Emergency Preparedness & Survival

Ice storms, windstorms, wildfires and power outages can happen any time of year. Coastal has the survival gear and emergency supplies to help you get through them, including generators, propane heaters, water storage and purification products, and long-lasting freeze-dried food.

Put together a go-bag or a home emergency kit with dependable flashlights, lanterns, headlamps and batteries, plus emergency radios and navigation tools so you stay connected and on course. Keep refillable propane bottles and camp stove fuel on hand for backup cooking and heat. Find everything you need for emergency preparedness online or at your nearest Coastal store.

Emergency Kit Checklist for Your Home and Ranch

Whether it's an ice storm, wildfire evacuation or earthquake, a well-stocked kit gives your household what it needs for the first few days. Cover the essentials with water storage and purification supplies, long-lasting freeze-dried meals, and dependable light from headlamps, lanterns and flashlights. Keep plenty of batteries and an emergency weather radio together in a grab-and-go bin, along with first aid supplies, medications, important papers and a plan for your animals.

Backup Power, Heat and Cooking When the Grid Goes Down

Outages in the Northwest can last for days after wind and ice storms. A generator keeps your fridge, freezer and well pump going, and an indoor-rated propane heater keeps a room warm safely. With a supply of refillable propane cylinders and camp stove fuel, you can still cook a hot meal and boil water until power is restored.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Supplies

What are the most important items for an emergency kit?

Focus on water, food, light, communication and first aid. That means stored water, shelf-stable meals, flashlights or lanterns with spare batteries, a weather radio, a first aid kit, prescription medications, a multi-tool, blankets and copies of key documents. Include supplies for pets and livestock as well.

How many gallons of water does my family need?

A good rule is one gallon per person per day, with at least a three-day supply. A family of four needs a minimum of 12 gallons, and more for a two-week supply. Use food-grade containers and keep a filter or purification tablets as a backup.

How do I choose the right generator for my home?

List the appliances you need to run at once and total their running watts, then account for the higher starting watts of anything with a motor, like a refrigerator or well pump. A 3,000 to 7,500 watt portable generator handles essentials for many homes. Never run a generator in a garage or near open windows.

What is the shelf life of freeze-dried food?

Most freeze-dried meals last 10 to 30 years unopened, depending on the brand. Keep them somewhere cool and dry, and rotate older stock using the date printed on the package.

Is it safe to use a propane heater inside?

Use only heaters labeled for indoor use, which have a low-oxygen sensor and automatic tip-over shutoff. Keep the area ventilated, follow the manufacturer's directions, and have a carbon monoxide detector installed.

How should I prepare my animals for an emergency or evacuation?

Keep extra feed, hay and water on hand, use tank heaters to prevent frozen water in winter, and plan where your livestock will go if you need to evacuate. For pets, pack food, medications, a leash, a carrier and current ID tags.