25 Best Emergency Items to Stock For Your Homestead

For the dedicated prepper, building a robust stockpile of emergency supplies is a foundational activity. A well-stocked pantry and gear cache can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving when a crisis hits.

Warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club offer a significant advantage for preparedness, allowing members to purchase essential items in bulk, often at a lower cost per unit.

This guide provides a ranked list of 25 critical emergency items available at Sam’s Club, prioritized by their importance in a survival scenario. Each entry includes the specific product, current online pricing, shelf-life data where available, and usage tips tailored for the prepper mindset.

Tier 1: Immediate Survival Essentials

These items address the most critical, life-sustaining needs in the immediate aftermath of a disaster: water, food, and medical care.

1. Bottled Water

Product: Member’s Mark Purified Bottled Water (8 fl. oz., 80 pk.) Price: Price varies by location. Shelf Life: Commercially bottled water has a virtually indefinite shelf life if stored in a cool, dark place away from chemicals. The plastic may eventually degrade, but the water itself remains safe. Prepper Usage: Water is the single most critical prep. The rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day. These smaller 8 oz. bottles are highly portable, making them perfect for bug-out bags, vehicle kits, and distributing to family members. Bulk cases allow for easy stacking and long-term storage in a basement or pantry (5, 4).

2. Water Filtration

Product: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter (3 Pack) Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: Each filter provides up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of clean drinking water. Prepper Usage: When your stored water runs out, a reliable filter is your next line of defense. The LifeStraw allows you to drink directly from contaminated sources like rivers or puddles. It’s an ultralight, essential backup for any bug-out bag or get-home kit, removing bacteria and protozoa to prevent waterborne illness (42). For home use, consider larger systems like the Filtrete Under Sink Water Filtration System to purify tap water if a boil advisory is issued (45).

3. Emergency Food Supply

Product: Augason Farms Food Storage Emergency All-in-One Pail (30 days, 1 person) Price: $99.00 (price may vary). Shelf Life: Up to 30 years, according to some user reports for similar products (7). Prepper Usage: Long-term, shelf-stable food is the cornerstone of any preparedness plan. This all-in-one pail provides a simple solution for a 30-day supply for one person. It includes a variety of meals, a self-filtering water bottle, and a fuel source for cooking (9). While building your own food supply can be cost-effective, these kits offer a convenient, grab-and-go foundation with a very long shelf life (7, 10).

4. First Aid Kit

Product: First Aid Only 326-Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit Price: Price varies by location. Shelf Life: Components like antiseptics and adhesives have expiration dates, typically 3-5 years. Regularly inspect and rotate these items. Prepper Usage: In a disaster, emergency services will be overwhelmed, making self-treatment of injuries essential. A comprehensive kit is non-negotiable. This 326-piece kit contains supplies for treating common injuries and is suitable for the home, car, or RV (13). Sam’s Club also offers ANSI-compliant kits for larger groups, like the First Aid Only 25 Person Bulk ANSI A First Aid Kit, which is excellent for a community or mutual assistance group (14).

Tier 2: Power, Light, and Information

Once immediate life-and-death concerns are met, the focus shifts to power for critical devices, illumination for safety, and access to information.

5. Portable Power Station

Product: EcoFlow DELTA Max Portable Power Station (2 kWh) Price: Price varies; may have instant savings. Manufacturer Data: 2 kWh capacity, capable of powering heavy-duty devices up to 3400W with X-Boost technology. Prepper Usage: A silent, emission-free power station is a game-changer in a power outage. Unlike a gas generator, it can be used safely indoors. This unit has enough capacity to run a refrigerator, medical devices (like a CPAP), and communication equipment. It can be recharged via a wall outlet, car, or, most importantly for preppers, solar panels (sold separately), providing true energy independence (17, 26).

6. Emergency Weather Radio

Product: Midland – ER310 E+Ready Emergency Crank Weather Radio Price: $59.98 Manufacturer Data: Features multiple power sources: solar, hand crank, and rechargeable battery. Includes NOAA Weather Radio alerts, an ultrasonic dog whistle, and a USB charging port. Prepper Usage: When the internet and cell networks are down, the NOAA weather band will be one of the few reliable sources of official information. A multi-power source radio is critical. The hand crank and solar panel ensure you can get news and alerts even in a prolonged grid-down scenario. The ability to charge a phone via its USB port is an added survival bonus.

7. LED Flashlights

Product: Member’s Mark 1000 Lumen LED Flashlight (3-pack) Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: 1000 lumens brightness, durable aluminum body. Prepper Usage: Reliable, powerful light is a safety multiplier. It prevents accidents and provides psychological comfort in the dark. LED bulbs are extremely long-lasting (21). This multi-pack allows you to stage flashlights in key locations: your bedside table, your car’s glove compartment, your bug-out bag, and your workshop. The durable construction ensures they will work when you need them most (23, 20).

8. LED Lanterns

Product: Member’s Mark Lantern with Flashlight (3 pk.) Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: Collapsible lantern with LED light and a warning red flashing light. Prepper Usage: While flashlights are for directional light, lanterns provide 360-degree area lighting, essential for tasks like cooking, reading a map, or playing cards with family during an outage. This multi-pack is versatile, functioning as both a lantern and a flashlight. The red flashing mode can be used for signaling in an emergency (36).

9. Bulk Batteries

Product: Member’s Mark Alkaline AA Batteries (48-pack) Price: Price varies by location. Shelf Life: Alkaline batteries have a shelf life of 5-10 years. Prepper Usage: Your electronic devices are useless without power. Stocking bulk AA and AAA batteries is a cost-effective way to ensure your flashlights, lanterns, radios, and other small electronics remain functional (38, 40). Store them in a cool, dry place to maximize their shelf life. While some prefer premium brands for critical gear, Member’s Mark batteries are considered suitable for most emergency applications (41).

Tier 3: Cooking, Warmth, and Safety

These items provide the ability to cook food, stay warm without central heating, and manage immediate safety threats like fire.

10. Portable Propane Stove

Product: Coleman Triton+ 2-Burner Propane Gas Camping Stove Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: Two independently adjustable burners, built-in carry handle. Prepper Usage: A power outage shouldn’t mean you can’t have a hot meal. A simple, reliable propane stove allows you to cook outdoors, boil water for purification, and prepare your stored food. This two-burner model is efficient and portable, making it useful for both bug-in and bug-out scenarios (28).

11. Propane Fuel Cylinders

Product: Coleman 16-oz. Propane Camping Cylinders (4-pack) Price: Price varies by location. Shelf Life: Indefinite when stored properly in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources. Prepper Usage: Your stove is useless without fuel. These 16 oz. cylinders are the standard for most portable camping stoves and appliances. Buying them in bulk at Sam’s Club ensures you have an ample supply for an extended emergency. Calculate your expected usage and stock up accordingly (30). For larger needs, consider refillable 20 lb. tanks (32).

12. Sleeping Bags

Product: Varies; check the Sleeping Bags category. Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Check temperature ratings on specific products. Prepper Usage: If your home loses heat in the winter or you are forced to evacuate to a shelter, a good sleeping bag is your personal micro-environment for warmth. It’s a critical piece of gear for every member of the family. Store one in each vehicle and with your bug-out gear (48).

13. Fire Extinguishers

Product: First Alert Fire Extinguisher, Rechargeable Home/Marine (2-Pack) Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: Check gauge and inspection tags. Typically have a 10-12 year service life. Prepper Usage: Emergency situations can increase the risk of fire from candles, generators, or improvised cooking. Having multiple fire extinguishers staged throughout your home, workshop, and vehicles is a crucial safety prep. The ability to quickly extinguish a small fire can prevent a catastrophic loss (50).

14. Outdoor Blankets

Product: Varies; check the Outdoor Blankets category. An 8’x8′ outdoor blanket is mentioned as a good find (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Look for durable, water-resistant materials. Prepper Usage: A sturdy outdoor blanket is more versatile than a standard bed blanket. It can be used for warmth, as a ground cover, a makeshift shelter, a picnic blanket for an outdoor meal, or to wrap and carry items. Look for one that is durable and easy to clean (47, 50).

Tier 4: Tools and Utility

The right tools are essential for repairs, improvisation, and general work during a crisis.

15. Multi-Tool

Product: CAT XL 9-in-1 Multi-Tool Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: Stainless steel construction with 9 integrated tools. Prepper Usage: A multi-tool is the Swiss Army knife of the prepper world. It provides pliers, wire cutters, knives, screwdrivers, and more in a single compact package. It’s an indispensable item for your everyday carry (EDC), bug-out bag, and vehicle kit, allowing you to handle unforeseen repairs and tasks without a full toolbox (49).

16. Mechanics Tool Set

Product: Member’s Mark 238-Piece Mechanics Tool Set Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: Comprehensive set for a wide range of repairs. Prepper Usage: While a multi-tool is for small fixes, a full mechanics set is for serious repairs. This is crucial for maintaining vehicles, generators, and other equipment. Keeping a set in your car’s trunk can be a lifesaver for “on-the-road emergencies in remote areas” (48).

17. Heavy Duty Garbage Bags

Product: Varies; look for contractor-grade or heavy-duty bags. A find of “Heavy Duty Garbage Bags” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Check mil thickness; higher is better (3 mil+ is excellent). Prepper Usage: Heavy-duty garbage bags are one of the most versatile and underrated prep items. Uses include: waste disposal (critical for sanitation), rain poncho, ground tarp, waterproofing for gear, emergency shelter, and collecting water. Their utility is limited only by your imagination (50).

18. Leather Work Gloves

Product: Varies; look for durable leather gloves. A find of “Leather Work Gloves” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Full-grain leather offers the best durability and protection. Prepper Usage: Protecting your hands is paramount in a crisis. An injury to your hands can severely limit your ability to work and defend yourself. A sturdy pair of leather gloves is essential for clearing debris, chopping wood, performing repairs, and any other manual labor (50).

19. Ratchet Straps

Product: Varies; look for multi-packs. A find of “4 Pack Ratchet Straps” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Check the working load limit to ensure it meets your needs. Prepper Usage: Ratchet straps are invaluable for securing gear. Use them to tie down a tarp for a shelter, secure items to the roof of a vehicle during an evacuation, or bundle firewood. Their strength and reliability are far superior to rope or bungee cords for heavy-duty tasks (50).

20. Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

Product: Varies; look for heavy-duty rolls. A find of “Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Heavy-duty foil is thicker and more tear-resistant. Prepper Usage: Another incredibly versatile item. Use it for cooking directly on coals, as a makeshift container or plate, to sharpen scissors, or as a signaling device. Its ability to reflect heat makes it useful for insulation or directing the heat from a fire (50).

Tier 5: Sanitation and Long-Term Preparedness

These items focus on maintaining hygiene and building a long-term, sustainable food supply.

21. Disinfecting Toilet Cleaner

Product: Lysol Advanced Toilet Bowl Gel Cleaner (4-pack) Price: Price varies by location. Manufacturer Data: Kills 99.9% of germs, including E. coli and salmonella; safe for septic systems. Prepper Usage: Sanitation is critical to prevent the spread of disease in a long-term emergency. If your plumbing is compromised, you may be using an emergency toilet (e.g., a bucket with a seat). A powerful disinfecting cleaner is essential for keeping this system sanitary. This product’s ability to kill dangerous bacteria makes it a valuable sanitation prep (53).

22. Bath Towels

Product: Varies; look for multi-packs. A find of “8 pack Bath Towels” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: 100% cotton is absorbent and durable. Prepper Usage: Stocking extra towels has numerous benefits. Beyond personal hygiene, they can be used for cleaning up spills, as emergency bedding, for first aid to apply pressure or create a sling, or to block drafts under doors. Buying in bulk ensures you have a clean supply when laundry isn’t an option (50).

23. Upright Freezer

Product: Varies; check appliance section. A find of “Upright Freezers” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Look for energy-efficient models. Prepper Usage: This is a “before the crisis” prep. An upright freezer is the cornerstone of long-term food security, allowing you to store frozen meats, vegetables, and pre-made meals. In a short-term outage, a full freezer will stay cold longer than an empty one. Paired with a generator or power station, it ensures your food investment is protected (50).

24. FoodSaver System

Product: Varies; check appliance section. A find of “FoodSaver systems” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Vacuum sealing removes air to prevent freezer burn and spoilage. Prepper Usage: To maximize the utility of your freezer, a vacuum sealer is essential. It dramatically extends the shelf life of frozen and dried foods by removing oxygen. Use it to preserve bulk meat purchases, garden harvests, or to re-seal bulk dry goods like rice and beans into smaller, manageable portions (50).

25. Large Cooler

Product: Varies; look for large capacity coolers. A find of a “Large 150 qt Cooler” is noted (50). Price: Varies by product. Manufacturer Data: Look for high-performance coolers with good ice retention ratings. Prepper Usage: During a power outage, a large, high-quality cooler is your first line of defense for saving the contents of your refrigerator. Transferring milk, meat, and other perishables can save hundreds of dollars in food. It’s also essential for transporting food or medical supplies that need to be kept cold (50).