Disaster prep · 2026 buying guide · All disasters
Where to Buy Disaster Supplies —
Store by Store, Item by Item
Not all stores are equal when a storm is coming. Here's exactly what to buy at each one — organized by priority, before the shelves are empty. Home Depot, Lowe's, Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, and Dollar General.
📋 Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn't influence our recommendations — we list the products we'd actually buy.
Home Depot is the first store to hit — and the first to sell out of the critical items. Generators, plywood, tarps, and water storage containers disappear within 36–48 hours of a named storm watch. If you're buying these during a watch, expect long lines and depleted stock. Buy these items now, off-season.
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Pro tip: The Pro Desk If you need large quantities of plywood, tarps, or lumber, call the Pro Desk before you show up. They can reserve quantities for you and often have stock in the back that hasn't hit the floor yet.
Honda EU2200i Portable Inverter Generator
~$1,099
Critical
The gold standard for portable generators. Runs quietly, fuel-efficient, safe for electronics. Powers a refrigerator, fans, phone chargers, and a CPAP simultaneously. Buy before season — sells out in hours during a watch.
Ridgid 2000-Watt Inverter Generator
~$599
Critical
Budget alternative to Honda. Home Depot's house brand. Quieter than open-frame generators. Good for basic power needs: refrigerator + charging. Solid value.
5/8" CDX Plywood (4×8 sheets)
~$28/sheet
Critical
FEMA-recommended minimum for window boarding. Buy pre-cut or cut to your window sizes and store labeled in the garage. Do NOT use OSB — it delaminates when wet.
Heavy-duty poly tarps (20×30 ft)
~$45 each
Critical
For emergency roof covering after storm damage. Buy 2–3 minimum. The blue FEMA tarps are never enough — have your own heavy-duty ones ready.
WaterBOB Emergency Water Storage (100 gal)
~$35
High priority
Fills your bathtub with 100 gallons of clean water before a storm. Keeps water clean for up to 4 weeks. One of the most overlooked and most valuable prep items available.
30-ft 12-gauge extension cord (outdoor)
~$35
High priority
Heavy-gauge outdoor-rated cord for running generator power into the house. Never run a generator inside. 12-gauge minimum — lighter gauges are a fire hazard with generator loads.
Ridgid 5-gallon wet/dry shop vac
~$79
Good to have
Invaluable for cleanup after a storm. Water intrusion, debris, mud. You will use this constantly in the days after any serious weather event.
Gas cans (5-gallon, set of 2)
~$40 set
Critical
Fill and add fuel stabilizer (STA-BIL) before season. Treated fuel lasts 12–24 months. Don't wait until a watch — stations run dry within 12 hours of a named storm.
🔍 Hidden gem at Home Depot: The Husky 20-gallon water storage container (~$25)
Most people buy cases of water bottles. A Husky food-grade 20-gallon container holds the equivalent of 16+ cases and takes up a fraction of the space. Fill it from your tap before the storm. Costs less than 2 cases of bottled water.
Lowe's stocks nearly the same category of disaster prep items as Home Depot, but is often less crowded during a storm watch. Both stores sell out at similar rates, but Lowe's is worth checking as a backup when Home Depot shelves are bare. Their outdoor power equipment section often carries generators with slightly different models — worth cross-shopping.
EGO Power+ Battery Generator (3.6kWh)
~$1,299
Critical
Battery-powered station. No fuel, no fumes, runs indoors safely. Powers refrigerator for 12+ hours. Best for apartments, condos, and anyone who can't run a gas generator. Recharge with solar panels.
Kobalt LED Rechargeable Work Light
~$49
High priority
Far superior to candles for extended outages. Charges via USB, runs 8–12 hours. Buy 2–3 and keep them charged. Game-changer for navigating a dark house with kids.
Craftsman 16" gas chainsaw
~$279
High priority
After any hurricane, tornado, or ice storm — fallen trees block driveways and roads. A chainsaw turns a 2-day problem into a 2-hour problem. Essential for any homeowner with trees nearby.
High priority
Emergency sealing, tarp attachment, window sealing, first aid splinting, gear repair. Buy more than you think you need. Duct tape at Lowe's is higher quality than dollar store versions.
PVC pipe and fittings (for water repair)
$5–$30
Good to have
After flooding or freezing, water pipe repairs are common. Having basic PVC fittings, primer, and cement means you can do emergency repairs yourself instead of waiting weeks for a plumber.
Carbon monoxide detector (battery backup)
~$25
Critical
Generator misuse kills dozens of people every hurricane season. CO has no smell. Install one per floor, replace batteries yearly. This is not optional if you own a generator.
Harbor Freight is one of the best-kept secrets in disaster preparedness. Most people only think of Home Depot and Lowe's — which is exactly why Harbor Freight shelves are still stocked when everyone else has sold out. Their tools are budget-priced and more than adequate for emergency use. Sign up for their coupon emails before season starts.
🔍 The Harbor Freight generator secret
Harbor Freight's Predator generator line (3500W runs ~$349, 9000W runs ~$699) offers roughly 70% of the performance of name-brand generators at 40% of the price. For emergency backup use, they're excellent value. The secret: Harbor Freight is almost never sold out during a storm watch because most people don't think to go there first.
Predator 3500W Inverter Generator
~$599
Critical
Comparable to the Honda EU3000 at half the price. Quiet inverter type — safe for electronics. Runs refrigerator + fans + charging comfortably. Best value generator in this class.
Predator 9000W Generator
~$699
High priority
For whole-home backup needs. Runs central air, well pump, refrigerator, and lights simultaneously. Open-frame style (louder) but massive capacity for the price.
400W Power Inverter (DC to AC)
~$29
High priority
Plugs into your car's 12V outlet. Charges phones, runs small devices from your vehicle. When you have no generator, your car is your power source. Keep one in every vehicle.
Heavy-duty folding hand truck
~$59
Good to have
Moving water jugs, sandbags, generator, supplies — you'll move a lot of heavy things before and after a storm. A folding hand truck earns its space a hundred times over.
Work gloves — 12-pack
~$15
High priority
Debris cleanup after a hurricane or tornado means nails, glass, sharp metal. A 12-pack of basic work gloves for $15 at Harbor Freight protects the whole family. Buy extras for neighbors.
LED headlamps — 4-pack
~$19
High priority
Hands-free lighting for nighttime emergency work. Harbor Freight's LED headlamps are perfectly adequate for disaster use at a fraction of name-brand prices. One per household member minimum.
16-ft aluminum extension ladder
~$149
Good to have
For roof tarping after storm damage, checking gutters before a storm, and general emergency repair. Harbor Freight's aluminum ladders are solid for occasional emergency use.
2-ton hydraulic floor jack
~$39
Good to have
If a tree or debris lands on or near a vehicle after a storm, you need a floor jack. The Harbor Freight 2-ton model does the job at a price that makes it a no-brainer to have in the garage.
Tractor Supply is where coastal homeowners who know what they're doing shop during an emergency. It's rural-focused, stocked with bulk supplies, and almost never sells out because most people don't think to go there. If you're anywhere near one — and most coastal areas have them within 20 miles — it should be a regular stop.
100-gallon Rubbermaid stock tank
~$79
Critical
The single best large-volume water storage option available. Food-safe, UV-resistant, durable. Holds 100 gallons of water for household use. Fill it before a storm. Two of these equals 200 gallons — 10 days for a family of four.
20-lb propane tanks (exchangeable)
~$18–25 exchange
Critical
For camp stoves, propane heaters, and outdoor grills. Tractor Supply's propane exchange is reliable and often has inventory when gas stations are sold out. Have 3–4 full tanks before season.
Mr. Heater Big Buddy indoor propane heater
~$139
High priority
The only widely-available propane heater rated for indoor use. Critical for winter storms and power outages in cold climates. Always run with CO detector. 4,000–18,000 BTU. Heats a 400 sq ft room.
Camp Chef Everest 2-burner camp stove
~$89
High priority
Outdoor-only propane stove for cooking when your electric range doesn't work. Runs on standard 1-lb camping cylinders or with an adapter to 20-lb tanks. Never use indoors.
STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer (32 oz)
~$12
Critical
Add to every gas can you store. Treated gasoline lasts 12–24 months. Untreated gasoline degrades in 30–60 days and will destroy your generator's carburetor. Always treat stored fuel.
Berkey water filtration system
~$279
High priority
Gravity-fed water filter that removes bacteria, viruses, and contaminants without electricity. After flooding, city water is often unsafe. A Berkey can filter any water source into safe drinking water for your family indefinitely.
50-ft garden hose with shutoff nozzle
~$29
Good to have
For pre-storm wetting of landscaping (fire protection), post-storm cleanup, and connecting to outdoor spigots. Tractor Supply carries durable commercial-grade hoses at lower prices than big box stores.
Pet food (large bags, sealed)
$30–80
High priority
If you have pets, Tractor Supply has larger quantities at better per-pound prices than grocery stores or pet chains. Buy an extra bag before season — pet food disappears from stores fast.
🔍 The Tractor Supply secret: timing your propane
Tractor Supply exchanges propane year-round with consistent pricing. During a hurricane watch, gas stations run out of propane exchange within hours. Tractor Supply — because most people don't think to go there — often still has propane available when everyone else is sold out. It's worth the extra drive.
Dollar General doesn't get enough credit in the disaster prep community. There are over 19,000 Dollar General locations in the US — more than any other retailer. In rural areas and small towns, Dollar General is often the only store within a reasonable drive. And unlike Walmart or Home Depot, many Dollar General stores stay open during emergencies when larger stores close or run out.
AA and D batteries (multipacks)
$4–8
Critical
Dollar General's battery pricing is competitive and stock is often more available than big box during a rush. Buy 2–3 multipacks of AA and D. Batteries are the most under-purchased prep item.
Canned goods (soup, beans, vegetables)
$1–2 per can
Critical
Dollar General's canned food pricing is often better than grocery stores. Stock up on soups, canned beans, vegetables, and fruit. No-cook options are priority. Buy 30–40 cans per household member for a 3-week supply.
Wet wipes (large packs)
~$4
High priority
When water is limited, wet wipes replace bathing, hand washing, and basic hygiene. Dollar General carries large packs at the best prices anywhere. Buy 4–6 packs minimum.
OTC medications (pain reliever, antacid, antihistamine)
$3–6 each
High priority
Generic store brands are identical in active ingredients to name brands and cost half as much. Stock Tylenol equivalent, Pepto equivalent, Benadryl equivalent, and antacids. One bottle of each per household.
Peanut butter (large jars)
~$4
Critical
High calorie, high protein, no refrigeration, no cooking required. A 40-oz jar of peanut butter provides approximately 6,000 calories. It is the most efficient emergency food available per dollar spent.
Matches and lighters (multipacks)
$2–4
High priority
For lighting camp stoves, candles, and emergency fires. Dollar General carries multipacks at very low prices. Keep a pack in your go-bag, kitchen, and vehicle glove box.
Garbage bags (heavy duty, 30-gallon+)
~$5
High priority
Debris cleanup, emergency waterproofing, waste management when plumbing fails. Buy the contractor-weight bags if available. Have two boxes minimum.
Hand sanitizer (large bottles)
~$3
High priority
When water is unavailable or potentially contaminated, hand sanitizer becomes critical for basic hygiene and preventing illness. Dollar General pricing is unbeatable.
Plan your budget
How much does a real 3-week kit cost?
Here's what a genuine 3-week disaster preparedness kit costs at these stores, broken down by budget level:
$150
Bare minimum
Water storage, 2 weeks of canned food, batteries, first aid, flashlights, hygiene. Primarily Dollar General + Tractor Supply. No generator. You'll be uncomfortable but alive.
$500
Solid preparation
Everything above plus a Harbor Freight portable generator, propane stove, 3 weeks of better food, full first aid kit, water filtration. Most families should aim here.
$1,500
Well prepared
Quality inverter generator, large water storage, full 3-week food supply, chainsaw, comprehensive tools, water filtration, full medication stock. You're ready for a month.
$3,000+
Fully self-sufficient
Whole-home standby generator or large battery backup, 6-week food supply, comprehensive tools, water filtration + bulk storage, solar charging capability. You help your neighbors.