What do preppers stock up on?

Crackers, power bars, granola bars, and pretzels are easy to keep on hand, and easy to grab and go. Jerky is another easy and filling snack, though buying it can get quite expensive.

attainable-sustainable.net - Top 100 Emergency Supplies to Stockpile for Survival

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Top 100 Emergency Supplies to Stockpile for Survival

Have you ever heard the term “plan for a train wreck?” It’s the idea of being over-prepared for anything that may come. When things are getting dicey in the world, I find that planning helps calm the nerves. These top 100 “prepper” items are good to have on hand for any kind of emergency. This list came across my radar a number of years ago when I was writing about the idea of “practical prepping.” I’ve expanded upon it, including items that could be useful during both weather emergencies and longer term grid-down situations.

100 Survival Items to Stockpile

Alternative power source

This could be a generator or a solar system. Some big pickups have a 120 volt outlet, and that could certainly count.

Water

Potable water is critical for life. Instead of buying individual bottles of water, think about getting some 5-gallon bottles from a bottling company. Non-potable water can be used for washing, flushing, and laundry.

Water containers

I’d also consider investing in a couple collapsible water containers that can be filled from the tap if there’s a known safety threat, such as in the case of a hurricane. And be prepared to capture rainwater in barrels or buckets for this purpose.

Water filters/purifiers

I can’t recommend Berkey filters enough. They allow us to turn catchment water into potable drinking water.

Seasoned firewood

Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for use in heating a home. If you live in a cold climate, a way to stay warm is critical.

Propane heaters

Stock up on necessary cylinders and fuel to operate these.

Lighting

Hurricane lamps, along with lamp oil and wicks, as well as candles can keep the darkness at bay when the power is out. Flashlights, too. Consider a solar rechargeable option.

Coleman fuel canisters

Used for operating portable camp stoves and lanterns. You’ll be happy to have them.

Personal protection

What you are comfortable with will depend, but this could include a variety of options, including pepper spray, knives, clubs, bats, and slingshots.

Manual kitchen tools

If you’re used to handy electric kitchen appliances, be sure to have manual alternatives like can openers, whisks, and hand choppers.

Charcoal and lighter fluid

A barbecue can be a great way to cook food when the grid is down. Be sure to do so outside and never use a barbecue as a heat source.

Manually operated grain grinder

Whole grains last longer in storage than flour. You’ll need a way to grind them.

Portable toilets

This could be as simple as a 5-gallon bucket that can be emptied at a distance. Dispose of waste by burying it or create a humanure composting system. City dwellers will want to line portable toilets with trash bags to collect waste.

Guide books

A survival guide book is good to have on hand. More specific books about techniques like gardening and emergency medical care would be good. If you regularly get recipes on the internet, make sure you have a nice cookbook that covers the basics for when you can’t access the ‘net. And if need some guidance on the basics, be sure to check out my book, Attainable Sustainable: The Lost Art of Self-Reliant Living.

Mantles for propane lanterns

If you have propane camping lanterns, be sure to also keep a supply of replacement mantles.

Baby supplies

What will you need to care for your little one? Make sure you have diapers and formula on hand if you use those. Ointments and baby aspirin, baby food, etc.

Off Grid Laundry

You’ll need a way to wash clothes if the power is out for a long time. At the very least, some 5-gallon buckets, but if you’re really committed, add a washboard and make certain that you have some clothespins and a drying line available. Don’t forget the laundry soap.

Camp stoves

You’ll need a way to cook outside. Portable camp stoves come in many shapes and sizes, from a simple single burner to a large three-burner standing stove. And be sure to have fuel for it on hand as well, whether the Coleman fuel mentioned above or a larger propane tank.

Vitamins & Medication

Stock your emergency supply kit with necessary medications as well as vitamins that can help balance an uncertain diet.

Feminine hygiene

If you’re a person who has a monthly period, make sure you have plenty of your preferred feminine hygiene products on hand. Even if you don’t use one of these on a regular basis, consider adding one to your emergency kit. And perhaps some period panties as well.

Birth control

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Keep prescription birth control on hand as well as condoms.

Warm clothing

If there is any potential at all for cold weather where you live, be sure to have both thermal tops and bottoms to layer under your clothing. Also hats, gloves, scarves, and beanies.

Tools

Power tools make work easy, but having some manual tools on hand is a good idea. Consider bow saws, axes, hatchets, and wedges.

Chainsaw

When a weather incident causes damage, chainsaws are usually in high demand.

Aluminum foil

Versatile tin foil can be used for food storage and cooking food over flames.

Gasoline containers

These come in a variety of sizes and can be metal or plastic. They come in handy if you need to move gasoline for use in small tools.

Garbage bags

For sanitation and waste, and any number of other things.

Paper products

Toilet paper, Kleenex, and paper towels along with paper plates and paper cups. You might not use these items on a day-to-day basis if you’re living in a more eco-friendly manner, but keeping some on hand for emergencies is a good idea.

Garden seeds

If there’s uncertainty in the world, being able to grow some of your own food will put meals on the table and give you a feeling of control. Choose heirloom seeds, which can be planted from year to year and be sure to consider some high-calorie staple crops.

Garden tools & supplies

If you’re not already gardening, a shovel and hoe along with a hand trowel and gloves are all a good idea.

Fire extinguishers

Every kitchen should have one for safety’s sake, emergency or no.

First aid kits

A ready-made first aid kit will have an assortment of items. You can also supplement with commonly used items like bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, and antihistamines. Again, this is something every household should have on hand, always.

Batteries

Consider rechargeable batteries with a solar charger.

Matches

Both wooden strike matches and long-handled lighters will come in handy.

Writing materials

Paper and pencils can be used for taking notes, but they’re also good for sketching and keeping people occupied. Journals, diaries, and scrapbooks, too.

Insulated ice chests

Keep food cold without refrigeration.

Garbage cans

Consider these a large receptacle. They can be used for storing dry goods or capturing water.

Basic hygiene products

Shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, floss, nail clippers, tweezers, razors, etc. Wet wipes come in handy, too, when access to running water isn’t easy.

Cast iron cookware

For cooking over open flame, cast iron can’t be beat.

Fishing supplies

If there’s a body of water nearby, consider keeping some basic fishing gear on hand.

Mosquito management

Living rough and spending time outside, as many hurricane victims can attest, means being exposed to hungry mosquitos. Keep some mosquito coils on hand, as well as mosquito repellent.

Duct tape

It fixes everything.

Emergency fixes

Items like tarps, rope, stakes, and twine are endlessly useful in a multitude of situations. Consider nuts, bolts, screws, and nails as well.

Sewing supplies

If you sew, you very likely do so with a sewing machine. Be sure to keep fabric, thread, and needles available for hand sewing, too, in case there’s a long-term loss of power.

Unscented bleach

Used for disinfecting, you’ll want to avoid bleach that has any added fragrance.

Canning supplies

Preserving foods produced during summer months can keep your larder full during the winter. Safe home canning requires specific equipment. Go here to read about what canning equipment you need.

Knives & sharpening tools

Good knives are useful for many things, but be sure to have files, whetstones, and a sharpening steel on hand, too.

Bicycles

Good for getting around without a vehicle. Think about basic maintenance equipment, too: tires, tubes, bike pumps and spare chains.

Sleeping gear

If you have to sleep rough, you’ll want to be warm. Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, and rollup mats are all good things to keep on hand.

Entertainment

Board games, cards, and dice can keep everyone occupied when their favorite Wordle is offline.

Pest control

Mousetraps, ant traps, and cockroach traps can keep pests away.

Animal feed

If you keep animals, you’ll need a way to keep them fed.

Rain gear

Rubber boots will keep your feet dry, a raincoat makes outdoor tasks much more manageable in rainy weather. Folks of a certain age will want to tuck a couple spare pairs of magnifiers into the kit.

Gloves

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From gardening to clearing, protect your hands from damage by wearing sturdy gloves.

Sun protection

Pack a sunhat and sunglasses along with sunscreen.

Emergency food to stockpile

Preparing for all possibilities means making sure that your family has enough food to sustain them. This list of emergency foods is a good place to start. Be sure to stock only foods that your family will actually eat, and rotate these items through your regular meals, using a first in, first out method.

Legumes

Dry beans, peas, and lentils store well for years and are a good source of protein. Learn more about cooking with dry legumes here.

Grains

Milled flour — like all-purpose flour — has a short shelf life. Whole grains will last much longer. You can cook them whole or use the aforementioned manual grain mill to make your own flour. Consider keeping rice, wheat berries, and barley on hand.

Popcorn

With a long storage life, popcorn is a fun treat that can be made the old school way, over an open flame.

Leavening agents

Baking, from cookies and cakes to a loaf of bread, all requires a leavening agent. A simple loaf of bread can be made with just flour, yeast and water. If you’re new to baking with yeast, but sure to read all about it here. Baking powder and baking soda are a must for making quick breads, pancakes, and muffins.

Cooking oil

This must-have ingredient doesn’t have a super long shelf life, as oils can go rancid. Be sure to rotate what you have, using the oldest in your kitchen and adding a new container to the emergency food supply.

Milk

Powdered milk is handy, but you can also keep some shelf stable milk on hand if you’ve just gotta have it in your morning coffee.

Canned goods

Ready to serve meals like soups and stews can be heated or eaten cold in a pinch. Canned fruits and veggies can be used as side dishes or cooked into meals. Don’t discount your home canned items like peaches or jams and jellies! Tuna fish is another good survival food, as it is packed with protein and can be eaten straight out of the can.

Nuts and nut butters

High in protein, nuts and nut butters are filling and healthy.

Packaged snacks

Crackers, power bars, granola bars, and pretzels are easy to keep on hand, and easy to grab and go. Jerky is another easy and filling snack, though buying it can get quite expensive. (Check my book for our favorite homemade beef jerky recipe.)

Sweeteners

I don’t know about you, but if I’m surviving an apocalypse, a little something sweet will go a long way to keeping me sane. Sugar, honey, and maple syrup all have a place in the list of emergency foods to keep on hand. I wouldn’t say no to some chocolate chips, either.

Seasonings

Dried herbs and spices, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar can all add flavor to even the simplest of meals. Vinegar is also critical for pickling foods.

Salt

Salt serves a purpose all its own as a preservative, such as with these salted citrus. It’s essential for fermenting foods (another way to preserve fresh produce). A pinch of salt in a glass of water can help replenish electrolytes. And of course, it’s essential to flavoring food.

Flavored drinks

I’m not big on “instant” flavored drinks in normal times, but in an emergency situation they could be a special treat.

Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa

Stockpile some of your favorite morning drink so that you can get through the rest of the day.

Candy and gum

Not necessary for survival, but an indulgence that can make a tough situation seem a little better.

Booze

In all of the great apocalyptic books, booze features as a trading item. Will that be necessary? Who knows. But it might be nice to have a glass of wine at the end of the apocalypse, no?

Originally published August 2016; this post has been updated.

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attainable-sustainable.net - Top 100 Emergency Supplies to Stockpile for Survival

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