What to Stock in Case of War? An Emergency Preparedness Guide

September 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Red Cross, it's wise for all Americans to have at least a three-day supply of food and water stored at home for any emergency. Preparing a comprehensive kit is a proactive step toward ensuring your family's safety and resilience when considering what to stock in case of war or other major crises.

Quick Summary

Assembling a well-rounded emergency kit involves stocking non-perishable food, potable water, essential first-aid and medical supplies, critical documents, hygiene products, and power sources. A personalized plan is key to meeting the specific needs of all family members, including infants, seniors, and pets, for an extended period of self-sufficiency.

Key Points

Water is a top priority: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day, with a purification method for backup.
Build a tiered food supply: Start with a 72-hour kit of easy-to-eat foods, then expand to a two-week or longer supply of high-energy, non-perishable items.
Customize your first-aid kit: Go beyond a basic kit by including prescription medications, any necessary medical equipment, and training for basic first aid.
Secure power and communication: Stock extra batteries, a hand-crank radio, and power banks to stay informed and connected.
Safeguard important documents: Store physical and digital copies of critical records in a waterproof, secure location.
Plan for every family member: Tailor your supplies to meet the specific needs of infants, seniors, and pets.
Review and rotate supplies annually: Check expiration dates and refresh your kit to ensure all items are current and functional.

Building a Foundation: The Three-Day Standard

While a 72-hour kit is the recommended minimum for any emergency, a prolonged crisis like a war requires thinking beyond the basics. This guide expands on the standard, helping you build a robust stockpile for weeks or even months of self-reliance.

Water: The Most Critical Resource

Water is paramount for survival. The general guideline is one gallon per person, per day, for drinking and basic sanitation. For a home-based supply, a two-week stock is a more prudent goal. In addition to bottled water, consider these items:

Water purification methods: Include purification tablets, a portable water filter, or a large-scale filtration system.
Water storage containers: Food-grade containers can be used to store and transport water.
Water for pets: Don't forget to account for your pets' hydration needs.

Food: Non-Perishable and High-Energy

Focus on foods that are calorie-dense, have a long shelf life, and require minimal preparation. For a prolonged emergency, a two-week supply is a better target than a three-day one. A diversified stockpile ensures better nutrition.

Recommended Food Items

Ready-to-eat canned meats, vegetables, and fruits
Canned juices and shelf-stable milk
High-energy foods like granola bars, dried fruit, and trail mix
Peanut butter, nuts, and crackers
Foods for special dietary needs (infant formula, diabetic-friendly foods)
Comfort foods to boost morale

The All-Important Medical Kit

A well-stocked first-aid kit is non-negotiable. Beyond a basic commercial kit, customize it for your family's specific needs.

Essential Medical Supplies

Prescription medications: A one-week supply is a minimum; a longer supply is better if possible. Store with dosage instructions.
Over-the-counter medicines: Pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, and laxatives.
Hygiene and sanitation: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, and personal hygiene items like feminine products.
First-aid items: Bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and scissors. For more serious injuries, consider a tourniquet and hemostatic dressings.

Tools, Power, and Communication

Having the right tools and a way to stay informed is crucial for managing a crisis.

Communication: A hand-crank or battery-powered radio with a weather band (NOAA) for emergency broadcasts. A backup cell phone charger or power bank is also vital.
Lighting and power: Flashlights, headlamps, and extra batteries. Waterproof matches, lighters, and candles.
Multi-purpose tools: A multi-tool with a knife, screwdrivers, and pliers is incredibly useful.
Shelter-in-place materials: Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sealing a room from contaminants.

Important Documents and Cash

Gather copies of vital documents and store them in a waterproof, portable container. Consider digitizing these files as well.

Personal identification: Passports, birth certificates, driver's licenses.
Financial records: Insurance policies, bank account information, and cash in small bills.
Medical records: Copies of medical information, medication lists, and allergies.
Maps: Local maps, as GPS may not be reliable.

Customizing Your Kit for Special Needs

Consider the unique needs of your household members. A one-size-fits-all kit is never enough.

Infants: Formula, diapers, wipes, and medications.
Seniors: Specific medications, medical equipment, and special dietary needs.
Pets: Food, water, medications, leashes, and vet records.

Emergency Food vs. Regular Pantry Items


Feature	Emergency Food (MREs, Freeze-Dried)	Regular Pantry Items (Canned Goods, Boxed Food)
Shelf Life	5 to 25+ years	1 to 5 years, depending on the item
Preparation	Minimal to no cooking required; often just add water	Can require more cooking, water, and fuel
Weight & Space	Lightweight and compact; ideal for 'go bags'	Heavier and more space-consuming; best for home storage
Nutritional Profile	Engineered for high-calorie, long-term sustenance	Can be varied but may lack optimal nutrient density over time
Cost	Higher initial cost per serving	Generally lower cost per serving
Best for	Evacuation kits and long-term, low-space storage	Home stockpiling and comfort during a lockdown

Planning for Long-Term Scenarios

Beyond the immediate supplies, a long-term plan is essential. This includes knowing basic first aid, having a communication plan with family members, and understanding local hazards. The Ready.gov website provides excellent resources for creating comprehensive family emergency plans and building robust kits, which is a great starting point for further research. Ready.gov - Build a Kit

Conclusion

Thinking about what to stock in case of war can be unsettling, but preparing proactively is the most empowering action you can take. By building a comprehensive kit that addresses water, food, medical needs, and communication, and customizing it for your family's unique situation, you can significantly increase your resilience. The goal is to move from fear to preparedness, ensuring that you and your loved ones are ready for the unexpected.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 'go bag' or bug-out bag is a lightweight, portable kit with supplies for a quick evacuation (72 hours). A home emergency kit is a more extensive stockpile of supplies for sheltering in place, often intended to last for two weeks or more.

Ideal foods are canned goods (meats, vegetables, fruits), dried pasta and rice, beans, nuts, and high-energy snacks like granola bars. Prioritize items with long shelf lives that are familiar and require minimal cooking.

Keep physical copies of critical documents in a waterproof, fireproof, and portable container. Additionally, store encrypted digital copies on a secure external hard drive or cloud service that you can access remotely.

Beyond flashlights and extra batteries, consider backup power sources. This could include a portable power station, solar charger, or a hand-crank radio that can also charge devices. Ensure all devices are charged beforehand.

Beyond bandages and pain relievers, many people forget to stock a sufficient supply of their prescription medications. Other overlooked items include special-needs supplies, a detailed list of medical conditions, and sanitation supplies like face masks and disinfecting wipes.

The standard recommendation is one gallon of water per person per day. For a long-term emergency, a two-week supply (14 gallons per person) is a more robust goal. Include purification methods as a backup for any long-term scenario.

Involve your family by creating and practicing an emergency plan together. Assign tasks, involve children in packing their own bags with comfort items, and discuss communication plans. This fosters a sense of teamwork and reduces anxiety.