BEING PREPARED. Ok anons, long, but bear with me. The basics are food, water, clothing, shelter, safety and health/hygiene. I will break these down. I hope this helps someone out there. :). This is in no way an exhaustive list though and also an anon lb also had good advice.. don’t brag or advertise your supplies.
FOOD: Have at least 3 ways to cook. Solar, propane and fire. Cast iron pans are good for propane and fire (including a BBQ). A turkey fryer will work for propane, campfire for fire, or a grill, and a solar oven will work depending on your sun angle. Each has pros and cons. Think about how you will clean pans after. Will you use paper plates? Wash regular dishes? How will you get water to wash them? A freezer of food is great, but with no generator it spoils. Canned goods are excellent. Do you hunt? Can you fish? Can you keep chickens and know all that entails?
WATER: You need a good supply stored if you don’t have access to a stream and a way to decontaminate. Rainwater, snow would work. Which is better for bathing vs drinking? Do you want to spend your time (and fuel) boiling water? If you’re in the woods, no problem for the firewood part. A well is great but if it has an electric pump you’re stuck.
CLOTHING: Layers. Nothing pretty, but needs to be sturdy and good for your weather. Old clothing can be used for other uses like rags. How will you clean your items? Two buckets with an agitator and Dr. Bronner’s type soap will get things clean.
SHELTER: Do you have a small room you could partition out to keep warm? Blankets, warm clothing? Staying warm and dry is key to health, both physical and mental. How will you heat your shelter?
SAFETY: Not going to say too much, as it’s different for everyone. Have skills or learn them and get to know your neighbors. Do you have a plan if you and loved ones are apart as far as where to meet, like a home base area? How will you get news/weather?
HEALTH/HYGIENE: Need meds? Antibiotics? Do you have or know how to make basic supplies like soap and toothpaste? Toilet needs? (a makeshift one that uses no water can be made with a home depot type bucket – slit a pool noodle and wrap on top for a cushion, get a lid.. do your thing and add leaves or sawdust on top each time), then think of what to do when it’s full. Mental health is also very important so having games, ample light with candles or flashlights and staying positive, especially if you have children. They pick up on your mood so stay calm above all else and make it an adventure for them, like camping. Solar lanterns are great, but only if you have sun, so have candles safely, or lights with batteries or oil lamps and use only when it gets too dark to see. It’s also helpful to designate each person a daily job whether it be cooking, cleaning, etc. It makes things run smoothly and everyone feels important which is basic for mental health.
PETS: Not an afterthought but have food or know how to make it, leashes, medication if needed. Muzzles are handy (sounds crazy but good to have one as a terrified or hurt dog may bite and better to have and not need).
Having extra fuel for your car is great too, but think of alternative methods for getting around too.
I realize this is a long list but actually pretty basic as everyone’s needs will be different, also city vs country and length of time you may be without electricity. Determine if you want to be ready for the long haul, a month to let the crazies clear out, two weeks, like in a snowstorm or other weather event, and prepare accordingly.