Survival Food – 56 Long-Term Survival Foods and Supplies at the Grocery Store
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Food, Food & Water, Preparedness Posted by:
Rob Richardson
With the help of suggestions that have come in from our readers, we have compiled a list of the top food items and emergency supplies that you can buy at the grocery store. The list contains foods with a long shelf life, items that have multiple uses, and supplies that are great for bartering.
Survival Food that adds flavor & comfort: These four foods can be stored for over 10 years and are a great way to add a little bit of flavor to your cooking. If stored properly they can probably last indefinitely.
- Salt
- Sugar – Brown or White
- Raw Honey
- Alcohol – Whiskey, Vodka, etc…
Hard Grains: Stored properly hard grains have a shelf life of around 10 – 12 years.
- Buckwheat
- Dry Corn
- Kamut
- Hard Red Wheat
- Soft White Wheat
- Millet
- Durum wheat
- Spelt
Soft grains: These soft grains will last around 8 years at 70 degrees sealed without oxygen.
- Barley,
- Oat Groats,
- Quinoa
- Rye
Beans: Sealed and kept away from oxygen the following beans can last for around 8 – 10 years.
- Pinto Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Lentils
- Lima Beans
- Adzuki Beans
- Garbanzo Beans
- Mung Beans
- Black Turtle Beans
- Blackeye Beans
Flours and Mixes and Pastas: 5 – 8 years
- All Purpose Flour
- White Flour
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Cornmeal
- Pasta
- White Rice ( up to 10 years)
Oils:
- Coconut oil – Coconut oil has one of the longest shelf lives of any kind of oil. It can last for over 2 years and is a great item to add to your survival food supply list.
Other good survival foods: 2 – 5 years of shelf life
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Meats
- Canned Vegetables & Fruits
- Peanut Butter
- Coffee
- Tea
- Ramen Noodles – not the greatest food in the world but they are very cheap so they made the survival food list.
- Hard Candy
- Powdered milk
- Dried herbs and spices
Items that can be used for more than cooking:
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Cleaning, cooking, and has antibiotic properties
- Baking Soda – Cleaning, cooking, etc…
- Honey – Mentioned again for it’s antibiotic properties and wound healing.
Non Food Items to stock up on at the grocery store:
- Bic Lighters
- Toilet Paper
- Soaps
- Bottled Water
- Vitamins
- Medicines
- Bandages
- Peroxide
- Lighter fluid
- Canning Supplies
- Charcoal
Resources:
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I’m looking for a easy printable ‘Survival’ list. I’m 73 yr.old grandma. can you send one?thank you. Larie
you should change it to say raw honey because cooked honey does not work as well as raw honey in healing and such
73 – list includes:
Depends, Prune Juice, Apple sauce, and – oh yah… you are 73 – either get with some young bucks that don’t mind having you around for stories and good-ole day tales… or get ready to be a casualty.
Hope you make it to 73, Frank. I see some really bad KARMA in store for you, bud!
Frank, you’re an ignorant man whose life is a meaningless pit, wasting good air that Mrs. Hall could use.
I cannot believe that there are such idiotic people as Frank. Who the hell does he think he is to make such rude comments as he has. People like him disgusts me.
Frank, I think it’s pretty arrogant to suggest that you are somehow better equipped to survive because of your age.
You can bet that there are a lot of oldtimers out there that are going to be far better off than some of the ignorant youth we have in today’s society.
For those that doubt what someone in their 70′s can do I think you need to take a look at this video and see what a true survivalist is made of. http://offgridsurvival.com/alone-in-the-wilderness/
Yes that was a very unnecessary statement. I think one big part of survival is the capacity to stay friendly. having support of anyone is always good in emergency situations.
I hope Frank comes to my door looking for food.
Its ok Frank will be one of the first to go Its always the cocky ones that “know everything” that go first in survival situations. its so likely that even Hollywood movies portray this time and time again. See ya Frank so long , hope deep throwing the hot dog was worth it!
How very kindly you choose your words Frank, we all appreciate that crap in this forum.
Frank,
Apparently you have not found the wisdom, and tenaciousness of our older folks. If it were all to go zombie apocalypse today, I wish my 90 Grandfather was still around. He’s the man that taught me to survive without anything. Because he grew up in a generation that had nothing. Choose your words carefully. You just may find that all those years are worth more than you thought.
Here here!
I SO wish my grandmother were here. She with her brother ran farm with no power, throwing down a lunch for 25 farm hands on a wood/iron stove, washing laundry nice and white with a scrub board and homemade soap, preserving food — could can anything, dried fruits on what apparently looked like screen doors, etc., knew how to keep oil & wick lanterns in perfect repair & not smoking, just all kinds of things I wish I’d learned.
I so agree with you. The older greneration has such a wealth of knowledge they lived in tough times. All of my grandparents have passed, I’m so glad I paid attention to the things they had to teach me and wish they were here to teach me more. My mother is the last elder in our family and she is one tough women. I have a brother and in the past 2 yrs. we have really been trying to educate ourselves in being more selfrelient, raising our own food, learning to can and preserve those foods, improving our hunting skills,we involve our whole family, I find myself saying over and over I wish I had paid more attention to how grandma or grandpa did this or that. If you are lucky enough to have members of the older grenerations in your family pay attention to what they can teach you they are a wonderful sourse of knowledge.
Our grandparent have lived so some of the worst times in the last 100 years and they got it going on , they know how to do all these thing that we don’t because they didn’t have any of the technology that we are spoiled with. They did it the hard way, time consuming but it was the right way and having patience and they were healthier as far as what they ate and didn’t have all the toxins that are in everything today.
Frank Frank Frank… Now that’s not nice.. Maybe you should open your eyes a little. Think about what you say before you open the di*k dumpster in your face. Show some respect or maybe someone might come along and give you a list of survival tips of your own.
FRANK- list includes:
Balls, Guns, Guts, and oh yeah ya dont have the brains to use any of the above! Get bent ya terrorist!!
Frank,
I couldn’t believe what I just read… She maybe a little on the older side but I bet she will be more prepared than you will be, as she grew up in a time when nothing was available. When you are getting the worst of what’s coming and you need help and you see a older person doing a lot better than you, don’t bother to ask them for help as your aren’t worth it to them. Survival guide for you; Nothing, burn in hell.
And as for everybody else, me and my hubby and baby girl are starting to get out bug out bags ready, this website has helped me out a lot and I appreciate all the suggestions on here! Have a wonderful life to everyone, including Frank. Best of luck!!
Meant to say getting OUR bug out bags ready!
Why would you bet she will be more prepared? She doesn’t know what items she needs so she asked someone to send her a list by making the request on the comments section of a random blog article. She clearly is lucky to have been able to read the keyboard well enough to type. She will die. Oh yeah and no doomsday is coming whatsoever and this is all ridiculous, unnecessary bullshit and you all are utter idiots.
Best of luck to you and your family. I really hope the day never comes where any of you need to use your BOB’s, but if the SHTF then best of luck to you three.
at least she’s Making a list, have you FRANK! My Granny’s 82 , and most every day she calls me and says, HUN don’t forget to do this or get that, ‘you youngins better be prepared, and if you need anything just call!; I’M 55…
oops, shes 92, 93 this month, LOL, see and she has to call and remind me what I need, !!
Man, I am enjoying the lash out against Frank more than the article. Way to stand up for our elderly commenters! I think some people just like to get a rise out of other people like my brother-in-law (can’t reveal which one). Larie – have you looked into Freeze Dried Food? Even getting a small amount can make life easier for a survival situation – just add water and your eating! All the Best to you Lauri!
really??? Frank, that is rude. And just to add insult to your ignorance…. I have family that are over 90yrs old that are the only ones under 33yrs old that aren’t in some way reliant on thier elders. They are the only ones that are handling this poor economy without bating an eye….They have been there before!!!!! Weren’t you taught to respect your elders?
I meant reliant on thier family
thts pretty rude, i understand but not every old person is senile, some are very active and fit, my g-ma walks everyday and goes to the gym and stuff and actually goes hunting and she’s 82… i think she will make it in a survival situation for a while
LMAO… everyone got trolled so easily.
IMO, only retarded adolescent trolls find trolling funny. To the rest of us it’s an annoying display of stupidity and social non-function. Go pop your zits, catalyst.
Id keep an older person around and alive simply for the experience. They know some things id never think of!
Oh Frankie….. With an attitude like that I can almost guarentee that you will be one of the first ones…….. EATEN!!! I personally like my arrogant young men with B-B-Q sauce. MMMMMMMMMM! Tasty.
Frank,
Your unbelievable. Older folks lived through so much, they could teach all of us a thing or two, especially manners !
While I don’t quite agree with franks delivery method, having a good group at any age is an important part of prepping. Power in numbers. Everyone has a use and an elder would have much life experience to pass down. There are plenty of new preppers who are just in this for the fun as a hobby and I am sure mrs. Hall would be a great asset to a group.
Frank, what an azz you are!
Ya Frank you are pretty much humpin the pooch when it comes to Karma. see on the flip side, you’ll be the fly eating my poop
Wow Frank! You are quite the rude a$$ aren’t you. Hope the Karma bus runs over you!
frank, that is totally mean, most young people are totally useless in any situation.
hey Frank! I got a can of ass@12#$%& for you ASSHOLE.
don’t mind this guy Mrs Hall.I got your back.
Frank, you’re an asshole! You must have not been taught to respect your elders. Shame on you. You better get ready to be a casualty if any of your neighbors know who you are on this post, You better not be one of mine.
Frank,
That’s pretty funny. You probably work for 73 today, you should be careful you ignorant douche!
You are a real low life Frank. With your attitude you definitely will become a casualty.
Frank you will be “Godsmacked” for that one day.
Your an evil vile and nasty little man with no humanity! I hope someone takes pity on you because when this all comes down around you, you will need a friend.
Frank youre a douche bag.
73 or not they are human….right. if you were 73 wouldn’t you want a chance too.
Frank when zombies are chasing you, your that person that you shoot in the leg to give the Honorable old timers a good chance to make it
we would love to have you with us we dont have kids but our family’s do older folks are the teacher of the young and are needed more than you will ever know i have a lot of grand old folks but more is good thay do garden work and tend the flocks of sheep and goats as well as get the eggs and watch kids win we plow or have to go out ware its to dangerous to take them as well as just plane know stuff
Ms. Larie,
Some good things to have are matches, a crank radio (it cranks so it runs without batteries for a while), medical supplies like bandaids, wrap bandages, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol (for disinfecting woulds/cuts, etc.), medical bandage tape, antibiotic ointment like neosporin, Lugol’s iodine AND tincture of Iodine-you can get Lugols and tincture on Amazon.com. Of course batteries like AA, etc. are good but they eventually go bad. A swiss army knife, flash lights (several), clothes line with clothes pins, baking soda (lots) scissors, several different kinds of non- electric can openers and lots of canned food with good exp dates-look at every date before you buy to be it is at least 3 years out or so. Try to find others in your area that live close that you can trust like church. Most of all have your Bible. God never fails. Not everyone is as rude as Frank. I wish my precious grandmother was still alive. I have the utmost respect for those who are older. I hope you come back and post again.
Victoria
That was very nice of you to inform Ms.Larie of the things she is also going to need.
Ms. Larie more than likely going to be he alot longer than Mr Frank. He’ll probably mess himself when the SHTF. I’ll bet she could skin a buck or run a trout line anyday and out cook the best of us. Ms.Larie do pay no mind to him, just get yourself ready. Oh and if some jurk comes knocking on your door, well you know what to do. Best of luke to all.
Frank the Joke is on you.
Personally as an atheist a bible is just excess weight to carry but if it gives you hope then more power to ya. I would sugget adding a machete or large hunting knife because being older people will probably try to take advantage of you.. A grandma with a machete ? No one in their right mind is going to fuck with that!
Larie:
I am a 60 year old woman who has been prepping for a while now. my hubby isnt too into it but puts up with my doing so.
I do a log of dehydrating. I go to the frozen food sections of stores, the veggies are ready to dehydrate. If you dont have a dehydrator just put on cookie sheets in oven at 200 deg. There are a lot of online sites about dehydrating. I have a garden so also dehydrate out of tht.
Have plenty of water. Every time I go to store pack some more. Buy bleach, if you have to you can purify your rain or stream water with tht. Matches, candles. Solar is definately good. There are solar radio/flashlights out there. Buy a good book or two on wild foods with pictures. Have a tarp, blanket. Get a tote and buy one of those vacuum bags. But extra clothes, blankets and seal it. you can get a lot in a small space. Any medicines you need, try to get extra prescriptions. I also have some home canned veggies, can use the juices to help rehydrate the veggies. Get some seeds, dont get hybrid, get heirloom. Now is a good time to stock up.
This isnt a complete list, but hope it will help.
One more thing – mostly for the newer folks here. Try to find yourselves an old (say, ’50′s edition) Boy Scout Handbook. It has basics for nearly every skill you’ll need for camping/primitive living skills, as well as for packing, supplies, making fire, tracking, building shelters, finding your way, etc. There are very good illustrations and simple but fairly complete instructions. You can’t beat it as a primer for primitive skills.
Don’t get a new one. They have reduced that kind of material in them – or so it looks to me – which means you’d now get ‘camping light’ instructions.
Boy Scouts feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. I already have my older manual (and still have my own from 50 years ago too) so I won’t care and it will help others to know.
No Dave, you are correct. As a 45year scouter I can tell you and everyone else the newer politically correct handbooks don’t cut it.
I’m called a maverick but still teach out of 50-60′s books.also look for the old fieldbooks..they are what you really want..all obout fieldcraft
I would like a printable list also.
You just made my shopping list creation very easy. I will have to tell the wife I spent a couple hours on it!!
Really good. Couple things on there I had not thought about.
Thanks….
Rourke
This idea may be a bit off topic here.
Besides these long shelf life foods, I’ll also store (short shelf life) nutritional supplements. Some of them:
• Buffered vitamin C (do keep coo; away from heat & light)
• Cod liver oil in bottle (yucky but a most potent power food!)
• Probiotic Acidophillus (travel versions are great)
• Whey protein (costly yet don’t store for long, sigh!)
• Wild American ginseng (don’t laugh, such nature’s gift beat our synthetic, processed food in nutritional integrity)
(Some correction – sorry)
This idea may be a bit off topic here.
Besides these long shelf life foods, I’ll also store (short shelf life) nutritional supplements. Some of them:
• Buffered vitamin C (do keep cool; away from heat & light)
• Cod liver oil in bottle (yucky but a most potent power food!)
• Probiotic Acidophillus (travel versions are great)
• Whey protein (costly yet don’t store for long, sigh!)
• Wild American ginseng (don’t laugh, such nature’s gift beat our synthetic, processed food in nutritional integrity)
Amaranth grain (seed) would be a great prep item too. One seed will produce millions more. Don’t forget yeast until you get skilled in finding yeast in the wild.
About salt: A very important item. However, salt from the grocery store is most often only sodium chloride with all the other minerals removed. You might find “Real Salt” in some grocery stores. I buy my salt from http://www.saltworks.us. They are home based somewhere near Kirkland, WA. You can get unprocessed (full compliment of minerals) salt from them, chunks in various sizes, or ground. I buy my favorite Himalayan Pink Salt there in 5lb bags and shipping is free until Dec 31,2010.
Another item that I consider essential is the book Cancer-Free by Bill Henderson. Every household should have a copy of this book, and read it now.
As for honey used for medical purposes, must not be heated or processed or it won’t work well if at all. Google that item, or see what drmercola.com has to say about it.
When it comes to emergency preparedness, most people I talk to think that nothing will ever happen to them- so “why should I bother. It drives me NUTS- but I know I am not nuts.
As a father of 3 small children, I have always tried to protect and provide for all their immediate and future necessities.
We have grown up in the age of consumerism and take for granted that there will always be food on the shelves. But in this economy, it will only take a small natural disaster, declaration of hyper-inflation, a truckers strike or possibly a shortage of water or gas to empty the stores shelves within hours. Just look what happened in Boston!
http://survivalist-hub.blogspot.com/
Now, I can sleep in peace! I love having the peace of mind, the feeling of being empowered– that my family and I are covered with the necessary emergency food, and survival supplies for the next 20 years at TODAYS prices for what ever comes our way.
You are nuts…..
You are protein.
one thing we keep in small airplanes in alaska ; is dried dog food,sealed with o2 bags (dog cookies taste better).. yes i have had to eat dog food when stuck in the bush…In our boats & planes we keep traps & clear plastic which can be used as shelter or water catchment system.
I would also add pepper spray. Also have a water filtering system & tablets.. Have bleach & perioxide.. Also waxed dental floss which can be used to mend tenting or clothing. I have had to use dental floss to sew wounds up & it worked fine.
I would add dried eggs,nuts & granola.Items that do not need cooking.
I buy much of our food & supplies from “Azure Standard” out of Durfer ,Or. They service Alaska & the west coast.
And one very important thing is exersice NOW, get into shape. Because if you have to hit the road out of shape you will not make it far.. Also get your friends & family in good physical shape.. Start walking everwhere.
Other good things to stock is paper plates and throw away plastic spoons and forks, so you don’t have to wash dishes and waste water. You then can use them to start a fire.plenty of matches, flash lights. candles also.
I can think of better choices of survival foods with good long term storage in varying climates. If cost vs quantity is driving your decision, there are things to consider if your going to rely on dog food for survival. Primarily, make sure its fit for human consumption. Most big namebrand dog foods (Iams, Beneful, Purina, Eukanuba, etc.) are not only bad for humans (I guess you could survive on it for a while), but they’re bad for your dog, too. However, there are some human grade dog foods available that might be a better choice. Check around the web and see what works for you. There’s even dehydrated natural, organic dog foods. Sorry to get off on a tangent. So I guess, to put it into a prepping perspective, when we’re prepping for our own survival, don’t forget about our best friends!
Does anyone happen to know the life of olive oil? Don Lau, I know Dufur, OR! Small town and Azure Standard has an office in town and a farm out Dufur Valley Road. Small world.
Many oils bought from stores are already in the process of spoiling.
If you live in a more rural area, keep small livestock as well. Milk, eggs, meat.
And don’t forget about your pets
How about matches and candles? I see Bic lighters and lighter fluid mentioned but don’t forget matches or flints/steel for fire starting.
Also chocolate bars. They give a quick boost of energy and a little pickmeup.
Snicker Bars!!! Protein, carbs, sugars, sodium and packed with calories. I now right now it seems like junk food buts its and excellent little pack of power. I always keep a half dozen or so in my GHB.
Thinking about the LONG term. I would suggest everyone pickup “Open Pollinated, Heirloom seed” packed in Mylar. Amazon has a great one with 34,000 seed all in one bag.
These are all amazing ideas and that is a great list, I would just add Aspirin to it. I’ve been playing with my blood pressure and that keeps it in line along with my medications. Time to print out this page.
A couple of items I would like to mention that I think should be added to this. First, a deck of playing cards to pass the time and to keep spirits up. Plus there is thousands of games you can play with cards. Second, there is a book called “herbal remedies” that I just love that if very informative. Thirdly, hygiene products for cleanliness, protection from some illnesses and for morale. I’ve been putting together go bags and survival kits for years and most people tend to forget these items.
tilla makes a jar lid sealer for canning jars.
a refrigeration type vacuum pump will pull a vacuum so low that it will cause water to boil at room temperature. all of my dehydrated foods are under extreme vacuum. the vacuum even causes bubbles to appear in honey. it takes some figuring to mate up the vacuum pump with the size tubing for the jar sealer. I figure no air then no oxygen….
The list should say: salt, salt, salt, salt, and more salt. Salt, in addition to making food taste good, is very useful in preserving food. With salt you can preserve meat and make pickles. An additional item to include, if you consider storing and growing flint corn is lime. Processing corn with lime or another alkaline is essential for releasing nutrients, otherwise, get acquainted with the word “pellagra.”
yup SALT SALT SALT but dont get the minerals salt it will reck canning and drying foods trust me i would know i have been doing this for over 20 years and found out the hard way and for trade good i have tabco and everclear we dont drink or smoke but others do and you dont want to have friends freaking out win it hits the fan it also can get you stuff you need as for food corn is your friend so are beans but remember to use the ashes from your fire to soke the corn in before you cook it i would keep a couple of animals if i were you as well it dont matter what kind as long as there’s meat on them win you need it
Grain alcohol is not only a trade item, but you can use it in your med kit as well in place of rubbing alcohol. That way, you can sterilize a wound, numb it for stitching, and get your self a little bit steadier all out of the same bottle – and trade off the left-overs later if you need to.
And just BTW, alcohol is the only pain killer I’ve ever used for damaged joints and broken bones that I don’t develop a tolerance to. I seldom get ‘drunk’, but after a couple of drinks most any pain is gone or significantly relieved.
Bullets!!!even for guns you may not have. Salt, Bleach, spam, can foods, MULTIVITAMINS!, tampons, listerine, LOTS OF Cheap Vodka. propane, aspirin, toothpaste, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, did I say BULLETS!!!?, INDUSTRIAL WORK BOOTS! (ALSO SAVE OLD SHOES), salted whole hams, PEANUT BUTTER!!! A S–T LOAD OF IT!, vaccum sealed coffee, lysol, Ensure, pedialyte, gatoraid, cheap used bullet proof vest, Railroad 10 min flares, sewing kit, IODINE,rain barrel, washtub, laying hens, DOGFOOD, parachute cord (trust me on this), duct tape, several good knives all kinds, more bullets, vodka, and bleach!!! and an untrusting open mind! people go crazy when when the grid is off.
Awesome list!! Added all of it! Thanks so much!!!
Applause to Ryan Herndon! Goes along with my motto “Stock up on dried beans and ammo”.
Is there anywhere a reasonable list of minimal stuff for the Grab Bag? I have a full sized Alice Pack for me and the wife but not sure what all NEEDS to be in it! I’m 68 and there is no way I can tote all that is recommended for more than about 25 yards….:)
Bless you all when the time comes!
Great list of items compiled here. Don’t forget a food cooking system for example a stainless still grill and charcoal. You can pack in matches or a bic to make sure you don’t forget something to light it with.
AA Batteries/Bic Lighters – Small but great items to barter for other things. BBABAB RKB
Just have lots of guns and ammo and take what you need from folks who neglected to stock up on guns and ammo.
you sir are a ass and would be the first one i shot and yes i have guns and ammo but i dont tell allot of people and yes i do know how to use them i lived on the border AZ mexico for a long time and HAD to use them so get over yourself and becouse you never know who will have them
Fred like to see you take stuff from some of these people, you sir will be littered with holes cause you are a j**k a**. To the guy named frank that disrespected the older lady people like you wont make it any way thinning out your gene pool is the best for this world….. On a lighter note there are some good list on here gave me great ideas to add to my stock pile thank you to the people who share your ideas.. be safe out there
So you’re looking for an opportunity to be a predator is that it Fred? How long do you think it’ll be before you mistake some old guy like me for an easy mark and end up triple-tapped?
I think Fred needs only 2 things, a noose and a place from which to jump. I have a rope, Fred . . .
This is where the parachute cord comes in!!
I see ramen noodles on the list. I plan on repacking them using one of the home vacum packers. And I plan adding a desciant pack to each. That will help them store better I hope. I hate the taste old rancid ramen noodles.
Add to that vegi seeds, make sure that they are the NON-hybrid type so you can save some seeds for the next season. They will come in handy
All of you have great ideas! Thank you. If we are trying to survive a natural (or man made) disaster, I would think a hand crank radio would be a good idea to keep in touch with the rest of the world, whatever shape it might be in.
Claudia
Make sure you check into what honey you are buying. Most honey has little pollen in it. So a local honey producer (may) have more or Wholefoods may as well. Research this one.
I’ve got a pretty good start to my family’s survival kit. My question is if you have to bug out, how in the world can you take all of these items with you? And if you are on foot, I don’t see how it’s possible at all. So if you have to condense what you bring with you, what are the absolute essentials?
A good way to make sure that you can tote all the essentials is to have a dog that can pack. We have a Pittie mix, Atlas, that can pack. Granted, it would never be the same amount as we could, but, he can still pack a fair amount. The bigger the dog, the more weight they can handle. Plus, they are part of your security. So, they will earn their keep.
Not to mention that dogs can be a great source of protein if the going gets really tough.
Think A-Z, pack a little of everything!! Top priority:
1. Ammo
2. Water
3. Medical/Dental gear
4. Misc survival gear
5. Cold/Hot weather gear
6. Creativity
7. Barter gear
Good luck and gear up.
My family has 20 acres in northern Michigan between a few Amish farms. I intend to leave most of my shtf pile there as thats where my final destination is! Though not sure how living all together will end up we may end up our own enemies we all know that’s where we will go! 7 adults and 3 kids! So I will have each family a backpacking pack with enough to get us there by foot beyond that it’s back to the basics which for the first 10 years there we had no electric water or gas so I stayed for 3 weeks early spring one year when I was about 17 in sure I can handle it!
if u are blessed with property like myself start planting fruit trees now as most take years to start producing fruit! And a grape vine and strawberries hard to kill once they start so remember to think of that when planting
This is a fairly good list, but I would like to make a few suggestions. I would also add olive oil as it is cheaper than coconut oil and does not get rancid (neither does coconut oil.) I would also add brown rice as it is far higher in nutritional value than white rice. Most ground flours have less than a 1 year shelf life and begin to lose nutritional value within days. Which leads me to suggest that you invest in a grain grinder. Bouillon is something I believe shouldn’t be left out. I’m not seeing much vitamin C rich fruits, so add some dehydrated fruits to your list. Powdered milk is okay but not great, if you are in a rural location you might consider goats for fresh milk. Enzymes are important for good health so sprouting seeds are worth considering. And last, some comfort foods, like hot chocolate or whatever. This is more for the phychological aspect, but are important in times of crisis, especially if children are involved. And add variety as you are able to prevent appetite fatigue.
lard as well i love your list i would however recommend a gritter not a grinder thy are cheaper and you can make allot with it and it is a bit stronger you can also grind seeds with it i have both a grain mill and a gritter and use the gritter to make everything from peanut butter to coarse flour
I enjoyed reading everyone’s input, and will start creating my “BOB” bag. The first item I am placing in my bag is a survival book, followed by a change of underwear and socks—as when “it” decides to hit the fan for us. I am thinking a clean pair or 2 of underwear might just come in handy and some soap! My next item would be a SOG knife followed by the list of grocery items provided as well as a sleeping bag and pillow, followed by a deck of cards.
Thanks for all your posts, I have learned a lot from them. I have a serious question though, any serious thoughts would be appreciated. Sandra made a good point of having property(out of city). We also have use of property out side of major cities(only one available), but if we stockpile most of the goods there(what we want to do for safety), how can we get to it in a flash? The property is 750 miles away! Depending on the situation, driving may be out of the question as would on foot. My hubby thinks I am goofy for asking this Q, but I am trying my best to plan for what ever comes our way,as we have young children.
Hi ” Mum that is planning”
I just found this site tonight and saw your question. I’m not as prepared as some, but am very interested in all the advice on these sites. I live in Australia on the East Coast, but about 1 hr from Gosford NSW on 44 acres with my wife and 2 kids.
You mentioned if the SHTF traveling 750 miles to your safe haven.
I would imagine fuel would be rare and the roads jammed, but depending on how many kids you have, maybe a couple of trail bikes ( with small trailers) would do the trick. You can take them off road, and even negotiate around traffic jams. You could carry a spare jerry can of fuel in each trailer, camp out of site off road, etc.
I just bought my kids trail bikes ( to play on) but if we had to get out of here in a hurry they could be used on road
I don’t think unregistered trail bike riders are going to be a high priority for the police if the. sHTF
Good luck
Mark
Trail bikes would be good, as well as 4 wheelers. You would have to take extra gas. The trail bikes probably wouldn’t use as much gas.
Mom, One of the hardest decisions a person/family will have to make after SHTF, is whether to Shelter-In-Place or Bug-Out. So plan carefully for as many scenarios as you can think of, then determine for each scenario whether you would need to SIP or Bug-Out. You’ll be surprised to reveal as long as you have an abundant stockpile similar to these postings at your home, and with adequate security to defend your home against invasions, you will consider SIP more than you would Buggin-Out, barring a situation that forces you to Bug-Out (flood, fire, etc.). The purpose of a Bug-Out-Location cannot be overlooked, however once you leave your SIP location your family’s safety/security will be jeopardized. Here’s why, almost all the non-prepper suburbanites will also be Buggin-Out (albeit with very few resources, if any at all); they will be half starved, dehydrated, and very dangerous. When their health begins to deteriorate they will do ANYTHING for food, water, warmth, or even medicine. Even if it means stealing yours or taking yours by force. Your family’s chances of survival will increase if you’re in an easily defendable home, but make sure you plan every detail. On the contrary, you are a target of opportunity for any person or gang while on the move, unless you and your family are avid students of cover/concealment. Devote your resources to stockpiling at your current residence first in preparation to SIP, then consider a BOL. food for thought.
Thank you everyone for replying. I did look up trail bikes/atv’s as you mentioned. I have also considered SIP for a while now. We are working on and are good on that front(as we can be so far). The only problem is that my SIP is in dangerous territory. Any SHTF around here would cause immediate and extreme issues. Depending on what happened(shtf),I could be dealing with floods, high crime/safety,and very ill prepared surroundings almost immediately. It’s hard to have one foot planted and one ready to BO. It’s all just so unnerving. So many people tell you that nothing is going to happen,period. Then you have those that say SOMETHING is going to happen(I am one of those). It’s hard to plan what is best. I appreciate your thoughts so much, you have no idea. It’s nice to be able to talk to people who understand what is at stake and believe in the SHTF. Thanks again everyone for your continued support!
Mom U shld try to get in touch with your local malitia. Perhaps you could also try to trade your far away location with one that’s closer. Prob.chk. with local real estate guy. When TSHTF by the time you get to your far away spot it’ll already either be destroyed or occupied by some other family trying to survive. For now let us all pray that this will prove unnessary and our grandchildren can poke fun at us for being paranoid. May GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
I think differently from Jim. In a long term situation, your best safety move will be to ‘get remote’. Wild urban mobs will only get so far, and darned sure not 750 miles. I would keep that place and just try to move closer to it, not ditch it – unless of course that far away is less remote than someplace part of that distance – i.e. it may be close to a big city also.
On the other hand, you should be prepared to leave quickly, and early. NEVER wait for an evacuation order – look at the photos of choked highways every time there’s a hurricane. It’s easier to go halfway to your hideout and come back because the storm missed (or the crisis was averted) than to be trapped on the interstate behind a 20 mile parking lot of out of gas cars.
And with 750 mile to go, you’d probably best keep a jerry-can or two of gas around, and use that to fill your car about every 3rd month and refill the cans with fresh. Make sure you have about twice what you’ll need normally, in case of detours and traffic jams, or in case your tank is near empty when you have to leave.
Motorcycles get you past traffic jams and use little fuel…you could pack the bags, handlebars, and tow a trailer full of weapons, er, food/water
I found this list to be very helpful, as well as everyone’s advice! I am just so frazzled thinking about all of this, and my family thinks I am just wasting my youth (I just turned 22) on pointless paranoia. My husband and I with our 2 children are planning to move to Asia within the next year to the country in which he was born, where he has a few acres of land and a lot of family. My question is this: as an American, would I really be in any more danger there than I would be here when the SHTF? We have been planning this move for almost 3 years, but now with everything getting worse much faster than I could have imagined, my huband is afraid for our children and myself…and I am starting to worry about it myself, to be honest. However, I also understand that if something as huge as I fear might occur really does come about, all of us will be in danger no matter where we are to some extent…right?
you would be a out sider there and would most likely be killed or just left to fend for yourself i have a friend that moved to the east and she lost everything and almost did not make it back thy mostly dont like white folks at all and win it hits the fan you may have a bigger problem there than you would here i am sorry i dont intend to be mean but she is still healing and my never see her son agen and she is 1/2 Asian her husband was full i am not saying this would happen to you but stresses can cause people to do things thy would not normally do and the folks you are talking about tend to be a bit clannish
Specifically, the Philippines. I know the lower islands have cannibals and such, but other than that, most Filipinos don’t have an issue with Amercans. Everyone in the family I have met so far has been very welcoming and supportive, even protective since we are family now, but in extreme situations, you never really know how people are going to react. Like I said, when all this really explodes, it wll be dangerous everywhere. I only take comfort in the fact that we will be living in an extremely secluded area with abundant fresh water and food sources, and if anyone did happen to find us, we are prepared to defend our own. I have considered the possibility of being found and hurt or being sent back to the States without my family, and that scares me more than anything. My husband and I have talked about that, and honestly, the only thing we can do is pray and do our best.
I planted a peach tree 2 years ago. I also planted a cherry tree but it didn’t make it. I am going to plant an apple tree, strawberry patch, and some raspberry bushes. I have 2 pear trees that are already producing. Might also plant some blackberries.
@brijo89
Depends entirely on which country you’re talking about. “Asia” has quite a bit of variety, after all.
The Philippines. We have our own land there in an extremely secluded area that has an abundance of fresh water and food sources nearby. The house has already been built in such a way that we will not have to depend on electricity or anything. We plan to keep atleast some goats and chickens. We also make a habit of sending extra supplies and food to a friend there who will keep our stock ready until we move.
I live in a small town in middle Ohio. I have been preparing for years for the worst to happen.(not as much as some) I think we will be safe to SIP, for a reasonable amount of time. I also think our small town would come togather and work as a team when SHTF. My family has enough to survive for 6+ months. I am planning on getting a few hens this spring(hoping here is no ordance against it.) I plant a small garden, that will bigger than normal this coming season. We have a small camper that is ready in 10 mins to pull out should BO be the need. I have backpacks in place to grab on the way out the door, and MANY totes filled also. (with goods).
I find it funny how many people that I talk to think I am CRAZY. I am guessing they don’t look around or listen to the news to see and hear that SH*T is already hitting the fan!! I will be doing more prepping in the coming months.I hope that more people will also. Good luck!!
Today I asked my hubby what he thought about getting a disaster kit together,and he did what I thought he would do,he thinks its a big joke.I must say the world looks like it is getting ready to make all of us people very uncomfortable.I wish we could all work together to make it safer and easer on eachother.Band together,help eachother out and not become all crazy and look at eachother as enemy’s after who knows what hits the fan.I am a wife and a mother of two boys.We love to camp and love life just like you all do.Lord help us all.Thanks for all of the good ideads.There are a couple of things I think would be heplful, banockalers,magnifying glass,compass,bug spray,sling shot,and maybe a stun gun,fishing line and hooks,sunglasses,peper to go with your salt,and gum.I have a couple of questions too. What does SIP,SHTF..lol..”Sh!T hits the fan” I’m guessing, and Bug out Bag. Where do ya all store all of this stuff and what do ya store it in.What do ya do when you run out of TP? TP can take up alot of space thats for sure. Well it looks like its time to start making beef jurkey. Have a blessed day!
Hi Michelle! When I try to talk to people, they too look at me like I am goofy! Your not alone on that one! SIP means Shelter in Place. You have the rest of the abbreviations right(BOB is bug out bag). It is overwhelming when you sit back and think of all this stuff. As a mother, I know it’s hard to try and gather info/everything on your own. About where/what to store all in, that is a good question that I hope some of our veteran posters will answer for us all. Sadly, I have seen first hand what happens in a crisis and people don’t band together. People who are your neighbors that you love, can quickly become your worst enemy. So plan accordingly. Someone once told me that we should have “teams”. Teams of people you trust, can talk about SHTF with, and make plans to survive with for when that moment hits. Veteran posters, is that a good idea? I’d appreciate thoughts on the notion of “teams”.
If you have young ones in diapers I’d stock up on diapers in the next size bigger its nice to have extra on hand anyway.
Baby wipes are great for anyone esp if bathing is infrequent. don’t forget childrens tylenol for bigger kids I try to have extra shoes and coats in a bigger size
any thing I can find after season on clearance or on sale in a bigger size is stached
you use a rag that you wash win you are dun with it and hang it out me i have that .and in my hidey hole we have phone books that are great for that as well as games as for your hubby well i dont know mine is the one helping me i think i would find friends that think like me and then win it hits the fan at least you and the kids would be ok even if he stayed there
Not a bad list, but I think water needs to be at the top of any list. Don’t waste your money on soap, so you won’t waste your water. There are foaming body washes available that don’t require water, or keep some wet wipes on hand. Preserve every drop of water possible for drinking. Water purification tablets and/or a portable mircoilter in case you run out of bottled water.
Hello everyone. I am new to this site but not this arguement. When hurricane Rita came throught my home town in Texas ( had not had a real one in twenty years ) many people found out that not being prepared at all had serious consequences.Luckily my parents had friends in Dallas where they could stay for the MONTH that there was no power. Even if you are not a “conspiracy person” as I am always called, there are very few areas in this country that are not subseptible to some type of natural disaster. A little prep now can save alot of hard work later. Even just a few extra cans of soup,are a cheap bic every week at the store will add up to put you far ahead of most of your neighbors. Good luck all.
Should would be nice if you would monitor and delete some of the bad comments……check out Frank’s comment dated January 16, 2012. Really disheartening!!!
No doubt his comment was arrogant and displays the ignorance of today’s youth. We try not to delete any comments on here unless they are threatening someone but thanks for responding to Frank’s comment.
I also added a response above with a link to a video that show just what someone in their 70′s can do in a survival situation.
Regarding Frank’s input on this website. I been around 73 year’s and I can put a bullet thru th head of a squirrle most every shot. No matter how high in th tree. I can live off th land and do very well huntin, fishing and living in th wild. I am very well armed and you people that are not better get prepaired. I look at survival kinda like having insurance on yer house or car. Ya hope ya never use it but ya better have it when your house burn’s down.
Well to be prepared with “things” make sure your “things” are tornado proof. How about the thousands of homes that have been leveled completely over the years. I hope those people didn’t waste a lot of time energy and money preparing these “things”. You know, an old saying is “life is short” well lets just get it over with already! We are all so much dying to live, but think, we are really simply living to die! The last first and the first last. Hmmm whatever. Everything is irrelevant! Everything!
IS GOOD TO ALSO KNOW YOU WILL HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT KIND OF CRAP(FRANK)
I live in northern WV and have some land in southern WV which is my BO location as it is far less populated and situated close to clean water, wild game and abundant wood for heat. My only thought on how this site may not be good is if my neighbors decide to defend outsiders from occupying the area as I don’t have a house or cabin, only a cave and camping area.
Hi Chef! Maybe you could somehow go there now, maybe on a weekend or something, and mark off your land so to speak. In hopes that maybe your neighbors will see you, get to know you and see that some of the land is yours. Maybe have a camping trip and introduce yourself to your neighbors and make small talk about outdoor living/camping, to maybe gauge how they feel about this topic. I hope this helps, I hope others give you feedback as well, maybe you could find a solution.
thanks for the feedback, mom. i have met the nearest year round neighbor and he does see me occasionally go down in the hollow for a weekend of camping/exploring. my real concern is for the couple of guys who have their hunting cabins (possible BOL’s) whom i’ve never seen around in the 8 years we’ve owned the property. some people are of the shoot first ask questions never variety. =/
i would WORK ON meeting them as soun as you can and ask them what thy think and see if you can share i know it sounds strange but it would work to all yous benefit also then you would know what you had to deal with there
Another thing to think about…if you works miles from home and EMP strikes, how will you get home? I plan to get a foldable bike to put in my trunk along with a BOB will the essentials to get me home. Gun and ammo included.
I noticed no one mentioned Nuts as a survival food, a few silver coins marked for quality (for trading), and goggles (prevents eye damage as it would be one of the most difficult kinds of injuries to treat)and renders pepper spray useless.
This was good reading also a wake up to change frist weather flood’s no where to live when money stop’s we’re out with the rest of hard working amercans! Thats scary
Just a note to add alcohol and alcohol wipes (isopropyl) far better than peroxide (which will kill the skin around a wound) I’ve been in 2 unwelcome survival instances and this was one item I really wanted. (among others) the wipes have a million and one uses from fire starting to cleaning to just making you feel better. I have 3 bug out bags with EVERYTHING for 14 days(and I do mean everything, each weighs 30 lbs) for 4 people and its a habit to practice all skills every other month. Love this site its very valuable in its information.
its a good thing to have glow sticks. you can get them in packs of 2 in many colors for around 2 dollars its a good thing to have. they have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years if unopend and stored right. plus SOG brand makes great light weight survival gear. i have two machetes 1 is 13 inch other is 18 inch. and there hatchet. also pack cotton it has many different uses like lighting fire ect. hope this info helps any one
white and brown vinegar surely must be on the list as well as army ration packs still,ate a 53 year old one a while back it was fine
The list of thing you can buy at a store are endless. A few more suggestions I’d make that I didn’t see skimming the comments or in the article.
Cinnamon
Whole Black Pepper Corns
Backing Soda
Cream Of Tartar
Whole Bay Leaves
Flavored bullion salt
Salt replacement w/ KCl (potassium chloride)
Mrs. Dash (they have like 6 different mixes)
Corn syrup
Vanilla and Maple extracts
There are endless options for storage edibles so these are just a few “must haves” I have in my stores that weren’t on the original list.
Medications are way over looked. I keep these well stocked in my home.
Rubbing Alcohol
Ipecac (in case of accidental poisoning)
Emetrol (to stop vomiting)
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Mineral Oil (for when you can’t go….)
Imodium (for when you can’t stop going….)
Preparation H (not just for your bungus)
Ambesol (because toothaches suck)
Gauze & Athletic tape (like what boxers use)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Benedryl
toothpaste, floss & extra brushes
Colloidal Silver solution (easy to make)
Bleach….. lots of bleach
Once again…. this list can become endless as well. Not to mention any prescription meds you may need…. this can be hard to stockpile legally and not be arrested for being a drug dealer. Oh and a couple sets of prescription glasses for you bespectacled folks out there.
Here are also a few general goods I like to have a good supply of.
a few axe handles (they will break)
a file or two (to keep cutting tools sharp)
Knives (fixed blade and folding)
Rope (lots of rope, cordage and twine)
Tarps
Duct tape
large outdoor trash bags
5 gallon buckets (I have over 100 and counting)
a large tackle box full of sewing supplies
various fish hooks, mono & braided line and sinkers
tin foil
oodles of matches and lighters
candles, candles, candles
This too can turn into an endless list……..
Another big thing I see a lot of would be “preppers” (and I am a newb myself) is that they focus on what they can buy and store and don’t put a lot of emphasis of developing practical skills.
Gardening is a skill that you can’t buy. Having a can full of heirloom seeds doesn’t ensure you can grow a garden and feed your family…. first off, gardens take time to grow. So you’d best have one going before you need it.
Simple skills like practical first aid are often overlooked because people get a little leaflet in their first aid kit and think they are covered. Being a former FMF Navy Corpsman and a combat vet. I can attest to the fact that in a high stress situation, unless you have the skills memorized you WILL waist time, make mistakes, injure further and/or possibly kill the person you are attempting to care for.
Trapping is a very under stressed and rarely developed skill I feel is invaluable. Once again, lots of people have a survival guide that has a chapter on snares and traps. But if you have no experience and are working from a book….. your failure rate will be exponentially higher than if you have practical hands on experience.
Long winded…. I’ll shut up now
TabWyo
Great ideas!! I live in Western Michigan and my husband is an avid hunter. Having the skills to hunt and trap in a “Doomsday” world could be the difference between life and death. I learned the art of canning over the years and am planning an extra large garden this year.
Something that I think has been overlooked is the value of medicinal plants! I am planning to educate myself on local plants and hopefully this could help in a pinch.
Hoorah!
I was a former FMF Corpsman with 1st Bn 8th Marines. I am stockpiling medical supplies as a huuuuge part of preps. A well-trained Corpsman will be invaluable to a group of survivors. People will do what they have to do to take care of the “doc”
HOO AH!
i see a lot of good items on this thread, but in all seriousness how do all of you plan on taking 400 pounds of gear with you when you “bug out”? not to say that having “stuff” wouldn’t be helpful but in an emergency situation having practiced skills like tracking, trapping, building a fire, building a shelter etc. are much more important. having a hundred lighters wont help you if you need to get out of dodge in a hurry. and speaking from experience, avoiding trouble is better than trying to be prepared for a guns blazing balls to the wall video game blitz to your hideout in the woods. its easy to catch a stray bullet in a firefight, i saw it plenty of times in Afghanistan, its easier to stay hidden, and to do that you need to travel light. my oh sh!t bag includes:
large alice pack
pistol belt with shoulder straps
hunting knife
pocket knife
2 canteens
water purification tablets
machete
hatchet
30ft parachute cord.(the size of a boot lace but can hold up to 550 lbs)
a one man tent
a wool blanket(a little heavy, but warm even when wet)
a small dollar store frying pan, and pot(light weight and cost me like $4 each)
1 lb bag of trail mix(from sams club)
1 lb bag of beef jerky(also from sams club)
a waterproof tin with a couple lighters, a magnesium fire-starter, char-cloth, cotton, and a wad of cedar bark
a few fishing hooks and 50 feet of fishing line
and some more piddly little odds and ends
all in all it weighs about 35 lbs, including my ruck sack and utility belt.
i have survived in the woods with these supplies for one, two, and three week periods of time on a regular basis for fun, in the last four years. there is really no need for a massive stockpile of stuff unless you plan on fortifying your home and bunking down for an extended period of time. not saying you all are going too far with the stockpile. especially if you have a family with children. holing up with plenty of supplies is DEFINITELY going to be a safer option with kids, but for all you lone wolfs out there, light weight gear is the way to go.
you forgot medical supplies, an extra pair of socks, a bandana, some duct tape, and a sewing needle with a large eye to go with some dental floss
I THINK ALL THE PREPPING IS GOOD. BUT WHAT ABOUT LEARNING TO MAKE THINGS FROM SCRATCH, LIKE SOAP, TOOTHPASTE, MEDS,UNDERGROUND LIVING FACILITIES (I THINK THAT WOULD BE SAFER), IF YOU GROW A GARDEN YOU WILL HAVE TO SLEEP OUT THERE TO PROTECT IT OR OTHERS COULD COME AND STEAL FROM YOU. WHATEVER YOU CAN CREATE AS FAR AS FOOD OR NECESSITIES AT A TIME LIKE THAT WILL BE LIKE MONEY SINCE THERE WILL BE NOTHING ELSE, WE WOULD BE REVERTING TO BARTER. WHO EVER HAS SOMETHING WILL BE A TARGET FOR THE FRANK’S OUT THERE.DON’T YOU THINK OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE PREPPING FOR US TOO?
I am a brand new follower! Wondering how you keep bugs & weavils out of the grains, rice, flour? Do you date it and rotate it every 6-12 months…?
Thanks!
Bay Leaves are suppose to keep bugs out of grains and such. I read that adding 8 leaves to a 5-gal bucket is suppose to work. That and store your goods in sealed air-tight mylar bags with O2 absorbers. Stored right, rice can last 20 to 30 years… or so I’ve read.
I just learned that freezing your flour for three weeks before storing it will kill any bug eggs already in it. Food grade diatomacious earth can be mixed with it to kill any bugs and if its food grade it IS safe to eat
I’ve seen online where people are storing rice and beans in 2 liter plastic bottles. What’s anyone’s thoughts on this? I realize that storing them in air tight mylar with the O2 absorber would be better, but I’m on a tight budget right now.
Tabwyo and Andrew both have great lists. Everyone needs to customize thier own from lists that are available here and elsewhere.
That list needs to start with a list of needed lists. Most of us live in or near cities, and I see that trend getting worse, so one of my important lists is of friends/family/neighbors, both near and far that we will try to stay in contact with, or in the case of neighbors, will be part of our group. Survival of a single family unit will be much more difficult than that of a larger group. Keep the people you trust near, and help them to prepare. I believe that they will be your key to survival, if it really goes badly in the world.
I also didn’t see enough though to the use of fire. As with medical situations, know how to use and control your fire (and fire power). Practice every chance you get with the fuel at hand, wet, dry, green wood, grasses, even news and other papers.
There is more at my website, ecgoin.com.
I hope we are all prepared for as many disasters as can happen. I know I’m not near 100% prepared for any of them, but with some luck, and help of the group, we have a good shot.
A great item to carry is chafing fuel canisters. About 4 of them together weigh a pound, and one canister lasts for about 2-3 hours. They’re easy to light, they burn hot enough to cook with, they produce no noticeable smoke, and the only light produced is a small bluish-clear flame. It’s perfect for when a fire would draw too much unwanted attention.
is there folks here in WA /OR state i am working on getting a group together to share info for this area OR WA as in the great north Wet i have almost everything on this list but am allways looking for more info and goodys i will trade
My family and I live in Washington, on a naval base. Not sure how safe it’s going to be here where shtf but we shall see. My family and I do archery and go to gun range. I am prier military and my husband is still in. I have a culinary degree and spend most of my time prepping and learning new skills.
I think most people should learn how to use a bow because once your ammo is gone it’s gone.
While we are all here looking at an optimum survival kit, I would add DUCT TAPE, HEIRLOOM (reproducible)vegetable seeds (many varieties of easily grown seeds at your local home improvement store are STERILE!), an ILLUSTRATED BOOK of edible native plants, FISH HOOKS (GEEZ, HOW WAS THIS OVERLOOKED?, and WEAPONS that do not require machined ammunition…such as a well-balanced throwing knife or a trusty bow. May I also suggest to my fellow green thumbs to make sure that TOBACCO seeds are a crucial part of your seed kit? It grows everywhere and I don’t think I have to tell anyone that it will rank right up there with alcohol as a top trade item in the future.
+ Bug Out CRATE packed and Ready..Just Load and Hook up Boat..Off to River to set up Base Camp on Small Island in the Middle Within Rifle Shot of Truck which will be Disabled…All Necessary items to sustain Life for a Couple of Months Plus for Wife and Self..Also Stocked Trade Bait if Necessary…You can Bet your Sweet DUPA we wont lack for Anything…Just Added Shortwave and Weatherband Radio w/ xtra Batteries, Tarps, Weapons, Ammo, Fuel for Lantern & Stove and Hatchet…Good Luck to those who Prepare…
OMG I am so depressed. I can’t even afford to buy the food I need for today. There is now way I can afford to be ready when they come for us or Japan blows up. What is that called Natural selection where the weaker dies off and the strong live on. I never thought it would happen to me. See ya all on the other side.
Hi. This is to the person who felt defeated because of the inability to purchase extra food. First of all, the MOST important preparation for a disaster or catastrophic event is PSYCHOLOGICAL. You need to decide in advance that you WILL cope with what you are faced with and draw the strength and faith to get through. This thread is speaking about self-reliance. But for those without material survival goods, you have other things to offer which should be what you “store up” in preparation. First of all, you can get up to speed in the area of first aid to help others who will help you in exchange. You can prepare yourself physically to carry and transport for people who have supplies, babies etc and need to be mobile. You carry in exchange. You can also read up on the psychological phases of a crisis and prepare yourself to help your sphere of influence through leadership, discernment, and intervention in the worst case scenario. Also, it is important for you to realize that there will be many people in your same circumstance. Some will not bond or associate with others but many will seek the support of others.
Through good mental and educational preparation, you can make alliances with others and together you can assess your circumstances and environment and come up with surviving resources. Even the most materially prepared people will be in a different frame of mind should a catastrophic event hit. Some people will have survival materials but not the mental capability to function. Believe me, as a former Red Cross Nurse, I can tell you that big strong grown men are sometimes apt to faint at the sights of what they see, while the older person or the single woman keeps a firm grasp of getting through and even helping others along the way. It’s very important to have a Survivor’s Perspective. If you have the attitude that you will just perish because you don’t have material supplies stored up, you likely will. And the reverse is true as well. Those who are bulked up with material preparation but are not psychologically prepared to function in a sudden catastrophic disaster sometimes can’t put one foot in front of the other. PREPARATION FOR SURVIVAL BEGINS IN THE MIND AND THEN MIGRATES TO THE SPIRIT. Not every person is going to be gun toting selfish person with an “us against the rest of you” mentality. Yes, there will be some of that, but there will also be kind hearted people at every turn as well. The first thing I have in my prep kits are pairs of eye glasses because without them, my functioning is reduced exponentially. Next, I have solar rechargable MP3 players that contain the narrated Bible and basic first aid instructions. I have enough to leave on someone’s chest by their ear if they are dying and I have to leave them. And there is one for me, because I’ve been through disasters and I know that for me, there is nothing more essential for me than to be strengthened by the Word of God. Whether here or on the other side,
it’s how you cope and what your values are that make you who you. Whether I live or die, I’ll be doing it according to my principles and I know I will never be alone.
Don’t get caught up strictly in the material things for survival. There is more to getting through than that. Surely, you don’t have to perish just for lack of supplies.
May God bless us with His help and mercy in whatever comes.
PS. I want to expound on a point so it doesn’t get overlooked. When something catastrophic happens, especially suddenly, people and animals go into reactions based upon our innate nervous system patterns. Society breaks down. At first there is an eery calm with shock. Fear and disbelief are the primary feelings, if they feel anything at all. Many people don’t even know that they are injured. There is a disorientation that everyone is wandering through. There is no communication or social leadership as we are used to. You will likely consider perhaps for the first time the possibility of your foreseeable death. Everyone’s psychological framework changes then and no one can know in advance exactly what their reactions will be until they are in the midst of it. What is essential is that you know this in advance and have already prepared yourself to overcome your instinctive fear, to realize that prioritizing will be difficult so have knowledge prepared in advance to guide you.
Remember that the first cause of death in a disaster is medical. The second is exposure, next is dehydration, and way down the list is starvation. Therefore, prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to endure and survive, prepare materially the best you can, at least know first aid and emergency sanitation procedures, know about making shelter with what is available to you in your location, be aware of how to obtain water (which includes drinking your own sterile urine if necessary for short term), and then realize that you can get to Day 3 that way if you are not critically ill. If that is all you are prepared for, you will still be far more prepared than most people around you. You can always pool resources. Make yourself the person who knows what is next to do, and you will not only be helping yourself, but you can help many other people as well. There are real stories of true miracles happening in the midst of every disaster. You could perhaps be part of one of them.
I also agree with Rachel Beth.
the items could be taken from you or the animals contaminated the streams also from fall out you cant rely on the soil for growth. the trees are burnt and will die no more peaches and apples will be there.bartering is the best way, help and you will be helped if not you will be along the way. don’t think you can eat off the land it takes many years for the soil to clean its self in a simple fall out this i learned in school years ago.
also items can float down a flood so if it gives you a sense of security do so but a knife, and a Bible and your inter strength will find you a way..who is going to kill a person that is carrying nothing??
personally i do not want to even live in a world that I am afraid to live in and I don’t think God will want us to either.
Bless you all and keep your heart clean and pure and your faith with get you through. I have been trough a lot and this has never failed me.
I love you all.
Teresa, I don’t know the specifics on your situation, so I won’t presume to say you aren’t making the best use of your money, but here’s some food for thought, maybe.
First, in most places I’ve lived there has always been some organization – usually associated with one or more churches – giving away food (Food Bank)– and there’s also Food Stamps (because despite the number of people abusing the system, it’s there for people who need it.) If that’s you, use it.
Take a box (or even a trash bag — unused, preferably) and set is aside for emergency supplies. Then each time you have the opportunity to shop for food, buy just ONE thing to throw into the box. One trip, buy a can of beans. Next trip, a can of mixed veggies. Next trip, a can of tomato paste. Then some Raman noddles. Each of these will cost less than a dollar, but you just kept yourself alive for several days.
Every once in a while, make a non-food purchase. A couple of rolls of toilet paper. A box of trash bags (multiple uses, to include waste disposal should the toilets stop flushing.) A bottle of multivitamins. Sure, it might be easier to have money and but cases of MRE’s for your climate-controlled storeroom, but if you can’t, you can’t. You won’t build up a big cache overnight, but over time you’ll be much better prepared than all those people who blow $100 a month on cable TV who trust the stores will always have food they can purchase with their debit cards, and the government will always be there to help them.
Another thing you can stock up on cheaply is water. A gallon jug filled with tap water can be a lifesaver. Two gallon jugs – even better. Without getting into how to make and keep water safe for drinking, I’ll just say to rotate the stock occasionally. Also, just know that those plastic jugs are disposable. The plastic will break down over time, so rotate those as well.
Take a good hard look at your expenses. As I said, I don’t know your particular situation, but I do know there are a lot of people who are “poor” who find a way to purchase alcohol and tobacco and cable/satellite television. It is a matter of priorities.
We can talk all day about which type of cooking oil has the longest shelf life, how much cordage should you carry in your bugout bag, or whether Bic lighters are better than matches, but getting down to the most basic level, to have a can of beans when you’re hungry is better than not having any food when you’re hungry.
Anyway, hope this helps … best wishes, etc.
I am in a similar situation. I have had a loss of job and just pick up odd jobs. But like you, I have access to the internet so my situation could be worse. I have learned a lot during this time. Like, I learned what it is like not to have a dime to buy gas, I have a working car but could not put gas into it. Car won’t go without gas. When I get a paying job, I am going to buy a bike, that way if I am ever in a situation like that again where I cannot buy gas or the car breaks down and I am unable to repair then I will at least be able go further and faster than my feet can take me. I also could not buy new batteries for my clocks in my house, just did not have the money. All my clocks showed the wrong time so I will buy a couple of quality wind up clocks. All this after I get that job I am looking for and I have the money to do so. You can learn from your situation also. Surly you have things that you are doing without and even suffering without and there is a solution that does not take electricity or gas or food* to make it work. Look for those things we all need and see if there are solutions that do not require electricity, or gas or food or other depletable resources and when you are in a better situation then buy those things. Take your bad times as a learning situation. Also in your bad times make as good as decisions as you can financially and do as much as you can with what you have by making do, mending and reusing.
*An example of something taking food is a horse, a horse will get you where you want to go but you need to feed a horse. Not a bad thing if you have enough pasture that will feed your horse even during a bad drought when the grass is not doing well. But a bike will be better if you do not have that big quality drought proof pasture.
Ready to eat meals are packaged meals that do not require much preparation. It is important to carefully identify meals with balanced nutrition when purchasing ready to eat meals.
You guys seem to think that you can all make it on your own regardless of what happens to people around you. When SHTF I think you will have a rude awakening. Most people live in urban zones, so living off the land is not an option. Urban zones have lots and lots of people with guns too. Those people will go after your stuff. You won’t be able to fend-off all of them. They will keep on coming in hordes because they have families too. Your best bet is to drop your “I’ll go it alone” attitude and coordinate survival with your neighbors as a community. You should make plans so that everybody can pool their resources and defend them without having to flee. Each member in your community will have a different asset/skill that they can bring to the table.
After hurricane Wilma, I was low on food but high on beer, and I also had plenty of power from my solar panels, battery banks, and inverters. My neighbors brought their food which I was very happy to store for them in my big fridge. We had barbecues outside everyday. We all pitched-in something and became better-acquainted and stronger as a community. We did much much better as a whole than any one of our families would have done individually.
The best way to take care of yourself and your family is to take care of your community. Every-man-for-himself is not a viable survival technique. We are social animals by nature and we need to take care of each other.
Those who are rude enough to dismiss another human being’s request based on age, obvioulsy weren’t taught to respect the elderly! I’d hate to be your granny! That said: I store most of my items in a mason jar with an oxygen pack. Every time there is holiday candy on sale for 50% off,like jelly beans, I buy them and put them in a jar for trading. Same thing goes for coffee. One item I have looked into is fish antibotics. I also have multi-vitamins,and OTC medications. You can find a variety of spices at the dollar store. I’ve also got quik clot in my medical emergency bug out bag. If you can’t afford that, try getting a styptic pencil. For those of you on a limited budget, just add an extra “sale” item to your cart each week. Sales on eggs? Coat them in mineral oil. They will last unrefridgerated for 9 mos. It’s not great for a bug out bag, but if you have to hunker down where you live, it’s a good source of protien. Get protien powder too. Remember, you can’t eat gold or clothing. The best investment you can make right now is in non parishable food. The prices keep going up,so it’s a good commodity.
Theresa. I am a 62 yr old woman on my own. Just lost almost everything. I am currently living in a recycled FEMA trailer in an RV Park. You say you can’t start to prepare??? You can!!! For the first time in my life I had to go,once only to a food bank. I picked beans, rice, powdered milk, flour,oatmeal, sugar,oil, canned fish, veggies, fruit. Many things others didn’t want. I hitched a ride to the local library and picked up a couple of books on foraging. Chatting with neighbors, I was able to borrow a fishing pole, dug for worms and have been fishing most days. I planted some of those dry beans, ” borrowed” a potato and it is now planted to make 6 hills. Watermelon, cantaloupe, squash are all in the ground and growing from found/free seed. The local store was throwing out unsold tomato plants and they too are in the ground with some pepper seeds. I have found mushrooms, wild berries, a pecan tree. all sorts of edible wild greens. I have only been where I am for 6 weeks. I don’t have hot water or stove/oven I do have a microwave and barbecue. I have a very functional solar oven. I am well on my way to having a stockpile. I am disabled from an accident 6 months ago. After electricity and lot rental is paid, I have $70/month. It isn’t easy but it is manageable. I have everyone around me saving jars. I ask them to throw their bones and veggie peelings in a bag in their freezer.I collect it once a week for soup. I asked for the ends of celery and lettuce. 6 each are now rooted and growing in my garden. I have borrowed a turkey roaster. I can bake, roast and CAN in it as well as use it to make the soup. You just need to think outside the box. I am eating fairly well….not like I used to but I am not hungry.
marllyn, I just have to say GOD BLESS YOU and don’t give up
Hi Marilyn. Thank you for sharing your beautiful spirit with us. In reading your circumstance, what came to my mind is the fact that happiness and even health is not based on the material world. It might not be easy for you but you have abundance developing in your life. And your diet, while limited, is actually very healthy. You are the kind of person I treasure. Know that I am remembering you in my prayers and I am proud of your bright shining spirit, beautiful mind, and noble efforts.
Be blessed.
Marilyn is the EXCAT kind of person that everyone needs in there SHTF plans. That goes to show that older translates to wiser and experienced!
good for you Marilyn!
Religion,as the world understands it,is a coitilapmon of lies that seek to blur the lines of individuality+bind people together under a false set of right and wrongs within acceptable society.Religion is ritual+and a venue by which one can live without taking personal responsibility for ones actions+a method to cope with guilt+loneliness.Religion isnt Faith,Christianity isnt legalism,its a relationship with a Person named Jesus+acceptance of his unconditional love independent of others.
I’m preparing our BOB this month and have been stock piling items for them. I’m also going to get 2 gallon zip locks (have used them for years for suitcases) and have “cold weather” and a “hot weather” bag with appropriate clothes so we can easiy grab whatever we need for the time of year. I bought a couple of rolling duffle bags and will put designated items in each such as cooking equipment or survival camping items, if we think we will be gone for more than 3 days. I’m trying to make the BOB a 3-day emergency unit, only. One thing I haven’t seen suggested is to include a supply of thin panty liners (women’s hygiene) for both the male and female BOB. By using a liner and changing it every day, all you need is one or two pairs of underwear and keep them resonably clean and fresh. I’ve done this on long trips and it works great.
my mother in law is in her eighties and has taught me how to use animal manure for the vegetable garden. because of her i have learned how to plant crops, how to save water during a rain and also how to trap. The older generation have a lot of wisdom for us young ones.
GREAT READNG.
I think a survival food cookbook would be a really good seller these days!
As a Katrina & Gustav survivor (out of electric 9/8days) there will be NO FOOD to purchase. Men w Chain saws had to clear many trees just to get to a main road. Power lines were down everywhere & many across roads for weeks. Gasoline prices were extremely high, cash only, wait in line 4 hours, limited to $50.00 a customer. Do not depend on freezer or refrigerated foods. Towers were down so no communication. Bank vaults in New Orleans were underwater so cash hard to get. It takes so little to take our sweet little world away quickly. You’ll need bullets for snakes, starving abandoned animals, alligators, coyotes(Timber Wolves which r thriving all over America). In Louisiana there are over 600 poisonous plants in the wild. I was bed bound for 6 weeks with Poison Ivy. My advice: the first “hint” of disaster get UR kids & family(if possible) & find a “Hiding Place”…that’s well stocked far far ahead. If u r in an automobile be sure u have something to potty in. My daughter & Grandkids were in the auto on Interstate for around 12 hours with no possibility of exiting & restrooms. Keep a cooler & water in UR vehicle at all times. May God help us all in this sad hour 8(
You should also include non-prescription medical supplies such as Advil, Aspren, Hydro-cordizone cream with Alo-vera, Rubbing alchol, gauze, splints, Iodine, LOTS of toilet paper and tooth paste/brushes and anything else that not only can be used to help you but can also be traded. If you can, stock up on prescription medical supplies. Don’t count on Uncle Sam. He is too busy trying to screw taxpayers.
Along with the lighter fluid, stock up on some flints too. Walmart has them in a pack of 6 for forty cents a pack.
Cunts! your all cunts! fuck the old lady! fuck frank! Fuck the Mod who thinks youth is not an advantage!
Dan, Judging from your comments, I’m guessing you’re a young whippersnapper. I’m glad to know there’s at least one young person posting here.
So, where are you located? When the poop hits the fan, I’m gonna want someone young and tender and unable to fight back to be my bitch.
hahaha…….you said you need someone young and tender to be your bitch! ROTFLMAO
also buing a bunch of bic lighters is dumb. buy half as many zippos…Cunts!
Youth is an advantage to an extent. Your strength and cardio is the main advantage that you have. Even though you sit infront of a tv playing video games all day. But unfortunately your minds are not where they need to be. The older generation has the wisdom, experience, and the courage that you young buck retards dont have now days. And they can spell “buying”
Just a comment and question on Bic lighters. In my experience, they don’t work very well, if at all, in cold situations – say in the teens Fahrenheit. I had to keep mine inside my clothing to make it work effectively. (Apparently the cold reduces the pressure inside so too little gas comes out.) So if you’re going to be needing a fire source in cold weather, you may want matches or fire-steels.
Anybody have similar or contrary experiences?
some of u are real Aholes, larie, u can find many lists on the web if u have trouble, write down what u really need during a week and start there, then add a reliable weapon that u can handle, maybe a 20 ga shotgun or a 9mm handgun and maybe find a small country store, just walk through and see what they have on the shelves. Most of these small mom and pop stores carry what people need and not alot of nonessentials and dont count on your cash helping, if the stores are closed your money wont help. And dont forget about heat, if the electric is down u will need an alternate scource
I always see lighters, matches, flints and lighter fluid mentioned for survival kits. Every kit should always contain a magnifying glass also. OK… It will not work at night or when it is cloudy but the sun always comes back out and when it does you are always guaranteed a fire by simply focusing the suns rays through the lens into some dry grass twigs or paper. In an emergency, a pair of strong eyeglasses will do the job for you too.
I think we gave ole Frank too much of our time. Lets Get back to giving each other tips on how to stay alive.
My parents, and their neighbors, lost their homes a few years ago in the big MS River flood. They were unprepared for such a devastating event. The Red Cross provided them food and temporary shelter. The Red Cross is a wonderful organization, but I am sure they will not be available to offer help in a massive destruction scenario.
My question is this: My 2 adult children, their spouses and children are planning our long term survival plan. We live in an extremely small town and each have a very small apartment. I am storing our supplies in my 1 bedroom apartment. We would all like to be able to be together when the SHTF, but I am afraid we will all drive each other crazy after a few days. The men are well versed in weapons, hunting abilities and fishing. I am learning to can and hydrate food. I have numerous neighbors who think we are crazy preparing for disaster, but I am sure they will be the first ones knocking at my door for help. Any suggestions on how a family of 6 adults and 2 children can live long term in these conditions?
God bless you all!
Janet ,
Yes mam I do have sound advice . DO NOT LET YOR NIEGHBORS KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING . They would be the first people to tell your bussiness and the first people to break down your door to get what you have worked hard to prepare . DO NOT let them know a single thing . As a matter of fact you might want to convince them it was just a fase you were going through . and store your supplies else where . car , deer camp , pop up camper or storage center . As far as preperation I would suggest a pop-up camper they are very easy to tow behind a small car and you can store every thing on the floor of the camper as you travel easy to deal with and you can pull them through the woods . ( Make sure you paint the roof a flat dark earth tone it gathers heat when its cold and helps camuflage it from air .)
We have a little country store run by some really earthy folks. They offer bulk food ordering online and only charge 10% over what the product cost them to be brought to their store. Then you come pick it up. We have been getting 50lbs of whole wheat berries of just about any kind for $33.00… The co-op trys hard to not have any GMO junk and I have only seen a couple of bags that are 95% organic the rest are certified 100%..
To those who think our older generations aren’t worth keeping around true they might be physically able to help with manual labor but in other areas definitely. For example cooking childcare and care for the injured and sick and there are lots of other light duty work that needs done. And for the predator people granny with a gun can still take you out.
I think I saw it on here, but worth repeating….wooden clothes pins. Experience from many trips to the sandbox. Great info on here.
In reply to Franks comment,
“Age and treachery will always overcome youth and fitness”
Can’t believe that people have not listed a radiation detector. Sure a few hundred dollars is expensive, but this is a once in lifetime investment. After all how do you know it is safe to go out?
Maybe people are not thinking of the event I am thinking of.
And I would add a bicycle, one for every two people.
The lighter person can sit on the handle bar.
You could easily travel thirty miles on one and get out of a nuclear radiation zone (once you feel it is safe to go out).
After all there won’t be usable gas stations around.
Something I find mostley gets missed. Are some of the non food things like reading glasses. I went to the dollar store and picked up several pair. I have them in places that I would realy need them. Most importanr is in the first aide
Kits. You cant do first aide or read the first aide book without them. Theres a extra pair in my bugout bag with my maps.
Just a brief comment – I am in my 60s but I have never forgotten how my family (mother sister and brother) told how they had to survive WW 2. My mother was always telling us to make sure we had the basic essentials for survival. I have raised my kids to think like that also. There have been times in my life that I have had to go without electric or running water. One of the biggest things a person should know how to do is start a campfire. Ya gotta know how to do that in order to cook and make sure you have the knowledge of what you can cook over a fire and what you cant. If the time comes, we probably wont have power so learn how to do things that are independent of that.
You know I like what Barbara and Anne said they have there minds set….Yes they know what they will need but they also know it can be posined or contaminated.,. After it all settles down a bit then people will become more civilized and I think small camps are the best ways, tents and let the elderly take care of the children ask them for knowledge..I am a American Indian and I am here to tell you the elderly may not can work but there knowledge will help the little village. walking ad hiding is for the scared the animals will be sick and wild whats left, you cant EAT THEM. your deep wild roots and keep water for sure but remember were all one and thats how we will make it. Why do you think we had a tribe? it was a small governed community and the one with more sense was the Chief and it worked on down to the one that just was the watchers the young called braves.. we had to learn but dont count on living off the land if a fall out hits from a nuke you will see skin hanging on bones and I think you all get the point, what it will do to all the other living things. so know like Barbara, and Anne your faith and help is what will get you through i know they knew they had to have water etc. there not ignorant I could tell. but as one said whos gonna kill thats not carrying anything even a Indian did not kill what it didn’t need, watch out for the different cultures of people that will turn on you until they get some sense. some hate the USA even tho there here,
is sort of like people not believing in the Christ child and puts up a Christmas tree..dont make since does it?
be mind prepared. it will be a fall out people that will kill us because the earth will never be completely flooded again.
Look towered the heavens and where the eagles land.
we are all one but people have put tags on us. You will be deceive fr sure but keep your faith and remember what you know and can do there is a greater and higher power that will be there for us no matter what we go through….sorry I typed this super fast I hope someone sees what I am tiring to say.
Love and patience will be the only way. don’t make your children fearful to live in this would let them be children. Adulthood comes so very fast for them. time will let you know when to teach them.
Vaseline balls are great fuel for starting a fire. Soak some cotton balls in vaseline, and store them in a plastic bag or plastic container. Just one will start a fire very well.
If you don’t have match or lighter, you can use a 9-volt battery and a bit of fluff from a steel-wool pad. Tear off a bit of steel wool, touch it to both prongs of the battery, and it will ignite.
Dry laundry soap such as Tide makes an excellent and inexpensive all-purpose cleaner. I say inexpensive, because it’s so concentrated that you can make a large amount of soapy water from just a little bit of soap. You can use it for dishes, cleaning stains off your carpet (during the good times, not during a crisis), or just about anything else you can think of.
Borax is a good way to kill mold if you get caught in a disaster involving water. It has no bad odor, and lasts longer than chlorine bleach. Chlorine crystals destroy the mold cell, but then the chlorine degrades quickly, and is no longer effective. Borax can be mixed with water in a spray bottle and sprayed on moldy walls. After awhile, you will see some crystals form in the bottle. The borax crystals kill the mold cells. After it dries on the wall, you don’t see it, but if it gets wet again, it reactivates and works to kill mold once more.
Is there a way to extend shelf life for motrin pills & any other meds.
I read an article on the military doing research on the shelf life on antibiotics, otc medications, and prescriptions medications. The have concluded that MANY medications last years beyond their expiration date. However, there are some expired medications that are dangerous to take. Unfortuently I can remember exactly which one it was, I want to say medications for your heart and circulation are the dangerous ones. I suggest everyone research this matter.
Yes several items here are HEALTHY and worth stocking
like RAW coconut oil. There is a huge difference about
SALT, the only one’s to stock up on are HIMALAYAN PINK
SALT, or, CELTIC SEA SALT because these two contain 80
valuable natural minerals. “Sodium chloride” used in so
many unhealthy commercial products, restaurants and at the
restaurant table are worthless and dead do nothing salt.
I disagree that grains will last 8 years, they can easily get smelly and rancid that long. I believe
1 or 2 years is safer.
Add organic chlorella and spirulina tablets to what
you rely on, these are healthy nutrients and also help us
keep our body detoxing impurities. Also add organic seaweeds like kelp powder, nori sheets, and wakame or kombu. Wakame and Kombu can be added to soups and stews. These all add valuable iodine and minerals to our
meals.
ADD top quality essential oils to your emergency
supplies (like Young Living- brand) these quality concentrated oils are essential for healing and more Such as: lavender, peppermint, sage, oregano, eucalyptus, and many of the blends like thieves. namaste’, prepared girl
Thanks for the list. How about a Quick On the Run list to get at your local Grocery Store…
Rick
Hi I have really enyojed reading all the usefull information I also think it is not a bad idea to be prepared. But I also see there are people out there that don’t hesitate to tell someone to go and hang them selves or not consider the feelings of the elderly I love older people. Frank have you ever thought that you will get old to , and scared , one thing I know is we are all heading the same way nobody gets to stay young and live for ever so Frank try to be nicer to people darling, it dose not hurt. People are very sensitive , lonely and scared . Words are the most powerful things to be uttered we should all think before we speak . As for the end of the world on 21:12:12 it might and it might not happen but no harm in being prepaird, no need to call people idiots. We can all make fun of each other and hurt each others feelings , we are all very good at that but we can not control nature and mother earth , she has a mind of her own, and I think it’s time for her to scare the crap out of all of us then maybe people will respect each other again. Frank I hope you don’t die a horribl death but maybe that you learnt a lesson .Knowthat everyone deserves to live , the young , old , our beautyful little animals, WE ARE ALL ONE GOD BLESS ALL OF US
This may sound foolish to some, but if you have kids and adults alike you should have some decks of cards (yes, more then one, I would suggest at least three decks) and some board games, also learn to play Cribbage and have a cribbage board or two. For the kids, have some coloring books and crayons. Survival is hard work, but hard work needs relaxing and mental stimulation. Use your imagination.
Don’t forget boric acid – it’s a cheap white powder you can get at the hardware and it kills cockroaches. It will keep the food storeroom roach free.
After reading the list and comments posted I was wondering if anyone has thought of aquaponics as a dual food source if you we’re able to stay in place. Also not a bad idea to start ahead and utilize now.