Uncertainty is a fact of life, but being unprepared doesn’t have to be. A few years ago, a power outage during a winter storm left me scrambling for basics I didn’t have on hand — I’ve learned my lesson.
Natural disasters, economic crises, and global events can strike anytime, and having essential supplies ready can make all the difference. Stockpiling the right items ensures you’re not left vulnerable when things get tough.
Hoarding isn’t about panic but thoughtful preparation to safeguard your family’s well-being. This list will cover essential food, tools, and medical supplies that can keep you safe and secure during a crisis.
1. Water
Water is the utmost essential item on any survival preparedness checklist, and without it, surviving more than a few days becomes challenging. Experts recommend having a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation needs. Consider acquiring large water storage containers to guarantee an adequate supply.
Additionally, think of ways to source water if you run out. Some ideas include swimming pools, streams, ponds, or even rainwater.
2. Food
Adequate food supply is of utmost importance during emergencies. It is crucial to have non-perishable items that can sustain for a prolonged duration, such as canned goods, dried fruits and vegetables, and freeze-dried meals. You could consider purchasing survival meal kits. These packs of food will last a long time. However, they can be pricey.
3. First Aid Supplies
Injuries and illnesses can occur during emergencies, underscoring the importance of having a well-equipped first aid kit to administer proper medical care. Including an ample supply of bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and gauze in the kit is crucial. You may even want to consider learning the basics of antiseptics to stock up on non-traditional items to clean and disinfect, like essential oils, vinegar, and alcohol.
4. Fire Starters
When access to heat sources is limited, the presence of fire starters becomes crucial. Include lots of matches, lighters, and waterproof fire starter sticks, and store these items in a dry and easily reachable location. Having newspaper, cotton balls, or other kindling items works as well.
5. Blankets And Clothing
During a natural disaster or power outage, ensure you and your family are comfortable with enough warm blankets and clothing. Be prepared and stash away at least one blanket per person, and throw in a couple of extra sweaters, jackets, and waterproof ponchos to keep you dry in the rain or snow.
6. Bleach
Bleach is a versatile and essential item to have in your emergency kit. You can disinfect water, surfaces, and tools, making it vital for sanitation. Make sure to have several bottles of bleach on hand, and remember to check the expiration date periodically. Consider pre-mixing with water in a spray bottle for easier storage.
7. Hygiene Products
As we saw in the COVID-19 pandemic, hygiene products were hard to obtain, and prices skyrocketed. Maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of illness and infection, so make sure you include plenty of items such as antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
8. Water Filters
During natural disasters or emergencies, the availability of clean drinking water can become uncertain. A water filter can save you from potential health risks and provide peace of mind, knowing your drinking water is safe. Many options include water bottles with built-in filters, tablets, handheld pumps, and more.
9. Duct Tape
While you may not think of duct tape as an item you will want to hoard for survival, it is versatile for many purposes. You will want several rolls of duct tape to repair leaks or tears and secure items in place.
10. Candles And Kerosene Lamps
During natural disasters, power outages are frequent, often lasting for extended periods. It’s handy to have candles or lamps nearby for that much-needed light to find your way in the dark, and candles also provide some cozy warmth when it gets chilly.
11. Fuel
Having a supply of fuel on hand is important for many emergencies. Whether gasoline, diesel, kerosene, or propane, having a backup fuel source can be crucial. Fuel can power generators for electricity, heat sources for cooking and keeping warm, and even vehicles to evacuate if necessary.
12. Firewood
Having a stash of dry firewood is a smart move, even if you lack a fireplace or wood-burning stove. It goes beyond providing warmth and coziness during power outages; it can also serve as a cooking resource in outdoor settings. Just remember to store the wood in a dry spot and keep it covered to preserve its dryness and prevent moisture infiltration.
13. Flashlights and Batteries
When there’s a power outage or you are out in the wilderness, having a reliable and bright light source makes a big difference. Flashlights and batteries are must-haves; make sure you have different sizes of batteries for other devices.
14. Solar Chargers
During prolonged power outages lasting for days or even weeks, it becomes crucial to have alternative methods of staying connected and informed. In such worst-case scenarios, solar chargers offer an excellent solution for keeping your devices powered up and ready for use, ensuring you can stay connected and access information when needed.
15. Radio
During a power outage, it is vital to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates and instructions from local authorities. Remember to bring extra batteries for these devices so you will always have a dependable way to stay informed and safe. Better yet, purchase ones that you can charge using solar power, so you don’t need to worry about batteries.
16. Hand Tools and Chainsaw
In severe weather conditions, hand tools such as axes, shovels, hoes, rakes, and saws can help you clear pathways and repair them if necessary. These items are a few uses for gardening, building shelters, or cutting through debris.
17. Medications
If you or anyone in your household requires medication or diabetic supplies, it is crucial to have a supply on hand that can last for an extended period.
You will need to store some medications properly to maintain their effectiveness and check dates regularly.
Consider talking to your doctor about getting extra prescriptions in case of emergencies.
18. Garden Seed
When emergencies strike, and you can’t reach the grocery store, gardening becomes a lifesaver. Just keep a stash of garden seeds, and you can grow a wide range of veggies and fruits to feed your family. Remember to store the seeds in a cool, dry spot and give them a good shuffle now and then.
19. Cash
It’s a good idea to have cash on hand if ATMs stop working or banks shut down. Cash on hand can also make getting important supplies or fuel easier as well.
20. Fishing Supplies
If you live near a body of water, having fishing supplies on hand is a smart thing to hoard. Make sure to have fishing rods, lures, bait, and a filet knife in your tackle box with extra hooks, lines, and sinkers in case any of your supplies become damaged or lost.
21. Multi-Purpose Tool
Having several multi-purpose tools is crucial in emergency or survival scenarios. This compact tool has essential functions like pliers, screwdrivers, knives, wire cutters, and more. It is invaluable for equipment repairs or opening cans and bottles.
38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation?
None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
31 Ways to Boost Home Security: How to Fortify Your Fortress and Deter Burglars
We sadly live in a society where it’s all too common for criminals to want to take what we’ve worked hard to get. The results of a break-in are traumatic, too. Beyond just losing your stuff. Victims often feel violated, anxious, and unsafe, sometimes for years after the event.
Prevention is the best way to stay safe. And, while you shouldn’t have to turn your home into a fortress, that’s the stark reality of our world. But you can take plenty of simple steps to deter burglars and ensure your home is less attractive to would-be thieves.
23 Smart Ways to Preserve Food
Preserving food is an art as much as it is a science, tapping into our ancestral roots and addressing modern needs. Whether you’re looking to avoid waste, prepare for leaner times, or simply enjoy the fruits of your labor year-round, these 23 smart methods will guide you through.
I’m a huge fan of preserving things I find on sale, gluts of produce from my homestead, or produce I’ve bartered with someone else.
