Prepping for survival isn’t just a left-over remnant from the Cold War. It’s popular today and certainly necessary with so many inevitable threats looming in the future.
Before you jump to the conclusion that prepping is all about a nuclear holocaust, there are many threats that can cut you off from community resources. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, are legitimate threats. The next thing you know, you’re scrambling to find the supplies your family needs to survive. Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other global issues like pandemic illnesses can occur at any time. As a result, we made a list of vital survival gear and supplies your family will need to survive.
1. Water
Water is one of the most important things to store in case you’re without water or power. You can only go about 3 days without water. You should store a minimum of one gallon for each person every day. That means a family of three would need a minimum of 63 gallons of water for three weeks.
There’s a specific way to store water so that it remains fresh, and you’ll need methods to filter and purify water in case something happens to your supply. You may need to get water from a nearby natural source.
2. Food
The next critical survival supply you need to consider is food. You need to obtain non-perishable food that you can store for an extended period. Consider buying MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat. MREs are the military’s go-to food for soldiers out in the field.
If you need to leave your house in the middle of a catastrophic event, you will need food that you can take with you. Emergency food ration bars are great to pack in your bug-out bag for a quick escape on foot. Canned food is another great food source to stockpile. Just make sure you remember a can opener.
3. Multitool
You may not be able to stay at home, and you probably won’t be able to take your whole toolbox with you during a disaster. But, you can make sure you pack a multitool. When you have limited space to store your supplies and survival gear, you need equipment that serves multiple functions, like a multitool.
Multitools come with a variety of gadgets like a screwdriver, a bottle opener, a can opener, a knife, and much more. You can cut wires, open packages, or pick out splinters with your multitool.
4. Batteries
If you look around your house right now, you can probably identify several devices that require batteries. Preppers always keep batteries on hand to run flashlights and radios, and you won’t want to be without them if you’re under a shelter-in-place order. People often panic in the middle of an emergency, and if you don’t prepare, you may find that batteries aren’t available.
It’s also good to have plenty of batteries for the kids’ toys and the tv remote in case you need to shelter in place. You never think about batteries until you need them.
5. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is another essential item. You can buy kits pre-made or make one specifically for your family’s needs. Here are some things to include in your first aid kit:
These are just a few examples of supplies to include. You may want to make or buy two kits, one for your survival bag and a larger one for the house. Customize it with the prescription medicines your family needs and things like contact solution or EpiPens.
6. Matches
If the power goes out, you’ll need matches to light emergency candles. If you’re on foot and need to camp somewhere, you’re going to need to make a fire to cook food or keep warm. If you’re comfortable using a fire starter, put it in your stockpile as well.
7. Home Garden
If you have space, starting a home garden is a good idea. People that can grow their own food during a pandemic or disaster are in a much better place than those who can’t. If you try to live off the grid, life won’t be quite as difficult when community resources disappear.
8. Power Bank
A power bank is a recommended item that you can use to charge your smartphone and other electronics. You can get one that comes with a hand crank, so you’re not reliant on electricity. Choose one that’s waterproof and durable. Some come with an emergency light and can even jumpstart your car.
9. Tactical Flashlight
A tactical flashlight serves multiple purposes. You can use it for self-defense to blind an assailant or to get around the house when the power goes out. You should actually keep more than one tactical flashlight around your house and additional flashlights in your car and bug-out bag.
Additional Essential Supplies
Here are some additional supplies to add to your supply list:
Handy things to have around the house:
Another critical element of prepping is buying the right bag to carry your essential items, like a backpack or sling bag. Use whatever works for your specific situation, considering factors like the size of your family and who can carry a bag on their own. Carrying multiple bags ensures that if something happens to one, you still have the vital gear you need.
One of the most important things you need as a prepper is a positive attitude. Mindset is a critical part of survival. Make sure to have a plan for leaving your house and sheltering in place. Having a detailed plan and practicing it regularly prepares your family to react quickly in case of a genuine emergency.
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