55 Emergency Preparedness Items (To Get You Thinking…)

preparedness-supply-list

There are countless survival preparedness emergency supplies (preps) that you might consider, acquire and store ahead of time — BEFORE any potential short-term emergency, a longer-term disaster, or even a SHTF collapse.

List of Supplies – 55 Emergency Preparedness Items

This particular list is intended to provoke your own thoughts and ideas.

It is not a complete list of SHTF supplies / recommendations. Why? Because that list would be quite long. And everyone’s circumstances and requirements are different. Search and Browse Modern Survival Blog for tons of recommendations, and the multitude of excellent comments from our readers!

This is a list to get you thinking about your own potential needs for survival preparedness. It’s a brainstorm list that hopefully helps some people in the future who happen across this page.

In no particular order…

(1) Toilet Paper, Personal Hygiene Products

Can you ever have enough? Answer: No. I recommend that you keep adequate supply at home, just in case of disruption. Also others such as feminine hygiene products, diapers for infants, etc. It’s hard to imagine life without TP — so store as much as you can ;)

How Many Rolls Of TP Used Each Week

(2) Food – 30 Day Kits

I’m mentioning this because it’s quick and easy to procure a 30 day emergency food kit. I have a number of these because you can quickly grab-n-go if you wanted to. Also, be careful to check calories on these kits because some are low (you might need two instead). 2,000 calories per day is a good target.

Lunch and Dinner Kit
Breakfast Kit
(amzn)

(3) Food – More of what you already eat

This means food from the grocery store. Most people have a week or less at home. Just get more. Canned meats, vegetables, sauces. Pasta, rice, beans. A chest freezer enables lots of storage too. Though obviously an issue during long term power outage. (Generator?). I have so many articles here on MSB about food storage… use the search box for more info.

Food & Kitchen category on MSB

(4) Food – Long Term Dry Goods

As you can see, I’ve split food into 3 groups (there are actually more, but this sets the notion of diversifying. This last one is a catch-all for bulk storage of things like dry “food staples” and other foods purposed strictly towards long term storage. Here’s a related article to get you on the right track:

Most Common Survival Food In Prepper’s Deep Storage

(5) Water Storage At Home

This might be a combination of cases of drinking water bottles from the grocery store, water-safe containers / jugs (filled), and even larger storage such as a 55 gallon water drum. This storage will get you by for a short while if something goes wrong.

example: 5 gallon stackers (view on amzn)

(6) Water Filter – Countertop Gravity Filter

I am a big advocate for having a quality countertop water filter for the home. Safe drinking water is paramount to survival. I highly recommend any of the Berkey models from the following USA distributor:

USA Berkey Filters

(7) Water Filter – Portable

A good water filter for on the go. Something you can throw in a backpack. Or keep in your vehicle’s kit. I’ve always liked the ‘ Sawyer Mini ‘ water filter. The ‘ Lifestraw ‘ is okay too. There are many others too.

Search Portable Water Filters on amzn

(8) Fire Making Kit

Any aspect of making a fire. Essential for any survival kit. Have more than one way to make a fire. I write about it in the following article:

Fire Starting Kit List

(9) Rope, Paracord, Cordage

There are countless uses for cordage. I keep a working 1,000 foot spool of paracord at home, from which I peel lengths off for various kits and uses. I also have other ropes (thicker, heavier) for their own uses. Keep a variety.

Paracord – What it’s Used For – How Much Do You Need?

(10) Flashlights

I like flashlights (a little too much). One on my key-chain and others all around the house and kits. Don’t forget a supply of batteries too.

Batteries That Don’t Leak Or Corrode

(11) Headlamp

You gotta have hands-free lighting sometimes! Nothing better than a headlamp for this.

Headlamp or Flashlight – Which Is Best?

(12) First Aid Kit & Supplies

It’s always good to start with a general purpose first aid kit for home (like this highly popular one on amzn). Then add to it. Also build your own mini first aid kit for any backpack survival kits you may have. One for your car too.

(13) 2-Way Radios For Communications

These radios are great for general purpose close range communications. They’re also a great tool for security. A half dozen or so of these inexpensive devices would be a good thing to have on hand. Maybe designate a few of them for the Faraday Cage…

Best Baofeng Antenna Upgrade

(14) Portable AM/FM/Shortwave Radio

Battery operated radio for getting information when the power is out. They can also be fun listening on the HAM bands. Another good preparedness tool…

Shortwave Radio For Travel | Portable Handheld | Hobby Listening

(15) Solar Battery Charger

Power up and charge batteries for your devices when the power goes out. AA, AAA, for flashlights, radios. USB Charge your cell phone, etc..

A Few Choices For Solar Battery Charger

(16) Rechargeable Batteries

I keep a decent supply of AA (and AAA) rechargeable batteries. Though I also keep a stock of Energizer MAX, “if” the grid were to go down longer term, I could fall back on my rechargeables.

(I wrote this on my opinion for best rechargeable batteries)

(17) Portable Stove (safe for indoors)

A great standby preparedness item is a portable cook stove. One that’s considered safe for indoors. Here’s what I wrote about that:

Single Burner Butane Stove | Safer For Cooking Indoors

(18) FUEL, Gas Cans, Storage

Got enough fuel? Is just one “gas can” enough? That’s for you to decide. Remember though – when you store fuel, do it safely. Never indoors.

A post about Fuel Stabilizer

(19) Generator

A portable generator. Not necessarily a monster of a unit, but one big enough to power your chest freezer, maybe the fridge, some lights, your furnace… I personally like the Honda and Yamaha generators (pure sine wave too) because they’re quality and they are quiet! Though expensive.

Run Your Generator Several Times A Year

(20) Heavy Duty Extension Cords

For your generator! You really should have heavy gauge quality extension cords for your generator. It’s safer, and more efficient that way. Here’s an article about it:

Best Extension Cord | Heavy Duty

(21) Tarps – Heavy Duty

Different sizes. I don’t like the standard blue cheap tarps. They’re thin and won’t last long (they start to shred). While all tarps will begin to break down in the sun and weather, heavier gauge (mil thickness) is better. I like (this one on amzn) as a “survival blanket” for a backpack kit. Again, get a variety of sizes.

Gallons Of Rainwater Collection From A Tarp

(22) Ruger 10/22 Rifle

You cannot go wrong with a Ruger 10/22 (.22 caliber) rifle. There are a number of models that Ruger makes for the 10/22. What a tool. Actually, any .22, right?

Only One Gun In A Survival Situation…

(23) Backpack

There are seemingly infinite varieties of backpacks. These make great reservoirs for a survival kit. I ALWAYS keep a few backpacks in the truck. You never know when you might have to walk out, bug out, or bug home…

Survival Kit category

(24) 72 Hour Kit – Keep one in your vehicle

Build your own mini survival kit. A good target is one that’s designed to keep you going for 72 hours. It’s fun to put one together.

A Place To Store Food For 72 Hour Kit In Your Vehicle

(25) Garden Seeds

Oh boy, this is a big one for long term survival! Seeds, AND gardening experience. It’s never too late to start. There’s a lot that can be learned, though many vegetables are fairly easy to grow under the right conditions.

Survival Garden category

(26) Duck Tape

What list doesn’t include duct tape?! It fixes everything! I’m not joking. Keep a roll of this stuff around!

Uses For Duck (duct) Tape

(27) Rocket Stove

I’m talking about any type of small portable “rocket stove” (a design characteristic) that accepts twigs and small wood for fuel. These stoves are very efficient and quick for boiling water, heating foods. And the fuel is free. I happen to have a SOLO stove, purchased years ago…

Solo Stove Lite (on amzn)

(28) Survival Knife & Sharpening Tools

A knife, any knife, is a obvious survival & preparedness asset. Not just one (you can’t just have one!). Many of you already have an every day carry pocket knife. A so called Survival Knife might be a tad bigger…

If You Could Only Have One Survival Knife, Which One?

(29) Maps of Your Region, Compass

GPS is one thing. But maps are another. Road maps. Topographical maps. All sorts of maps. It’s always a good idea to keep hard copy maps on hand.

Road Atlas Map For Your State | Latest

(30) Water Container (Stainless Steel Cup)

What I mean is a container for your kit which you could potentially heat over a fire or coals to disinfect water. You could also cook food in it.

5 C’s & 10 C’s of Survival

(31) Weather Alert Radio

So important. Especially for those of you who live where tornadoes might form. There are several popular weather alert radios. I wrote about it in the following article:

Best Weather Alert Radio

(32) Tent

I’m referring to a minimal tent that you could strap to a backpack. Enough for good shelter. It’s a category of its own. But a good idea to have one, either for hiking/camping trips, or just in case.

“Tent” in Outdoor Recreation at amzn

(33) Sleeping Bag

Similarly, a compact efficient sleeping bag. Something that you could pack with you. Consider the temperature of the environment you may be in, when choosing.

“Ultralight Sleeping Bags” in Outdoor Recreation at amzn

(34) Cash on hand

It is wise to keep some amount of cash on hand, at home, in a safe. Don’t keep it all in a bank. Why? Because “what if?”…

Survival Disaster Cash For After The SHTF

(35) Reference Books

Hard copy books for your survival & preparedness reference. This could be anything associated with topics and skills of your choosing.

10 Survival Preparedness Reference Books

(36) Binoculars

Seeing is believing… There are all sorts of good reasons for having binoculars. Compact, full size, there are advantages for each. A nice preparedness item to have. I touched upon it in the following article:

Binoculars Are Good To Have

(37) Night Vision

Okay, this is a luxury item. But I’m putting it out there on the list because of its importance regarding SHTF Security.

Nighttime Security Night Vision Devices | A Force Multiplier

(38) Fishing Gear & Supplies

Fish. They’re great for protein. And they are in most every body of water. A food source. Fishing gear will help you advantage that, should you need to. Or just for fun…

Fishing Lures and Tackle on amzn

(39) Yard Wagon

These things are great. So many uses. Hauling water to your house following SHTF? (it’s heavy!), and so many other practical utility uses around the garden or wherever and whatever. Highly recommended.

Yard Cart, Wagon, Wheelbarrows, For Preparedness

(40) Bicycle

Transportation without fuel. Maybe a folder for your vehicle (getting home if you need it). Attach a utility trailer for hauling stuff. It’s just a good idea to have one. I’ve written a few posts on the subject. Here’s one:

Best Bicycle For Preparedness?

(41) Personal Defense & Security ‘tools’

A catch all line item for that which you feel important for your own personal and home security. This topic becomes increasingly important as a disaster situation lengthens in time.

Personal & Home Security Category

(42) Candles

A traditional method of in-house lighting when the power goes out. There’s something about the unique ambience too. A supply of various candles for preparedness is a goo thing to have.

Candles For Preparedness | Cost Per Hour To Burn

(43) Hurricane Lamp (Oil Lamp) & Fuel

Again, indoor lighting, just in case. A nice prep to have on hand. Especially you have kids or pets, use caution when burning candles or an oil lamp (common sense).

Oil Lamp For Preparedness | Quality Matters | Safety & Tips

(44) Fire Extinguishers

Important! You never know if and when you might need to use it. I keep several of these around the house, garage and barn. It makes sense.

Fire Extinguishers | 3 or More Locations Around The House

(45) Work Gloves

I always keep a stack of new work gloves on standby. Some are insulated for colder months. Others for summer. I go through more than the average person. Protect your hands.

Thinsulate Gloves | How It Works & What You Need

(46) Plastic Sheeting

Dark, and clear plastic sheeting. Lots of potential uses. Killing off weeds on a garden. Darkening windows at night (SHTF?). A lot of useful applications. It’s easy to acquire a roll or two of plastic sheeting.

Plastic Sheeting on amzn

(47) Crosscut Saw

Got a wood stove for heating? Can you imagine procuring wood during a worst-case-scenario breakdown when fuel / chainsaws no longer function? Okay, maybe that’ll never happen (hopefully), but a crosscut saw and/or bow saw are great tools for fire making, camping, whatever. I wrote about it here:

Crosscut Saw For Cutting Logs & Firewood

(48) Emergency Heater

It’s winter. The power goes out. Your furnace stops working. Or, you just want a portable heater that’s considered safe for indoor use (always use a carbon monoxide detector). I have a “Buddy Heater” (brand) which is a popular indoor portable heater. A nice prep. Here’s more:

Buddy Heater Run Time | 1 pound & 20 pound tanks

(49) Vitamins

If and when there’s ever a food shortage problem (again, hopefully never!), you will be relying upon your own stored foods for calories and nutrition. It’s a very good idea to also have adequate supply of vitamin supplements for your nutrition.

Survival Vitamins and Supplements

(50) Regular Bleach

Use regular bleach for disinfecting surfaces and also purifying water for safe drinking. Note that bleach does weaken with time (reverts to salt solution). Perhaps down to approximately half strength after ~ 1 year. Just saying…

Bleach – Water Ratio For Drinking Water Purification

(51) Home Canning Equipment

Pressure canning and Water bath canning are great ways to preserve foods. It’s really not that difficult to figure out. It does take some time to process the foods. But the good thing is there’s no refrigeration required to store the jars afterwards. A fantastic prep and skill to have.

12 Lifesaving Canning Rules

(52) Hand Tools

Any tools really. I’m a “Jack of all trades” so to speak, and tools are so very important. Tools and practical skills to use them. “Tools of the trade”, whatever that may be.

15 Hand Tool Groups For Preparedness

(53) Motion Lights

The Security category. Motion lights are a GREAT deterrent. I have them all around my castle. The thing is, there are differences in motion lights. And many years ago I researched and discovered the best…

RAB Super Stealth | Why Its THE Best Motion Light Sensor

(54) A Good Dog

Mans best friend. And a great security alarm.

Prepping For Your Pup

(55) Food Producing Trees, Bushes…

The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago, or right now. ANY food producing product on your land is a valuable asset for preparedness. Don’t wait. Time flies. Plant some food producing trees or bushes, etc., for your growing zone.

Food Producing Trees | The Most Popular

Again, this preparedness list (although sensible) is NOT intended to be all inclusive. Instead it will hopefully get you thinking about your own readiness and what you might need.

When doing your own preparedness list, one way to think about it is by categories.

For example, think of a general category such as ‘Kitchen’ and then list supplies and priorities in that category.

Other general categories might include Shelter, Clothing, Food, Water, Tools, Sanitation, Security, Transportation, etc…

Think ‘categories’ and then narrow it down within each category. If you are just starting – then start with Food and Water!

Prepping & Preparedness Level 1 – 4

52 Comments

  1. Consider replacing the plastic sheeting with large trash bags. Lots of uses , split them to make plastic sheeting, trash container, will hold water from a gutter system if needed, rain coat, taped over windows for a no light situation. Lastly, a great place to put the neighbors cat after you find it in your garden. JK.

    1. – If you have to dispose of a carcass, be sure to have a few big black tough (like contractor grade) plastic bags. Cuts down on awkward questions about “How come my dog was in the dumpster?” JK LOL

      Actually this is a very good starting out list, Ken. Thanks from all the new folks just starting.
      – Papa S.

      1. I didn’t expect the rationalization that you mentioned for having tough trash bags, but I do agree that having lots of extra heavy duty trash bags is a good idea. I always keep lots of them on hand. Beyond just my normal run-rate.

      2. Dogs killing rabbits or chickens end up in some part of gardening projects. My animals if killed end up in the food garden. Only bag long enough to move and burry.

        1. Clergylady,
          So nice to see ya over here. Have been looking for ya on another site. How is your DH? Are you still at the same homestead or did ya move to the new one?
          Surely hope all is well with you. Again, glad to see you posting here. This is an awesome group of folks. You may already know of our NRP. He is the resident TP king and Bean GURU. He is in your neck of the woods. Probably have seen his TP storage from the interstate. Lol
          Seriously, he is a very good guy as are all here.
          PEACE to you and DH
          MadFab

    2. RWT, Those large contractor bags are great. A few years ago, out local Co-op had a bunch of large bags of potting soil sitting outside where the birds had shredded the tops of the bags. I asked for a deal on those bags and they sold me 8 bags for $2 each. The helpful employee who loaded my car decided I needed a way to protect my car from the loose potting soil and keep the soil from being lost, so he placed each bag in a giant contractor bag. I rinsed those out and saved them. I got a lot of potting soil cheap and I can see all the uses I will have for the bags if a pandemic comes.

    1. Ken: You’re right that a dog is mans best friend,but a cat will never tell the cops where you hide the weed.

  2. Seriously though it’s a great list for anyone with a preparedness mindset.
    Good Lord! My wife just said that you forgot chocolate and knitting yarn.
    I don’t know how we stand it sometimes.

    1. Chocolate is right. I was pretty much prepared, but recently went to the store and bought a bunch of extra M & M’s. Like TP, you can never have enough M & M’s.

      1. Daisy, re: M&Ms, yup on storing chocolate. I quart and pint jar vac seal small candy bars and M&Ms (small packages). Problem is, they don’t stay in the pantry very long! Have to keep restocking.

  3. We have a couple of big trash bags in vehicles to use as a temporary tarp for kneeling while changing a tire or a rain poncho by cutting a 2 arm holes and a head hole .

      1. #56 Should be Spackle Bucket(s) both the big and small ones….
        They can be used for toilets, hauling water (need more than 1 bucket),
        storing food, ammo etc….

    1. The garbage bags will also keep your body heat in. If you do that, you have to wear the polypropolene clothing or Polar Fleece. You do not want to lose heat from your body core. Also, wear a knitted hat as you lose heat thru your the top of your head.

      1. I forgot to add….
        Also setting up a tent in your house could save you or your family. The inside of the tent should be around 40oF. Which could make a difference.

  4. Food
    I second the claim about chocolate. Having treats on hand is important. I also think it is important to have spices and sauces on hand to make food palatable. I am assuming that most of us here have a solid three month short term pantry and that most folks stock oatmeal, beans, rice and wheat for longer term food preps. Spices and sauces can go a long way to turning staples into suppers. I also think it is important to stock baking supplies such as yeast, sugar and oil. Having a bread machine on hand would give you the ability to make fresh bread everyday. Fresh bread can make even the blandest meals good.

    Alternate Ways of Cooking

    My folks retired to Kings Bay, Ga. I think it was back in 1989 that they had a hard freeze. This was over Christmas. The water pipes froze and the electricity went out. I was only 19, home visiting from college. I didn’t have a worry in the world. My siblings and I went out and hand a snowball fight. Growing up in a military family it was just assumed that my parents would have everything under control. My dad got a fire going and warmed up the house. My mom made breakfast on the camping stove–pancakes, sausage and bacon and eggs. I still remember this to this day.

    I think that was my first awareness of prepping. When I graduated from college and got my first place, I kept a deep pantry just because that’s how I grew up. Today I have a BBQ grill, a camping stove with extra propane and a volcano stove. When I purchased the house I got a gas water heater and a gas stove.

    Water

    We have the items listed including cases of water, 7-gallon water bricks, a. 55-gallon drum and a Big Berkey (purchased from Jeff the water guy). Question: If you fill up a Water Bob and it turns out that you don’t need the water (for example, if you prepped for a hurricane and no longer need the water), how do you get your tub back?

    Light

    Good list here. One can never have enough batteries.

    First Aid,

    This worries me. I don’t see how it is possible to have enough bandages and other medical supplies on hand. I stocked up on fish antibiotics when they were readily available. I think we are going to see a shortage of antibiotics with China shut down. The U.S. should have never outsourced essential items. Vitamins will also be in short supply.

    Cleaning Products/Trash Disposal

    Bleach is essential for disinfecting surfaces. One worry I have is that the garbage pickup will be interrupted when workers get sick or refuse to come into work because of the virus.

    Communications

    Backup battery supplies for cell phones! We have car charges and a solar charger. We can also charge our phones from our computers. During hurricanes cell services are often down but you can still text people to let them know you are okay.

    Generator

    My dad was an electrician in the Navy. He set up our generator for us (for me, actually–this was before I got married). He insisted on heavy duty electric cords. He also set up a ground with a copper wire. He died several years ago. Question: Why did he say to turn off the power to the house at the breaker if the generator is not hooked into the breaker box?

    Pets

    We have a 100 lb. male GSD. I trained him in German so no one besides family could command him. We also have four cats. We normally keep three months of pet supplies on hand. When news of coronavirus hit I upped that to six months.

    Protection

    I am deadly accurate with my Rugar 10/22. But that is not a very good choice for home defense. Almost all of my training is with my Glock 19. My dh and I each have our own shotguns. And we have a good supply of law enforcement grade 00 buck. But I just don’t have enough time in to trust my reactions with it.

    Gardening Tools

    I would add another category to the list. (I may have missed it.) It is so important to have basic gardening tools and skills. We don’t have a lot of land. But I do grow a small garden. I have been amending the soil for years and I know what I have and what I need to do to improve yields.

    Well this is all I can think to write for now.

      1. I am sure there can be no greater reward as a blog writer than getting people to think for themselves. I do much the same in my job as a philosophy teacher.

    1. BAM
      Turning of the power at the breaker stops current from travailing back through the lines and hurting someone working on them. Kinda like shutting off a faucet.

  5. I have all but 2 of the items with the trash bags replacing the plastic sheeting. Sadly no dog due to allergies. I owe Ken a thank you as once I discovered this blog shortly after reading One Second After I started building the food supply. Our food pantry and a faraday cage are all due to this site. This list solidify’s I am doing it correctly.

  6. Prepping for the zombie apocalypse, who knew it would come in handy during a pandemic.
    😎😝

    Only instead of getting bitten, you gotta avoid getting breathed on or coughed on or someone touching something before you touch it. 😷

    1. I find it somewhat amusing in a macabre sort of way how many of you guys mention a pandemic…little realizing that in a month or twos time from these posts our lying cheating government would create one in order to steal an election and crush dissent for the one world order…

      1. Phil, apparently you dont know ANY of us at all

        Hows life under that rock of yours

  7. Excellent list! Maps were mentioned, Printed maps are very important; those electronic devices are handy but not a replacement for a printed one. I print the ones I need and keep them in a 3 ring binder along with my atlas and road maps in a travel bag.

    Don’t forget cast iron cookware; in a pinch you could get by with just one piece, a Dutch oven. There’s an excellent article on MSB on how to cook with them.

    ( Cast Iron Cooking & Cookware Tips For The Beginner )

    Do you have printed manuals for all of your equipment? Most likely not, you should go online and find a PDF manual to download and print it out as nowadays a printed manual isn’t provided for a lot of products. I have an article I wrote on that topic.. I don’t know what to do with it.

  8. Fantastic article Ken, and very timely as I’ve just had a good friend that wasn’t of a preparedness mindset, start to ask questions. I’ve directed him here for a wealth of learning and some great info from you and the other regulars. Hopefully he takes the red pill :-) Thanks!

    DT

    1. Same here. This has folks paying attention to having things on hand ready to use when needed. I gave three families each a full 5 gal bucket of food, bar soap, hydrogen peroxide, 91% alcohol, plus a bag of rice and beans. Family with kids had 20 lb bags. Couple with no kids got 4 lb bags and grandma with kids 10 lb bags. It wasn’t that I could afford that. It was an encouraging point about how to get started. Buckets had canned meats, seasonings, sauces, canned tomatoes et. They are adding now. So it was a good investment. Grandma’s son is repairing Greatgrandma’s hillside root cellar and buying up a good list of items for the family.

  9. Y’all forgot the basics like dehydrated water, freeze dried ice cubes, powdered bourbon , and elderberry oil. Also some DVD’s of Jericho, The Walking Dead, and The Last Ship.

    Jus fun’n

    Good list, stay safe, God Bless, and watch out fur dem hogs!

    1. Seminole Wind: Tell me more about this powered bourbon! It would be
      easier to hide from the wife I think.

  10. – Ken,
    I was at work yesterday (today too), so was unable to respond to your comment (our lull ended). What I had actually been thinking about was several years ago when my kids were still in high school, we lived in, well on the edge of town, and a “neighbor” had a large pit bull that had already earned him a warning that it was on the verge of being impounded or destroyed outright.
    The dog made the mistake of killing one of my son’s animals in the yard, and was going after another when he growled at me in my own yard. In Texas, a stock-killing dog is subject to being shot on sight on your own property. The owner is still liable for damages, If* you can collect.
    The owner wouldn’t argue about the dog in court, but would have attempted to do something covertly, so I didn’t want to deal with him.
    A Savage 24-C and an Aquila 60 gr. SSS put paid to the dog on Friday night. I reported the incident to our then-new Police Chief on Monday; I got a high-five and a comment that it was about time, and a thank-you for dealing with the situation myself. That’s where the Comment was based, anyway.
    The Chief is now a semi-retired part-timer, still a friend and a prepper as well.
    – Papa S.

  11. Ken

    On the heavy duty garbage bags remember trash compactor bags, very tough though smaller. They are useful for lining next to anything for extra water storage.

    1. I have a significant stock of heavy duty trash bags of various sizes. I had not considered trash compactor bags (because I don’t have one). Thanks for the tip.

  12. How can a compentent elderly person get guns taken away from them by friends meaning wlll protect themselves?

  13. Ken:
    As you and I probably visit many of Preparedness and Survivalist sites.
    Every one including yours has list upon list of this and that ranging from the best Firearms to the best foods.
    I will say FINALLY there is a list with TP as number one.
    Allow me to explain.
    Yas shelter, water, food, generator, fuel are of the upmost importance.
    BUT what is the very most dangerous thing that will do you in?????
    Come on think about it…..
    Ok, here you go….
    The Wife shouting from the bathroom shouting “honey, there is no TP in here” and you have no supply left…..
    Just think on that for a few minutes.

      1. Ken:
        OMG , I had almost forgotten about the Article.
        Ya all need to go read that..
        LOLOL
        Is 600 rolls really enough?

  14. I only use rechargeable batteries for everyday use and keep the throwaways in the event of power shortage.

  15. I don’t represent or sell Silky saws, but if I don’t have a chainsaw that runs this will be my go to. They are awesome. I have one and I love it.

    The same thing about Kelly Kettles. I love mine.

    If I had to leave the house and could only bring 4 things with me, it would be the Silky saw, the Kelly Kettle, the Sawyer mini and the Gerber Strongarm knife.

  16. I recently contacted LifeStraw and asked them if their filters were usable, even if unused, if they have been in freezing temps. Their reply was they are to operate and be stored in “33-140 degrees.” Above or below those temps discard to trash the compromized unit, even if never used. Another blogger did this also to most of the manufacturing companies this same question they either didn’t reply to the email or talked around the issue. LifeStraw replied to my inquiry as did Scheyelles (sp?) who responded that their filter would work fine. I am on my city emergency response team, keep a bugout bag in truck 24/7 in freezing to sweltering temps is why I’m concerned with this. At this point it is one of the water filters & a steripen (bummer is batteries or usb, but have power bank).

    1. G.B.
      My understanding is that “if” the filter media itself is wet or damp (having been used and prior to complete dry-out), then freezing temperatures will likely crack the filter media.

      If the filter media is completely dry, there shouldn’t be an issue (in my view).

      I suspect though that once a filter like the lifestraw or sawyer mini, (any with enclosed filter element) would be very difficult to get completely dry after use. Maybe there’s the cover-your-ar$$ going on with a given manufacturer reply too…

    2. Bleach just a drop or two of bleach will make all kinds of water potable!!!!

      1. Phil since you didn’t mention the volume of water being treated to that “drop or two” of bleach. Nor did you mention the AGE of the Bleach being used as it degrades pretty fast after the first 6 months or so into salt water. Nor did you mention the bio-loading (dirt-bugs-human waste etc.) of the water your making “Potable” your comment seems less than useful to a newbie prepper who may FOLLOW your advice and thus get their family very sick from “Potable Water” by your “Instructions”.

        Please take a look at Ken’s articles about using bleach for water purification. Specific volumes of fresh bleach for specific volumes of water to be treated AND instructions to filter as much bio-loading OUT of that water FIRST as it “eats Up” a LOT of Bleach otherwise.

        Rule of threes Phil, rule of threes No Water OR Bad Water you WISH you were dead day two or so. Day three or so your wish is granted.

  17. Well, it took several days of digging through the preps, gut, I found the, YAHOO.!!

    Couple yrs back, DoD had Pandemic Flu Preparedness Kits available, 2-N95 masks, 4 surgical masks and 4oz bottle of hand sanitizer. $2.00.

    I bought a lot, just found them, now I can send my Daughter, more protection.

    My bad, inventory does no good if you can’t find it, some how, that notebook has disappeared. GREMLINS.!!

    1. I went to the dollar tree around three weeks ago and picked up several items to make my girls “germ bags” to take to school. I got them a small bottle of hand sanitizer, lip balm, eye wash, fingernail clippers, hand warmers and a mini flat flashlight. I added in from my stock, two pair of nitrile gloves and a N95 mask. To keep it somewhat OPSEC, I placed all of it in a pencil holder so it wouldn’t be noticeable. It’s not much but it does make me feel better that they have something there just in case.

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