

  • Gloves, masks, and protective eyewear

  • Camp Sink/Plastic Tub
  • Camp Table/Chairs

Make a Simple Inventory

Keep it casual: just jot down what you have, what you need, and maybe a few “nice-to-haves” for later. You can use:

Download Printable Checklist
Emergency-Preparedness-Step-1-Get-Organized-Checklist

Gear Up, But Stay Grounded

Don’t get overwhelmed by gear lists online. You don’t need to build a tactical prepper fortress.

Just focus on comfort, communication, and cooking—and build your setup around real-world scenarios.

Even a basic solar light and camp stove can make your next outage feel like an adventure instead of a disaster.

Next Up: Step 7 – Build a Bug-Out Bag

Because no one wants to weather the apocalypse without shampoo and snacks.

Starting a new habit is tough—but staying prepared doesn’t have to be.

Join a community that shares your goals, because together, we can prep for life - not just the next crisis. Subscribe to our email list for friendly reminders, smart tips, and friendly prepping advice.

Join our Newsletter!