TEOTWAWKI - The End Of The World As We Know It

Assets That Will Matter After TEOTWAWKI

Are you preparing for TEOTWAWKI? (The End Of The World As We Know It) Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, right? Being preparedness-minded. But to what extent? It varies for everyone of us. Some (preparedness) is better than none. Lots is better than some, especially if done in a sensible manner. A percentage of us take it to a level whereby we stand a chance to survive TEOTWAWKI.

I post this as a question for discussion. To further promote ideas. Actually, I’m re-posting this from several years ago and keeping the original comments intact. Why now? Because the state of the world is in extreme potential peril as I type this. Wars. Rumors of war. Nuclear war. It’s all completely insane. The psychopathic elite and their puppet minions all over the world are on the brink of doing something that could ‘end’ many or most of us. Although it may be too late to do lots at this point (events are accelerating), the discussion is still a good one. If the psycho’s come to their senses (doubtful), all preparations and acquired assets will still be of value — and peace of mind.

While we’ve had these discussions before, “What are the assets that will matter most, after the end of the world as we know it?”

For the majority of people living in today’s modern world, in their minds the tangible things that ‘matter’ in life might include their iPhone, their social media Apps, their credit card, the new car, fashionable clothes, the McMansion, their 401K, a bigger flat-screen TV, the latest gaming platform, etc.. you get the idea… the ‘stuff’ that modern-day programming begs you to get.

With that said, those ‘things’ may be mostly worthless during TEOTWAWKI, while other ‘assets’ will become the one’s that matter most…

TEOTWAWKI is not defined. I’m not defining the specifics of the hypothetical – on purpose. But instead, a vague generalization and concept of life after some sort of major lifestyle-altering collapse. Be it social, systemic, physical, whatever… The extent, depth and breadth is left for your interpretation and imagination.

With that in mind, there will certainly be some commonality among the hypothetical interpretations of TEOTWAWKI and its outcome, so lets concentrate on what assets might matter most during such a time.

If we can identify some of these assets (especially those that matter the most), then we might attempt to acquire some of them before it’s ever too late.

So let’s get a discussion list going.

Ready, set, go…

[ Read: If SHTF, 38% Chance You Will Be At Work ]

[ Read: Common Survival Food That Most Preppers Have ]

198 Comments

  1. While it’s a very smart thing to begin thinking in high-level terms – broad categories or skill sets… however for the sake of this particular post, let’s focus and drill down to the next level – on a list of ‘tangibles’, things you can touch and feel. Specifics. Those ‘things’ that may matter most…

    For example, when you think of “the knowledge of how to make a fire”, well, what physical ‘thing’ or things might be of most value in that regard?

    Or if you feel that the ability to make foods from scratch might be very important in a ‘TEOTWAWKI’ world, then what ‘things’ might matter most in such a world?

    We could all make a list “a mile long”, but comment on what first comes to your mind as being important assets… the things that ‘matter’ more than others…

    1. Ha! Glad you clarified/reiterated that because the first thing that came to my mind was something that isn’t tangible. It was the ability to be a good communicator/leader. :) And a whole lot of intestinal fortitude and faith! :)

      So for tangibles I would have to say:

      CB’s, two way radios, Ham Radios, and any radio that has multiple ways to charge
      Sturdy wagon or wheel barrow
      Good bicycles
      Wood
      Cast iron cookware
      Fire extinguishers
      Food and seeds
      Water
      Water filtration
      Self defense items
      Medical supplies
      Manual tools of all sorts
      Lots of buckets and pitchers too
      Bleach
      Soap
      Lots of washcloths and towels
      Batteries
      Fuel
      TP and women’s “sanitary” pads :)

      I guess we could all make a list a mile long but I’ll stop here

      1. Nice list, a good starting point would be to remember what you take on a one-week backpacking trip and then go from there.

      2. This is a great list! I noticed no one has yet mentioned char cloth. If one has char cloth one can make fire with ease using any of the fire-starting methods involving no matches or lighters. Any spark or ember or magnifying glass will take instantly with char cloth. The benefit of that is you can make more char cloth once you have fire :)

    2. Howdy folks! This is a great topic. My wife and I are actually working on a new list right now for items needed (some that aren’t usually thought about) when building up preparations:

      1. Books
      a. We have built an extensive library of books containing information such as primitive skills, foraging wild edibles, how-to, home improvement, medical, craft and wood working, survival, hunter-gatherer, gardening/micro-farm, how things work, and so on. Many of these we buy used at places like the Goodwill stores where everything is half off on the first Saturday of the month. I’ve bought many books in used to new condition for around a buck each. We also go to TSC and Lowes for great self sufficiency books. Don’t forget to add copies of Backwoodsman magazine. You may see an article of mine in there every once in a while if you can stand my long windedness.

      2. Alternative weapons: Not many things in life are better than an AK47 or M1 Garand. I won’t throw those into my list though as if you are reading this site you already know the need for at least a small collection of guns and ammo to be used as specific tools for hunting, defensive, and sometimes offensive operations. Here are a few of my recommendations:
      a. Black powder weapons: These are great because, with the proper training and self education, you can mold your own bullets, make your own powder, and even make your own percussion caps/flints. That is a very self-sufficient weapon system, fun to shoot, and hey, it is a great way to pay respects to the guys that came before us.
      b. Primitive weapons: Sling shots (both kinds), bow and arrow (and the ability to make your own), an atlatl or two, spears, and maybe even a rabbit stick. These are great for hunting, fun to make, and a blast to learn how to use. If nothing else it could be an interesting hobby to pass the time and take your mind of the apocalypse for a while.
      c. Air guns: I‘ve made meat many a time in my life with everything from a Red Ryder (and did not shoot my eye out) to high powered single shots. Quite and functional.
      d. Don’t forget the fishing gear. Line and hooks are cheap and it doesn’t take up a lot of room to stockpile a lifetime supply. The rest can be improvised. I have an old, large tackle box currently being filled with line, hooks, swivels, and sinkers little by little while times are good. Fishing = food and fun all in one.

      3. Lawn and garden equipment
      a. Remember Leave it to Beaver? They sell those manually powered reel mowers at the home improvement stores for a reasonable price. They have a large and a small model. I’d like to have one of each. Lawn care will be important for those bugging in as, once your grass grows too high, snakes, rats, and other critters become an issue, and a neat looking place may help morale quite a bit.
      b. Shovels, hoes, rakes, and other hand tools for gardening and lawn work. Extra handles too unless you have the wood and ability to make your own.
      c. Cutting tools: Hit the antique stores for good deals on two-man buck saws, sling blades, and other manual farm tools. Don’t forget a good axe in medium and large, plus a tomahawk or two, hatchets, and an adze.
      4. Food/cooking: We know the importance of stored goods, LTS foods, seeds, and the ability to grow your own produce and raise your own meat. Don’t forget to insure the ability to prepare that food. Here are a few items I like to keep on hand:
      a. A grill or two (extra cylinders if you are using gas)
      b. Wood heater/cook stove (don’t forget the cast iron Dutch oven)
      c. Rocket stove
      d. Solar oven
      e. Solar dehydrator
      i. I like multiple selections to have the appropriate tool for a specific cooking job

      5. Water:
      a. A well or a nearby water source source
      b. Rain collection system
      c. Bottled/contained water for consumption, cleaning, cooking, and flushing toilets
      d. Multiple methods for filtration

      6. Emergency gear
      a. A tote containing a large amount of at least 4mil plastic sheeting, multiple tarps, Gorilla/Duct tape, heavy duty garbage bags, and various types of cordage. Great kit for sealing up the house, making improvised shelter, or a green house.

      These are items focused more toward bugging in at home. It is also required to have the appropriate collection of bags at the ready in case you have to bug out but we are hoping to stay here where the natural resources are. There are so many other items to add….

      Water, fire, food and shelter are the key elements of survival. Add health/hygiene, security, and knowledge, and you have the tools to make it through. Good luck folks.

    3. MSR Gaurdian or Katadyn Pocket filters.
      Quality LED flashlights.
      Lithium Battery’s and Eneloops..
      Chargers and small solar panels, maybe
      20-50 Watts
      Books!!
      Meds
      Solar shower
      Wood stove
      Berky water filter

  2. OHHHH this is going to be fun

    Ok, my thinking.
    1. Knowledge, how to do stuff such as finding/building shelter, finding clean water, foraging, raising food, primitive cooking, building fire…..
    2. Health
    3. A way to protect yourself/others and hunt; firearms/knives, more than one obviously, with adequate ammo
    4. Adequate clothing/shoes/hat/gloves, protection from the elements
    Companionship, a “group” or others that think alike
    5. The GHB, BOB, EDC, GOOD, and the Cooking bags would be nice, but not essential if you have the Knowledge

    Other than that it’s all just stuff to make yourself more comfortable.

    We are, as we call ourselves, preppers; we should know how to “survive” doing without……
    NRP

  3. Lighters (e.g. BIC lighters for fire-starting)
    Pressure Canner & Water Bath Canner
    Canning Jars and Lids
    Vegetable Seeds
    Jugs for water carrying & storage
    Water Filter
    …?

    1. Selco says comfort items like cosmetics, etc were sought after during his ‘event’, sometimes to the point of foregoing a meal.

    2. On eBay they are selling a case (1 thousand) of bic type lighters, they come in a well padded box (18”x12”x15”) earlier in the year they were selling for around 100 dollars, now they are around 150 dollars (that includes shipping) that’s 15 cents each, and with the current inflation rate in a few months who knows what they will sell for. They store almost forever and in a crunch situation as a barter item, priceless. NOTE, I believe we all lose sight of BARTER ITEMS in our ‘preps’, everything that I identify for my own supplies I add anywhere from 10% to 100% or more for barter, this will be the new money. Would enjoy hearing from others about barter items they have identified.

      1. Food. In particular the foods that last forever that you’ll have stockpiled anyways. Never hurts to grab more. I started my LT food storage this year and some things are simple to put up. Rice and beans of course but salt, spices, and sugar would be great commodities. Sugar in particular. My latest score is camping marshmallows. WM has them on the sale aisle right now for $1 a bag. (Normally $4.) Not the flimsy ones, but the thicker bagged ones. Basically already Mylared for you. They’re the perfect size for me and my family for a sitting. Storing them like I do sugar. Double bagged in gallon sized freezer bags and stored in 5 gallon buckets. So far I fit 10 bags into 1 bucket like this. I actually labeled the bucket “Emergency Marshmallows”. If needed I think these would be a good trade. Some are opposed to sugar. For others sugar is opposed to them. In a bad situation though it does make a good morale booster. And I think we’ll all be looking at a lot of campfires so maybe marshmallows might not be a bad idea for trade if they’re prepped right. ; )

        Instant coffee in those tube packed things? Got a handful in my GO bag along with a few Earl Grey tea bags. Caffeine will be a nice commodity too.

        Good to keep a small box of sandwich bags too so that you can dish out dry food without looking like you have much to give. 3 or 4 sandwich bags that have been roughed up on the ground first will make you look pitiful indeed.

    1. Excellent. Kind of ties in with a good survival knife….if no actual manual can opener is available.

  4. Water and water purification will be one of the most valuable assets. Storage is not as simple as other things, and transporting it will be difficult in quantity. Some parts of the country are natural drought centers while others have an abundance of this precious resource, but even if it’s plentiful in your area you will be tethered to a close proximity which leaves you susceptible to disease, insect attacks, and attacks of marauders seeking the same precious resource. This leads to the next valuable commodity … defensible shelter and the means necessary to defend it.

    Just my 2 cents

    1. Spot on, I have even considered a small trailer that would be compact and just large enough to hold a 300 or 500 gallon water container. This could be used to shuttle water between whatever or just for a bug in casa.

  5. To me, it all boils down to the “S” when the “S” hits the fan.
    Focus on the “S” items: Skills, Strategies, & Stuff.

    Defensive skills
    Farm skills
    Foraging skills
    Construction skills
    Domestic skills

    Defensive strategies
    Farming strategies/plans for seasonal harvests
    Foraging schedule (w/ respect to seasons)
    Home-based plans for repairs, renovations, additions

    Food
    Water
    Shelter
    Clothing
    Fire/Light/Heat
    Garden, orchard, wildstuffs
    Other basic stuff

    1. “Skills” are light weight, easy to carry, and don’t take up precious space in your bag.

  6. Ive read two fictional SHTF books. Both seem to start with people desperately trying to figure out what happened. (So number one would be some sort of radio, perhaps shortwave or other) one preferable protected by a Faraday cage which can be as simple as heavy gauge aluminum foil wrapped around the radio. And clearly skills which must be learned now. After that,

    2 water and the ability to obtain it and purify it if necessary
    3. Food …long term stuff. One may need to live off of it for several years. If the grid goes down, it could be 2 or more years before it is back up
    4. the ability to defend yourself and the weapons to do so
    5. Shelter including a way to heat it if ya live up north.
    6. The ability to provide food for yourself because if the SHTF is a life altering event then ya probably will run out of stored food.
    7. the ability to cook food..
    8. the ability to stay healthy…medicine, prayer this may go to a higher number for others but I am healthy

    These are the core items.. after that other things are nice..and will improve your quality of life.

        1. Correct. Grounding is not necessary. Many do not understand this fact because it seems counter-intuitive. However if one studies the subject and understands the electronic principles regarding the Faraday cage, it becomes evident…

    1. Going to start making my Faraday Cage next week… I have nearly 11K books downloaded on my Kindle (64GB SD card in it), new set of walkie talkies, an AC/DC inverter for my 45 watt portable solar set up, and some small electric appliances (immersion blender, small coffee grinder that I use for dried herbs, etc.). That I need to protect. Also portable medical equiptment such as a nebulizer with battery that can be charged if your away from home to use, glucometer, and B.P. cuff.

  7. With a total TEOTWAWKI event, I expect the grid fried for a very long time, no police or military, no food distribution, and Nuclear power plants unable to shut down quickly,(up to a year if not years) and a country full of Chaos dominating urban populations. Lets hope the nuke plants are given first priority in this case or we are all dead.

    But set aside all Nuke plants in a meltdown, would be the worst after a month, people too desperate by this time and after the food they steal and kill for, many will resort to eat each other in those urban areas. I read several stories of cannibalism where there was no food available. This would be like a zombie apocalypse, and glad I am far from the cities. By a years time they say 90% of the people will be dead, but there still will be gangs who have been hardened into killing for what they want and have to be dealt with.

    Assets
    Firearms and ammo
    Food, soap, pet food storage
    water source nearby
    Land and shelter
    Heirloom seeds to grow food on the land
    Raising farm animals for food and food sources for them
    natural resources for food, hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering.
    Medicines and first aid
    wood or sources for heat and cooking/firestarters
    Clothing/blankets/etc.
    Tools used for farming, trapping, fishing, firewood, repairs
    “How-to-” books and skills on “how-to”
    Bible
    home schooling supplies for kids
    A like minded community or group to share responsibilities, guard, and work for the common good.

    1. Stardust, I like how you mentioned the home school supplies. I saved everything from our home schooling days.

      1. Thanks but being a daughter of two teachers, they knew the importance of pen, paper, and books when things got boring for me. I wrote episodes for the Virginian in 1964 when I was 12, using the proper grammar thinking they would use my story, lol, and the paper kept me as a child busy making homemade cards and letters to my mom and grandparents and drawing pictures I saw in the books.

    2. Stardust I`m glad to see you placed firearms first on your list, if you can`t protect what you have someone will take it.

  8. Hot sauce. If I learned anything from the good ol US Army is that you can choke down all kinds of disgusting things so long as you can add enough Tabasco.

    1. Excellent! I like ‘Franks Red Hot’… good on almost anything.

      Ketchup! Same situation…

  9. Spare spectacles; also different prescription versions, based on an estimate of your likely sight deterioration as you, hopefully, age.

      1. Another option for those old enough to suffer early cataracts is have the new bifocal implants so you no longer need glasses. They are good for your lifetime. And if you have cataracts, get them taken care of early please, the longer you wait the more difficult they are to remove. Just make sure your doctor is one who does these a lot so he is really good. I had it done and it is wonderful to not wear glasses anymore! My regular eye doc told me I wasn’t a candidate for this surgery. He wasn’t lying, but how they do this has changed so much that many people who couldn’t have this done before are now able. One of the first things I did within a couple weeks of completing the second eye surgery was pick off a mean rooster with a nice head shot using my 22 rifle. It was nice not to struggle with the hard sights.

    1. Phil , I agree with you on the glass’s. If you can’t see clearly your at a great loss!

  10. Tangibles:

    Water, purifier, containers for it & hand pump for wells

    Food, The year worth within the home and I would suggest caches buried even on the same property but out of direct line of sight from the house

    Seed, Ability to produce food in the future

    Animals, valuable for meat, labor, milk, eggs, hides, furs, manure

    Weapons & ammunition – Not just firearms but bow and arrows/darts The ability to take game or provide protection silently can not be stressed enough when you are trying to escape notice

    Food preservation equipment – canners water & pressure, lids, wax, rings, jars

    Salt and other seasonings – salt for more than consumption since it plays a parts in food preservation

    Transportation – good walking boots/shoes, Bikes, tires & equipment to maintain, small cart & harness for dog/goat/pony/horse (you get the idea)

    Communication – radio preferably solar or crank powered or store a lot of batteries

    Books/Written information – always useful on a variety of subjects Love my kindle but also like having hard copies

    Defendable Home – preferably brick or stone, metal roof You could definitely see the reason behind walled cities of Europe.

    This is just a start. If I sit here long enough sure I could come up with more or add more to the above.

    1. MM Great list. The hand pump for well is so important! Would be a heck of a thing to have a world of water right there at your fingertips and not be able to retrieve it!!!

      1. You can also make a well bucket from PVC pipe and get water from the well. Just need some rope and a pulley. Check out U Tube for film on how to make one.

  11. Attitude: Yesterday was TEOTWAWKI.
    If it was not much different for you than today is, tomorrow might be.
    –Dave

  12. Oh, and I know this isn’t a necessity for “survival” but thinking about what could be “useful” after TEOTWAWKI,and something people may not necessarily think of, is music.

    It can have a calming, inspiring, motivating, effect on people that could definitely help in a stressful situation.

    So, for myself, I have lots of CD’s and batteries and a portable CD player.

    I also have a harmonica for each of us, and acoustic guitars, and drums.

    Just a thought.

    1. @ Lifelonglearner
      “Music” that’s a GREAT thing, never though of that
      NRP

      1. I bought one of those small Sony portable DVD players and some cheap solar panels from Harbor Freight. I can watch movies. Everything is, of cource, stored in Faraday cages.

    2. Hmmm, I just sing a song or two or whistle a happy tune if I can hang my mouth right. I live alone so no one feels punished when I sing, and my dogs must like it because they cock their heads sideways at me.

    3. I down loaded my cd collection to iTunes library. Then I have several old iPod that have no trade in value and put my entire library of over 3000 songs on them so I can listen to them. Those ipods are currently in my Faraday cage….:-)

  13. Second attempt;
    DPMS AR-15, 10 Mags, 5000 rounds of M855’s or FMJ’s
    Springfield Armory XD-45ACP, 10 mags, 5000 rounds of 230 Hollow Point
    2 Magnesium Firelight Bars
    A GREAT Knife and Hatchet
    Para Cord
    Tarps of various sizes
    Rain/Cold weather Gear (clothing/boots)
    A good wheelbarrow or wagon
    Small Sliver coins for bartering
    TP, LOTS and LOTS of TP, y-all knew I was going to say that, hehehe
    Gin, Bombay Sapphire, not that Tanqueray gunk…
    My dad’s old army “mess kit”
    Binoculars and Night Goggles
    First Aid Kit/Trauma Kit
    Fishing gear
    This could be a very long list, so enough for now
    NRP

    1. For alcohol, how about a bunch of those really small bottles enough for a shot glass. That may be just enough to deter unwanted elements on their way?
      I am pretty much with everyone here and their lists.
      Don’t forget to get your maps, laminated to prevent them from tearing and a good compass too.

      1. Materials for distilling your own alcohol and the ability to do so. Now I have another skill set I need to learn and prepare for.

        1. me,

          I saw on those student sites where you can buy chemical study sets for a mini lab, at has a bunsen burner and more. Thinking of purchasing one, never know when it can come in handy and may just work for distilling many things…:) I think they run from about 80 to 250 a set…not a bad price for it.

        2. me and others thinking of distilling alcohol

          best to do some research ahead of time..

          the first “amount” which comes off is fairly toxic, and must be discarded.

          quotes as to what the amount is varies,
          a quart, or more

        3. @ me, Distilling, Texas and others
          I need to interject a little info here.

          Distilling alcohol, moonshine, brandy, etc. is illegal in the US and in 90% of the countries of the world. Now before anyone goes crazy and starts up, Beer, Wine, Mead are legal for the home brewer up to 250 gallons per year. One can also get a license for distilling for around $1000 from the Feds and State. Unfortunately this license allows a FULL inspection and search of your facility anytime they (Feds) wish to, no different than owning a full-auto or a 50Cal rifle that you MUST have a license for.
          If you get caught distilling it is a felony with finds and jail time.

          Please see the following…

          *********
          Home Distilling
          While individuals of legal drinking age may produce wine or beer at home for personal or family use, Federal law strictly prohibits individuals from producing distilled spirits at home (see 26 United States Code (U.S.C.) 5042(a)(2) and 5053(e)). Producing distilled spirits at any place other than a TTB-qualified distilled spirits plant can expose you to Federal charges for serious offenses and lead to consequences including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:
          1.Within title 26 of the United States Code, section 5601 sets out criminal penalties for activities including the following. Offenses under this section are felonies that are punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both, for each offense.
          •5601(a)(1) – Possession of an unregistered still.
          •5601(a)(2) – Engaging in business as a distiller without filing an application and receiving notice of registration.
          •5601(a)(6) – Distilling on a prohibited premises. (Under 26 U.S.C. 5178(a)(1)(B), a distilled spirits plant may not be located in a residence or in sheds, yards, or enclosures connected to a residence.)
          •5601(a)(7) – Unlawful production or use of material fit for production of distilled spirits.
          •5601(a)(8) – Unlawful production of distilled spirits.
          •5601(a)(11) – Purchase, receipt, and/or processing of distilled spirits when the person who does so knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that Federal excise tax has not been paid on the spirits.
          •5601(a)(12) – Removal or concealment of distilled spirits on which tax has not been paid.
          2.Under 26 U.S.C. 5602, engaging in business as a distiller with intent to defraud the United States of tax is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
          3.Under 26 U.S.C. 5604(a)(1), transporting, possessing, buying, selling, or transferring any distilled spirit unless the container bears the closure required by 26 U.S.C. 5301(d) (i.e., a closure that must be broken in order to open the container) is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both, for each offense.
          4.Under 26 U.S.C. 5613, all distilled spirits not closed, marked, and branded as required by law and the TTB regulations shall be forfeited to the United States. In addition, 26 U.S.C. 5615(1) provides that unregistered stills and/or distilling apparatus also will be forfeited.
          5.Under 26 U.S.C. 5615(3), whenever any person carries on the business of a distiller without having given the required bond or with the intent to defraud the United States of tax on distilled spirits, the personal property of that person located in the distillery, and that person’s interest in the tract of land on which the still is located, shall be forfeited to the United States.
          6.Under 26 U.S.C. 5686, possessing liquor or property intended to be used in violation of the law is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Such liquor and property is also subject to the seizure and forfeiture provisions in 26 U.S.C. 5688.
          7.Under 26 U.S.C. 7201, any person who willfully attempts to evade or defeat any Internal Revenue Code tax (including the tax on distilled spirits) has committed a felony and shall be fined up to $100,000, imprisoned for up to 5 years, or both, plus the cost of prosecution.
          8. Under 26 U.S.C. 7301, any property subject to tax, or raw materials and/or equipment for the production of such property, in the possession of any person for the purpose of being sold or removed in violation of the internal revenue laws may be seized and shall be forfeited to the United States. In addition, any property (including aircraft, vehicles, and vessels) used to transport or used as a container for such property or materials may be seized and shall be forfeited to the United States. Further, 26 U.S.C. 7302 adds that it is unlawful to possess any property intended for use, or which has been used, in violation of the internal revenue laws; no property rights shall exist in any such property.
          And YES there is a LOT on the internet about distilling and thousands of people probably do so (I don’t know of any people that do distill of course) but it IS not recommended to do so and if you get caught…….. you have been warned, do NOT listen to people selling equipment and will tell you anything for a sale.

          ************************
          If you decide to distill, do so knowingly. After the SHTF, ohhhhh well I guess.

          NRP

        4. NRP, like you said, the cue is after SHTF….no uncle sam, no checking on your brew….unless we all end up like in Terminator, which would be fuzzy indeed….
          but, 250 gallon…hmm, that would last me at least 50 years to drink lol…

        5. NRP
          Darn, I was going to suggest you needed to get the parts for your still for when the ****hits the fan. It was to be a joke, but that went up in smoke. :-(

        6. @antique collector
          No No NO, up in smoke is about 2 miles north of me, up in Colorado HAHAHA
          NRP

        7. NRP
          Is that why they call it “Rocky Mtn High’? lol with you

        8. At some point there will be some sort of midieval barter system start up. Fish antibiotics are the same chemically as people antibiotics and don’t need a prescription. Thomaslabs.com makes antibiotics that can kill weaponized anthrax for $30.00. If you have a sick child and an AR with 1,000 rounds of ammo and i have a bottle of ampicillin with the firepower to protect it, at the end of gthe day I will have 300 rounds of ammo and you will have the pills.

          Pool shock. You can sanitize 10,000 gallons of water for $4.00 if done properly. The owder keeps forever if kept ina cool dry place….

  14. YEAST. You can make sour dough bread without it, but I live close to an orchard, and yeast helps to make a quicker batch of Hard Apple Cider!!?+⚡=? ?

  15. Books and reference materials of all kinds. History Books, math books, science books, medical books, anatomy books, psychology books, physics books, language books, music books, astronomy books, maps, atlases, magnifying glasses, telescopes, microscopes, chemistry sets, rechargeable calculators, old style calculators, old style typewriters, pencil & paper, audio tapes, etc. And don’t forget medical testing equipment, such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, litmus paper….

    Some people above me mentioned home school materials, but I think people should think ahead — not just at the education of small children. Human beings have spent thousands of years acquiring the knowledge we now have. If we go back to the 19th century for even 10 years, how much would people remember if it is not in writing? A new generation would have to learn it all over again.

    Every type of written material will someday be valuable.

    1. You are so right DaisyK. This is why I hold onto all reference books I get my hands on. I keep very few fiction books on my bookshelf. I have three bookcases and two of them are just How-to books. The third has encyclopedia, history and a few assorted subjects.

  16. Any hand powered tool, including those for the kitchen. As one who has had to make lots of cream soups for someone with no teeth I can’t imagine the effort required to puree foods without a hand powered blender or at the very least a food mill. Yes it can be done, but the time required to accomplish such a task will surely take you away from other more important chores such as gardening or water collection. Hand beater or whisk as well.

    I know most people wont think these things are as important, but think of it this way. In a SHTF event you are likely to not be able to find or get to a dentist, so you could start losing teeth along the way. Or you could find that you have teeth that are starting to bother you when you need to chew. It gets easier to eat soft foods or in case of no teeth to drink your food.

  17. Nice list CrabbeNebulae. I will surely research a few of these.

  18. CrabbeNebulae Wow great list! I’ll have to copy this for reference!

  19. Someone mentioned, “Attitude.” I would add mindset, the ability to without hesitation defend your family.

    Trained and hardened veterans can only take so much before even they essentially lose their minds and are unable to live with what they’ve seen and had to do to survive.

    Although nothing prepares you for that situation quite like having experienced it, I wonder how many have actually trained for this to the best of their ability and will be able to cope with it when the time comes.

    1. You will never know how you will react until you are in the situation I pray you never have to know

  20. Well, if it is the end of the world as we know it that means it won’t come back and that might make a big difference in the lists for TEOTWAWKI and A Severe Interruption Of Societal Structure With The Strong Possibility Of Eventual Recovery. For the big T I’d want arable land, say 20 acres with 10 in woodlot, the remainder in pasture/fields; a year-round water source, a sturdy, defensible shelter, pigs, chickens, cows, a horse or two, heirloom seeds for vegetables,herbs and grains, tools to farm and work wood, plough etc. Or a nice Amish family I could move in with.

    1. I wouldn’t say I’m uniquely set… it’s just that we realized, many years ago, that the world would truly be a dull place after TEOTWAWKI hit if all we had to eat was clover, cornbread and collard greens or MRE’s or wild berries and nuts and the only way to make things brighter would be to get off our duff’s and make it happen. But… we still go to Whole Foods once in awhile or Sam’s. I’m not set up to grow my own meat (although we did when I was a kid), and I can’t eat my wife’s chickens… that would truly be TEOTWAWKI for me!! :)

  21. Tangible assets short & long term:
    Water (including storage & carry containers & purifiers)
    Food (cheapie hand can openers will be like gold)
    Matches & other fire starters
    Reference books (gardening, fishing, 1st aid, etc…)
    1st Aid Items (from meds to aspirin to wound care incl natural )
    Flashlights/Lanterns/Other light sources + batteries/fuel (again – gold)
    Cooking materials including fuel, pans, utensils –
    Agriculture: gardens & fruit trees, manual tools, seeds for long term
    Needles & thread
    Radio – news/communication would be very helpful if available
    Weapons for protection and hunting
    Multi-purpose hand-tool for every imaginable use
    Bleach, soap, toothbrush & paste – cleaners & hygiene materials

    Plus the intangible: the will and belief you can and will survive. I read the book Survivor’s Club years ago, and it gives so many examples of people who survived through unbelievable circumstances because they did not freeze, or panic, or give up. They chose to fight, to survive… it’s not tangible but I believe every bit as important as all the tools & supplies in the world.

  22. Items not mentioned

    Grey tape
    WIRE of assorted gauges
    Paper Maps of surrounding states or updated Atlas of the United States.

  23. Water, lots of water
    Health items, alcohol, peroxide, fleet enemas, first aid supplies, Imodium.
    Food, weapons, ammo, of course.
    Tools, skills, small parts, screws, nails, tapes, wire, staples, bolts, nuts.
    Books, reference manuals, batteries, bulbs, lanterns, fuel.
    Too many things to list.
    Friends you can count on!

  24. Rope, string, extra shoe/bootlaces.
    Assortment of nails, screws and fasteners.
    Perforated plumbing strap. Tie wire. Zip ties.

    1. couldn’t agree more. Honey is a top priority. That and the ol’ Bible.

  25. Salt
    Vinegar
    Sugar
    Honey
    Pepper
    Wheat, wheat, wheat
    Clorine tabs
    Matches (books or boxes by the box double sealed in vacuum bags)

  26. Lots of good ideas on these lists. How about adding some adult beverages. They may be worth their weight in gold for barter. Speaking of gold, junk silver would probably be more useful as a unit of trade value, but copper jacketed lead might be even more valuable and useful.

  27. I’ve thought about this before, and anything powered will become useless eventually.
    So I based tangible items to times before, electricity or the internal combustion power plants. Maybe steam, but mostly before that.
    So a reference library
    Basic tools, for building, wood working, Gardening and crops.
    Water purification and storage.
    Food preservation, canning, dehydration, ect
    Basically pre mechanical revolution era.

  28. WOW , this subject can work the wrinkles out of your brain . We plan for worst case scenario of a long term electrical outage and or a martial law situation , hopefully neither will occur .
    I’ll focus on water . Without water we are toast . We bought acreage on a year round stream , and found a year round spring on the property and we have a good well and Berkey , if needed . We also store some 5 gallon jugs . Water is the key one for us so that we can grow the garden and provide for us as well .
    We have extra buckets , jugs, jars and wheelbarrows to haul water if needed . Lots of bleach , extra piping & fittings , hose clamps, garden hoses ,hose fittings , whatever it takes to get water from the stream/spring to the garden and house .
    A ram pump is in the future , it works well and no power required to operate it. We also plan for a small reservoir .
    We are building a good reference library ( REAL BOOKS ) . Each facet of self reliance has many items to consider .
    As a side note I have found that Crown Royal mixed in water seems to purify it some as it is consumed at the end of a long hard day .

  29. When my dad passed away in 2003, my mother asked what of his I would like to have. My dad was a reader. Lot’s of book of the month club memberships. I told her all I wanted was the books. Now I have hundreds of books in boxes in storage. My goal is to hopefully create a lending library for my local community in a post collapse scenario. I think we covered the survival tools, so I shared this as a way to think about what items we have to make us useful to our post SHTF communities. Luckily I live in an area that is mostly farmers with lots of guns. I am hoping that puts me in a situation where my community gets spared devastation.

  30. I am beginning to think that the lights will not go out all of a sudden. The economic game being played around the world can keep things afloat for many years. I therefore see a gradual decline in our standard of living – being squeezed ever more, stress, riots, crime, hate, etc. So I am gearing for a gradual reduction in the selection of goods from fewer sources with less oversight regarding safety – especially in food. I also see a increased push for consumption by low or negative interest rates, planned obsolescence particularly in mechanized items like vehicles – no hope of self-repairs. Adjusting gradually is doable for me but going back 200 years to that lifestyle is not possible for any of us. That self-sufficient village no longer exists.

    1. I have to add that I am fairly prepped with the exception of a fully stocked bunker to sustain life for many years – if you could call that life. But acquiring prep stuff is fun and does add some peace of mind.

    2. I don’t think going back to “state of the art” 200 years ago (1800AD) is far enough. 1800 was the beginning of the Industrial age. 1700 is likely the most recent era to aim for.

      So assets that were valuable in that era would be those things used to make other things – basic hand tools, implements & the knowledge to use them to fashion and provide the necessities of life. And you’ll need to be in an area with others of like mind, and FAR away from the mentality of modern cities.
      And I think it is definitely possible. You just need to first grasp the insanity of what we have allowed our present civilization to become.

      Freedom was never free. Everyone have not always been winners. Things, and people- die. And tomorrow the sun will rise again.

    3. I think the lights will go out–eventually. Not sure it will happen in the near future. Increasing chaos (economic and social) until TPTB can no longer fool anyone into thinking everything’s great. How long that will take is anyone’s guess. Once that happens, unless there’s a reset in the meantime, it will be lights out. Instant chaos. There’ll be some event that triggers it, but when the people have had enough the world will crumble.

      And I do mean the world. It won’t be limited to the US or the western hemisphere as some people like to think. It will hit everyone, everywhere, and billions will die. I’m not sure if TPTB will orchestrate it–many people have said that their “ideal” population would be about 200 million, and they’re working toward that, using war, genocide, and abortion as their tools–but they will certainly think they’re ready when it happens. I don’t think they will be.

      I always wonder about those who smile when they talk about 9 billion + dying to achieve their “perfect” world. Do they honestly think that they’ll be part of the select few who are saved? Idiots.

      1. Selective breeding, euthanasia of “undesirables” and sterilization are all on the menu from what I’ve read. So those who consider themselves to have good genes can of course (by this philosophy) have as many kids as they want. I seriously doubt they’ve thought out the implications.

        1. Hmmm, makes me wonder about all the testing they do in the schools, SAT, AP, GRE and GMAT test…weeding out for the future of mankind? Sometimes, when I talk to the kids, they worry, I used to tell them not to stress about it and they wondered why. I told them that I have the sinking feeling that all this testing has a bigger more important issue for humanity by TPTB…

      2. Stardust, my own parents and sibling are a prime example of brainwashing and Mao would be soooooo proud of them. I can not trust my own parents and sibling. They would and will sell us out on the first ring to save their asses out to the camps. So, be yourself and have faith in yourself. Don’t let the sorrow get to you. I felt the same about my own folks, but shook myself out of it eventually.

    4. I am interested in a water wheel to make electricity. Could you please advise?

      1. You can find one researching through Google. and “The Boonies” showed how the cave dweller made one for his cave from a creek a couple weeks ago.

    5. Then read “One Second After”…. The book is about what life would be like after an EMP burst… It is available on the web for free… It is on Snugbus.com. Go to the library on that site and you can down load for free along with Un-intended Consequences and other good reads…..

  31. While people are prepping for TEOTWAWKI here I am prepping for several things that are more likely to happen. We have a long supply line here (3,000 miles) and in January I saw what happened when one of two of our supply ships broke down for two weeks. Then we had a 7.1 earthquake in the same month. So I have that staring at me so:
    Large food supply
    Water source
    Ability to protect it (not just traditional but force multipliers)
    Ability to grow and preserve food (both animal & Vegetable)
    Cooking source
    Long heat source (8 months of winter)
    Lighting (6 hours of daylight in the winter)
    Communication
    Clothing
    Blankets
    Rescue Equipment
    Axes, Saws, Pulleys, Rope, Blocks & Tackle, Come-A Longs
    Chain Saws, Pry Bars, Digging Tools (note everything is plural)
    Fire Hose, Hydrant Wrench & adapter
    First Aid supplies
    Books, games, writing supplies
    Mechanic Tools
    Nails, Screws, Bolts & Hardware
    Spiritual Material
    First plan for what is the most likely to happen right now in your area then move in circles outward the next most likely and so on. As your circles get larger the list of items you need will also get larger.

  32. As for firearms, try to keep your groups weapons the same caliber ready, learn to reload ammo, learn to cast your own bullets, even if you have to use old lead out of vehicle batteries. Drain them into some type of plastic receptacle, then wash the acid off of the lead, have bullet molds for casting, have lube for the bullets old candles can even be used if that is all you have. Stock pile brass, powder and primers, be just as careful after the SHTF as you are now reloading even more so.

    Keep your firearms clean and lived because there is no telling how long you will have to depend on them. If you use an auto rifle or handgun keep a few magazines loaded and ready, this is just my opinion but I would not trade or barter ammo or firearms because that might be used against you!

    Another thing would be that you always go armed unless you are bathing or swimming but have a firearm close by! Be prepared and ready. Keep your powder dry.

  33. One of the lifelike Japanese androids. How can a man NOT love a hott young chick with an OFF switch?

  34. Coffee and several means to make it
    Good socks and shoes/boots of all types
    Work gloves and cold weather gloves/hats
    Toothbrushes/floss/mouthwash
    Fingernail/Toenail clippers/scissors
    Buckets of all kinds
    These are some I would add along with all those previously listed.

    1. Vercin,

      I dread the day without coffee…talk about me becoming cranky, irritated, worst case scenario for everyone…especially the unwanted marauding masses…Sigh, I feel sorry for them ( had to put a bit of sarcasm here, but truth is, no coffee for me, oh may, I am in trouble :)

      1. What makes coffee so addictive is caffeine. IF you use tea or Yaupon Holly leaves (found native in the US), it will contain this ingredient. The confederates used chicory root as a substitute, as I had it before..tastes more like coffee but caffeine has to be added. If you can’t find caffine, stock up on aspirin for the headaches to come!

      2. Forgot to mention, Yaupon grows wild in East Texas, and is making a comeback from Native American times when it was traded as far as Cahokia Mounds in Illinois, it is that good tasting.

        1. Stardust, thanks, did not know about that…going online to check it out…(unless I get a lot of freeze dried coffee and put in mylar bags)…I think 50 pounds should be enough to wean me off the coffee…yep, the head aches are the worst…

      3. You can wean yourself off of caffeine. Having worked 25 years on the night shift I know a lot about coffee. We used to have 2 or 3 a night and that would be the average for a crew of 3. That 2 or 3 would be 12 cup pots not cups. Yep drank a hell of a lot of coffee over the years. Now I drink one cup a day and some days none. It can be done.

        The bonus to weaning now is that when you need the caffeine stimulus it’s a lot more stimulating when you’re not use to it. Easiest way is to start using instant coffee. I know the connoisseurs among us will sneer at instant coffee but if it was all you had after the freshly roasted and ground beans were gone you would be happy to get it. Just my thoughts on the matter. Weaning now is easier than going cold turkey later.

  35. I have a spread sheet where I keep track of everything I got, how much and what else is need to be bought and from where. That includes prices. For the prices, I usually round up but factor in at least 20 percent uptick in a prices within six months. That keeps it more real for me when it comes to budgeting.
    I plan to go to Ikea in the next few weeks and stock up on storage stuff. Will take me half a day to drive there, but the prices on what I need are unbeatable for me.

    If I printed out the spread sheet, I would have a at least a dozen.
    What I also did is, print regional maps, topos, gardening, water, wind maps, road maps, Morse code, military installations, and spare sheets of paper with a pen which can write in every environment and put all that with document protectors in a plastic folder. We all have one of each plus couple of spares. These go into our individual bags which have the tools, food, water purification, means to cook, fire making, clothes, spares shoes and socks and our IFAKs (individual first aid kit) plus medication.

  36. The 1 most important asset to possess. Without it, you will not make it, no matter how prepped you are.
    THE WILL TO SURVIVE!

  37. Impressive list.. and I thought I was prepared. BTW, I also bought sand bags
    I hear they slow down bullets. I need to get sand eventually but I think there is still time. If worse comes to worse, I live near the beach. Anyone know where I might get fiberglass waterproof containers to bury cached items?
    How about the best place to purchase a bullet proof vest for a female civilian?

    1. PP,

      I would recommend that you go first on the GSA website ( gsaadvantage.gov yes, it is with the two “a”. Then input in search for bullet proof vest. It will show everything the gov offers to the agencies. Click on the item and read the specifications. I prefer at least a level 3 under the NIJ regs. There will be info on who the vendor is. Remember, even when you go to the vendor site, some vests are not allowed to be sold to the public. Military surplus stores are a great first check to go and see what they have.

      1. check out govliquidation.com they auction surplus military items from DRMO

    2. I would recommend 6 inch pvc piping its cheap and plentiful for caching. As for a vest… my advice would be not to bother unless you are planning an assault… that is just a good way to make yourself a target, besides have you ever tried to do anything with a vest on? How about with a rifle slung over your shoulder while in said vest?

      1. Nope never have.. But I had a friend die in a terrorist attack
        in NYC. Someone set off a bomb in a cafe. I figure have a vest
        under my sweatshirt might just save me if someone starts shooting.

  38. WATER (3 days)
    > Big Berkey water tank/filter
    > large coffee filters
    > Several 50+ gallon water barrels
    > Rain barrel with at least part of the homes roof lined with rain gutters.
    >Pool Shock, 1 lb bags. For personal use and trade.
    > Regular household bleach
    > StoveTec Stainless Steel Water Pasteurizer
    Various 1 gal & 5 gal plastic water containers for temporary storage, water transport and chemical mixing/solution storage.
    >Several dozen clear plastic water bottles, 12 to 32 ounces with lids.

  39. As I do not hold out much hope for most of the populations of this earth. Most will not survive what is coming, but I do believe there are some in this room that can make it – live like Grizzly Adams. Cities may go on but will look like barter town. What we add to our lists now should include location, skill, and luck.

  40. So you are saying that if I prep better than you, and you run out, then you will come gunning for my supplies? And you want to know why I want a vest?!?!? I assume you are in Texas..Glad I am not.

    1. Some will lay down and die, some will hunt – One Second After depicts this well.

      1. Yeah, I read that book… scary stuff. Just didn’t think anyone would admit to it on this website. Especially as many here profess to read the Bible and therefore probably subscribe to its teachings.

        1. @ PerpperPam
          Are you kidding me???? OSA is the book 99% of us suggest to sheeple. I know it kicked me in the azz to finish what I needed. So YES a very VERY good read
          NRP

    2. PP,

      TexasLurker is kind of right. I see where he is coming from. To have a vest is great, BUT, it can and is very limiting to move around, especially if you carry more then your sweater. Being a female has its own issues, I shall know, I wore them. As much as I love them, these things are heavy, and I prefer to be very agile, which is more likely to save my life.

      We are here many who come from different walks of life, but I can tell you that circumstances like SHTF are brutal on your soul and mental state. No, talking and reading about is one thing, having had experience it, is another thing.

      Also, here is a different scenario: let’s say I am bad person, I see you, observe you how you walk (believe me, with my training behind me all these years people who were them have a different way of moving around) move around, where you glance, little things like that. And I also see the outlines of your vest. My interest in you: well, I want your vest.

      So, you know what I would do, I would not shoot at you, I would take out your ankles, your shoulders, any of your joints, to make you immobile. Boom, I got your vest with no holes, you are bleeding out and I walk away. Faith in God is one thing, but the surroundings at the moment are another. Anyone who has ever had a mission to target and take out someone, knowing or assuming they wear a vest, will not shoot at the body portion covered. They go for a head shot.

      I have a lot of faith and don’t let it go away, but I am no fool relaying just on it. What gives you away that you wear a vest is the really straight back. All of us humans have a curvature in our back no matter how straight we carry ourselves.

      Food for thought :))

    3. PrepperPam The point being even the sheepdog has to eat, the mindset has to be survive 1st, Cortez the explorer summed it up no civilization is more then 30 days from Cannibalism, pretty rough, but the truth is Ideals are peaceful, history is violent, NRP, Ken and others have tried to get that point across, we think in the now, that will be a death warrant for a reset situation. There is a book “Jack Hinson’s one man war” true story about a Southern man who tried to be neutral during the civil was was a friend with General Grant until the union troops killed his two sons cut off their heads and made him and his family watch as the heads were stuck on the front gate posts. In times of strife life is the cheapest commodity, and we all had better wake up and smell the thorns.

  41. Don’t forget FAITH!!! It worked for a certain group way back when for at least 40 years…

    1. I do have faith and have experienced what Christians call miracles and I know others who have as well. So it more than faith for me.. it’s convictions based on actual experiences.

      1. I said location, skills and luck – I guess I should have included faith – besides the good book you might like Alas Babylon.

  42. Oh and one additional comment. Do you believe in God? Do you believe he gave his prophet the Ten Commandments which include Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, Thou shalt not kill… which I believe should be translated “murder” and does not mean we can not defend ourselves with deadly force if attacked.

    And do you believe in Hell? I do believe that there is divine justice and I do believe that not all of it is administered on this side of the grave..So ya might want to do a better job of planning..like learning to grow stuff and raise livestock. Because if ya run into someone who is really good at praying, ya might find that you are on the wrong end of a gun yourself. Just saying…. Ya might want to think about your plan and revise it.

    1. What if I told you that when we die, our souls are a floating almost neon blue ball of energy and we are in a state moving around in dimensions most can not see or wrap their minds our because our physical bodies can only sense a two or three dimensional reality?

        1. Stardust, what color was yours? Mine was bluish with a purple around it… I saw it the moment my husband died. I am just very curious….

    2. PrepperPam one last point, the correct Greek translation of the Commandment is not that ‘thou shall not kill’ it is ‘thou shall not murder’, killing in self defense etc, was and is supported even by Jesus when he gave the instruction to I believe it was Peter that those who have no sword should sell their garment and buy one. There will be many who will fall and die because they believe in ideals over life. Pray for the rapture, but you better prepare for reality of what is coming it will not happen according or in agreement with what we say it is.

  43. I think your post is outstanding.Especially the very end BIBLE.

    1. I agree.Good,trustworthy people are assets and right up there with skills.

  44. In our western lifestyle, when the lights go out even the financial system stops. Most houses would only be good for firewood because they perform very few functions for survival.

  45. The financial system stops, yes, but there is every indication that if the lights went back on again all those payments would then be considered “overdue.” The computers don’t CARE, they’re set on an atomic clock and as long as their programming comes up they’d start sending out overdue notices and foreclosure proceedings. The mess would take years to clean up.

  46. @ Jade
    Honestly, I would not worry so much, after all what are the “banks” going to do with 200 MILLION homes. They WILL be working with anyone/everyone to start “payments” again…… Now Taxes on the other hand…..
    NRP

    1. It is now playing out in many US cities where a large percentage of houses stand empty and are deteriorating. Some municipalities are demolishing houses but the banks do not seem to be able to manage the problem. Perhaps the future of the country can be seen in these microcosms. Add land to your list if at all possible.

  47. Be careful with your advice. Doxycycline,Tetracycline, and those of this strain are the only Antibiotics that become poisonous and can kill you after the expiration date. The other antibiotics lose potency over time, but these become dangerous. Check out Doom & Bloom for more info.

    1. If that’s true then I am dead. I have taken Doxy that was 17 years old.

      1. Stardust

        that is interesting…worth researching more.

        quite possible it is the old saw about pharma getting one to chuck stuff so they can charge more/yet again for same

        1. okay, hope this link goes through…
          interesting that you took 17 yr old doxy, as I found a study that studied 17 yr old doxy, and appears to conclude it is okay…

          I googled

          Doxycycline expired

          on Google Scholar

          to come to some scientific papers on this

          Almost identical in vitro dissolution curves of 17 years expired and non-expired doxycycline tablets from the same
          manufacturer (Ratiopharm GmbH),

          http://www.formatex.info/microbiology4/vol3/1721-1725.pdf

      2. Stardust, I’m so sorry to hear that your dead, you sounded like in all your other posts that I’ve read that your very much alive and well, and really have your stuff together and could survive just about anything. You ain’t dead darlin, just shows you have a sense of humor along with aii your other attributes. Keep on keeping on, your comments are greatly appreciated

      3. Stardust mine was 20 years old and the dosage was 4 times normal due to the reduction in potency

  48. I work maintenance and feel this is an often overlooked issue. I know you can not have everything you need, but without basics to perform routine/preventative maintenance and repairs.. a loose or broken bolt could take away a needed item for survival.

    Do you have a basic set of tools – wrenches, screw drivers, hammers, pliers, hack saw, vice, pipe wrenches, etc.?

    Do you have basic hardware – nails, bolts/nuts, screws, string, cord, rope, wire, electrical wire, wood glue, lumber, light bulbs,

    Granted, being part of a strong community, means not everyone would need a full set of tools, hardware and supplies, but my point is, you can not tighten or remove a bolt with your bare hands.. We live in a mechanical world and we have to factor in the maintenance of these tools that help us survive and thrive.

    Replacement parts or critical items… spark plugs/ wires, motor oil/ air filters,

  49. We have just seen the last shoe repair shop close in this area – if you look at every skill needed for survival like shoe making, no one family can cover all the bases. The lists are endless and can only frustrate many until a village approach can be set up.

  50. Part of my daily routine:

    -Look at everything I use that has an AC power cord. Then identify a way to accomplish the same effort without that thing.

    -Understand WHY I am going to a ‘store’. Then try to figure out why don’t I have what I need? How can I accomplish this effort another way.

    -For every meal try to come up with a way to make it with what I have in stores.

    And, why do I ‘need’ the city to provide ANYTHING?

    I keep a spiral bound note pad in my pocket. I constantly make entries questioning why I can’t do something or why what needs to be done can’t be done with what I have. The goal is to answer each and cross them off. I started this with a dry-erase board. Couldn’t find one big enough. Had to go to note pads. Almost back to the board.

    I am now down to three unanswered entries. One requires an investment of $5K or more. (Not much of a chance ‘fixing’ that one.) One needs about a week of constant effort. (A maybe.) The third…..well…..if I get off my lazy butt maybe it’ll have a chance of that one disappearing.

    And, Jade….think about it. If ‘the grid’ fails……it fails for everybody. The people you make a payment to…..their power is gone too. Their computers are dumb….and off. Don’t worry about it. Put a check in the mail and sit back, have a cold-ish one. I guarantee you that there won’t be anybody knocking on your door if the power is gone. If somebody does come a knockin’ on yer door…..it ain’t gonna be a banker type. (OBTW….a banker ‘friend’ said to get a hard copy of EACH MONTHS bank statement. That way you have a printed record…..from the bank……of what you had and when. Otherwise they WILL sit back and say “Can you prove you had that much?”)

    Myself…..maintenance types are going to be the next ‘billionaires’. If you can fix something…..with no power…..you have a following. Remember to take something usable for payment. Not a credit card. And make sure nothing will catch up with you later. LOL

    AND…..no power…..no IRS. How Sweet It Is!!!!

    NRP….how close to Shiprock are you? I’ll honk on my way SE when the big commode handle gets flipped. Me, my trailer, and a big ol’ KMA grin.

  51. Everybody has covered almost everything that you need to see you through..But entertainment is also important in the long haul..We are so dependant on iphones, computers, TV, video games,etc..It will get real boring really fast without all these forms of entertainment. They are not necessary for survival, but will make times a lot easier. I don’t give books and magazines away anymore. We are also keeping a supply of games. Cards, board games,chess, etc. We have 4 or 5 tvs along with that many dvd players. I have a solar array to charge my battery bank to power the electronics. I record every movie I watch, along with thousands of hours of shows like MASH, Friends, Sienfeld,, Rifleman, Bonanza, NCIS,. Something for everyone in the family. It is not a neccessity, but it does not take that much effort to make life easier.

    1. bryan115,
      a monopoly board game can keep a family of four entertained for at least three hrs, : )
      gin rummy or spades? don’t get me started.HA. the best thing about board games and cards is that everyone talks to each other.
      best of luck with everything

  52. It is important to keep your teeth in good shape..Last thing you need is a toothache and no dentist around to help..Can turn into a big problem .

  53. I suggest adding witch hazel, and ammonia both of which have several uses, ammonia for washing, cleaning, etc leaves everything smelling fresh, witch hazel as a medical kit item for any type of skin irritations and cleaner its a keeper, try using it on a washrag to clean your face it will not burn your eyes has no residual odor and will clean a cut without burning and it so underrated. it is called an “astringent” and was years ago in wide use by even doctors.

  54. Am I 1st ? Wow.
    A good quote to remember at times like these, is ” Necessity is the Mother of Invention. “

  55. I type this as the 2nd comment in the year 2022. Being one of the shooters/gun folks on this site, times have seriously changed since this was first posted after 2016 when this originally came out. Back in 2016, nobody could have predicted COVID-19 and how it would screw up college plans for many young people. Long term plans for many of us were seriously up-ended by government reaction/over-reaction to a big flu event.
    I was fortunate enough to have my professional license and my education intact prior to COVID-19 so my life was relatively simple in that all I had to do was continue to show up for work. I feel bad for the young people that graduated high school and tried to attend trade school, community college or university during the COVID-19 debacle. Most Americans have lived through that time had to “adapt and overcome” and become more self-reliant. (The Marines saw their institutional mottos being used by civilians in general).
    Before people go to the box stores to load up their shopping carts, Take a minute to take a deep breath and:
    1. observe what is going on around them.
    2. make reasonable decisions about what you will purchase.
    3. Remember storage and means to keep your store purchases intact and free of spoilage/theft or damage from pests (insects, rodents).
    There will still be a need to work smart and not be stupid in the future whether it be peaceful or subject to violent and rapid change. (Always has been, always will be)

  56. ken has an old article on >> View Prepping Level 4 Articles.
    it’s not possible for all, but something to strive for. the closer you can get the better off you will be.
    short term natural disasters are far more common than man made ones.
    if a person plans for level 4, then they can certainly ride out anything short term.

  57. Just returned from the dentist, one hour drive, each way. Had her tune up my dentures. I have implants and there are some things ya just can’t do yourself. Eating is a big deal now, just think about after teotwawki. Thought it best to do so now. I’m always careful with my ‘teeth’, but will be even more so after shtf.

    Reading the comments from 2016, several mentioned comms. I was lurking back then, but undoubtedly spurred on by the importance of comms. Talk about a ‘force multiplier’ wow. Equate it with being attacked as you sleep or lying in wait, in an advantaged position. Which would you prefer? Having help from your neighbors or everyone gets picked off, one by one. I’m no military man, but I can see the advantages of comms vs. no-comms.

    Some things may not matter at all. We all make our choices and live or die with those choices. Hate to see folks do without comms, when it’s so easy to do. It would be easy to think “I’ve done enough” but it seems there’s always one more thing to consider. That ‘one more thing’ may make all the difference.

    Picked up a partial roll of 1/2″ black poly pipe for building a solar powered hot water heater. One of those projects where I’ve got the parts/pieces, but haven’t built it yet. Think hot shower or cold shower, hmmmmm. I’m betting I’ll have lots of help if/when it’s needed.

  58. So many good comments and ideas. A long term idea is, depending on your situation, may be to pass on your knowledge.

    Basic education, reading, writing, basic math especially the ability to do fractions up to maybe sixth grade level (circa 1960) for all. Only those who show a real aptitude for learning to go further. A good set of reference books, some elementary and college texts properly stored, a school for those who have the best ability and desire to learn. Long term in the extreme maybe but a necessity for the community to THRIVE after survival is assured.

    Medical, engineering, and don’t forget things like masonry, carpentry, mechanic, plumbing, eventually welding and blacksmithing, to name a few, such skills make life easier and better.

    1. Deep South,
      agreed,
      do you remember what people had before the internet?- encyclopedias. so much good info in them, and they don’t need electricity. i would encourage everyone to get a good set if they don’t already have them. i’ll bet a person could pick up a good set at a yard sale for next to nothing now. i’m looking at a 26 volume set of encyclopedia americana’s on a bookshelf now that i have had since i was a kid while i post this.
      reference books (made out of paper ) of any kind (especially medical ) could become invaluable.

    1. Agree. Back in 2012 I got the big bags of chocolate chips from Costco and put them in 1/2 Gal Mason jars with an O2 absorber, followed by a run through the Vacuum sealer. Just opened the last one from that batch and it is like the day I bought them. Pretty surprised as I didn’t think it would be good stored for that long.

  59. Food. We talk about and try to cover all aspects of survival…plan for any and all possibilities…but food is a weapon that governments have used against populations with greater numbers of casualties than any weapon of mass destruction ever created.

    I don’t know if the Deagel Report/Forecast is authentic or myth…whether there is a plan in motion to reduce world population by 50-80% or not. I don’t know whether the whole covid-19 affair and the suspicious timeline on the “vaxx” is part of the plan or not. I don’t know if the whole Ukraine/Russia affair is a ruse to usher in the use of nukes.

    What I do know is that starvation has been used throughout history to kill more people and bring them to their knees than any other one thing. I do know how dependent we are on a reliable distribution system and how easy it would be to shut it down.

    I’m sure that I’m not the only one that sees the danger…or the possibilities.

  60. Dennis,
    think of the holodomor famine of 1932-33 in the Ukraine by the communists under Stalin that starved millions of people to death.
    sorry if i have posted to much today but it’s raining to hard to get out, but i’m glad for it. we were needing some rain.

  61. I look at everything that goes into the trash (or other disposable) and try to figure out how to do without it.

    Toilet paper: Got a “Tushy” water bidet to wash my backside after using the toilet. Got bundles of all cotton white face clothes at the warehouse club to dry off if needed. This required setting up an old fashioned diaper pail in the bathroom for hand washing.

    Plastic bags / ziplock / plastic wrap: replaced with glass for storage and various weight kitchen towels for covering things. My dinged canning jars with marginal lids get duty to store leftovers in the fridge.

    Anything from a pharmacy: Working on replacing prescriptions and OTC with herbal remedies. Storing components for making my own remedies as well as acquiring seed to grow my own. Added many books on herbal medicine and a variety of maritime manuals on what to do if there is no doctor / dentist.

    Water: I’m a poster child for Berkey water filters. I have many sizes and lots of spare filters. Storage is a collapsible bathtub (used in walk in showers for kids or for non-mobile people in their bedrooms) with a water hog since it has a filler and a pump. Think I can get two water hogs in one collapsible bathtub in my basement.

    InstantPot: I love my InstantPot. However, I have different size thermal pots by Nissan/Thermos (or ShuttleChef pots) which you only need to cook/heat up contents once and then it can sit in its thermal container until meal time (hours later).

    Trying to score bolts of fabric (denim, shirting) to build outer clothing as needed. Pants don’t need to be very tailored, just square. Same thing in making shirts.

    Trying to get successful at indoor veggies using some kind of hydroponics. Still learning. Now that states have legalized “Botanicals” (Just love the billboards along the Mass Pike in Massachusetts) you can’t find anyone with local home grows (grin) to ask questions.

    1. Rosie, I love your Thermo pots idea, I have been a prepper for many years and have thought about transferring food to a thermos, but if you end up with a good number of people in your home (which you will need for security) a thermos isn’t possible. Whatever cooking source you will be using at the time, and they will vary depending on changing conditions, you will be using some kind of energy. That may be only your own, by using a solar oven, but it takes time and you have the risk of going out of the house, if things are bad.
      Everyone will have different chores and projects so you won’t be sitting down to dinner at five, like in Blue Bloods (wish it were so).
      I never once thought about storing leftovers in my chipped canning jars. I get rid of them in fear of accidentally using them to can. This is a great idea! I like that you can see your food, unlike plastic containers and your jar can be heated slowly, unlike plastic. I have lots of canning jars in the fridge, but the contain the usual canned leftovers, jelly, pickles, pickled eggs. Never once thought to use them this way. Thanks for all the good advice!

      1. Ariel, I use a Marker to mark the bottom of canning jars to be used as storage, and can be used on any lids, that are not pristine, a chip/bend etc as well. a big X works so does a R for refrigerator.

  62. A workshop full of hand tools, gardening tools and fixings.
    A library full of howto books
    An extensive sewing kit ( inc bits to trade)
    Spare spectacles, boots,
    Spare parts for anything that wears out or breaks.
    Bicycles, trailers, spares and tools.
    Seeds, garden hose, water barrels , netting and fencing.
    ( tradable ) Hygiene kits eg buckets, soap detetgent toothbrushes, floss, bleach.

  63. 2 books come to mind when reading all the comments about doctors and dentists above and seem pretty high on my list.

    “The Survival Medicine Handbook – The essential guide for when medical help is NOT on the way”, and “Where there is no Dentist”.

    No affiliation here. I have the first one and think it has information that could help, and the dental one is still on my wishlist. Ken – They are both on amazon if you want to do links.

    Thanks all

  64. Two great books by Jennifer Rader
    Bring Your Own Bandages: medicines & supplies to have on hand before disaster strikes
    and
    Food Storage Made Fabulous: principles of food storage & recipes so fantastic your family won’t realize there’s a crisis

  65. WOW have things changed since 3/2/16.
    Or have they? Seems the entire system is going down the toilet in one big swirl, STILL.
    All the way from a totally inept Gov leadership to the local stupidity.

    So other than what has been said in my post from 16.
    I would add….. Common Sense. A HELL of a lot of Common Sense.
    Use your brains people for more than holding your ears apart.

    Get training, yes real training of how to do “Stuff”. Reading about it is NOT Training.
    Learn and DO food preservation (Canning, Dehydrating, Curing, Freeze Drying) and actually do it for a change rather than simply watching a U-Boob vid on it. Learn what it “Really” will take to live “Without”.

    Store a years worth of EVERYTHING, yes even TP.
    Got Water, and a supply source?

    The List could go on forever as you can see from the comments
    BUT you sure as hell better get yar mind in the right place for what IS coming.
    BTW $5.25 for a stinking gallon of Diesel??? BULL CRAP, Thanks “Let’s Go Brandon”
    Or do you really think the .gov and the mega elite are going to come to the rescue?

    Life is good here on Lightning Point, Blue says Hi’ya
    PS: when is the last time ya-all did a “Lights Out Weekend”, think those days are NOT coming?
    Sure…… I got some Ocean Front Property in AZ to sell ya…… HAHAHAHA

    1. Hey NRP! Glad to see you here. Always love your posts. Hugs to Blue!

    2. You lookin’ for the big one to flush california into the pacific? : ) Not sure that would be a disaster. hahaha

        1. NRP & Blue,
          Not much for words or conversation these days Ol’ Son. You two doing ok?

        2. Minerjim:
          Been lurking for awhile, watching the downfall of the USA as we once knew it.
          Keeping busy with all sorts of stuff.

        3. An before Ken chews my azz again. Let’s move this to Open Topic.

  66. When I contemplate Level 4 preparedness I see two scenarios – total grid down or a situation where the guv keeps some electricity flowing. And now, always in the context of the GSM. Always the 3Bs. Beans take the most sustained effort. Bandaids and the other B require skill and stuff. So, protein, fat, and carbohydrates and a way to keep them coming in. Garden, greenhouse, and orchard for carbs, besides what I’ve set aside. Livestock for the protein and fat. I discount hunting and fishing as I think that in early days stocks will be close to wiped out. Considerations, including the 3Bs for the animals, are – (1) species (bees, fish, rabbits, chickens, goats, pigs, etc) and breeding stock; (2) shelter, containment, fencing; (3) water and food, secure pasture; (4) waste, odor, and noise management; (5) medical care, harvesting tools, preservation. And biggest of all is a community working together to make this possible.

    1. Anony Mee,

      I feel you are right about wild game as a source of protein in a long-term event. About two months ago I decided it was time to lose some of the weight I had accumulated over the last coupla years. While it’s comparing apples to oranges, I’ve drawn some parallels to what a survival diet might look like in a “live off what you can scrounge” scenario.

      I cut almost all sugars and carbs out of my food selection…eating mostly eggs from my chickens and meat. I love chicken leg quarters and most days two leg quarters broiled in the oven and a breakfast of 2-3 eggs with sausage or bacon is all I’ve been eating (some variance, but not much). In these two months I’ve dropped a little over 20 pounds.

      I got to thinking…without a stocked larder, this diet…monotonous as it sounds, is probably not that different than what someone trying to live off what he/she can hunt. It would take 2-3 squirrels a day to equal the protein of two leg quarters…10-15 a week, 40-50 a month…just for me. Multiply that by 5 mouths under my roof 200-250 squirrels a month. We have a huge squirrel population, but it would be decimated quickly even if I could keep poachers off my land.

      Sure, I probably could kill a deer occasionally, maybe work some “non-game animals” into our diet, but those too will disappear with the pressure. And that’s maintaining a diet that I lost a pound every three days.

      Oh well, too much thinking going on…believe I’ll nuke a leg quarter from the last batch I cooked up….want to drop a few more pounds before winter hits.

      1. Dennis,
        people can get by on a lot less food than they think they can, most people eat out of convenience, availability and habit. i am 6.1 and 190 lbs, i eat one good meal every evening and i’m good to go. every so often i’ll have a snack for lunch, sardines, vienna’s and crackers but that’s seldom. that’s it, and I’m good to go.
        it’s all about what you get use to. a person has to train their body and their minds.
        one squirrel a day with some rice, gravy and a cup of beans would make a good meal for me. a good rabbit would feed DW and i both.
        dogs would get the bones )

      2. Dennis, I applaud your discipline. I have found, over the years, that subcutaneous fat makes the best insulator. 😁

  67. A problem that I have not seen in our discussions.

    I don’t know the percentage of homes hooked up to municipal sewer systems that have backflow prevention valves installed on their main sewer lines headed to the City/County system.

    In our degrading Service Provision regime and what is likely ahead, this might be something to research for your own particular situation.

    Everyone can’t live uphill from the Sewage Treatment Plant. In an extended Grid Interruption scenario, you don’t want your ground floor or basement commode to turn into a Fountain of Poo.

    For all your wonderful preparations, this disaster would make your house unlivable from both the smell and the health consequences of the toxic spill.

    <bb

    1. bb_in_GA,
      there is a large city 80 miles north of us, A/C knows where ( A/C think catfish dinners), that is totally reliant on sewage lift stations. last year when we had an ice storm and the electricity went down for two days, nobody’s poo went anywhere except in their bathtubs and floors.

  68. We use a 1gal pump garden sprayer with warm (NOT HOT) water for showering when power or water is off. We used this when camping off grid and found that it works well, and minimizes water use. We used 1/2 gal every few days. Rinse, soap, rinse.

  69. So many things come to mind but a well located home and preferably debt free. Spent a good deal of my free time today watching 3 does – including one good sized – feeding on flowers just outside the house. Just a few weeks till deer season and the tag will be filled. Also have had a small flock of wild turkeys and a couple of grouse in the yard near the river in the past 2 weeks. Dove, squirrel and crows if one gets desperate are also in large numbers.

  70. I can walk out on bare ground, and build anything from the ground up, grow just about anything, and actually know what I’m doing. I can build, plumb, insulate, wire, roof, side, and paint. I can do sheet rock but I avoid it and cement like the plague!

    As far as mechanic work, as long as it’s not this new stuff, I can take it apart, put it back together and start it. I have very little stuff that is new, I like old school.

    I also have 2500 hrs of first aid training, so if your hurt and I’m around, chances are your at least gonna get to the doc alive.

    I know how to pack a mule, shoot at distance and hit it, kill it, clean it, cut it up, and cook it. Wild-crafting is one of my favorite pass times, there is a lot to eat that’s wild out there.

    I know weather, directions, stealth, bartering, dumpster diving, any animal husbandry, preserving anything, outdoor survival, ect.

    I’ll be one of those guys people will beg to have on their team. I got the skills needed to survive just about anything. Just not to sure I want to go out and sell myself, so I prepare like crazy. Depend on myself, let others come to me, maybe I’ll help them, maybe! Don’t have much faith after needed help this summer and not getting any. Well, that’s a two way street, maybe they should not have been so short sighted!

  71. Has anyone mentioned pet food? I have 2 Golden Retrievers and 3 cats. I have some food set aside but not enough.

    1. There are a lot of recipes out there for home made food. I used to make all my pet food but now hit around the 40% mark. One of the things that I see ‘missing’ a lot when people make there own is calcium.

  72. One thing I keep in mind when fulfilling the list of things to have in preparation of TEOTWAWKI:
    2 = 1
    1 = 0
    I have the above indelibly written on a wall in my shop. Most people that see it think it has something to do with:
    e raised to (i*PI) = -1.

    Nope. Not yet.

  73. Recently we went through a hurricane. While I was peppered, I found that the loss of power, made life very difficult for most of the people.
    And having solar power, did make my life easier. I did have some damage. And had to deal with. Thankfully I did have what I needed.
    But most had fuel powered generators. Thus had to have a source, to replenish it.
    We can all simulate this, with a simple flip of the main disconnect at the breaker panel.
    What would you do?
    No refrigeration, heat, water, etc. and it’s not coming back on.
    See how long you could last. Have well that needs power, now what?
    Heating situation that relies on power? I think we will see this problem, this winter.
    Cooking?
    With no power or fuel?
    Communication, with no power or source of power?
    Just a thought?
    Good luck.

  74. Otarn –
    Consider a tri-fuel generator and a couple of portable power stations. I’ve not yet seen a blackout that stopped CNG flow to the house. You can even mitigate that by placing a couple of fiber-wrapped CNG tanks on property with a small 3,000psi compressor. Alternately, keep the tanks on a dolly and haul them to any commercial filing station. Yes it is possible to stockpile natural gas. It’s cheaper than you might think after 30 years of required infrastructure for city vehicles.

    1. Most NG & Propane heating systems require electrical power to operate: Control System, Circulating (and other) Fans, Gas Valve Actuation (they fail safe with no power) and electronic igniter.

      Without an Aux supply of AC power, in most cases, No Juice/No Heat…

      <bb

  75. Many people are cautious about using NG and Propane in generators because of unfamiliarity and horror stories (propane in particular) even though there are dangers in using gasoline.

    Gasoline is a devil we know, though…

    <bb

  76. Myra Maynes here to just suggest heirloom or open-pollenated seeds stored in vacuum sealed bages. The seeds I’ve bought from the store in those packets ,I haven’t had real good luck with like maybe they were already old by the time the store got ’em

    1. Myra,
      Seeds definitely have a shelf life, the longer past a year or two you go the lower the germination, depends on what seeds, but pretty much all seed eventually goes bad,
      Best thing to do,
      Buy new seed yearly, grow stuff, save seeds, practice, practice, practice, it takes time

    2. Myra Maynes. I started my path to survival gardening this year and started by spending more on seeds than I probably should have. One of my observations with planting some of what I bought was that the ones that I thought would hold best Long Term (the ones sealed in little Mylar packets) actually germinated the worst. Bit of extra research. Seeds are living things and prefer to breath. Not that vac sealing wouldn’t work for a bit too, but if left like that for too long (years?) the germination rate might not be great. One of the reasons you get so many seeds with those cool survival tins people like to buy. Out of 1,000, maybe only 100 will live. I spent several days revamping my new “seed vault” for this. I placed everything in little paper envelopes instead and store in a sealed ammo can with dessicant packs to catch any extra moisture that might get in. Every few weeks I’ll crack open the vault to let fresh air in and close it all back up again. So far so good. I’ll be planting some of these seeds next year so we’ll see. Likewise collect the seeds of what you do grow.

      And never throw out dried beans either. I had a mishap in my pantry this year in which a few bags of dried beans got contaminated with something I probably don’t want to eat. I redried them all out and placed them into brown lunch bags and added them in with the vault. About (3) 1 pound bags. I’ll be planting these too. Like Kula said…practice, practice, practice.

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