Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
On most nights I read in bed for a while before going to sleep. My wife usually falls asleep first so to be considerate, I turn off the lamp and use a book light
Aluminum Foil – The best thing about foil is you can wrap meat and veggies in it, throw it in a fire, and a few minutes later have a hot meal. It can also be molded into a bowl, cup, funnel, or a pot for boiling water. In addition, it can be used to enhance an antenna, to sharpen scissors, to make sun boxes for small plants, to collect dew from trees, and in the summer it can be put in windows to keep the heat out. But the most important usage: Tin foil hats!
Baseball Bats – You might plan on carrying a gun for self-protection if the SHTF, but if you’re caught off guard, nothing’s better than a good baseball bat.
Bicycle and Pump, Extra Tubes, etc. – Remember, if things get ugly, gas will likely be unavailable or unaffordable. If you need to travel long distance for supplies, you’ll need a good bike. Make sure to get a mountain bike and not a skinny-tired ten speed.
Candy – This is mainly for children, but can also be a great comfort food for adults. Just don’t go overboard with it as too much sugar can weaken your immune system.
Cash or Traveler’s Checks – If you can afford to, start setting aside a little cash. In most emergency scenarios, people will still accept cash.
Contractor Bags – Unlike ordinary trash bags, contractor bags
Duct Tape – MacGyver is right, duct tape is awesome!
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Floss – Even if you don’t floss, this stuff is great to stock up on as it can be used for fishing lines, repairing tents or clothing lines, and suture material.
Games – In modern societies, people are so used to having constant entertainment and distractions that they’re likely to become very bored if the power is out. But nothing cures boredom like a good board game. This is especially important if you have children.
Glasses, Glasses Repair Kit – Most people only have one pair of glasses, but what if your glasses break and all the stores are closed? It’s good to have at least one backup pair and a glasses repair kit. Check out ZenniOptical.com or 39DollarGlasses.com for some great deals.
Glow Bracelets/Sticks – When the electricity is out, glow bracelets can come in handy. You can use them to mark the location of important objects like doorknobs, flashlights and radios. The sticks make a good substitute for candles, and they’re fun for kids.
Hatchet – This might seem like an obvious one, but I know of several people who haven’t bothered to get one yet (especially those living in apartments). Even if you don’t bug out to some location in the woods, you’ll still want to get a good hatchet in case you need to split wood or chop through the bone of an animal. It also makes a good weapon.
Important Documents – Bank account and credit card records, birth certificates, prescriptions, property deeds, registration papers, titles, and any other important papers. You should make photocopies of all ID’s and credit cards. Put everything inside Ziploc bags and keep them in a safe if you have one. You might also want to include cherished photographs.
Map of Local Area – Nowadays people are used to using Google or Yahoo maps and many don’t even have a physical map anymore. In this article I talk about the importance of having a good map and identifying potentially dangerous areas. It can also be used for identifying the shortest, safest route to a friend or relative’s home, a place with supplies, etc.
Paper, Pencil, Pencil Sharpener – For playing games, making notes, or keeping a journal (you’re living in interesting times; write about it).
Paper Plates, Cups and Plastic Utensils – In most survival situations, you’ll want to use no more water than is necessary. This is why I think you should go to a place like Costco or Sam’s Club and get LOTS of these.
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Plastic Sheeting – Not just for keeping germs out. This can be used to repair leaks, collect water, or build a makeshift shelter.
Sewing Kit – Another one of those things that has become less and less common in modern society. You should get a decent kit and learn how to sew buttons and patch/mend clothes because new shirts and pants might be hard to come by.
Shut-Off Wrench – This is in case gas lines break during an emergency. Get a gas shut-off wrench and learn to use it.
Signal Flare – Essential in case you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere for some reason. However, don’t use them if you find yourself in a Mad-Max type scenario as the people who see them might be dangerous.
Snow Shoes – In a disaster, you might be too busy or tired to shovel the driveway so got a pair of snow shoes. You could also use the back of a chair or tennis rackets.
Tarps – There are many uses for tarps: covering firewood, holding debris, privacy screens, shade, tablecloths, tents, etc.
Whistle – Emergency whistles
Wire saw – These take up little space and can be used to cut through bone, metal, plastic, and wood with ease. Browse through them on amazon.com
Useful stuff, but when you mentioned a mountain bike over a “tired 10 speed” you missed some details in regards to choices. It’s like saying only to use this product or this one thing is always best.
The main difference in bikes are their design, not simply quality. If you live in a place without dirt paths, gravel roads and driveways and lots of grass patches then a mountain bike isn’t necessary nor as desirable as a bicycle with thinner tires and a lighter frame designed for long distance travel. And the other consideration is that if people already own one or it’s all they can acquire then that is it and they need to make do.
For getting around town, a three wheel bike might work best with it’s stability and basket between the rear wheels. An old style frame with 3 speeds is comfortable and stable even if it’s not as sexy as a 10, 12, or 15 speed model. In most cases people want a bike for commuting, getting some supplies, perusing the neighborhood, not riding down paths or racing cross country. And we’re not talking about bugging out either. What ever types bike it is, cargo racks, an added basket or paniers would provide a way to carry things safely and effectively.
What I would advise against are the kids bikes. An adult should have a proper sized frame that fits them. Riding on a small bike or trick bike is for circus acts. Adults look goofy and they’re not good for a long ride, going up a hill…. they’re just a bad choice. And if possible, one should try to find a bike that is not a cheap mass market model you pick up at Walmart mainly because they use the lowest quality parts and are really not built to last a long time and they’ll rust out. That being said, if you care for them and even upgrade parts then that’s okay. Some are very nice, it’s just that they’re meant to be low priced offerings and kids are expected to out grow their bicycles. Again, we have to often work within our means and budgets.
Good list !
Pick up some plane Jane solar lights clearance sale / yard sale. Let them charge during the day and then bring them in at night for reading etc… I use them for camping
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This is some of the most retarded, tinfoil-hat crap I’ve read in ages. Seriously, you basement dwelling Rambo, if you’re still using paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils, you’re not in any kind of emergency, your life is not in danger, move on!
Obviously, you Sir Dumbas*, have not been through a massive natural disaster before. Having lived on the Texas Gulf coast for nearly 50 years and been through hurricanes a plenty, paper plates, cups & plastic utensils are a #1 on the Hurricane Prep list, along with plenty of trash bags. Of course, I’m replying nearly 4 years later after your ignorant comment, so maybe nature has taught you some hard earned lessons. And I honestly wish I had found this site LONG before Harvey decided to grace his presence on our area. Some tips I choose not to take, most I am already doing or is not relevant to me in my current situation. But you, Sir, are the one, who is clueless.
ps. …walkie-talkie type radios would be a good idea as well for family communication within a 2 mile or so area if cell service goes down.
Got to give a big thumbs up on the Lifestraw…whether it’s the personal version (great for backpacks) or the family version (great for long term power outages when boil water alerts happen).
One thing I would add is a yo-yo style automatic fishing reel. They can be tied to a tree or pole near the shore and will self set when struck. The fish will tire out during the fight and the reel will do the rest. I’ve seen up to 10 pound fish waiting at the shore in the morning if left out over night.
The Sawyer Mini’s a better filter. Only costs $2 more than the Lifestraw and will outlast it too. Lifestraws are only good for 1,000 liters of filtration, the Sawyer Mini lasts for 100,000 liters. Takes up less room too.
Both the Lifestraw and the Sawyer Mini are FILTERS only and won’t make water with heavy metals and pesticides safe to drink. If your survival depends on using water near farmland that drains into a nearby lake, then you’ll need a water PURIFIER to make water safe for drinking, cooking, bathing. And also please note that water filter and water purifier capacities all depend on how “dirty/contaminated” the water being used is. You must know what the water you will be using for survival purposes contains and purchase the necessary filter/purifier.
Six things:
1. A #10 can rocket stove.
2. Some almonds. High protein, source of sustenance until you get to wherever you need to go.
3. Three ways to make a fire: Waterproof matches, lighter, 12volt battery with steel wool.
4. A Lifestraw. Clean water is one of the most important necessities.
5. Handcrank generator radio/ flashlight/ cell phone charger.
6. GI Joe pocket can opener. Find in army surplus store.
Stereo that runs on batteries and some cds keep the mood up
Bio-ethanol, it can be used inside without the dangers of poisoning, generates heat, light and you can cook over it. A great solution for us in the UK who live in houses that don’t have flues and chimneys…though why they don’t I will never understand.
Crankymommyxx
Great list i must admit. Some of there would never have occured to me. I need to get me some book lights 😀