Ever wonder how to be adequately prepared for unplanned situations like natural disasters or emergencies? You’re about to embark on an enlightening journey exploring the essential supplies required for disaster preparation, famously embraced by a group known as preppers. Get ready to discover what you can learn from these skilled survivalists, as we unpack the most vital items they keep on hand. Everything from food, water, medicine, to tools – critical supplies that could make all the difference when adversity strikes. Get ready; it’s time to start becoming a prepared Prepper!
Food Supplies
You`ve likely heard the expression “you are what you eat,” and in times of disaster, it’s true. The food you stockpile can make or break your survival chances. Let’s take a look at the types of foods you need to consider.
Long-term Shelf Stable Foods
Long-term shelf stable foods are a necessity when it comes to prepping. These foods are stored in a way that makes them able to last for significant periods, sometimes up to 25 years! Things like canned goods, dried beans, rice, pasta, and grains are all foods that have long shelf lives and can be rehydrated or cooked with water. They are the backbone of your food supply.
Freeze-Dried Meals and MREs
Think astronaut food, but a lot tastier. Freeze-dried meals and meals ready to eat (MREs) are complete, precooked meals that only require boiling water before consumption. They are compact, easy to transport and have a very long shelf life. They are perfect for situations where you need to bug out quickly.
Canning and Preservation Supplies
Knowing how to can and preserve foods can keep you in fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats for a long time. Having supplies such as mason jars, lids, pressure and water bath canners, pectin, and pickling salt can make the food preservation process easy and effective.
Basic Cooking Ingredients
In an emergency, you might find yourself cooking more often than usual. Basic ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and oils are crucial. They can be used to bake bread, make pasta, and in many other meals.
Food Sourcing Survival Gear
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not have enough food. This is where food sourcing survival gear comes in. Items such as fishing gear, hunting weapons, snare wires, and seeds for gardening can provide you with a means of gathering more food.
Water Purification and Storage
As crucial as food is, water is even more important.
Portable Water Filters
You can`t survive for long without clean drinking water, and a portable water filter can turn unsafe water into drinkable water. They come in different types; some are straw-like devices, while others are hand-pumped.
Water Purification Tablets
These tablets are a lightweight and easy solution to water purification. You simply drop the prescribed number of tablets into your water and wait for the indicated amount of time.
Collapsible Water Containers
Storing water is also crucial, and collapsible water containers do it effectively. They come in a range of sizes, are easy to carry when empty, and very handy when you need to transport water from a source to your home.
Rainwater Collection Systems
A rainwater collection system is essentially a way to capture and store rainwater. This helps to supplement your water supply, reducing dependence on stored water.
First Aid Supplies
Injuries can happen at any time, more so in disaster situations. Being prepared with adequate first aid supplies can mean the difference between a minor injury and a life-threatening one.
Basic First Aid Kits
Your first aid kit should include items like band-aids, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, sterile gauze pads, a digital thermometer, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers among other things.
Emergency Medical Books and Guides
In times of disaster, internet access might not be guaranteed. Having physical copies of medical books and guides can provide vital information for treating injuries or diagnosing illnesses.
Over-the-counter Medications
Having a range of over-the-counter medications can help manage conditions such as pain, allergies, colds and flu, and gastrointestinal problems.
Essential Oils and Natural Remedies
These can offer an alternative avenue for treatment. Pour a few drops of lavender for relaxation, or tea tree oil for antiseptic properties.
Shelter and Bedding
Shelter and bedding are often overlooked, but they are critical for survival. You need protection from the elements and a comfortable place to rest and recharge.
Tents and Tarps
These provide instant shelter wherever you might be. They’re lightweight, portable, and relatively easy to set up.
Sleeping Bags and Blankets
These essential items provide warmth and comfort. Look for ones that are designed for all types of weather.
Camping Hammocks
Camping hammocks are a lightweight and portable alternative to tents. They`re great for resting in wooded areas or in places with uneven terrain.
Insulation Materials
Insulation materials like mylar thermal blankets or space blankets retain and reflect back heat, making them great for maintaining body temperature in cold conditions.
Fire Starters and Cooking Supplies
Your ability to start a fire can make all the difference in a survival situation.
Matches and Lighters
These are the simplest methods for starting a fire. Always have some of these on hand.
Fire Starters
Fire starters – including magnesium fire starters, fire pistons, and flint and steel – are practical and reliable options that work in varying conditions.
Portable Stoves and Fuel
A portable stove can allow you to cook and boil water regardless of the weather. Remember to have adequate fuel.
Pots and Pans
Durable and lightweight pots and pans are useful for cooking and boiling water.
Power and Lighting
In an emergency situation, having access to power and lighting could be essential.
Flashlights and Headlamps
These provide vital visibility during the night or in low light conditions.
Solar Chargers
These can charge your electronic devices, using only the power of the sun.
Portable Generators
A portable generator can power critical devices during a power outage.
Batteries
They can power everything from flashlights to radios. Always have spare ones around.
Communication and navigation tools can help you stay informed and finding direction in a disaster.
Two-way Radios
These provide a direct line of communication and can cover quite a range, even where mobile signals fail.
Compasses
A trusty compass will help you determine your direction where modern technology may fail.
Maps
Maps, particularly local ones, can help you find alternative routes, bodies of water, and other crucial landmarks.
Emergency Radios
They provide a reliable way to receive weather updates, news, and other emergency broadcasts.
Protection and Defense Gear
In desperate times, personal defense can become a priority.
Firearms and Ammunition
If you are trained and comfortable with it, a firearm can provide both security and a means of hunting food.
Knives and Multi-tools
A reliable knife can be used in a variety of situations, including food preparation, first aid, and as a general tool.
Pepper Spray
A non-lethal option, pepper spray can deter or incapacitate a threat.
Personal Alarm Systems
These can scare away threats and alert others of your need for assistance.
Hygiene and Sanitation
Maintaining good hygiene can prevent illnesses and keep you feeling human in uneasy times.
Portable Toilets
These can add a level of comfort and sanitation to areas without facilities.
Sanitization Wipes and Hand Sanitizers
These will help you keep hands clean and surfaces sanitized.
Laundry Detergent and Clothes Washing Supplies
Keeping your clothes clean can prevent skin diseases and improve your comfort.
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Oral hygiene is as essential in survival situations as it is in everyday life.
Tools and Repair Kits
Lastly, tools and repair kits can go a long way in making your life easier in the wild.
Multitools
These are compact, yet incorporate a plethora of tools – from scissors and knife blades to bottle openers and screwdrivers.
Duct Tape
Duct tape has endless uses, from fixing a hole in a tent to binding an injury.
Rope and Durable Cordage
This can be used to secure a shelter, hoist food to keep it away from wildlife, among many more uses.
Sewing Kits
For mending items of clothing or stitching up a wound, a basic sewing kit can be indispensable.
That’s it, it looks like a lot but remember, prepping is a journey, not a destination. One step and one day at a time, you can do this!