Frequently asked questions.

Because preparing felt exhausting and overwhelming—so we built a simpler, hope-filled way to get ready, together.

Sadly, the people most likely to face a disaster (like us in the Pacific Northwest) are often the least prepared. Not because they don't care, but because life gets in the way.

The odds are that someday, most of us will experience a wildfire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, extended power outage, or another major disruption. We've had friends and family in communities like Asheville recover from devastating floods. We know many who've had to flee the Los Angeles Palisades wildfire, or the Camp wildfire in Northern California. And, experts warn that a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake isn't a matter of if, but when. Climate change is real, and climate-related disasters are going to be more frequent, more expensive, and more personal.

Yet most households remain underprepared.

Why? Because life is busy. Preparedness feels overwhelming. There are thousands of products, conflicting advice, and an industry that tends to lead with fear instead of hope. Every day brings an email with panic-buying at its core, selling another way to die … and it's darn right depressing - enough so that it gets put off until tomorrow... right up until tomorrow becomes when you need it most.

Community Prep was created to change that.

Our founders, Ethan, Jenn, and Jamil, share decades of experience in risk management, community building, technology, global development, emergency response, and organizational leadership. They came to this work from very different backgrounds, but shared the same realization:

The problem wasn't a lack of information; it was a lack of useful information. Too easily overwhelmed planning for a situation that feels too far away to be real.

The problem wasn't a lack of available gear; it was a lack of quality gear, curated for this purpose.

The problem wasn't a lack of awareness; it was too much fear and not enough solidarity. Once we talked to friends and family who'd been there, we realized it wasn't about fending off your neighbors. Rather, it was acknowledging that successes happened by supporting neighbors - with resources, support, and connection.

Together, they saw an enormous gap in the market.

Community Prep exists to make preparedness approachable, practical, and rooted in optimism.

We help people cut through the noise with practical recommendations, trusted products, and simple next steps that fit real life. We help busy people take meaningful steps before disaster strikes, one simple action at a time. No doom scrolling. No bunker mentality. We believe your greatest preparedness asset isn't the gear in your garage, it's the people around you.

Preparedness is about good gear - sure. But it's more about protecting what you love, strengthening the people around you, and building communities that can weather whatever comes next.

Because the best time to build resilience is before you need it—and the best way to do it is together.

We're based in Portland, Oregon, and ship across the US and Canada—while investing in local community resilience wherever we go.

Our home base is Portland, Oregon. Yes, that Portland—the one with excellent coffee, more rain jackets than umbrellas, enough bicycles to qualify as a transportation policy, and a healthy belief that communities can solve big problems together. We think that's a pretty good place to build a company focused on resilience.

Not in Portlandia? No worries! We currently ship our products throughout the United States and Canada and serve customers across both countries, while we also believe preparedness happens locally. That's why we're investing in neighborhood resilience by partnering with local businesses, nonprofits, cooperatives, emergency preparedness organizations, mutual aid groups, and community leaders who share our belief that we're stronger together.

Our vision is to help communities everywhere build their own preparedness networks. As local leaders step forward, we'll expand into new cities by supporting community groups, hosting local events, and connecting people with trusted partners who know their neighborhoods best.

Interested in bringing Community Prep to your community?

We'd love to meet you. If you're part of an organization, business, neighborhood group, Emergency Response Team, or simply someone who wants to help build a more resilient community, we'd love to talk. Fill out our contact form—this could be the beginning of something meaningful.

Yes—but we focus on likely, everyday disruptions like outages, storms, smoke, and quakes, not doomsday scenarios.

Community Prep isn't about preparing for the end of the world. We're focused on the disruptions that are far more likely to affect everyday life: power outages, wildfire smoke, severe storms, floods, earthquakes, winter weather, water interruptions, supply chain disruptions, and other events that can leave communities without essential services for anywhere from two days to four weeks.

That's where thoughtful preparation makes the biggest difference.

We also know that preparedness isn't one-size-fits-all. Someone living in Phoenix faces different risks than someone in Portland, Miami, or Chicago. That's why Community Prep is building resources tailored to your ZIP code, helping you prepare for the natural hazards and disruptions most likely to affect where you live. We know it's overwhelming, so we're trying to simplify things.

Our vision extends beyond individual households and the Pacific Northwest.

Imagine a future in which every community is prepared: Neighborhoods where residents know one another, local businesses and nonprofits work together, and community organizations are connected long before an emergency begins. Cities where a week without power or running water doesn't become a humanitarian crisis because everyone knows where to find fresh drinking water, good food is abundant (not crappy calories), medications and essential medical needs are available and supported, vulnerable neighbors are checked on, and local networks keep people connected.

That's the future we're building toward: communities that don't just survive disruption. They adapt, support one another, and continue to thrive.

Preparedness isn't about expecting the worst; it's about building your own best-case scenario. That's what we're here to build: Together.

Most preparedness brands sell fear. We're most interested in hope and community.

Contrary to the movie title, the “Apocalypse” isn’t “Now.” Nor was it in 1979, sorry Coppola.

Most preparedness brands sell two things: fear and “products.”

We're most interested in hope and community.

Instead of focusing on zombie outbreaks, fear-based marketing, or rugged individualism to help you survive, Community Prep takes a different approach. We focus on practical, everyday readiness rooted in optimism, community, and mutual support - designed to help you thrive, now and in the future, together.

Our goal is to help you become more capable, connected, and resilient in the face of life's inevitable disruptions, big and small.

We believe preparedness should feel empowering, not alarming. And, once you have this scenario covered, you'll have more for yourself, your family, and your community … and a really good excuse to knock on your neighbors door!

What you won't find at Community Prep Fear-based messaging designed to sell you a ‘supplement’ for a problem you’ll never have. Endless predictions about societal collapse or doomsday scenarios. "Lone wolf" preparedness that assumes you'll face every challenge by yourself. Military cosplay, tactical gear obsession, or survivalist aesthetics. Conspiracy theories or culture-war narratives. Pressure to buy expensive gear you don't really need. A focus on profit over people - we’re in process for a public benefit status, and B-Corp. A belief that preparedness is only for a certain type of person.

What you will find instead Practical guidance for the challenges people actually face. Simple, affordable ways to become more prepared over time. Trusted gear that solves real problems. Skill-building that increases confidence and self- and community-reliance. Local knowledge that helps you understand the risks and resources in your area. Opportunities to connect with neighbors, friends, and local organizations. Workshops, resources, and tools that make preparedness approachable. A focus on resilience, adaptability, and mutual support. A welcoming community where beginners and experienced practitioners can learn together.

Most importantly, you'll find a different philosophy: Preparedness isn't about withdrawing from the world. It's about participating in it more fully. It's about building the resources, skills, and relationships that help us weather challenges and create stronger communities along the way.

At Community Prep, we're not preparing people to survive alone.

We're helping people build communities that will learn how to thrive more, together.

Preparedness isn't just about what you own; it's about who you know.

When disruptions happen, whether it's a storm, wildfire smoke, a prolonged power outage, or an unexpected personal emergency, people rarely get through it alone. Neighbors check on neighbors. Families share resources. Communities solve problems together.

That's why Community Prep focuses on building both personal resilience and community resilience. We believe the strongest emergency kit is a network of people who know, trust, and support one another. Gear matters. Skills matter. Relationships matter most.

It might be possible to survive alone, but thriving happens in communities.

The future isn't likely to arrive as one dramatic event. More often, it looks like wildfire smoke that keeps your kids indoors for a week. A winter storm that knocks out power. A caregiving crisis. A job transition. A supply chain disruption. A heat wave. A flooded road. A community resource stretched thin. Community Prep is built on the belief that resilience is collective. These are the kinds of challenges people already face, and they're the challenges we're preparing for.

That means helping you store water and build a first-aid kit. But it also means helping you learn new skills, understand local risks, connect with your neighbors, and participate in a culture of preparedness that benefits everyone. We focus on practical, everyday readiness rooted in optimism, building capable, connected communities in the face of life's inevitable disruptions, big and small.

That's why we don't separate gear from education, or education from community. Real preparedness happens when all three work together. We want preparedness to feel less like buying insurance for a disaster and more like investing in a stronger, more connected life.

Because strong community is about thriving, together.

The antidote to fear is growing, learning, and preparing together.

We live in an era of change: Climate change Political change Social change Economic change

Change can be scary.

But in the words of the inimitable Octavia Butler: “All that you touch You Change. All that you Change Changes you. The only lasting truth Is Change. God Is Change.”

And so change, by many names, carries us forward.

The reality is that there will be times of fear, for there are legitimate things to fear.

But we all know that knowledge is power and there is strength in numbers, so the antidote to fear is growing, learning, and preparing together.

Treating preparedness as a practice of care reduces fear.

We don't prepare because we expect the worst. We prepare because change is a normal part of life. Weather changes. Communities change. Economies change. Families change.

Preparing together allows us to meet uncertainty with confidence instead of panic.

For us, preparedness isn't about constantly thinking about what might go wrong. It's about building the skills, resources, and relationships that help us adapt when the winds change.

We curate only gear that earns its place—useful every day, invaluable in an emergency.

Our primary audiences are urban and suburban communities… apartment buildings, condominiums, single-family homes, and multifamily housing. Our most common scenario is an interruption to services that might mean water or electricity challenges, air quality issues from a wildfire, storm related outages, or even mundane infrastructure issues that are entirely a result of poor planning and the fact that FEMA has been so reduced.

As much as we love good movies, unfortunately we are not considering zombie horses, alien, invasions, massive asteroids, killer tomatoes, or Godzilla.

We're launching with a carefully curated collection of products across the essentials of everyday resilience: water purification, good food, power (mostly electric), air purification, first aid & medical supplies, and communication. Rather than offering thousands of options, we’re curating a handful of products in each category that we've researched, tested, and genuinely believe are among the best available.

Our philosophy is simple: we do the work so you don't have to.

Every product we recommend has to earn its place.

First, it has to make life better even when everything is working normally. A battery that powers your campsite, a water filter for hiking, a grow tower that adds fresh food to your everyday table, an air purifier during wildfire season, solar that makes sense in the city. These aren't products you'll buy once and forget in a closet. They're useful today and invaluable during an emergency.

Second, we look beyond the product itself. We prioritize companies whose values align with ours. The organizations we partner with are as committed as we are to ethical business practices, thoughtful manufacturing, responsible supply chains, and products that respect both people and the planet.

Finally, we bring an uncommon level of expertise to the selection process. Our solarpunk Product Engineer brings the full weight of his PhD to bear on product research, design, testing, and analysis, evaluating products not just for specifications, but for reliability, durability, repairability, environmental impact, and real-world performance. We ask the questions most retailers never do, because we have the lived experience and we know you'll be relying on these products when they matter most.

Over time, our catalog will grow—but our standards won't change. If it isn't something we’d own ourselves, recommend to our own families, our neighbors, or our community, it won't make the cut.

Yes, we’ll sell kits (2-days, 2 weeks, and 1 month). Yes we’ll have a subscription so you don’t have to constantly check what might be expiring. Yes we’ll innovate with cross-purpose use cases. Yes we’ll support local ambassadors to host First Responder trainings. Most importantly, we’ll listen to you and collaborate with community resilience at the forefront.

It turns out that preparing for yourself is one of the best things you can do for everyone around you.

When your household has clean water, backup power, food, medications, and a plan, you're far less likely to need emergency assistance during a disruption. That means first responders, emergency shelters, and community resources can focus on neighbors who truly need them most.

But that's just the beginning.

Preparedness has a ripple effect. The water filter you invested in might be shared with a neighbor. The camp stove in your garage could become the neighborhood kitchen. The first aid skills you learned through a Community Prep Wilderness First Aid course, might help someone before an ambulance arrives. The portable battery and solar panels you bought for yourself could keep someone else's medical device running.

Every skill you learn becomes a community resource. Every thoughtful purchase becomes an opportunity to help someone else. Every prepared household makes the entire neighborhood more resilient.

That's why Community Prep isn't just an online store.

Yes, we'll help you find the right gear. But what we really hope you'll discover is something even more valuable: the people around you.

Our vision has always been bigger than e-commerce. We want to connect neighbors, support local organizations, strengthen community resilience networks, and help people build relationships long before they're tested. Because when disaster strikes, the greatest asset isn't what you own; it's who you know, who knows you, and how willing you are to help one another.

So your journey with Community Prep might begin by buying a water filter or a backup battery.

We hope it ends with knowing your neighbors, sharing your skills, and becoming the kind of person your community can count on.

That's real preparedness.

It starts with free steps—knowing your neighbors, storing water, and making a plan—then small, shared purchases over time.

The most effective preparedness starts with simple, no-cost actions: Knowing your neighbors Taking stock of what you (and your community) already have Making a communication plan Storing extra water Learning a new skill Organizing important documents.

Once you've covered those basics, plan your spending in community: Building a basic first-aid kit Plan ahead to store a little extra of the shelf-stable foods your family (actually) eats Invest in the best quality items you can to fill the gaps (solar, batteries, gadgets, etc.) Focus on skill building; investments in self build resilience for everyone Figure out where spending a little more might save you money over the long haul Budget for community buys with people you trust Focus on mutual aid

You don't need to buy everything at once and you don't have to buy everything yourself. In fact, we recommend building preparedness gradually and alongside the people you love. Small, consistent steps taken over time are often more effective than a large one-time purchase. And not every household needs one of everything; big purchases are often better shared!

Preparedness is about reducing vulnerability, that can happen with no budget at all.

The biggest mistake is letting fear drive your decisions—or letting it paralyze you into inaction.

Building a bunker in the backyard? (we’re glad you made it out, Kimmy Schmidt) Buying that $5000+ bundle of glorified military grade “food?” Trying to stockpile a year's worth of - anything - in your second story walk up in the Pearl district?

Yeah. No.

Newsflash: Fear sells.

The biggest mistake is letting fear drive your decision-making. … or, pushing you to not make any decision whatsoever!

Emergencies and disasters do happen. And do you know what happens when they do? People come together, time after time. Resources are shared. Community care networks develop.

Other common mistakes include: Focusing on unlikely disasters while ignoring everyday risks Buying gear without learning how to use it Storing food and equipment on a shelf, and letting it expire Preparing alone instead of building community connections Waiting for the "right time" to start

What should you do instead: Let us help you! We will show you why our research really does cover your bases Learn about the risks unique to your region Make data-driven decisions about what and how to prepare Knock on your neighbor's door Invest in skills development Share purchases and infrastructure

A good rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day for at least 14 days—but that's just the start.

While the old advice was "three days," recent disasters have taught us that two weeks is a much more realistic minimum for self-sufficiency. For a household, aim for at least one gallon per person per day. This covers drinking, basic hygiene, and limited food preparation.

However, "storing" isn't the only answer. At Community Prep, we believe in a hybrid approach:

Baseline storage: Keep a foundational supply of clean water in a cool, dark place.

Filtration: Invest in a high-quality, long-lasting water filter. If you have access to a local source (like a rain barrel or nearby creek), a reliable filter is often more practical than trying to store months of heavy, bulky water jugs in a small apartment.

Community sharing: Talk to your neighbors. Does anyone have a rainwater catchment system? Who has a larger capacity filter?

Resilience is easier when you don't have to carry the whole load yourself.

Focus on the "Big Five": Water, Food, Power, Air, and First Aid.

A great kit isn't about buying the most expensive gear; it's about covering the basic needs that keep your home functioning when infrastructure fails. For a 2-week disruption, we recommend focusing on these essentials:

Water: At least 14 gallons per person (or a robust filtration setup).

Food: Shelf-stable items your family (actually) enjoys eating, plus a simple way to prepare them.

Power: A portable power station and a foldable solar panel for charging phones, lights, and essential medical devices.

Air: High-efficiency air purifiers or N95-rated masks, especially critical during wildfire smoke events.

First aid & medical: Beyond bandages, ensure you have a 14-day supply of any prescription medications.

The Prep Tip: Don't just buy a kit and throw it in a closet. Test your gear. Know where it is. Talk to your neighbors about who has what. The best emergency kit is one you know how to use, and one that is shared within a prepared community.

Treat your pet as a family member in your planning: have a "go-bag" for them just like you have for yourself.

If you have to leave, your pet leaves with you. Our golden rule for pet preparedness is simple: if you have a 2-week supply of food and water for your human family, you need the same for your furry family members.

Create a pet "Go-Bag" that includes:

Documentation: Copies of vaccination records and a photo of you with your pet (for identification).

Comfort: A favorite toy or a blanket with a familiar scent to reduce their stress in an emergency.

Medication: A 14-day supply of any regular medication.

Supplies: Portable food and water bowls, a sturdy leash, and a carrier.

Most importantly: know your neighbors. Do they have pets? Could you help them if they are at work when an emergency strikes? Preparedness is a collective act of care—and that includes our pets, too.