Emergency Supplies to Stock Up On at Costco and Sam's
Whether it's another pandemic, dangerous weather, or some other disruption to everyday life, Costco and Sam's Club have a lot to offer anyone who's preparing for an emergency. From toiletries and food to more specialized supplies such as generators, here are some safe-not-sorry buys to consider. Can you think of more? Tell us in the comments.
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Prices and availability are subject to change. Some items sold out online may be available in store or vice versa. Prices also may be lower in store.
Related: Don't Miss These Perks of Costco and Sam's Club Membership
$35 from Costco
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No power? Don't drain your smartphone's battery by relying on its flashlight. In fact, this rugged lantern with up to 180 lumens of bright light has a built-in USB port that will let you charge or power another device during a life of up to 55 hours between charges (and up to 405 hours of use with additional 3 D-cell batteries).
$19 from Costco
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Chances are your old flashlight and radio run on 'em, so why pay more buying small packs at the supermarket when you can get 48 batteries for about 40 cents each?
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$29 from Sam's Club
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You can make your own first-aid kit, but paying for the pros to do it is a lot more convenient. This 351-piece case includes products from hand sanitizer gels and exam gloves to ointments, bandages, finger splints, scissors, and tweezers. It has some basic medications too, and first-aid guides to consult.
$550 from Costco
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The threat of stormy weather and extended power outages can feel a bit less daunting when you have an emergency power source on hand. This Firman generator runs on gas and comes with a battery for backup. The 5-gallon tank provides 14 hours of power at a 50% load. It can be started from up to 168 feet away by simply pushing a button on the remote.
$68 from Costco
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In this smartphone-dependent age, most of us have an external battery lying around, but can yours jump-start a car? This high-capacity battery comes with jumper cables that can do just that, plus it has a built-in flashlight and two USB ports for charging laptops, tablets, phones, and other devices.
$11 from Sam's Club
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Tuna will always be a popular pick for emergency prep: It's cheap, it lasts, and it's an easy way to add protein to pasta, salad, a sandwich, a pita — whatever you can dream up, really.
$15 from Sam's Club
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Instant oatmeal can be a winner even with the queasiest tummies, and it's usually good for a year or longer. It's also cheap and filling, making this 52-count variety pack a great choice for your just-in-case stash.
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$14 from Sam's Club
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Trail mix might just be the perfect food for emergencies: It's shelf-stable, packs in plenty of protein and carbs, and mixes sweet and salty in a way that makes it way more appealing than digging into yet another canned good.
$55 from Costco
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Nonperishable foods are a must for plenty of potential emergencies. Protein bars such as this highly regarded Costco brand have a long shelf life and deliver a lot of energy despite their small size.
$180 from Costco
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Prepping for the end of times? Costco has your back in the form of this kit of self-heating emergency meals. From vegetable stew with beef to lentils and pepperoni pizza, everything has a 36-month shelf life — if the apocalypse isn't here within three years, just take the kit camping and restock.
$31 from Sam's Club
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It will cost you, but anyone who wants a no-muss, no-fuss supply of emergency food that can last for up to 25 years (not a typo!) can stock up on these kits. Each just-add-water, ready-to-eat kit has five kinds of food and feeds one person for three days.
$175 from Sam's Club
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These stackable, interlocking 3.5-gallon containers make storing an emergency supply of food and water a little easier. The four air-tight, moisture-resistant FoodBricks can keep food fresh for the long haul. The six WaterBricks resist extreme temperatures and can be frozen.
$40 at Sam's Club
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Don't forget about Fido in a crisis. Warehouse clubs are one of the best places to stock up on pet food on the cheap, and reviewers love this formula made with wild-caught salmon as the first ingredient. (Got a cat? Remember the litter, too.)
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$200 from Costco
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Telecommuting and online education will be a whole lot harder if your Wi-Fi isn't up to snuff. This easy-to-set-up system provides coverage up to 3,000 feet per plug-in, no matter how device-happy your household.
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$9 from Costco
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These two 500-caplet bottles will last and last, even for bigger families. Of course, also consider cold medicine, antacids, and other common over-the-counter needs.
Related: What Not to Buy at Costco, Sam's, or BJ's
$8.50 from Sam's Club
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When crowds clear the aisles of hand soap, it's time to get a little creative. Dish soap is often gentler on sensitive skin — a nice bonus when you're ramping up the hygiene.
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$17 from Costco
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This 194-ounce jug of detergent that’s free of irritating dyes and perfumes can power through a whopping 146 loads of laundry. (That’s close to five loads a day for a month, if anyone’s counting.)
$16 and up from Sam's Club
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No one needs to sell parents of small children on why keeping an emergency stash of diapers is a good idea. Sam's diapers are as cheap as 15 cents each, less than half the price of Pampers Swaddlers. Oh, and don't forget the wipes and, if needed, formula.
$10.50 from Costco
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Pantene is your best bet for stocking up on shampoo at Costco. This 38-ounce bottle (and its conditioner counterpart) should last several weeks and then some, especially if you use only what you really need.
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$17 from Costco
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It’s best to replace toothbrushes after you’ve been ill, experts say, especially if you have underlying health issues. With this pack of eight, you’ll have a ready supply.
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$29 from Costco
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Stock up now (or on pads, if you prefer) and you'll be happy to avoid a last-minute trip out of the house when that time of the month rolls around again.
$22 from Sam's Club
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Contact wearers, don't forget to keep solution at the ready. This kit with two 14-ounce bottles includes two replacement cases (change them no less than every three months, experts recommend, and always rinse them with solution after removing your lenses).
$53 from Costco
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Unchecked boredom can become an emergency of its own. This two-pack of nostalgia games can help while away the hours, no electricity required.
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