Survival preparation requires strategic thinking and practical knowledge. The items in this guide represent critical supplies that disappear first during emergencies, with each category addressing specific needs that become urgent when normal systems fail. From basic necessities like cash and medicine to long-term considerations like seeds and tools, proper preparation enables survival during extended emergencies. We’re looking at 19 essential supplies and explaining their practical uses during crisis situations, from alcohol to fire starters.
19. Why Preppers Need Cash During Emergencies
Disasters disrupt electronic payment systems immediately. ATMs stop working, banks close, and digital transactions become impossible. While inflation risks exist, physical cash enables immediate purchases when card readers fail. Smart preppers maintain enough cash to cover essential expenses for at least two weeks. Make no mistake – in a long enough emergency, cash becomes increasingly useless, but there’s still a use for the greenbacks for a little while when disaster strikes.
18. Essential Medications For Your Prep Storage
Medical supply chains break down fast in emergencies. Pharmacies empty quickly as people rush to refill prescriptions. Stock vital medications, including antibiotics and necessary prescriptions, in proper storage conditions. Include common over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and cold remedies. Create a rotating system to keep medications current.
17. Strategic Uses Of Alcohol In Emergency Preparedness
Alcohol serves multiple survival functions beyond consumption. Preppers value it for medical sterilization, fire starting, and preservation. High-proof spirits last indefinitely when properly stored. Local bartering systems often emerge around alcohol during extended emergencies. Store smaller bottles rather than large ones to maintain portability and trading flexibility.
16. Physical Books As Survival Resources
Digital information vanishes when power and internet fail. Physical books provide critical survival knowledge without requiring electricity. Build a reference library covering medical care, food preservation, repair skills, and local plant identification. Include practical guides for essential survival skills like water purification and shelter building. Store books in waterproof containers to protect against environmental damage.
15. Emergency Food Storage Fundamentals
Food shortages hit fast when supply chains fail. Build a rotating stock of shelf-stable foods with at least a six-month supply per person. Include pet food in storage calculations – pet supplies disappear quickly during emergencies. Focus on calorie-dense foods that require minimal preparation. Store what you eat and eat what you store to maintain fresh supplies.
14. Car Maintenance Supplies For Emergencies
Transportation becomes critical during extended emergencies. Stock essential fluids like oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Keep spare belts, hoses, and basic replacement parts for your specific vehicle model. Include tire repair kits, jumper cables, and spare fuses. Learn basic vehicle maintenance skills before emergencies occur. A working vehicle provides crucial mobility when repair services shut down.
13. Essential Camping Equipment For Emergency Scenarios
Modern camping gear doubles as emergency survival equipment. Prioritize four-season tents, sleeping bags rated for local temperature extremes, and portable cooking systems. Multi-fuel stoves provide more flexibility than single-fuel options. Choose equipment that works without electricity. High-quality camping gear enables quick evacuation and provides backup shelter at home.
12. Emergency Lighting Systems And Power
Light sources become survival tools during extended blackouts. Stock multiple types: headlamps for hands-free work, lanterns for area lighting, and flashlights for signaling. Choose lighting with standardized battery sizes. Store batteries properly to prevent corrosion. Include long-burning candles and multiple fire-starting methods. Consider solar-powered options for renewable lighting capabilities.
11. Critical Cleaning And Sanitation Supplies
Disease prevention depends on proper sanitation during emergencies. Stock concentrated bleach for water purification and surface cleaning. Store heavy-duty garbage bags, paper plates, and disposable utensils to conserve water. Include manual cleaning tools that work without power. Proper sanitation prevents disease outbreaks when municipal services fail.
10. Personal Hygiene During Extended Emergencies
Health problems escalate when hygiene supplies run out. Stock essential hygiene items: soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products. Include wash basins and manual washing devices for clothes. Store extra prescription hygiene items like contact lens solution. Calculate supply needs based on all household members.
9. Small But Critical Supply Items For Preparedness
Stock bulk quantities of aluminum foil, zip-closure bags, and paper filters. These items enable food storage, water filtration, and cooking when normal supplies vanish. Include rubber bands, safety pins, and paper clips. Small items solve major problems during supply disruptions. Create categorized storage systems for easy access to these vital supplies.
8. Essential Adhesives And Repair Materials
Duct tape, epoxy, and wood glue become vital when replacement items disappear. Store multiple types of cordage including paracord and strong twine. Keep adhesives in climate-controlled conditions to maintain effectiveness. Include repair patches and sealants for equipment maintenance. These materials support crucial repairs when hardware stores close.
7. Strategic Clothing Storage For Emergencies
Climate-appropriate clothing becomes scarce during extended emergencies. Store durable outdoor clothing, wool socks, and sturdy boots. Include work gloves and protective gear. Keep a complete sewing kit with extra needles and strong thread. Proper clothing storage prevents exposure issues when replacement clothing becomes unavailable.
6. Emergency Supplies For Infants And Children
Parents must prepare extensively for children’s needs. Calculate formula, diaper, and wipe requirements for at least six months. Include size-up clothing as children grow. Store comfort items and quiet activities for stressful situations. Child-specific medical supplies require special attention. Regular supply rotation prevents waste of sensitive items like formula.
5. Fire Starting Tools And Materials
Fire provides heat, light, and cooking capabilities during emergencies. Store multiple ignition sources: lighters, waterproof matches, and ferrocerium rods. Include various tinders like wax-coated cotton balls and char cloth. Keep fire materials in waterproof containers. Practice fire-starting skills before emergencies occur.
4. Medical Supplies Beyond Basic First Aid
Emergency medical care requires extensive supplies beyond basic bandages. Stock trauma supplies including pressure dressings, tourniquets, and blood-clotting agents. Include prescription antibiotics with proper rotation dates. Keep reference materials for emergency medical procedures. Train in emergency medical skills while supplies remain available.
3. Tool Selection For Emergency Preparedness
Manual tools maintain critical functionality when power fails. Stock basic hand tools including hammers, saws, and adjustable wrenches. Include gardening tools for food production. Keep tools organized and protected from rust. Maintain sharpening equipment for bladed tools. Quality tools last generations with proper maintenance.
2. Seed Storage For Food Security
Seeds provide long-term food security during extended emergencies. Store heirloom vegetable varieties adapted to local growing conditions. Package seeds properly with desiccant packets in airtight containers. Include planting guides and growing calendars. Learn gardening skills now through hands-on practice. Start small gardens to develop practical experience.
1. Ammunition Storage And Management
Ammunition requires proper storage for long-term preservation. Store ammunition in sealed containers with desiccant packets. Monitor storage areas for temperature and humidity control. Keep ammunition organized by caliber and type. Rotate stock based on manufacturing dates. Maintain records of storage locations and quantities and bear in mind you should primarily be stocking up on what’s effective, cheap, and flexible. There’s not much reason (for most people anyway) to stockpile four thousand rounds of .50BMG, but there’s plenty of reason to keep a good stock of a common hunting caliber like .243 Winchester. It’s also imporant to know this: don’t overbuy ammo, you need to keep other necessities in the budget. There’s only one way to eat bullets and it isn’t pretty.
