Editor’s Commentary: In the article below by our great friends at Natural News, author Zoey Sky lists the 50 items she believes everyone should have before the crap hits the fan. I adore Zoey’s writing, but I have to admit that putting together a list with a perfectly round number rubs me the wrong way because it makes me wonder, “Were there 53 but she dropped three of them because she wanted to hit the 50 mark? Or were there 48 but she added two that weren’t really necessary?”
Anyway, nitpicking aside, I do have two additions for this list. First and foremost, if you’re a Bible-believing Christian there is no prepper list that can be complete without multiple Bibles ready to go. We have at least a dozen we’ve accumulated over the years, and knowing my wife there are probably a dozen others I’ve never even seen. Some are small, some are large. Different translations. Whether the crap hits the fan or not, the most important thing on either side of the apocalypse is your Bible. Today, most have easy access to it. In the future, you may be wishing you did.
The other addition I would put on this list is firearms and ammunition. She lists stun guns and pepper spray for self-defense which are acceptable when on the move and only need to slow an assailant while you run away, but they are NOT acceptable self-defense weapons for home safety if the crap hits the fan. Neither is guaranteed to stop an assailant, nor are they great against multiple assailants. Moreover, what are you going to do if someone enters your home in a collapsed society in which you cannot just have the police come to pick them up after you pepper spray them? Are you going to drag them outside and hope they don’t come back? Then, of course, there’s the old adage, “Never bring pepper spray to a gun fight.”
Otherwise, this is a great starter list for “Late Preppers.” I would STRONGLY recommend everyone visits my preparedness page. We hand-selected sponsors based on two criteria: (1) Quality of products, and (2) Are they patriotic, America-First companies? We have excellent options for long-term storage food, precious metals, bugout bags, med kits, solar power, long-term storage antibiotics… check it out for yourself.
Here’s Zoey’s list…
Many life-threatening situations can catch preppers off-guard. But you can prepare for most disasters by stocking up on essential supplies like food and survival gear.
And while even the most experienced prepper can’t anticipate all disaster scenarios, knowing you’re prepared can help ease some of your worries. Detailed below are 50 survival items you should always have in your home before SHTF. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com)
Alternative power sources
These alternative power sources will come in handy if the power goes out at night.
Flashlight
If the power goes off, you will need a sturdy flashlight and batteries to navigate home.
You can also keep things hands-free by getting headlamps, while lanterns will also help keep your home lit.
Generator
An emergency backup generator can help keep the lights on at home during a power outage. It will also keep your electric appliances working.
Hand-crank radios
A cordless hand-crank radio will be an essential source of weather alerts, power and light after SHTF.
Matches
You will need matches, especially waterproof ones, to help start fires in a damp area or light candles.
Spare light bulbs
Keep spare light bulbs at home in case the ones you are using are burned out and it isn’t safe to get new ones after SHTF.
Health and safety supplies
The supplies will help keep your home clean and prevent infections.
Bleach
Bleach is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Essential hygiene items
You need assorted hygiene items to maintain proper hygiene and avoid the spread of disease.
Fire extinguisher
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher at home to help extinguish or control fires.
First aid kit
Your SHTF first aid kit should include the following items:
- Antacid
- Antiseptic wipes
- Bandages (assorted sizes)
- Burn gel
- Cough drops
- Gloves
- Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Laxatives
- Medicines
- Petroleum jelly
- Rubbing alcohol
- Scissors
- Splints
- Thermometers
- Tweezers
Hand warmers
If you lose power in the winter, hand warmers will provide heat. They can also provide soothing heat for muscular or joint aches.
Insecticide
Use insecticides at home in cases of pests and disease outbreaks.
Moist towelettes
If you don’t have hand sanitizers or access to soap and running water, use moist towelettes to sanitize a dirty surface.
Respirator masks and gas masks
When environmental disasters strike, a respirator mask will help protect your family from the contaminated air.
If you find yourself stuck in a pandemic, chemical or biological attack, using a gas mask may be the difference between life and death.
Seeds for medicinal plants
You will want to grow your own medicinal herbs in your home garden when going to the pharmacy isn’t an option.
A shovel
A shovel can be used to dig in your garden, or it can be used as a makeshift weapon for self-defense.
Sanitation and hygiene
These must-have items will keep your home clean and sanitized even after SHTF.
Garbage bags
Get sturdy garbage bags to get rid of waste properly and keep your home clean.
Off-grid laundry
When there is a power outage, you can use five-gallon buckets, a washboard and clothespins to wash and dry clothes even if you can’t use your washing machine.
Portable toilets
If you need portable toilets after SHTF, get a five-gallon bucket that can be emptied at a distance from your homestead.
Self-defense
When SHTF, you may need these tools for self-defense.
Stun gun
Keep a self-defense weapon like a stun gun at home in case looters try to steal from your property during civil unrest.
Pepper spray
Pepper spray is another non-lethal self-defense item you should keep at home for emergencies. If you prefer something stronger, learn how to use your firearm of choice properly and stock up on extra ammo.
Bedding items
These items will ensure that you get a good night’s rest even after SHTF.
Emergency blanket
Emergency blankets will keep your body warm and prevent your body from losing heat, which can help save your life if you are suffering from hypothermia.
Extra pillows
Make sure you also have extra pillows at home so you can sleep well after disaster strikes.
Spare items
These spare items are useful for charging small devices or miscellaneous needs around the house.
Extra batteries
You’ll need lots of extra batteries for small items like flashlights and headlamps.
- Preserve your retirement with physical precious metals. Receive your free gold guide from Genesis Precious Metals to learn how.
Notepad and pen
Use a notepad to stay organized, like keeping track of your food supplies.
If someone gets sick, write down someone’s symptoms and times they occur in case your doctor needs it.
Power bank
With a power bank, you can recharge your cell phone or flashlight.
Spare chargers
Always keep a spare USB and long cable charger for your phone and other rechargeable devices.
Spare glasses or contact lenses
If you or someone else in the family wears eyeglasses, you will need spare glasses or contact lenses in case something happens to your usual pair.
Spare home keys
Keep spare home keys so you can unlock the front door if you lose or can’t find your usual keys.
Food and water supplies
Food and water supplies are crucial if you plan on bugging in or staying at home after SHTF.
Food
Stock up on dry foods that can be stored for a long time like dried fruit or canned food. (Related: Food preservation 101: A step-by-step guide to air-drying fruits.)
Pet food and supplies
If you have pets, you also need to stock up on pet food and supplies so you can provide for their needs in case of emergencies.
Water
Always store clean water for drinking, cooking and sanitation for the whole family.
Water filter
You will need a water filter in case you lose access to clean running water and you have to filter rainwater or water from wild sources.
Vegetable seeds
With vegetable seeds you can grow your own food in a home garden.
User-friendly kitchen items
Use these tools for cooking and food prep when SHTF.
Aluminum foil
Use aluminum foil to store leftover food or for cooking over flames.
Cast iron cookware
Cast iron pans are heavy duty and they can withstand high temperatures. Cast iron cookware is best for cooking over a direct flame on a campfire.
Insulated ice chests
Use insulated ice chests to keep your food cold when the power is out and you can’t use refrigerators.
Propane heater
Use a propane heater at home to heat water, cook and even dry clothes.
Rocket stove
When the power grid goes down, you can use a rocket stove to cook since it doesn’t need electricity.
Seasoned firewood
If you live in a cold climate, you can use seasoned firewood to stay warm.
Important documents and cash
Book of DIY projects
Use a book on DIY projects to help your family get through times of economic crisis, long-term blackouts, riots, hyperinflation, hurricanes, martial law or other unforeseen events that may disrupt your normal way of life.
Cash
Always keep emergency cash at home so you can buy supplies if you can’t withdraw money from the bank.
Important documents
Keep your important documents safe at home so you can easily access them if SHTF.
You can also save digital copies of documents like IDs and passports on an encrypted USB flash drive.
Assorted supplies for binding, tying, opening and sewing
Duct tape
If you have duct tape at home, you can use it to seal cracks temporarily. Duct tape can also be used to create a sturdy rope if you don’t have cordage.
Manual can opener
Make sure you have a manual can opener so you can safely open cans of food from your stockpile.
Multi-tool
With a good multi-tool, you can do quick repairs.
Plastic sheeting
After SHTF, you can use plastic sheeting to seal your windows, doors or air vents.
Plastic zip ties
Use plastic zip ties to close a garbage bag and avoid contamination.
Pliers
You’ll need sturdy pliers to cut an electric wire.
Thread and needle
You can use needles and thread to repair clothing or even suture a wound during emergencies.
Waterproof bags
Use waterproof bags to seal valuable items like phones, batteries and flammable materials and keep them dry after SHTF.
- Prepare before SHTF and stock up on survival essentials like food, water and various tools and supplies.
- Watch this video about cheap prepping items for your stockpile.
- This video is from the Survival 101 channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
- Prepping 101: How long will bottled water last in your stockpile?
- Prepping must-haves: Medical supplies and first aid kits.
- Prepping essentials: Stock up on supplies now to prepare for looming food crisis.
Sources include:
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
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