The Sensible Prepper may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.

Could You Survive on What’s in Your Home Right Now? Take This 60-Second Prepper Test

When disaster strikes, there’s no time to run to the store or browse online. The real question is: Can you survive using only what’s in your home right now? This 60-second test is designed to give you a brutally honest reality check.

How the Test Works

Grab a pen and paper. Alternatively, open your notes app. Give yourself 1 point for every item or skill you presently have in your home. No cheating. Be honest. You will be surprised at how well you score—or how much work you have to do.

🏡 The 60-Second Prepper Test

1. Do you have enough drinking water for at least 3 days?
2. Do you have non-perishable food for every person in your home for 3 days?
3. Do you have a flashlight or headlamp that works (with spare batteries)?
4. Do you own a manual can opener?
5. Can you stay warm without electricity (blankets, sleeping bags, wood stove)?
6. Do you have a basic first aid kit stocked and accessible?
7. Do you have a way to charge a phone without grid power (solar, crank, battery pack)?
8. Can you cook without electricity or gas (camp stove, grill, rocket stove)?
9. Do you have basic tools (multi-tool, duct tape, wrench, pliers)?
10. Do you have extra prescription meds or OTC meds on hand?
11. Do you have cash on hand in small bills?
12. Do you have important documents stored in a fireproof/waterproof container?
13. Do you have a radio that works without power (crank, solar, battery)?
14. Can you purify water (filters, bleach, boiling gear)?
15. Do you have self-defense tools or plans in place?

✅ Scoring

• 13-15 points — Survival Ninja: You’re ready for just about anything.
• 9-12 points — Prepper-in-Progress: You’re doing well, but there are some gaps to fill.
• 5-8 points — At-Risk Resident: You’re better off than most. But, you wouldn’t want to test this in the real world.
• 0-4 points — Disaster Waiting to Happen: Start prepping today—you’re vulnerable in every category.

🌪️ Why This Test Matters

Emergencies rarely come with a warning. Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or civil unrest, your survival and comfort rely on your preparedness. The outcome depends on what you’ve done beforehand. This test isn’t meant to scare you—it’s meant to help you take action now.

🔎 What to Do Next

• Go through your score and mark the items you didn’t get.
• Make a plan to tackle one item per week.
• Subscribe to TheSensiblePrepper.com for survival guides, gear reviews, and step-by-step prepper plans.

🔊 Join the Conversation

How did you score? Drop your number in the comments and challenge a friend to take the test too. Prepping is always better when you’re not doing it alone.