About PrepVault

Prep for Everyone. No Politics.

We believe being prepared is a basic act of care for your family and neighbors — not a political statement.

Our Mission

PrepVault exists to make emergency preparedness accessible to every family, regardless of background, political view, income level, or experience. We believe that a well-prepared community is a resilient community.

We don't traffic in fear. We don't push a survivalist lifestyle. We don't have a political agenda. We just want your family to be ready when life throws something unexpected at you — because it will.

"When it matters most, you'll be ready."

The Sane Prepper Manifesto

We believe:

  • ✦Anyone can be prepared. You don't need a bunker, a compound, or a four-wheel-drive truck. You need a plan, some supplies, and a little knowledge.
  • ✦Preparedness is an act of love. Stocking a first aid kit is how you tell your family "I've got you." It's not paranoia — it's caring.
  • ✦Neighbors matter. The most powerful emergency tool is a community where people look out for each other. Your best resource is the person next door.
  • ✦Start where you are. A 3-day kit is infinitely better than no kit. Don't let perfect be the enemy of prepared.
  • ✦Disasters don't care about politics. Hurricanes don't check voter registration. Earthquakes don't care who you voted for. Being ready is just smart.
  • ✦Inclusion matters. Emergency preparedness resources should be accessible to people with disabilities, non-English speakers, people with medical needs, and people of all income levels.

📚 How the Library Works

PrepVault's file library is powered by Google Drive. Here's the transparent version of how it works:

  1. You configure the connection. In the ⚙️ settings panel on the library page, you enter a Google Drive API Key and a Folder ID. These are stored only in your browser's localStorage — never sent to any PrepVault server.
  2. Files are fetched directly from Google Drive. When you open the library, PrepVault calls the Google Drive API directly from your browser. The response is cached locally for offline access.
  3. Auto-categorization by filename. PrepVault automatically categorizes files based on keywords in their filenames. Files named "FirstAid_Guide.pdf" will appear under First Aid; files named "Hurricane_Evacuation.pdf" under Natural Disasters.
  4. No PrepVault servers in the middle. Your API key never touches our code. Your file downloads go straight from Google Drive to your browser.

Want to set up your own library? See the SETUP.md guide for step-by-step instructions.

♿ Accessibility Commitment

WCAG 2.2 AA Target

PrepVault is built with accessibility as a core requirement, not an afterthought. Our commitments:

  • All interactive elements are keyboard-navigable and screen-reader compatible
  • Color contrast ratios meet WCAG 2.2 AA minimums (4.5:1 for normal text)
  • Focus indicators are visible on all focusable elements
  • All icon-only buttons have descriptive aria-labels
  • File cards announce name, type, and size to screen readers
  • Large text mode available in every page header
  • All animations respect prefers-reduced-motion
  • Print stylesheets produce clean, accessible printed output

Found an accessibility issue? Please contact us — accessibility bugs are our highest priority.

⚠️ Disclaimer

PrepVault is for informational purposes only.

  • The content on PrepVault is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial, or emergency management advice.
  • In an active emergency, always follow official guidance from local, state, and federal emergency management agencies.
  • Calculators and planning tools provide estimates — actual needs will vary based on your specific situation.
  • PrepVault does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information on this site.
  • External links are provided for convenience. PrepVault does not endorse or take responsibility for content on third-party sites.
  • PrepVault's calculators do not constitute financial or medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for individual guidance.

✉️ Contact

Have a question, found a bug, or want to suggest a resource? We read everything.

Also works with Formspree. See DEPLOY.md for setup instructions.

🔒 Privacy

PrepVault takes your privacy seriously:

  • No tracking. We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any behavioral tracking tools.
  • Your data stays local. All planning, inventory, and calculator data is stored in your browser's localStorage. Nothing is transmitted to PrepVault servers.
  • Google Drive API. When you use the file library, your browser communicates directly with Google Drive using your own API key. PrepVault never sees your credentials.
  • Ad network. If ads are served, Google AdSense may set cookies per their privacy policy. Use a browser extension to block ads if preferred.
  • Contact form. If you submit the contact form, your name and email are stored by Netlify Forms or Formspree (depending on deployment) to send us your message. We do not sell or share contact information.