From a medical standpoint, here are a few things I’d think about as a prepper if we’re in for multiple day/week shutdown Water, Hydration, and Fluid Balance > minimum of 1 gallon of clean water per person per day for drinking alone and 2–3 gallons if you also need water for hygiene, wound cleaning, and formula > early signs of dehydration = dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urine output, and in infants/elderly sunken eyes or fontanelle, lethargy, rapid heart rate
> mild-moderate dehydration with oral rehydration solution (ORS): 1 L clean water + 6 level tsp sugar + ½ tsp salt, sip frequently rather than large gulps.
> multiple purification methods: rolling boil for 1 minute (longer at altitude), unscented household bleach (8 drops/gallon clear water, 16 if cloudy; wait 30 min), water filters rated for bacteria/protozoa, and chemical tablets, iodine tabs for radiation
 Nutrition, Caloric Needs, and Micronutrients > calculate baseline needs: roughly 1,500–2,500+ kcal/day per adult depending on activity, body size, and climate; children and pregnant/lactating people need more relative to weight
> stock calorie-dense, shelf-stable foods that require minimal or no cooking (nut butters, dried fruits, canned meats/fish, hard cheeses if cool storage is possible, grains, beans, oats, powdered milk)
> prioritize protein and fat sources to preserve muscle and immune function; pure carbohydrate-only diets lead to rapid fatigue and immune decline over weeks
> multivitamins (especially vitamin D, C, B-complex, and zinc) plus iron if at risk for deficiency with scurvy, beriberi, and other deficiencies becoming realistic after 1–2 months of poor diet
> have electrolyte sources (salt, potassium-rich foods or supplements) for people doing physical labor or in heat
> for special conditions, know how to make medically appropriate non-perishable options and know how to adjust insulin or oral meds if food intake drops
> practice cooking without electricity (camp stove, solar oven, rocket stove, open fire with safe ventilation, 20+ ft from house) Medications and Chronic Disease Management > get and securely store at least a 90-day (ideally 180-day) supply of all essential prescription meds, including inhalers, insulin, blood pressure meds, seizure meds, thyroid replacement, anticoagulants, and psych meds
> know which of your meds need refrigeration (certain insulins, some biologics, certain antibiotics) and have a plan (coolers with ice packs rotated from a small freezer etc)
> create a written medication list with doses, indications, and any critical interactions or monitoring needs > stock glucose meters, extra strips, lancets, ketone strips, glucagon or other rescue meds, and understand how to manage both high and low blood sugar > > extra inhalers, spacers, and a written action plan knowing when oral steroids or antibiotics are necessary
> store medications in cool, dry, dark conditions and ask your doc ab true expiration dates vs extended usability for many solid pills (dont assume this for liquids, insulin, or narrow-therapeutic-index drugs)
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