Water storage containers
Stackable 5–7 gallon jugs or a water storage barrel. Aim for at least 1 gallon per person per day, more in summer.
BuyBuild your kit
Survival Gear Checklist
The items that make the biggest difference in a Phoenix emergency, organized by category. Check items off as you go; your progress is saved only in this browser.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the "Buy" links on this page are affiliate or referral links. If you make a purchase through them, Phoenix Survival Guide may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site free. We only list items we believe are genuinely useful for staying safe in Phoenix, and you don't need to buy anything to use this guide. Many items can be found at local stores or may already be in your home.
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Jump to: Water & Hydration · Cooling · Power & Light · First Aid & Health · Food · Communication · Documents & Money
Water & Hydration
Portable water filter
Filter bottle or gravity filter for treating water if supply is disrupted.
BuyElectrolyte tablets or powder
Replaces salts lost to sweat. Key for outdoor work and long heat exposure.
BuyInsulated water bottle
Keeps water cold for hours in a hot car or on a walk.
BuyCooling
Rechargeable / battery fan
Pair with wet skin or a damp cloth for real cooling during outages.
BuyCooling towels
Soak, wring, and drape on your neck. Cheap and effective.
BuyReflective window film / shades
Blocks solar heat so rooms stay cooler, with or without AC.
BuyMisting spray bottle
Mist skin plus moving air speeds evaporative cooling.
BuyCar windshield sunshade
Keeps cabin and steering wheel temps down.
BuyPower & Light
Portable power station
Battery power station that's safe indoors (no fumes). Runs fans, phones, CPAP, and small fridges.
BuyFoldable solar panel
Recharges a power station during long outages. Phoenix sun is a resource!
BuyPhone power banks
Keep two charged. Communication is safety.
BuyLED flashlights & headlamps
Safer than candles. Keep one in every room plus extra batteries.
BuyBattery CO alarm
Required protection if you ever use a generator or fuel appliance.
BuyFirst Aid & Health
Comprehensive first aid kit
Bandages, burn gel, gauze, gloves, tweezers, pain relievers.
BuyDigital thermometer
Check for fever or high body temperature in heat emergencies.
BuyInstant cold packs
Rapid cooling for heat illness when ice isn't available.
BuyMedication cooling case
Keeps insulin and other meds safe during outages.
BuySunscreen, hat & sunglasses
Sunburn reduces your body's ability to cool itself.
BuyFood
Shelf-stable food supply
No-cook foods your family actually eats: beans, tuna, nut butters, crackers.
BuyManual can opener
Electric ones don't work in a blackout.
BuyHigh-performance cooler
Keeps food and medicine cold for days during outages.
BuyCamp stove (outdoor use only)
For cooking during long outages. Never use indoors.
BuyCommunication
Hand-crank / NOAA weather radio
Get alerts and news when cell service and power are down.
BuyTwo-way radios (FRS)
Keep in touch with family and neighbors nearby without cell service.
BuyEmergency whistle
Signals for help using far less energy than shouting.
BuyArizona road map
Paper backup for when GPS and phones fail.
BuyDocuments & Money
Waterproof / fireproof document pouch
IDs, insurance, prescriptions, deeds, and pet records, plus copies on a USB drive.
BuyEncrypted USB drive
Digital copies of key documents and photos.
BuyGo-bag backpack
A ready-packed bag for each person in case you need to leave fast.
BuyNo budget? Start free. Refill clean bottles with tap water, wet a cotton T-shirt for a cooling towel, write emergency numbers on paper, and photograph your documents. Preparedness doesn't have to cost money. For a full basic kit list, see Ready.gov/kit.