A doomsday prepper reveals the essential items everyone should have ready to go in case of an emergency - and says being prepared takes the "panic" out of situations."

Sari Sanchez, 41, calls herself a "practical prepper" and says she is poised and ready for any catastrophe - including wars and natural disasters. "

She has 'bug out bags' - a packed bag ready if she needs to leave her home suddenly - for herself and her husband, 41, a film and television writer.

It includes the essentials such as a tourniquet, water filter, a mask, panty liners and basic medication.

But Sari doesn't just rely on equipment - and is sufficient in self-defence and makes sure she stays present to be "situationally aware"."

She says being prepared takes the "panic" out of situations and believes everyone should at least water and medication to prepare for an emergency situation. "

Sari, a professional organiser and actor, from Los Angeles, California, said: "My home is outfitted with everything for the dog and my husband - we all have bug out bags."

"I have equipment by my bed. I have a crowbar by my bed, a head lamp, hiking boots, hat and water."

"We have maps everywhere in case the grid goes down."

"Your body and mind is the most important prep you have," she added."

"Keep your mind in a good place."

"Always have a contingency plan. "

"I trust myself. I'd rather be self-sufficient."

Sari had always been raised to look after herself - she watched action movies with her late dad, Felipe, who also taught her to use power tools, and be self sufficient and self aware.

She became more prepared for different scenarios while working all times of the day in Chicago - and would always carry something to defend herself with, and have extra clothes for cold weather.

But when she moved to Los Angeles in 2007 she experienced an earthquake for the first time and started to learn more about prepping.

Gradually she has honed her skills and is now prepared for any disaster. She has 'bug out bags' for herself and her husband, Sammy, ready to go in their home and car.

Sari said: "I started really small - repurposing what I had. I'd put an old sweatshirt in my car."

"It creates peace not panic."

Over the years Sari has honed her knowledge so she can be best prepared. As natural disaster such as earthquakes and fires are most likely to hit her state she prepares with that in mind.

Sari is also prepared if she ends up stuck at home - such as during the Covid pandemic - and has enough canned food to last for a few weeks.

She said: "Stock up when it's on sale."

"Rotate the canned food you already eat."

"It's good to have at least 72 hours worth. You need a gallon of water per person per day."

But despite being well equipped, Sari says the most important skills lie in self-defence and mindset.

She said: "I live my life in the most present way - to have situational awareness."

"Look at the flowers, cars - and you become aware."

"I love getting ready for the day."

"Make-up is like putting on war paint for a meeting you're about to go into."

"Make-up for me is fun and gives me confidence."

"I feel the same way about prepping."

"It takes the panic out of situations."

Sari's tips:
- Stock up on food you already eat when it's on sale and rotate it
- Try to stock up on 72 hours worth of food and water
- Be situationally aware - take notice of your surroundings
- Always have a contingency plan
- Have a bug out bag/ some essentials ready to go. Or make a list with what you would need so you know what you need to pack if a disaster happens
- Headlamps over flashlights
- Keep it low tech - a manual wind up torch, print map