Whats Your Survival Preparedness Level Quiz
Table of Contents
- How much clean drinking water do you have stored at home right now?
- How much non-perishable food do you have at home?
- Do you have a bug-out bag or 72-hour kit ready to go?
- How would you handle a power outage lasting 5+ days?
- Does your household have a first aid kit and do you know how to use it?
- Does your family have a documented emergency plan? (meeting points, contact list, evacuation routes)
- 🔴 Your Level: Unprepared
- 🟡 Your Level: Basic Preparedness
- 🟢 Your Level: Intermediate Preparedness
- 🔵 Your Level: Advanced Prepper
- Frequently Asked Questions
Most people think they're more prepared than they are. Answer 6 honest questions and find out exactly where you stand — plus the one gap most likely to leave you exposed when it matters.
No judgment — most people are in this category. The good news: getting from zero to 72-hour prepared takes less than $200 and one afternoon. Here's where to start.
A pre-built 72-hour kit is the fastest way to go from zero to baseline prepared. It covers water, food, first aid, light, and emergency tools for one or more people. Build time: 20 minutes.
How much clean drinking water do you have stored at home right now?
How much non-perishable food do you have at home?
Do you have a bug-out bag or 72-hour kit ready to go?
How would you handle a power outage lasting 5+ days?
Does your household have a first aid kit and do you know how to use it?
Does your family have a documented emergency plan? (meeting points, contact list, evacuation routes)
🔴 Your Level: Unprepared
Start Here: 72-Hour Survival Kit
Shop 72-Hour Kits →Critical: Water Storage and Filtration
Water is the first thing you'll need. Store 1 gallon per person per day minimum. A Sawyer MINI water filter ($25) lets you drink from any water source — stream, rain, questionable tap — as a failsafe.
Shop Water Filters →Free Step: Write Your Emergency Plan Today
Before buying anything else: write down one out-of-state contact, one neighborhood meeting point, and one evacuation route from your home. Takes 10 minutes. Costs nothing. Most important thing you can do today.
Shop Emergency Planning Supplies →🟡 Your Level: Basic Preparedness
You've got the basics started but there are real gaps that would hurt in a 72-hour or longer emergency. Here's how to fill them efficiently.
Biggest Gap: Extend Your Water Supply
Most people at this level have 1–2 days of water. Bump that to 2 weeks with WaterBrick stackable containers (3.5 gallons each) and add a gravity water filter like the Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Family for backup sourcing.
Shop Water Storage →Upgrade: Freeze-Dried Food for Long Shelf Life
Canned goods work but weigh a lot and have 2–5 year shelf lives. Augason Farms and Mountain House freeze-dried meals have 25-year shelf lives, weigh less, and actually taste good. A 30-day bucket runs $100–$200.
Shop Freeze-Dried Food →📖 Freeze-Dried Food vs. Water Filters: Where to Invest First →
🟢 Your Level: Intermediate Preparedness
You're ahead of 80% of people. You've got the fundamentals — now it's time to fill the gaps that would matter in a 2–4 week sustained emergency or forced evacuation scenario.
Next Step: Formalize Your Bug-Out Bag
If your BOB hasn't been updated or tested recently, do a full inventory this weekend. Rotate out expired food bars, check battery dates, and make sure it's actually packable in under 5 minutes. A proper 72-hour test tells you everything.
Shop Bug-Out Bags →Gap to Close: Backup Power
A portable power station (Jackery 300 or EcoFlow River) + a 100W solar panel covers phone charging, CPAP, small lights, and a radio indefinitely. This is the most impactful upgrade at this level.
Shop Portable Power Stations →🔵 Your Level: Advanced Prepper
You're well prepared for most scenarios most people will ever face. At this level the upgrades are about resilience, redundancy, and community. Here's what separates good preppers from great ones.
Level Up: Communications (Ham Radio / GMRS)
When cell networks go down, communication becomes critical. A GMRS radio (no license needed) covers local coordination. A Baofeng UV-5R (~$25, Technician license required) covers regional HAM frequencies. Most advanced preppers are missing this.
Shop Emergency Radios →Redundancy: Secondary Water Purification
If you rely on a single filtration method, you have a single point of failure. Layer your systems: stored water + gravity filter + purification tablets + boiling capability. The Sawyer Squeeze + Katadyn Micropur tabs is a $40 redundancy stack that weighs nothing.
Shop Water Purification Tablets →SurvivalGearLab.com participates in the Amazon Associates program and earns commissions on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This quiz is for informational purposes only. Always consult official emergency management resources (ready.gov) for comprehensive preparedness guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store clean drinking water for emergency preparedness?
The best way to store clean drinking water is to keep at least one gallon per person per day. Use food-grade containers and store them in a cool, dark place. Consider adding water purification tablets or filters for added security.
How do I choose the right emergency food for my survival kit?
Choose emergency food that is non-perishable, lightweight, and has a long shelf life. Freeze-dried meals and energy bars are excellent options. Ensure the food is nutritionally balanced and easy to prepare.
Is it worth investing in a bug-out bag for emergency preparedness?
Yes, it's worth investing in a bug-out bag as it provides essential supplies for immediate evacuation. Include items like water, food, first aid, a flashlight, and a whistle. Ensure your bag is easily accessible and regularly updated.
What is the best water filter for emergency situations?
The best water filter for emergencies is one that can remove bacteria and protozoa, such as a multi-stage filter with a ceramic or activated carbon element. Portable gravity filters are ideal for outdoor use and are easy to carry.
How can I prepare for a power outage lasting 5+ days?
Prepare for a power outage by having a backup power source like a generator or solar charger. Store enough food and water for the duration, and keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates. Ensure all essential tools and medications are readily available.
What should I include in my first aid kit for emergency preparedness?
Your first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, and a basic first aid manual. Include items for treating burns, cuts, and allergic reactions. Regularly check and restock supplies.
How do I stay informed during a prolonged emergency without electricity?
Stay informed during a prolonged emergency by using a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Keep a charged phone with an emergency app installed. Consider a solar charger or power bank to keep your devices running.
1. ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply Freeze Dried Entrees Bucket
Relevant product pick selected from local vetted product data; verify current pricing and availability before buying.
2. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
Relevant product pick selected from local vetted product data; verify current pricing and availability before buying.
3. RHINO RESCUE Small First Aid Kit Ultralight Water-Resistant Medical Kit for Hiking and Backpacking
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