In today’s current world there seems to be more reasons to prepare than to not. Too many now, it seems there is a higher likelihood that a disaster of some sort will strike rather than sustained tranquility. Nearly every week there’s stories of at least one of the following events: extreme weather, major natural disasters, nuclear incidents, terrorist attacks, economic and currency troubles, market manipulation, cyber-attacks, national and international political turmoil, military positioning, chronic disease and outbreaks, and crumbling infrastructure. This is a broad list and each category could be expounded on in great length. Not to mention the looming threat of an EMP which FEMA recently lead an exercise which simulated such an event named Operation Gotham Shield in the participating states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Washington. Over the years many experts have agreed that a High Altitude EMP would be one of the most devastating events that could potentially happen to America, knocking out the power grid and immediately halting the shipment of supplies and groceries to cities. The store shelves would be emptied quick with no replenishment coming for who knows how long. While that is obviously the worst case scenario, and hopefully the least likely to occur, I have come to realize that if you try to plan for the worst case scenario, then you will be well prepared for most other events that may be more likely to occur.
I believe it is good to be well rounded and practical in your preparations, which is why I have compiled this list of goods, supplies, and groceries, so there is the best chance of making through any situation as comfortable as possible. For example, I am a fan of having some silver, but in certain situations there may be a time where silver (or gold), won’t be able to provide you with the necessary day-to-day items you or your family need. I believe the majority of the items on this list are as cheap now as they will ever be, so getting them while there is an abundance to choose from and low prices is smart. I would also prioritize the items you purchase if you are not able to go out and buy everything. In my opinion the items are somewhat prioritized with most important at the top of each category. The food, water, water purification, firearm & ammo, hygiene items, medicine, first aid kit, and pure grain alcohol should be purchased prior to purchasing bolt cutters, tobacco, shoe insoles, etc. The buyer should purchase the most essential items first, prior to purchasing things they may need or that would be good to have.
Let me know what items I missed that you would recommend. I will also follow up in more detail about specific recommendations for some of the items where there are differences in quality, functionality, or value.
Groceries:
20lb Bags of White Rice (est. 2 year shelf life) – Long Term Storage is Optional
Bags of beans (lowest cost) or canned beans and chili (easy preparation)
Packs of Tuna Fish (if you like tuna)
Canned Foods, Canned Hearty Soups, Canned Jambalaya, Beans, Red Beans & Rice, etc…
Multiple Jars of Peanut Butter (est. 1 year shelf life)
Large containers of Salted and Honey Roasted Peanuts (est. 2 year shelf life)
Protein Bars & High Protein food with long shelf life
Multiple Jars of Raw Honey (wild flower)
Large bags of sugar
Gatorade or PowerAde Powder, and other ways to flavor water (Kool-Aid, Mio, etc…)
A Couple Cases of Inexpensive Bottled Water or 5 Gallon Primo Jugs (water Filter also on list)
Multiple Salt Containers (with Iodine) & Black Pepper and Seasonings
Large Container of Coconut Oil (Virgin Unrefined if available)
Apple Cider Vinegar, Unfiltered, Unpasteurized, with “The Mother” (Bragg brand if possible).
Supplies:
Water Filter (Sawyer Squeeze type if available, Mini if not) – (Walmart camping section)
Bags of HTH Pool Shock (Calcium Hypochlorite) 60%-73% if available (For Purifying Water)
5 or more Large packs of toilet paper
3-4 Bottles of Everclear or Diesel Sprits – Pure Grain Alcohol
Oil Lantern with tub of lantern fuel and extra wicks (Walmart camping section)
Lighters and multiple medium to large size Candles (Inexpensive)
Large Propane Tanks w/Acc Hose & Smaller Camping Tanks w/Adapter to Refill
Propane Camping Stove & Tripod Campfire Grill
Medicine (Benadryl, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc…)
First Aid Supplies (bandages, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, etc…)
Multiple Deodorant Sticks (least expensive)
Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, and Dental Floss (least expensive)
Pure Petroleum Jelly (unscented).
Multiple Soap Bars and Large Dish Soap (least expensive)
Multiple Baby Wipe Packs
Large Hand Sanitizer Refill
Feminine Hygiene if normally needed (Tampons, Pads, etc…)
Batteries (AA, AAA, C, CR2032, 9V, etc…)
Small, Medium, & Large Trash Bags
Sunscreen & Bug spray
Extra Cigarettes & Smokeless Tobacco (if applicable)
Equipment or Long Shelf Life Items:
Handgun w/holster and extra magazines and mag holsters (9mm chambered)
Rifle with sling and extra magazines and mag pouches (5.56 NATO chambered)
Brass FMJ Ammo for handgun and rifle
Other ammo for the caliber guns you own
Freeze Dried Food Containers (Academy and Walmart Camping Section)
Emergency Ration Bars (orange) - Camping Section
Emergency Fire Starter – Camping Section
Luggable Lagoon – Camping Section
5 Gallon Bucket w/Gamma Lid if available. (Common at big box hardware stores)
Flashlight (AA or AAA battery operated) & Handheld Radio’s (Walkie Talkie’s)
General Purpose Axe – (Estwing 26” full size campers axe, Blue Handle)
Heavy Duty Bolt Cutters & Durable Folding Knife or Fixed Blade with Sheath
Life vests for each family member if possibly in flood or flash flood prone area
Good pair of active shoes for each family member and spare Insoles for each adult
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