Preparedness Starts at Home: A Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Guide to National Preparedness Month

What is National Preparedness Month?

Organized by FEMA and celebrated across the nation, National Preparedness Month shines a spotlight on the importance of planning ahead. The 2025 theme, "Preparedness Starts at Home," reminds us that resilience begins with taking action before a crisis strikes.

At Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, we understand that our customers live life outside—in wild places, on open waters, and sometimes off the grid entirely. Being prepared is more than peace of mind; it's part of the lifestyle.

Why Preparedness Matters for Outdoor Families

Emergencies can happen anywhere: floods, power outages, wildfires, blizzards, and even unexpected medical situations while camping. Whether you're chasing whitetails in the Ozarks or hiking in the Rockies, having a plan and the right gear can mean the difference between discomfort and disaster.

Our outfitters, hunters, anglers, campers, and hikers live by the code of self-reliance. National Preparedness Month is your chance to level up your readiness across every pursuit.

For In-Home Emergencies & Shelter-in-Place Scenarios

Preparedness isn’t just for the backcountry. Sometimes the emergency happens right at home—during ice storms, blizzards, hurricanes, or extended power outages. When it’s safer to hunker down indoors, having the right gear on hand can make all the difference.

What to Keep On Hand:

• Backup Power & Light
  Portable Generators (gas or solar)
  Rechargeable Lanterns & LED Flashlights
  Battery Packs & Solar Charging Stations
• Safe Heat Sources
  Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Heaters
  Extra Propane Canisters & Fuel Storage
  Emergency Blankets & Cold-Weather Layers
• Food & Water Preparedness
  Long-Term Dehydrated Meal Kits (3 to 14 days)
  Water Storage Containers & Filtration Systems
  Manual Can Openers & Essential Cooking Tools
• Indoor Cooking Solutions
  Portable Camp Stoves & Butane Burners
  Cookware Sets, Utensils & Fire Starters
• Sanitation & Comfort
  Hygiene Kits, Wipes & Sanitation Supplies
  Emergency Toilets & Waste Bags
  Extra Clothing, Hand Warmers, Paper Goods
• Communication & Alerts
  NOAA Weather Radios (hand-crank or solar-powered)
  Two-Way Radios or Walkie-Talkies
  Printed Emergency Contacts & Regional Maps

The 4 Pillars of Outdoor Emergency Preparedness

1. Know Your Risk

Start by identifying the emergencies that are most likely to impact your region. Do you live in a wildfire-prone area? Are you near a floodplain? Are winter storms common?

Helpful Resource: Ready.gov/hazards offers region-specific threats and guides for families and outdoor communities.

2. Make a Family Emergency Plan

Don’t wait until an emergency hits to figure out where to go or who to call.

Start Here:

• Create family meeting points
• Identify local shelters or safe locations
• Include plans for pets and medical needs
• Print out emergency contact lists and maps

3. Build Your Emergency Kit — Tailored for Your Lifestyle

When things go south, seconds count. That's why we've built out ready-to-go emergency kits tailored to how you live, travel, and explore.

Whether you’re car camping, backpacking, or preparing for a hurricane, Bass Pro Shops has curated First Aid & Emergency Kits designed to take the guesswork out of being ready. Find your fit below:

4. Learn & Train: The Most Important Tool Is You

• Sign up for CPR and First Aid Training through the Red Cross
• Join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in your area
• Learn outdoor medical and rescue techniques at your local Bass Pro or Cabela’s workshop
• Take a free online course at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute

Match Your Kit to Your Pursuit

For Hikers & Trail Seekers

Personal First Aid Kits — lightweight, compact, and packed with essentials for scrapes, bites, and blisters.
Emergency Tools — flashlights, whistles, and fire starters to stay safe and signal for help.

For Backpackers & Backcountry Explorers

Backpacker First Aid Kits — supports 1-3 people for up to 4 days. Includes wilderness medicine guide.
Emergency Food & Blankets — compact rations and thermal protection for extended stays.

For Family Campers

Family First Aid Kits — includes a full-size first aid system, plus a mini on-the-go kit for day hikes or fishing trips.
Emergency Tents & Shelters — fast-deploy backup tents, tarps, and ponchos for sudden storms.

For Casual Outdoor Lifestyles & Vehicle Safety

Emergency Kits — all-in-one kits with tools, food, water, and power banks for home or car.
After Care — hygiene, sanitation, and comfort supplies to keep your crew healthy during extended outages.

Shop All Kits & Gear: Explore our full selection of Survival, First Aid, and Emergency Preparedness Kits.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Preparedness

• Build your kit gradually
• Use what you already own from your camping gear
• Rotate food and batteries seasonally
• Store copies of important documents in waterproof sleeves