With emergency preparedness at the forefront of many minds, assessing the essential resources we depend on that could be scarce during a crisis is crucial. From food and water to medical supplies and fuel, our just-in-time global supply chains offer little resilience against disruption. This article explores the items prone to quickly disappear or become scarce during critical emergencies like natural disasters, pandemics, or major infrastructure failures. By recognizing which necessities might run short, we can better prepare and substitute to maintain self-sufficiency in challenging times.
1. Generators
Generators are essential for powering critical equipment and can quickly become scarce in times of crisis due to high demand and limited supply during emergencies. It is crucial to plan ahead and have a backup power source in case of power outages to ensure that vital equipment such as medical devices and refrigerators can continue to operate.
2. Water And Purifiers
Water is a must-have for survival, and bottled water is usually one of the first things to be sold out in emergencies. Clean water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene is crucial, along with a water purifier or filtration system for a steady supply in case of contamination or scarcity.
3. Fresh Food
In times of crisis, the availability of fresh food becomes scarce or may cease altogether, turning it into a coveted commodity. Items like milk, bread, meat, fruits, and vegetables quickly vanish as people anticipate their unavailability.
4. Non Perishable Food
Canned goods, dried foods like beans and rice, and other non-perishable foods that can provide sustenance during an emergency will fly off the shelves during a crisis. Stocking up on these foods before a crisis hits is crucial for ensuring you and your family have enough food to sustain yourselves until the situation improves.
5. Firewood
During a natural disaster or power outage, having a supply of firewood can be essential for cooking and keeping warm. Firewood becomes a top priority to buy during emergencies as it serves multiple purposes like heating homes, outdoor cooking, and boiling water for consumption.
6. Personal Hygiene Items
In times of crisis, access to clean water and basic sanitary facilities may become limited, so personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, and feminine products quickly sell out. These items help maintain cleanliness, prevent the spread of disease, and offer comfort during stressful situations.
7. Baby Supplies
An emergency can be even more stressful for parents with young children, and having baby formula and other baby supplies is crucial. Finding formula, baby food, diapers, wipes, and other essentials in stores during challenging times may be difficult.
8. Candles and Lamps
Power outages are common during natural disasters or other emergencies, making candles and lamps sought-after items. They provide light and warmth, especially for those in colder climates.
9. Portable Stoves
Portable stoves can be a lifesaver during a power outage or disaster when you can’t use a traditional stove, making them an item that you might not be able to buy once a crisis occurs. These stoves typically run on propane or butane and can be used indoors or outdoors, providing a way to cook food and boil water for drinking.
10. Flashlights
Flashlights are indispensable tools in emergencies, becoming highly sought-after items during disasters. They provide light when power is out and can serve as signals for assistance if required. Some models come with extras like radio receivers and phone chargers, making them valuable for emergencies.
11. Fuel
Gasoline and diesel are essential for powering vehicles and generators, while propane and butane are necessary for portable stoves. In a crisis, fuel can become scarce or unavailable, making it crucial to have some stored in advance.
12. Self Defense and Hunting Items
In a disaster, there may be instances where you need to defend yourself or hunt for food. Some self-defense and hunting items include pepper spray, firearms, ammo, and bows and arrows sell out quickly during crises.
13. First Aid Kits
Accidents and injuries often occur during disasters, underscoring the necessity of a well-equipped first aid kit. Typically, individuals opt for a pre-made first aid kit instead of assembling one from scratch by collecting individual supplies.
14. Hand Tools
Hand tools are essential for any emergency, as they help build shelter, repair structures, or clear debris. Hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, multitools, can openers, saws, garden tools, and utility knives are usually the first to go during a crisis. 15. Portable Toilets While you may not think about portable toilets becoming scarce during a crisis, access to plumbing and functioning toilets can be limited or nonexistent. This is where portable toilets come in handy, making them an essential addition to everyone’s emergency kit supplies.
16. Duct Tape
Duct tape is versatile and essential in emergencies, serving multiple purposes like repairing tents, securing tarps, patching clothing or gear, and even creating makeshift bandages. Due to its many uses, it’s quick to sell out when disaster strikes, so including duct tape in your emergency kit can be a lifesaver when a crisis hits.
17. Garden Seed
In a crisis when food is scarce, having a contingency plan to grow your food becomes vital. Garden seeds are in high demand as they can be stored easily and provide an opportunity for a sustainable food source.
18. Medications and Vitamins
Essential items like prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy medications, and vital supplements or vitamins become scarce resources during emergencies. The U.S. imports most medications, and disruptions in the supply chain can hinder access to them.
19. Batteries And Chargers
Access to electricity may be limited or completely cut off, and rechargeable batteries and a solar-powered charger can provide long-term sustainability in prolonged power outages. Batteries are a no-brainer when it comes to emergency preparedness, so they disappear off the store shelves quickly during an emergency.
20. Firestarters
Firestarters like matches, lighters, flint, and steel kits are essential for starting fires during a power outage or other disaster to keep warm and cook food. With the potential for long-term power outages during emergencies, having a stockpile of firestarters is always recommended. Consider investing in waterproof matches or lighters to ensure they will still work if they get wet.
21. Communication Devices
Owning a communication device like a radio or satellite phone is crucial for staying informed and receiving emergency updates from authorities. Walkie-talkies, radios, and satellite phones are increasingly favored for emergency communication as they operate independently of cell phone towers or electricity, making them highly sought-after during crises.
22. Canning Supplies
Canning supplies such as jars, lids, and a pressure canner are crucial for preserving fresh food or even homemade meals for an extended period. Not only are canned foods convenient to store and transport, but they also have a long shelf life, making them highly sought-after items in emergencies.
23. Warm Clothing and Blankets
Warm clothing is essential in emergencies, especially during cold weather or when shelter is unavailable. Socks, thermal underwear, coats, blankets, and sleeping bags are some of the warm items that everyone will need in an emergency.
24. Survival Books
With the possibility of no internet, survival books and guides will be in high demand. These books can provide valuable information on survival in different situations, such as natural disasters, wilderness survival, first aid, and more.
Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
Choosing the “best” hunting rifle is a pretty personal thing. We all have different opinions and preferences on what we like to hunt with. But still, over the last 50 years, there have been some remarkable weapons. Over the past half-century, the evolution of hunting rifles has seen so many innovations, catering to a wide range of needs from the casual deer hunter to the adventurous big-game enthusiast. What’s your favorite hunting rifle? Which weapons deserve a spot on this list?
- Read More: Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years
14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
With almost 16 million hunters in the United States, and with such a huge range of game to hunt, the right rifle and the best cartridge is critical. We have some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, with animals ranging from tiny squirrels to gigantic moose. The cornerstone of a successful hunt lies in the hunter’s skill and knowledge but also in the choice of ammunition. The right cartridge can make all the difference, offering the power needed for a clean, humane kill without compromising the quality of the game.
- Read More: 14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges
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.
