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Emergency Preparedness- What would you stockup on?

10K views 46 replies 25 participants last post by  jebrown 
#1 ·
I'm going to do this and besides the obvious, batteries, food, water, flashlight, what else would you need?
 
#2 ·
Paper goods. In an emergency there might not be water for washing, so a supply of paper plates and cups as well as plastic silver ware will cme in handy. You will also need a sufficient supply of toilet paper, since that always goes first in emergencies!
 
#3 ·
Medications, medical supplies, personal care things like soaps, toothpaste, etc.
Vitamins. Sunscreen. Lotion, vaseline.
Plenty of socks and underwear. Good shoes. Warm clothes. Blankets.
This isn't a need, per se, but I was thinking books to read, maybe puzzles to do, things to keep a person occupied.
 
#5 ·
SALT. Salt has a multitude of uses, is essential to the human body, and right now it's cheap. I pick up a box (28oz) every couple weeks when we make a trip to the store (0.45). I have iodized and non-iodized. Iodine is also an essential element. Along with all it's benefits, it would also make a great barter item in the event that it was in short supply. I also keep a few 50lb bags of rock salt around. You can't make ice cream without rock salt. :D
 
#9 ·
I would stock up on skills .. then as I learn to use the skills I would then stock up on the items to work with those skills.

I learned to weld - I stocked up on steel and steel fabrication tools

I learned to sew - I have a sewing machine and cloth and buttons, zippers, velcro - and - I know how to make my own patterns to design clothing

I learned to cook - and I stocked up on the food-staples, spices and portable cooking equipment

I learned to build shelters - I stocked up on hammers, nails, axes, saws, rope

I learned to repair electronics - I stocked up on solder, capacitors, resistors, LED's, circuit boards and wires and connectors

To me - learning skills and practicing them with quality tools / equipment is worth more than just stocking up on stuff.
 
#11 ·
Water Filter

Don't forget a high quality water filter capable of removing pathogens and particulates down to 1 micron or less.

While chemical sterilization with ordinary Chlorox is fine, a good water filter such as an MSR Mini-Works is great insurance against water-borne diseases.
Mini Works Water Filter

Don't forget some soap to maintain good personal hygiene with that clean water after you've adequately hydrated yourself.

Most casualties requiring personnel to be evac-ed from combat areas are caused by vector borne and water-borne diseases, micro-evils and simple vile crud which you can avoid with proper attention to avoiding exposure to disease organisms, staying well hydrated, avoiding tainted food or drink and keeping wounds clean.

Without your health all that other stuff you have will just leave a well equipped corpse for the people who find you to divide up your gear!
 
#13 · (Edited)
All the high quality protein you can afford. (Not TVP) Meats. Lots and lots of meat.

Baking goods after meat. Flour or wheat and a grinder. Yeast, baking powder, baking soda, etc.

LTS dairy. Eggs powder, butter powder, dry milk, dried cheese, sour cream powder, sweet cream powder

High quality oils. Coconut prefereed, lard, extra virgin olive oil.

Sugar & packaged sweets as comfort food. Cocoa.

Beans, lentils, peas, rice to extend the high quality protein in real meat.
 
#17 ·
Two of the most obvious things that haven't yet been mentioned are:

(1) a couple of good knives -- one or more hunting knives and one or more personal defense knives, as well as a sharpening stone;

(2) one or more guns -- a good rifle and/or shotgun, and at least one pistol (more than one for personal defense). And of course as much ammo as you can afford!

I can give some recommendations for these if anyone is interested.
 
#18 ·
1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note -
food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Livestock
 
#21 ·
Here are some things for consideration.

1. Gasoline and 6. Coleman fuel. Check with your Fire Department. Many communities have storage limits on flammable liquids regardless of its use.
If there is a fire on your property then you can be fined for having to much flammable liquid. If they are on your property and they find out about you will have to get rid of the excess and still face fines. If it does property damage you will be liable for it.

12 Starter fluid is a convenience. Learn to start charcoal without it. Fire starter chimneys work well as do other methods. I do prefer starting fluid though as it is easier.

13 I have blue seven gallon storage containers designed for water. Clear plastic allows light to enter the water and promotes bacterial growth.

16. See number one!

28. Plastic gas cans are more durable than metal. Also some communities have ordinances against their use.

29. You can’t have too many can not be over emphasized and their uses and practicality are endless

30. Same as in number 29. Determine your daily toilet paper use then pad that amount by 10% to 15%. People often know how much they use but fail to allow for attacks of diarrhea which can be caused to food preparation conditions and stress from the incident you are experiencing.
No matter how meticulous the food handling is bacteria can rare its ugly head.

36. Excellent advice on fire extinguishers. This is one item that is almost always ignored.

44. I have been advising people for years about using an ice chest to help prevent items even non-food items from freezing.

59. A sewing kit is another item often overlooked. As a disaster specialist with the Red Cross I carried a few with me to give to people. Never went on a disaster without giving out at least one if not several.

68 and 69. Make sure these items are kept away from food clothing bedding and first aid supplies.

94. Sorry, all wine liquor and beer is for my consumption only. Not for barter barter that is just me. I know others will use it for barter.

101. Have a S.A.M.E .weather radio for hazardous weather information. They provide dangerous weather information year round, not just for tornadoes. Keep spare batteries for it on hand too.
102. A Fire/Police scanner can be useful to keep advised on current conditions in you neighborhood or community. A hand-held is good so you can keep it with you at all times. I keep mine on my belt. If there are storm spotters or ham radio operators in your area, find out what frequencies they use and monitor those channels as well.

10101, I am not trying to step on anyone’s toes here. Your list is excellent. I am just trying to add to its quality.
 
#24 · (Edited)
One thing I didn't see mentioned (I may have missed it on 10101s list) is a folding shovel (military style that can be used as a shovel, pick, or hoe). Extremely useful item- I keep one in my truck and one w/ my BOB.
And I just remembered something else I keep handy- several of the "space" blankets.

Tim
 
#26 ·
metal match

I own a couple of 'metal match' tools, and carry one with me whenever I know I will be in a situation where there may arise a need to start a fire. ... They replace the need for matches and there's no worry about getting them wet etc. There are a number of different models available on the market and they are very inexpensive. A priceless tool to own, along with a basic understanding of how to build a decent camp fire in the outdoors. They can be easily carried in your pocket.
... Here's an example:



 
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