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55 Preparedness Items
June 20, 2011, Submitted by:
Ken
Guest Post: by ‘Be informed’
There are many survival preparedness items that you can store now, and “forget” about, which you may need later during varying degrees of an emergency. The following are 55 suggested items that you can store and have ready. By no means is this intended to be all inclusive. It’s intended to get you thinking. In no particular order…
1. Toilet Paper
, and other sanitation items such as feminine hygiene products, diapers for infants, etc. These are items that should be mass stored if possible.
2. Paper Towels
. Too many uses to mention, store as many as you can.
3. Coffee Filters
. For those drinkers of coffee of course, but these are excellent filters for many other purposes.
4. Trash Bags
. All sizes. You can also store many free plastic grocery bags from the store every time you get them after shopping. Important for bagging up refuse and preventing disease.
5. Zip type Freezer Bags
. Lot of uses.
6. Coolers
, various sizes. If you have room, can be used to keep things cool or cold, but also used to keep items from freezing in very cold weather.
7. Shovels
. All sizes from small garden type to those used for digging. Very important to have after a disaster.
8. Soaps and Cleansers. Sponges and other scratchy pads. You are likely not going to have a dishwasher after a disaster and you have to have some means of cleaning pots, pans, dishes.
9. Cotton Rounds
. First aid uses, Excellent Fire-starter (mixed with Vaseline).
10. Paper to write on. This includes note pads, index cards.
11. Pens and Pencils, especially the click pencil type that don’t need a sharpener.
12. Rubber bands. This also includes hair bands. Used to keep items organized and from flying apart.
13. Tape. All kinds from duct, masking, electric, to scotch. Many uses.
14. Sewing Kits. Threads, needles, buttons, zippers, you are going to need them.
15. Matches. Keep them dry and store lots of them.
16. Salt
. You won’t believe in certain areas how hard it is to get this necessary mineral for survival. Store as much as you can.
17. Aluminum Foil Wrap
. Good for cooking and many other uses.
18. Candles. All sizes. Not only for light at night, but can be used to heat small items up in small cookware.
19. Can Opener. Without many of these you will have a bad time trying to get your canned food out.
20. Basic Tools. This includes hammers, screwdrivers, saws, axes, utility knives, scissors. Anything extra that you can store from your
tool chest.
21. Handyman’s Hardware Assortment
. Assortment of screws, nuts and bolts, wire, nails, etc. Store in clear jars with lids or in original packages.
22. 5-Gallon Gas Can Containers
. These can be used for gas or other fuels as well as for water that are durable. Obviously, never use for drinking water if they’ve ever been used for gas!
23. Round Magnifying Glass
. Use to see small items (optical glass is best), or to start a fire if matches are wet or out of them.
24. Envelopes
. All sizes for storage. Smaller for seeds you can get from the wild as one example. Tough postal envelopes are also good for storage after a disaster.
25. Boxes
. You are really going to need this if you have to suddenly move somewhere quick for clothes and other items. Many grocery stores will give you free fruit boxes that are sturdy and have lids. Also large plastic boxes with lids.
26. Shoe Laces
. Many people have shoes that are still wearable and need shoe laces. Shoe laces are also good for tying off material with other purposes.
27. Paper plates
, plastic eating utensils
, disposable drinking cups
. IF you can store enough, excellent way to save your soap supplies by not having to wash the dishes.
28. Blankets
, sheets, pillows, pillow cases. Just because you are in emergency does not mean you have to live like a refuge.
29. Towels
. All sizes from hand to bath. You will be very grateful to be able to dry yourself off with something you are use to.
30. Fishing line
and string. Lots of uses.
31. Nylon rope
, cord, clothes lines. Do not be without.
32. Toothbrushes
, dental needs, dental floss. Even without toothpaste you can still keep your teeth healthy.
33. Q-tips / Cotton Swabs
. Not only personal use, but uses for fine detailed work.
34. Honey
. Lasts practically forever and a good sweetener for many foods.
35. Trigger spray bottles
. Use to disperse insect repellent as one of many uses.
36. First Aid Kit
. Most items such as bandages, gauze, tweezers, nail clippers, scissors, wrapping tape, etc. can be stored without rotating. Keep more first aid supplies than you think, because they can get used up very quickly (extra gauze – 4×4′s, 2×2′s for changing dressings).
37. Firestarters
or Newspaper. Yes, newspaper for starting fires, wrapping delicate items, insulation. Keep dry and preferably in sealed boxes.
38. Safety Pins
. Fastening of almost anything that has broken. Bobby pins also good.
39. Sunglasses. You will really need to protect your eyes after an emergency, glare is something that people forget about if they have to be outdoors for extended periods of time.
40. Hats. One size fits all baseball type caps, scarfs, ski caps. A lot of heat is lost through an uncovered head, also sunburn.
41. Gloves. So important, from keeping hands warm to protecting your hands from hazards such as broken glass and much more.
42. Extra Clothes. Especially well-made rugged pants and other clothes that will wear well. Don’t forget the extra comfortable shoes, socks, underwear, warm jackets.
43. Small handheld Mirror
. For signaling, but also for personal grooming.
44. Cloth grocery tote bags. Reusable. A very good way of collecting things and supplies such as food from the wild.
45. Stapler with plenty of staples. Also paper clips to seal off small items and fastening paper. Your package of survival seeds as for example.
46. Extension cords. You may actually still have electricity from some source such as a generator or solar panel system. Routing power to other appliances or tools can only be accomplished with an extension cord. Can be used as a substitute for light duty style rope also.
47. Brushes. From nail, paint, to hair brushes. One good use for a hair brush is removal of ticks, fleas, burrs, from clothing.
48. Tape Measure. Measurement tools, rulers, very important to know distances and measurements for building, etc.
49. Games. Boredom is awful, and a simple deck of cards, boardgames, something to take up time if confined after an emergency. Great for the kids too.
50. Survival Books. Anything that will give you information and instructions on survival, cooking, plant identification, map books. Your bookcase may not be around after a disaster, store information you will need someday.
51. Wind up clock. Your battery operated clocks and watches or other time telling instruments are someday not going to work. A wind up clock is better than using a sundial.
52. Plastic storage containers. Ziploc, Tupperware, Rubbermaid, anything that can air seal something. All sizes.
53. Sticky notes. Use to label what you have after the disaster. Secure it better with scotch tape if you want. Lots of uses. Leave notes for others.
54. Safe for your cash. Cash money may be the only way to buy anything immediately after a disaster. Good for holding silver and gold coins too.
55. Heavy duty tarps. Many sizes and inexpensive. Cannot emphasize how many uses these have, and can be folded up and stored in smaller spaces. Be sure to look for heavy duty.
There is no perfect list, and this list was not intended to be a complete list – in fact there are countless things missing which would take pages or volumes! Instead, I hope to only get you thinking about it for yourself. Start your own list!
I enjoy reading the lists of others, and have nearly ALWAYS found something new and useful to add to my own, never-ending list.
One idea when thinking of your ‘list’, is to think in categories. That’s mostly how I do it. For example, think of kitchen items and then list essentials in that category. Think of shelter, clothing, food and water, tools, sanitation, security, transportation, etc… think ‘categories’ and then narrow it down within the category.
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To go with tarps, add bungie cords. I think it was Frugal Squirrel that said (long time ago) don’t use them at full extension, they lose their springyness.
Missed a bunch of posts while I was away from power and people for a few days.
Two items that should be on most lists, as there are few families these days who are not affected, are prescription medicines and extra prescription eyeglasses. I always tell everyone who wears glasses to bring a spare pair on wilderness trips, as things happen and there are no optometrists around after you have been dumped off by a float plane for two weeks in ‘the bush’. Now picture a true SHTF situation of a global or regional nature. A couple of pair of extra glasses are a good investment. You can get by for years with an old prescription in most instances, but you can’t get by with no glasses at all.
I know many of you on here will shout buy USA, but most eyeglass stores are royally screwing people with 200 and 300 % markups. My wife and I just had our eyes checked and bought new pairs via the internet with titanium frames………. delivered………… for $40 a pair. Sorry, but $40 versus $300 for the same thing at the closest store I have to spend $100 in fuel to drive to…………. well the ‘local’ business can go to hell. There is a limit as to how severe a screwing I am willing to take to shop ‘local’.
The other things that needs to be addressed is stocking up on prescriptions. This is something that needs to be addressed way ahead of time and perhaps even start to rotate your supply based on expiry dates………. but get a stock pile in, because most people will be out of their prescriptions within a month of a disaster.
A lot of people will find that some of their conditions go away when a new life style forces eating in moderation and lots of exercise, but there are many life threatening illnesses that are not going to go away and a stock pile of medication with an extended stale date may get them through to better times.
I very much agree regarding extra pairs of your prescription glasses (and the high cost of purchasing through your local optometrist). Would be curious to discover the website you use or recommend for online purchase.
http://www.zennioptical.com/
Ken……… the company we have dealt with is Zenni Optical. So far we have ordered a half dozen pairs of prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses. Zero problems and really fast delivery.
http://www.zennioptical.com/
Why hasn’t any one mention a compass ??? How about Binoculars or high powered scope for a high powered rifle !
Survival means you may have to kill other humans…people in a ” group survival camp ” may have to elect some people as guards , both men or women who are trained to shoot and not feel the remorse of killing..even if its a teenager who is set on killing and has a weapon of his /her own..survival groups across the country should have secret meetings where certain language is spoken to see if there is a community that agrees upon the rules of engagement and sharing…if people approach a group and say they are ” friends”,,they may have to be told to move on or face repercussions.
@Jerry, as is clearly indicated in the article, the author did not design this list to be all inclusive, or to be in thought-out priority. It is simply a list of items to ‘get you thinking’. It looks like it got you thinking, so that is good!
As you mention, a compass, binoculars, high-powered scope, firearms, all are excellent additions to one’s survival preps.
Survival should never mean you may have to kill other individuals. If that is one’s primary philosophy of survival, we’re all going to end up killing each other because of suspicions. People helping people is how groups will survive. If one wants to live by the sword, they shall die by the sword.
Deadly force should only be enforced when one’s life is threatened, or the property which directly affects one’s life. I can’t speak for what Jerry was thinking when he wrote his comment, but you are certainly correct that people helping people is how groups will ultimately survive.
If you just need reading glasses, the optician told me the $2 readers from discount stores are just as good as expensive prescription readers, but you need to buy the correct strength.
I found this fantastic website for ordering glasses, and I have been happy with their results. It is very reasonably priced and it cuts out the middle-man, so to speak. http://www.eyebuydirect.com (They are not an advertiser – I’m just pointing out the opportunity). You are also correct regarding reading glasses – I have bought them cheap at discount stores and have been happy enough with them.
I totally agree that if you are on medications, you need to stockpile in case the SHTF; HOWEVER, how do you do that when the pharmacists will only fill 6 month or 1 year prescriptions as they are needed. Unless you start skipping meds, how else would you stockpile? Canada?
@Kay; Canadia would be a problem as they count every pill. I have managed over two or three years to accumulate a years worth extra of pills. If your issues are endocrine related (i.e. type II diabetes or HT) or weight related, they will subside in a more austere environment. As your weight decreases and your daily exercise increases your BP and TIID will go away. You will feel better and live longer due to the exercise and restricted diet. Now if you have some other condition like bipolar disorder, you’ll have to use homeopathic remedies, such as St. Johns Wort, which you can grow yourself. If you have a sure enough medical disorder that needs constant medical attention (dialysis, chemo, etc.) that isn’t simple, then you’re screwed. The only adjunct that I would store would be aspirin and a multivitamin and a multi-mineral. If you can grow normal vegetables you can get all the vitamins and minerals you need for most of the year and can store the rest in pills for a few years. Survive well. Enjoy.
I’ve been stocking up on generic prescription medications from India. Yes, I also try to buy USA whenever possible, but with no insurance for medications -and no way to save any up even if I had prescription coverage- it’s become not only much easier to order them from India, but also MUCH cheaper! I pay the same amount for almost a year’s worth of blood pressure meds in twice the strength (so, technically, a 2 year supply) for the same price a ONE MONTH refill would cost at Wal-Mart. Not everything is available, but so far everything I’ve needed has been :0) I’ve even got my 90-year-old Mom getting some of her prescription meds this way, as the Medicare ‘donut hole’ just about bankrupts her every year.
#19……..can opener……..buy Swing-a-way brand. The china-mart can opener won’t hold up to opening up your #10 cans. I’ve already broked 2. ……And I’m a petite female. The Swing Away can be found at some hardware stores and online.
We have several ‘swing-away’ type can openers. MUCH better than the very cheap openers.
Amco Swing-A-Way 407WH Portable Can Opener, White
A family will need a Portable water purifier..you can purify water at any creek, or stream, or puddle if needed.
People need a ” flint and striker”..it will outlast matches…people need a gun and bullets…if you cant get food ..you might have to eat the four legged kind..it always good to have a house pet..a dog ..but even a cat can keep rodents away from food sources..believe it or not…they are sensitive to noise and will react before a human can if people are out to take from you.. A fold up bike or mountain bike and patch kit would help also to scout and move quickly down roads.
Money ?..who will need money and a safe in a national disaster ?.thats ridiclulous….
@Jerry, as is clearly indicated in the article, the author did not design this list to be all inclusive, or to be in thought-out priority. It is simply a list of items to ‘get you thinking’. It looks like it got you thinking, so that is good!
Cash will be King in a short-term crisis. No doubt about that. However, it won’t take long for money to become valueless as a crisis continues. It is very wise to have a cash stash for short term needs.
@Ken; Yes, I agree. You will need (should have) as many FRNs as necessary for an EMP/Solar flare event. If you can make change the stop-and-robs will have to start taking money manually, cash of course. A couple of grand in ONES, fives and some tens PLUS 3 or 4 rounds of change (a round varies but is usually 3Qs, 3Ds, 2N, 2P). If ever you needed a safe it would be when TSHTF. Also I’m a firm believer in having precious metals. People say that you can’t eat them but you can’t eat FRNs, ammunition or guns either. If you are properly prepared for SHTF and have stuff for barter or sale then you can come out on top if you have the ability to make commerce happen with REAL money to participate in barter and trade. Survive well. Enjoy.
Tin snips work really well to open cans. I carry these when camping as they work for other task also.
http://abundanthope.net/pages/NEW_READERS_Read_Here_First_106/FIRST-100-ITEMS-TO-DISAPPEAR-FIRST.shtml
re: pens & pencils:
- I would argue that you need both mechanical & regular pencils. Mechanical will work fast but only until you run out of lead (the last of which almost always falls out before complete). A regular pencil doesn’t necessarily need a sharpener (although HIGHLY recommended). If your survival kit involves a knife or two it will work just as well and probably last much longer than a mechanical one. I work at an animation studio & many of the artists still using paper actually prefer to hand sharpen their pencils by knife rather than use a sharpener as they can control the angle, etc. Also they told me if you rotate the pencil as you write/draw (would apply to mechanical as well) then it “sharpens itself” by maintaining the point & makes it less likely to break. I’ve been doing this for a few years now & it makes the pencils last MUCH longer!
- I’d also be sure to include a Sharpie/permanent marker or two. Then you can write if need be on virtually anything -even yourself (name, blood type, etc if paperwork is lost).
What would people need a pen for ?..there would be no post man nor postal service…you need a radio and batteries..I could see if your leaving a message if you are leaving your camp..but who would leave their camp unattended or unguarded ?
@Jerry, as is clearly indicated in the article, the author did not design this list to be all inclusive, or to be in thought-out priority. It is simply a list of items to ‘get you thinking’. It looks like it got you thinking, so that is good!
A writing instrument, or marker, is a simple and thoughtful prep item to have several of. Leaving messages for others may be a life-saving proposition.
@Jerry; Simply because that’s how civilized people communicate. If you can’t write a journal for later generations when everything is done or civilization comes back, how are they supposed to know what happened and why? If you can’t draw, how you want the compound defended, how will it work and be properly communicated? Pen/pencils and paper are essential items. No, you can’t eat them, they are far more important than that. They communicate ideas and thoughts which is how we communicate, whether person to person or century to century. Pen/pencil and paper are more important to history than anything else. You seem somewhat short sighted about the pen and paper! IMHO. Survive well. Enjoy.
@ Travis. Have that list, what I was trying to show was items that you could in a sense just store and forget about. Many of these on the 100 items first to disappear have to be checked to make sure they are not expired. Even soaps lose their ability to disinfect over time. These 55 items you can store for years and as long as they are kept dry and safe from damage should be ready to use years later just as well as when you first put them away. I personally have two groups of survival items, those you check occassionally and try to keep fresh and updated, and those that are ready for use anytime you need them, pratically no maintenance items.
@ Anonymous. Good additional advice. This is what I love about Modern Survival site, someone can offer some advice to help people better prepare and then others offer more wonderful advice to improve on this.
There’s a shelf life on soap? Ever bar? That’s good to know… do you know about how long? May have to go through my pile of hotel soaps again…
Soap is primarily oil and it can go bad, primarily affecting the smell. A good quality bar soap that is kept cool and dry can have a shelf life of many many years and still work well. A sterile liquid soap such as Amway LOC that has no perfume will stay good for years if unopened and up to a year opened. I am not a big fan of liquid soap as most have additives that keep the solution suspended which ‘stick’ to the skin and often cause irritation. LOC is an exception.
@Ronda, good suggestion regarding storing soap in cool/dry place. This suggestion is also good for most things, including food storage. Fels Naptha and Zote (and others including Octagon) have been used for generations specifically for laundry without issue. They, as well as most other bar soaps are good for laundry, except for those with and exceptional amount of oil additive – like Dove.
@ Anonymous. While the soap might just dry up after a long time stored, you can see all sorts of expired dates on such items such as bleach, hand disinfectives, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc. It can be assumed that the same properties that go into the soap that protect against germs also have an expired time when they won’t kill germs anymore. I have seen expired dates on some soaps, others only a code or when they were manufactured. The soap companies must think that you will probably use the soap way before it no longer becomes ineffective. You could call one of the soap companies of some of the soap you have stored and ask them how long their anti-bacteria soap remains anti-bacteria.
I like to keep items that really don’t have an expired date together and not worry about them, but know they are there when needed.
Most of the items with expiration dates don’t really expire, and many don’t even lose any effectiveness. The dates are on there so that the company has limited liability.
You used soap that was 12 years old and claim it gave you a rash? well, it expired 10 year ago, so it’s not our fault. We won’t tell you that we make multiple 30 ton blocks every 5 years and cut it into bars as needed, because that would blow our legal cover, but yeah, it’s “expired” 2 years after being sold!
@ “Be”; I’d like to shorthand your handle to “Bee” , as you never seem to stop. That is a good thing and again, I applaud you. Your efforts to inform the “Newbie’” , ignites a spark-creating catalyst; morphing the assumed and expected. Forethought just in case? … How can that be anything aside from positive? If your “55″ are cached so as to retrieve some now, and some down the exit path. They all have great merit. For the home “Be Here Now” and planning to stay here from here on out… Location security, allied with prescience are worth the investment & time. Remember; if you have to run… travel light, travel fast, and have a plan to get to your next cache. Here again lies the potential for not only pages but books highlighting methodology… Survive-All… ( Weather, Hot war, Hoards, Chemical and or Biological dispersal; just a few of the base-earthly scenarios. )The Survivalist’s’ Scientism book would be more than could be carried and it may be best used as fuel. That is if you can take the chance, whether hunkered down, or on the move. Don’t forget that invisibility is your ally when T.S.H.T.F. ( Or at least an AS50 and 40,000 rounds… ) Survive-All…
@ Otter. For so long I just kept my ideas that can really help people contained within a small group of people, doing good for a small number but nothing like I can. By writing down these ideas and spreading them to the public it does exactly what you say, it is a catalyst to starting people to think and expand on what I have said and so they can make anything that much better and useful for others. I just hope that people will look at something like this idea or other ideas and offer their really good advice to add to it. The person behind the name GoneWithTheWind and yourself offer much valuable insight and tips on everything that other people do read and use. I just wish more people would participate and jump in and give their tips on these subjects. People do listen to these tips.
Brita Water pitcher and filters!
You could probably minimize and make more efficient most of the things on this list. For example, just use regular pencils and sharpen them with a knife, it is cheaper and simpler. Tape, learn how to use duct tape for everything. You don’t need thread, dental floss is much sturdier. I have been sewing with it for years, and find most regular thread is vastly inferior. I wouldn’t bother with matches, get a few Bics and a couple firesteels.
I think the key to survivalism is being able to improvise, more than anything else.
Instead of dental floss, keep fishing line handy. You can sew anything with it plus have the added benefit of using it to fish. Also works as twine or in place of rubber bands.
As for salt. A good place to get large amounts cheap is at a local farm store. Salt blocks for livestock are about $5.00 / 50lb block. Smaller blocks are available cheaper.
guns and knives and ammo
I agree, defensive weapons are a must.
Current maps (local & regional especially), and a GOOD compass (‘Silva’ is a highly recommended brand – from experience). Many times disasters cause grid lock, or outright destruction of the major roadways. Familiarity with local secondary roads could be a life saver.
Anonymous mentioned “guns, knives and ammo. i don’t know if i’d put my guns away with the rest of my emergency stores, but it would be a good idea to have at least one good all-purpose knife included. with most things on that list, if you run out of something or forgot to stock it, you can make do with something else. if you don’t have a knife when you need one, you WILL regret it. I pretty much always have a knife of some kind with me at all times, and i find lots of uses for it. but in my survival stuff i keep two cheap Big 5 “survival” type knives that i bought specifically because they were cheap. they are the skeletonized kind with the cord wrapped handle. i got them because i can use them for things i wouldnt want to use my good knives for, and if they get lost or ruined, it’s no big loss. i wanted the skeleton handle because, if it became necessary, you can lash the knife to a broom handle, tree limb or whatever, and you have a pretty decent spear. in survival, multitasking takes on a new meaning.
the list is great, gets folks to thinking. as someone who loves nothing better than to live out of my car in the ‘bush’ or woods for extended lengths of time, i would like to point out that some confusion might come in with this list depending on where people envision they will be utilizing the stuff. the key is to make a list ‘A’ in case you’re stuck in your house, then realize that if you’re driven from your house and are on the road living in your car, you can’t take list ‘A’ with you and you would have different needs anyway, so make a ‘B’ list for the car, & be sure to pack it all up & make sure it fits in the car with your people- this will force you to think very carefully, prioritize, multitask, & be really ready to roll on a moments notice! then make a ‘C’ list for being without house & car- what you can carry. (that’s why tarp, duct tape, & cord go to the top of my list.)
my 2 cents on a car (portable) list: make a rule of thumb: try to make everything you take ~not~ disposable, & then take as much as you can of what ~is~ disposable. like skip paper & plastic plates, cups, bowls, & tableware- they take up way too much space & they run out- get a good shallow pot with cover, fry pan, collapsable bowl with cover (cover is your plate), cold cup & a hot travel mug, & grab some silverware from your drawer. tarp & duct tape & nylon cord go to the top of the list- add some stakes & you can shelter you & your supplies. add bungies & a few carbiners. add a propane camp stove & fuel canisters (heat & cooking/drying food). be sure the salt is iodized. skip the stapler & envelopes, you can use any paper & duct tape. skip the comforter, take a 0 degree sleeping bag. add lantern. add batteries, lots. empty boxes don’t seem to be of any use i can think of- if you’re at home you don’t need them & if you’re forced out they would take up too much space. put clothing in the cloth grocery bags or the plastic buckets, & pack for climates other than your own- i.e. extreme hot/cold weather. have everything packed ahead of time for a quick & organized exit- if something actually happens to force you to hit the road, you’ll be too freaked out to think of everything. my stuff is by the door, but is dual purpose i guess… packed for camping but ready for all hell to break loose!
plastic zip ties and disposable lighters for additions to survival supplies.
Great list of items. I love reading what others come up with, it makes me think a bit deeper about my emergency storage items. I always seem to find something I didn’t think of. I would add dried food that are stored in cans with a can opener to be sure pests stay out of it. These tend to have a long shelf life as well. Another item to your survival supplies would be water. You can get large drums to store your water in. These come in various sizes.
Thanks for the post.
Whenever I buy food/drug store items, I put the item’s information in a spreadsheet – item, product size, expiration date, and the number of items on hand. I can sort by expiration date and see when something is about to go “not as fresh”. I’ll use that first and it will be the next thing to replace. I can keep an eye on my entire stash with little effort.
In addition to matches, you should have alternative methods for starting a fire. I highly recommend magnesium fire starters and magnifying glasses.
And the most important besides food? How to books and start with the How thing works, and than advance to the basic survival books, how to make soap, how to filter unclean water, how to bake bread, how to get en electric engine to work, how to weave, how to pickle and conserve et, etc… the basics that our gran parents knew… that we buy from Wallmrt now
Like it!
several gallons of liquid bleach are useful for disinfection and water purification…empty jugs handy and not to heavy for transport.
Great list. I would just like to comment on No. 4 Trash Bags and plastic shopping bags. I’m not sure how hey are in the US, but here in the UK many plastic bags are bio degradable and would probably be in shreds at the time you may need it. I also have been collecting the fabric/canvas bags to add to them. Also No. 14 Sewing Kit. I do a lot of sewing, so I know I have enough kit and know what i need to replace or add to. I have seen people buy the cheap kits in the budget shops and to be honest, much of it is rubbish. I would reccommend putting the kit together yourself and making sure everything won’t fall to bits whilst you’re trying to make do and mend. Gold plated needles are also available… They don’t rust and tarnish over the years. A little more expensive than your ordinary needles, but personally I think they’re worth it. I haven’t been prepping very long, but would like to say thanks for all the help in getting me through to this point… You’ve changed my way of thinking…
Hard candy. Stressed out people want comfort and familiarity. Oral hygiene is very important to avoid a need for field dentistry (ouch!). Get a hefty supply of salt while it is still cheap. The Romans used to pay their soldiers with salt for a reason. It has thousands of uses. If you are enjoying some of your candy, oral hygiene can be accomplished with salt:
Soak toothbrushes in salt water before your first use; they’ll last longer.
Use one part fine salt to two parts baking soda — dip your toothbrush in the mix and brush as usual. You can also use the same mix dissolved in water for orthodontic appliances.
Mix equal parts salt and baking soda in water for a fresh and deodorizing mouth rinse.
For cankers, abscesses, and other mouth sores, rinse your mouth with a weak solution of warm saltwater several times a day.
Relieve bee-sting pain. Immediately dampen area and pack on a small pile of salt to reduce pain and swelling. Treat poison ivy.
Ease throat pain – mix salt and warm water, gargle to relieve a sore throat.
Deter ants – srinkle salt at doorways, window sills, and anywhere else ants sneak into your house. Ants don’t like to walk on salt.
I’ve used whole cloves to combat pain for an abscessed tooth. Just put a few in the area of pain for as long as needed.
Anonymous, you have just reminded me about the salt for your mouth. My grandmother was 100years old earlier this year, and up until they got a gas fire, she always cleaned her teeth with salt and “chimney soot!”. She still has quite a few of her teeth, which were impeccable until about a decade ago.
Now, I understand how salt cleans, bit if anyone has any ideas about how the chemicals in soot work on the teeth I’d be really interested.
You never know… If we run out of toothpaste and salt and we are back to burning fuel that gives us the chimney soot, then it might be something to fall back on if needed…
@Damkina; It’s probably the salt and not the soot. I can’t imagine that “boot black” is good for your teeth (bucky balls and all). The salt is an anti-microbial as well as modestly abrasive, both of which offer significant protection to teeth and mouth health in general. I think hydro-carbon by-products should be avoided. A compound made of salt and baking soda works quite well. I use plain baking soda and an electric toothbrush. Haven’t had any problems since using this along with floss forks. Only have two cavities in 60 years. Survive well. Enjoy
@TripodXL, lol she probably needed all the salt, then to counteract the damage done by the soot, hence the really good daily mouth and teeth scrub. I’ve tried it myself… Wasn’t impressed.. It was like getting a gob-full of sea water. But I supposed needs must if it came to the crunch!
@Damkina; I would stick with the baking soda and salt. You can also add a little (that’s a little) lemon juice once in a great while to make sure all is perfectly clean and germ free. The floss forks are the biggest thing. I like them as they let you get into all the cracks and crevices. It is the stuff between the teeth that really mess you up. Survive well. Enjoy.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM TO HAVE IS A GUN AND AMMO!!!! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO PROTECT YOURSELF, HOW LONG DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE YOUR SURVIVAL “STUFF”????? NOT LONG!!!!
@ IrishEyesAreBlue. I absolutely agree with you on defense. The purpose of this list was to get people started in preparations with items that you can store away and kind of forget about until you need them. Not all disasters require defense, such as long term power outages in which you cannot get to the store because of an ice storm or whatever. I however would recommend everyone have self defense in and out of actual disaster situations. A gun and ammo can be number 56 and 57, and there are 58 and 59………………… items that you will need. Please read the other articles on this site and see how Ken, I, and others favor self defense for everyone, it is the practical way to go.
Great to get (keep) the mind rolling. As far as books, I highly recommend the late Carla Emery’s Encyclopedia of Country Living. It was meant to be a guide to help homesteaders, but is a great book full of old-time skills. As far as add-ons to the lists, I’m all for trying to add a “production” manual machine whenever one can afford it. A hand grain mill, a reloader, corn sheller, hand drill, beer/wine making equipment, distilling equipment, hot bath canning equipment , jars and lids, pressure canner, etc. I farm a little with horses, so I’m always looking for horse drawn equipment of all kinds. In addition, there a lots of old dairy production equipment that doesn’t need electricity, from hand cream separators to older pasteurizing equipment. I would also add a few good, large crocks for pickling and kraut. I could go on and on. Its sites like these that plant the seeds in folks minds, so that when at a garage sale or flea market and run across this stuff, a little voice tells us to buy it, its cheap and might be really useful in the not too distant future. Thanks to everyone for all the great ideas.
My recommendation (as i’m sure others have made) is to purchase a firearm. This is a hotly debated topic on whether to keep a firearm in the house, especially if there are children present. If you are strongly opposed to owning a firearm, please stop reading here. This isn’t open for debate and i’m not an advocate for any pro-gun organization.
A weapon can be safely kept in the house and under lock and key. The fact of the matter is that there are many “takers” in this world who are only kept in check by law enforcement agencies. After a crisis, where law enforcement will be stretched to the limit, we are basically left to defend ourselves. The best weapon for home defense is a 12 gauge shotgun with a short barrel (legal min. length is 18.5 inches). Longer barrels are okay but are more geared for hunting and can be cumbersome in tight quarters. If you would rather have a handgun, I would recommend a revolver for those that don’t have any experience with handguns. Semi-automatics can be less dependable and sometimes jam. You don’t want that to happen in a life or death situation.
I’m by no means an authority on firearms. If you choose to purchase one, any REPUTABLE gun dealer can advise you of the proper weapon for you’re needs. Make sure you educated yourself on how to SAFELY use it and keep it clean. Fire a variety of ammo through it and stock up when you determine which is best for you and your weapon. If anyone else can add to my comments, please do so. Thoughts of being unable to protect my family in a crisis situation keep me up at night. Hopefully I will never have to use a firearm on another human being. Good luck all!!
@ Josh. I only made up this list, minus the OBVIOUS need for defense to get people into putting away items that really could be stored away and forgotten about until you need them. Little items are all over the place that we depend on to live our lives, and can be stored away and added to so you have them when you need them. Many of these items can be put into places that are dry and will function just as good later as when you stored them. I am so pro-firearms, as long as people practice safe use of them, especially around children. Anti-gun people so often quote how terrible firearms are and how many accidents there are, yet completely fail to mention how often firearms have SAVED people’s lives.
I to hope I never have to use a firearm on another human being, but to be handcuffed and helpless, and that is exactly what you are when these overly radical individuals pass laws to prevent the good honest person from protecting themselves from maniacs and perverts that only want to hurt someone innocent. I have said this before how the hell can an innocent four foot ten inch 95 pound women going to defend herself from some 6 foot six 250 pound muscle bound sex pervert when you have taken away all forms of self defense from her, even pepper spray? It would be like me or you trying to take on a fully grown silver back gorilla or a bigfoot Sasquatch without a weapon. It truly grinds my gears to see how these anti-gun advocates want to empower the criminal, empower the evil and take our self defense away from us.
@ Be Informed…agreed. Didn’t want to insult anyone’s intelligence on the obvious need for a defensive weapon in extreme circumstances. I know this isn’t a gun forum but thought i’d share my limited knowledge of them for those that want one but don’t know what kind. Keep in mind the potential of a firearm for hunting purposes. A .22 caliber rifle with a scope can be purchased very inexpensively and used to shoot small game. Ammo is cheap too.
Been stocking up on weapons, ammo, food and other items. Now, according to recent legislation (believe it is coined the NDAA), I am hoarding these items and considered a terrorist. I’m actually just a proud yet boring American who is trying to protect and preserve what I hold dear in this world. I appreciate all the suggestions from everyone on this site. I hope our stockpiled items will collect much dust and have to be thrown away due to lack of use!
@ Josh. Most of the 55 items here can be stored indefinitely and really not ever thrown away, at least in someone’s lifetime. Food that is ready to go bad and other supplies can always be used by someone. There are many homeless people at shelters that would so much appreciate extra life giving items. It never hurts someone to give what they don’t or can’t use anymore. I truly believe that all of us that do store up will need it someday, probably soon. There are so many different events that could occur and those that do prepare are the wise ones.
Josh, there are lots of other articles on Modern Survival Blog that pertain to firearms. There are some really knowledgeable people to that know tremendous amounts about firearms, TripodXL for one. Check out some of the other articles, they are sweet. One article about Not your Mother’s Airgun is about high velocity air rifles that are as good as a .22 and the ammunition is much cheaper. There really is a whole smorgasbord of fantastic articles on this site. Check them out and I feel you will be most pleased.
@Josh; On your shotgun, I would suggest a Mossberg 500, 8 shot, 12 gauge (currently around $210 at gun shows). It has a 20″ barrel and it can be taken to a competent gunsmith and threaded for screw-in chokes and not affect the performance as a “riot gun” and give you the option of hunting (with a tighter choke) small game. Should cost about $100-135 less chokes. (FYI, the gunsmith will question why you want this done as it would be very “untraditional” and tell you it shouldn’t be done, but stick to your guns, LOL, as it is not unsafe to do) Would recommend getting “cylinder” (for riot gun/defense use) and “modified” (hunting) choke tubes. I do not often recommend customizing survival firearms but this is an exception as it allows more versatility without having to purchase another shotgun or barrel. Survive well. Enjoy.
Thanks all for advice. Enough of me talking of guns. I’m always thinking about what else I might need that would be of value for preparedness. Will post on here when I think of more.
How about a basic list of food to have in your home before the unthinkable happens. I know water, salt, sugar, clorox, plastic bags….
The short answer to your suggestion is to store what you eat (and eat what you store). ‘Basic’ survival food storage consists of simply more of what you normally consume. Once we get beyond those basics, then we start to consider things like shelf life, preservation methods, balanced nutrition (not just rice and beans), costs, the space that we have to work with, weight, portability, variety, mechanisms of cooking the foods, etc… Your suggestion though is a good one and I will add it to my ‘post ideas’ list. Thanks.
Nice long sturdy zip ties (the things that can be used to fasten stereo/computer wires together. Get the nice long ones. Very useful for a number of things, including subduing someone who is up to no good, if you don’t think a death sentence is warranted.
We added a camping stove, cooking utensils and small bottles of propane to our kit. We also have added several cans of sterno for cooking.
Jim, That is a very smart move. You may be surprised to discover that you will use those items for non-emergency reasons too. Good to have. I’m curious to know what you decided on for a camping stove, as it is always interesting to discover what others are purchasing…
I am amazed to find this site. Thank you for all the suggestions. Actually, we have been preparing for many years and the lists describe contents of our home and outbldgs. One tip, we have found many books at library book sales which tell how to do the things our personal grandparents did every day to live.I also learned to make “buddy burners” in scouts using shallow cans like tuna cans. Leave the lid attached by an inch and then fold its sides to make a handle. Cover handle with duct tape to prevent cuts. Roll up corrugated cardboard like a cinnamon roll and insert in the can.Pour melted wax all in the cardboard. The result is a little fire source which you can use for light or to cook over.
Exactly where are we supposed to store all this stuff?
Not sure if you’re asking out of sarcasm or for real… If sarcasm, then simply remain unprepared and deal with the consequences. If for real, then simply use your imagination. Shelves, closets, basement, shed, bins, under your bed, spare room, etc. Yes it can become a challenge if you’re in a small place
We use old luggage as a grab & go emergency bag, and store them under the bed. We are in the country, but are planning for a fall back to a more rural area int he event of a social breakdown, so depending on the emergency we have plan A stored on a $10 6′ wooden shelf from Ikea, our fall back/run pack under the bed. W
Baby wipes already moistened……dry after use – use for firestarter. All your family’s medicines and One A Day vitamins.
If I’m repeating someone else’s suggestion, sorry. A baggy with change in it – Banks will be closed probably so access to money could be limited. We have several backpacks set up with toothbrushes& paste, matches in ziplock bags, batteries & flashlights, plastic ponchos(come in little bags) bag of q-tips, bandaids & triple antibiotic cream. Also zip lock bags of seed packages. If you have access to 5 gal buckets w/lids they are handy for storing things in and have multiple uses. Also have a plan for your family as to how they will get in touch with each other in case of an emergency.
All very good ideas, Donna, thanks for adding your thoughts.
Has anyone purchased the book on the 37 essential foods to have? The guy is selling 4 books for $27.00 plus s/h?
I want to know about Vinegar, always with the grand parents and elders. Vinegar was a must for hygiene for women and teeth as well as cleaning wounds ? There was never a home without it, they even made their own.
Donna, I bit for the books, should be getting them soon. Great site, ideas all over the place ! thank you !
In an earthquake, flood, tornado or hurricane buildings fall and power goes out. I suggest keeping a,
(1) small gas generator
(2) extension cord
(3) power tools to cut into houses and get people out. Battery powered tool work for a short time but you may need some real power for extended hours. Not sure what tools but a skill saw is one.
(4) Perhaps a chain saw. Expensive to get but if you already have them at least keep them in an easily assessable spot.
(5) Hand tools to cut fire wood
(6) Gassifier (TLUD) that burn biomass
(7) (rocket) style stoves that burn short sticks for heat and cooking. These can be made from tin cans or purchased.
stock up on hydrogen peroxide.
Purell hand sanitizer is good fuel for starting a fire.
little bottles of vodka, it’s a universal barter item.
women’s maxi pads make great first aide bandages, so long as you have tape.
bulk spices of anything you can get your hands on.
powdered Gatorade, and tang are good drink mixes,
they have electrolytes, to prevent dehydration, and something your
heart needs I order to keep you alive. dried soups mixes, beans and rice or pasta
will go a long ways. Marie calendars cornbread mixes from Costco, powdered instant potatoes.
rechargeable batteries with solar charger, but only works if you have sun
oh yes and hydrogen peroxide, and if you find a compounding pharmacy, get the food grade, worth the price. I paid $22 for a quart, and use it for sanitiziing everything, vinegar also is a anti microbial, apple cider vinegar is an
excellent nutrient rich system flush, helps get rid of water weight, and with lemon, very refreshing hot summer day drink. braggs amino acids is an excellent alternative to soy sauce. I just found out that a steel garbage can works great for a faraday box for electronics. stock up on as many heirloom seeds for your region as possible, great for your own garden, or barter later. even if you don’t smoke, cigarettes, matches, lighters, fluid.
cast iron cooking pans, and Dutch ovens.
oh my, I could keep on and on.
one more thing. Baking soda, a tsp in 2oz. water is guaranteed fix for heartburn.
Greetings, Read the label before using baking soda for indigestion. Read the label before using baking soda for indigestion. One Half tsp., and make sure it is fully dissolved. Admittely, I have used it since childhood, with age the often repeated use, as per label instructions will cause water retention, edema, and slow the detoxification process our bodies use water for. “add one-half teaspoon to 4 fluid oz. of water every two hours” this goes on to say if over 60 no more than 1.5 teaspoons within a 24 hour period… One half teaspoon contains 616 mg. sodium. That is a lot of sodium… Survive-All…
In your bug out bag.
9v batteries and fine steel wool as a fire starter. Pull the steel wool apart and touch it to the electrodes of the Battery.
Baby wipes for hygiene and bathing non-scented
Two knives a pocket knife and a larger fighting knife if you will.
A water filtration kit (many available)and a camelback type hydration unit in your pack.
Flash light with red filter w/ batteries
First aid kit.
Any meds you may need.
FYI