Copyright, Terry Turner, 2009
Why Get Ready for Emergencies? Because, if you aren't ready first, you cannot get ready. Make up your mind to be ready. Know where your go-bag is and have the right stuff in it.
The following list is just a list; a scratch pad. It will give you a way to begin to think about what you have and what you might need in an emergency. It will not all fit in a go-bag which is ready for a grab and run scene whereas having 25 pounds of pinto beans is something you can store around your house. There are many levels of preparedness and you have to develop a plan that suits your needs.
There are many ways to improve on this list and I welcome anyone to give me further suggestions and remarks.
I have found that many things need to be organized to meet any crisis and one thing I want to mention that has helped me is the plain old fly fishing vest. It has a lot of pockets and those pockets can hold a wide array of small objects. I use a one vest and one soft go-bag as my absolute emergency must have kit. It has everything in it from iodine-monkey blood, upholstery needles and carpet thread to potassium iodide in the event of an atomic-attack (if you don’t know what this is for, you need to, especially if you have kids).
The following list also corresponds, roughly, to things that may be first to disappear in a crisis of any sort.This list does not put a great deal of emphasis on food and water which must be prime considerations, but it does list things that may be hard to get in the event of a hurricane or anything that disrupts traffic and delivery systems.
Let me say that few people have the money or a spare cabin in the woods with which to purchase and store everything. Getting as ready as one might like to be seems a daunting task but just start small, according to your ability, and build up your readiness supplies. If you put aside a few gallons of water, a few cans of mackerel, and a good flashlight, you will, with that small beginning, probably be better prepared than most. Just begin and then, in the event of a crisis, you can help yourself and others. In a crisis, the responders need all the help they can get and if you can take care of yourself or your family, you will take a big load off the first responders.
For short term preparations, I have found the following link helpful:
http://www.hmscrown.com/life_tools/emergency_be_prepared.html
And, for long term survival type information, I recommend the following links for information regarding supplies, tools, equipment, etc. I also note that the original form of the list below may have been shown or originated at the following link:
http://www.millennium-ark.net/
For related and very interesting information I suggest the George Ure site
http://urbansurvival.com/ George also offers an invaluable little book, Live on Ten Thousand A Year. The book will stimulate your thinking and provide some great information.
1. Gasoline and other generators. For the most part they are expensive, heavy, expensive to operate, and of course, fuel dependent; gas acquisition and gas storage are possible dangers; they are also noisy, have to be maintained, and clearly are an obvious target for thieves of every class. In regard to this type of power, it will be advisable to check out solar or wind charging and similar devices.
2. Water filters/purifiers (and information on how to clean up water with bleach, iodine, etc.—you cannot be too informed about water). In a pinch, primitive is better than nothing. Suzi and I use a Berkey Water Filter system, but there are many kinds and of course combinations may be indicated.
3. Portable toilets – and consider camping stool toilets which will require lots of plastic bags for sanitation.
4. Seasoned firewood, or at least firewood and don’t forget saws and axes and other firewood processing tools.
As I have had a lot of experience chopping firewood, I strongly advise having at least two axes, one single head, one double head, and a couple of sizes of wedges for splitting large logs and such. When Suzi and I were living in Colorado with four foot snows, I split more wood with a six pound sledge hammer and wedge than I have with an axe. If you have the luxury of a shed or tarps to keep wood dry you will grow to appreciate it, if you don’t you can make a field roof with sticks, branches, leaves and grass over the wood pile to help keep it dry… this is rather essential in snow country when the weather will freeze all the wood into one solid clump.
5. Lamp oil, wicks, lamps (there are various ways to make lamps though the types of fuel are very limited; learn all you can; stick with clear oil, but get any oil you can.
6. Coleman or similar fuels – get all and stock all that you can; for your purposes and for trade.
7. Guns, ammunition --- any ammo, even if you can’t use it ammo will be a big barter item. Also pepper spray, knives, clubs, bats and high quality slingshots; quality air pistols and rifles; and dare I say quality bows and arrows
8. Hand operated-can openers and hand egg beaters, whisks, large stainless steel spoons, forks, turners, and tools that make large batch cooking easier --- you can also use the same tools for small batch cookery. Knife sharpeners such as stones, files, etc. are essential. Most people will be well advised to be sure to have at least one heavy duty large file and one smaller fine file for various purposes.
9. Honey/syrups/white, brown sugars; I would avoid artificial sweeteners except for trade goods or for dietary reasons.
10. Rice; Beans & Wheat
11. Vegetable oils and lards for cooking, baking and efficiency in food preparation.
12. Charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid; Zippo or similar lighters (the cigarette type) and lighter fluid. I have in a pinch used alcohol to fill a Zippo lighter.
13. Water containers --- hard clear plastic is best, you can’t have too many.
14. Mini Heater head for heating rooms with propane. There are a variety of possibilities here so think it through but zero degree, or better, sleeping bags are no mistake when thinking about staying warm. Propane cylinders
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric); if you have lots of space and money, hand coffee mills, meat grinders, etc.
16. Propane Cylinders, butane, and all compressed type gas supplies.
17. Survival library (can be printed pages, books, etc.) If you don’t have experience or a clue, you need to do some reading NOW.
18. Spare lamp mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.
19. Baby Supplies: mosquito hood/cover, thermometer, diapers; formula; ointments; aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, tubs, mop bucket w/wringer to help with laundry… this could be priceless.
21. Cook stoves (propane, Coleman and kerosene, etc.). I personally urge all my (Terry’s) readers to learn (PRACTICE) cooking outside on a wood fire --- learning to make bread or biscuits in an iron Dutch oven is, I believe essential training---and if you do a good slow chicken stew you’ll have some great meal experiences and you won’t feel totally lost when you have to produce a meal. Obviously, you may need to practice how to build a camp fire, maintain it, and control it.
22. Vitamins --- do the best you can but I would avoid One-A-Day or Centrum, which, in my opinion, are among the worst for bio-available nutritional value.
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder---small canister use is dangerous without this item.
24. Hygiene for men, women, and children---hair care, skin care, products, razors, combs, toothbrushes, Tampax, etc. Keep yourself cleaned up or your morale will suffer. The best all purpose, instant results, a little goes a long way, backed by a 110% money back guarantee of satisfaction is Royal Gold Serum from HMS Crown.
25. Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms; socks, outer jackets, etc.)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets and wedges, files, stones, sharpening oil, hammers, sledge hammers, and similar tools. Good small and large shovels, well sharpened are very useful.
27. Aluminum foils, regular and heavy duty, for cooking, food preservation, and barter. Strictly speaking I would avoid cooking in aluminum for health reasons and always try to do your cooking in iron pans and pots.
28. Gasoline containers (plastic or metal). Gasoline is dangerous so be sure you know how to store it and know about stabilizing it; gas will deteriorate.
29. Garbage bags, plastic bags, paper bags of every description, as many as possible. Save you plastic or paper grocery bags. Important for food preservation, and, in connection with a field toilet, for taking a dump and keeping the area clean.
30. Toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towel, etc. Let’s hope we don’t get down to leaves and grass.
31. Milk - powdered and condensed, dry and canned, (shake liquid every 2 or 3 months.)
32. Garden seeds (non-hybrid); if you don’t know how to grow something, practice… plant yourself a little, even tiny, victory garden, even if it only has a plant or two… learn how to care for a plant.
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers and clips of every sort. Clothes can be dried on bushes, but you will prefer a line and pins. When thinking of pins consider a supply of safety pins, straight pins, and needles for use and trade.
34. Repair kits --- i.e. whether it is your generator or your Coleman stove, there are repair kits and suggested maintenance items… you will need them and the instructions
35. Tuna fish (in oil); personally I think mackerel is a better choice. Beware of broth added products which will make you weaker rather than stronger.
36. Fire extinguishers, large boxes of ordinary baking soda in every room, or, at least, pails of water holding old towels soaked, covered in water and ready to go.
37. First aid kits of every description….you can’t be oversupplied here. The government is driving plain old iodine off the market so, if your pharmacy or grocer still offers it, stock up on it. Iodine is cheap and effective. Some pharmacies will still order it for you.
38. Batteries (all sizes ... check for distant expiration dates). Try to get solar and wind up
39. Garlic, spices and vinegar, baking supplies and spices for medicine---cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric-curcumin. Fresh garlic uncooked and chewed raw is best for medical use. Garlic remains a fantastic natural antibiotic. A couple of good health books that tell you how to use foods and spices would be great. I also suggest Adelle Davis’ book, Let’s Get Well, which explains the use of vitamins.
40. Dogs and cats need to eat…. I don’t have any pets so I really can’t comment on that. As a child in my cotton picking era, I know that our dogs survived on table scraps, grease gravy and the occasional biscuit or cornbread.
41. Flour, yeast and salt. Suzi and I really suggest that you learn to make and use sourdough which eliminates the need for yeast and makes a much healthier product. Salt and yeast would probably make good trade items.
Get some small baggies so you could dish out salt in one ounce trade units.
42. Matches "Strike Anywhere" preferred. Boxed, wooden matches are essential if only for trade goods.
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils/solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests these are good for storage, keeping varmits out and to help prevent freezing in the winter.
45. Very good gloves and very good work boots, strong belts, Levis, overalls, and durable shirts.
46. Flashlights, light Sticks and torches, candles, lamps. Etc.
47. Journals, diaries and scrapbooks to organize your thoughts, conserve events, etc.
48. Garbage cans plastic, these will work for storing water; if they have wheels they are a type of transport similar to a wheelbarrow (which would no doubt be very useful for moving wood and heavy things).
49. Men's Hygiene: essentially the same as item 24 above--- men and women may have some special needs and you alone know what that would be. For example, I need a pedicure razor due an old foot injury that requires trimming every month or so.
50. Cast iron cookware---nothing can replace cast iron, after that enamel ware, and last try heavy duty aluminum (I do mean heavy) and . I would advise against the non-stick type of cookware---under all conditions. It may be dangerous to your health; and it will not last; and you will wind up eating a lot Teflon as it wears off the pans.. It is important to have enough cookware. I think you should try to have covers for all pots and all pans. If you are not comfortable using iron, please consider learning how to use it. One set of iron lasts for lifetime(s). I am using some iron that belong to my grandmother; my mother tried to wear it out; and I have done my best but it is still as new as serviceable as when it was new. Iron wear is definitely not part of our new disposable value system… it is an enduring investment. I suggest American iron, not imported iron; not the new specialty light weight iron.
51. Fishing supplies and all the bell and whistle tools that go with fishing.
52. Mosquito coils, repellent sprays, and creams. Some people have luck taking riboflavin (Vitamin B2) as a repellent, and I know you will have some luck with small amounts of citronella, geranium oil, and wintergreen. I have also had moderate success spraying orange oil over my clothes.
53. Duct tape, wire, rope, cord, twine, rubber bands, bungee cords, string, and all sorts of glue and similar tapes. Duct tape can used and has been used to repair many things including clothes, tents, windows, shoes, etc.
54. Tarps, plastic sheeting—the stronger, thicker the better, anchors, spikes, and stakes, nails from largest to smallest.
55. Candles and methodology regarding candles. For example you can make a candle of sorts by rolling a sheet of paper into a tight tube, soaking it grease or kerosene and get a bit of a credible light.
56. Laundry detergent, dry and liquid, and soaps of every sort. You’ll need more soap than ever before.
57. Backpacks, duffel bags, go-bags, travel bags, etc. Packs and bags of all types, soft will probably give you the best service.
58. Garden tools and supplies---don’t forget NON-HYBRID seeds.
59. Scissors, fabrics and sewing supplies---good scissors are likely to be critical. Along with sewing supplies I strongly suggest upholstery needles, straight and curved, and upholstery and carpet grade thread--- all heavy duty thread for repair work.
60. Canned fruits, veggies, soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite.
62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/wax) AND canning instructions.
63. Knives of every description and sharpening tools: files, stones, steel both for your own service and for trade.
You can’t have too many tools. I routinely buy butcher knives at garage sales.
64. Bicycles and related tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc. Even if you don’t ride a bike some of these things may be good to trade for goods or services.
65. High quality sleeping bags and blankets, pillows, mats, frames to stay off the ground, lawn loungers, etc.
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Books, board games, cards, magazines. How to books would be a good choice. Don’t forget some health reference books. How to, cooking books, health books and such will be very important but man can not live by how to alone. Good literature will be essential. Suzi and I very like the amazing poetry of Martina Newberry http://martina.rollwiththechanges.org/
And we enjoy the work and ideas of Marty Kleva
http://nmwildwriter.blogspot.com/ A little collection of Carl Jung or whatever your favorite topic is will be useful.
68. d-Con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer, and similar.
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps and cockroach magnets
70. Paper, plastic plates/cups/utensils---you can’t have too many if you dishwasher doesn’t work or if you no longer have access to one.
71. Baby Wipes, oils, waterless and Anti-bacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc. Good rain gloves are important.
73. Shaving supplies (razors, blades, and creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps and siphons (for water and for fuels), extra plastic tubing in assorted sizes. Just a few feet of extra tubing could make a difference.
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses, magnifying glasses, binoculars
77. Chocolate, cocoa, tang, punch (water enhancers), teas.
78. "Survival-in-a-Can" and Survival knife with compass, fishing gear, etc.
79. Woolen clothing, scarves, ear-muffs; mittens; socks, overcoats.
80. Boy Scout Handbook (also, Leader's Catalog). There is probably a scout store somewhere near you.
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit, plastic sheets, acrylic sheets, tarps, etc.
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, trail mixes/jerky --- instructions on how to jerk meat.
83. Popcorn, peanut butter, nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (season appropriate and extras)
85. Lumber (all types) plywood, 2x4, 4x4, etc.
86. Wagons, carts, wheelbarrows for transport to and from flea markets and barter groups.
87. Cots and Inflatable Mattresses (for extra guests)
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc. You may want to check gloves for types. I have to have leather gloves, then I like the cotton type dipped in some kind rubberized material that makes a great weed pulling glove. I like rubberized or plasticized gloves for working in the rain.
I can tell you one thing about gloves in the winter, and especially at night in Colorado and similar places, or anywhere the freezing "norther" blows: you can't afford to have wet hands if you are trying to work outside. You must do what it takes to keep your hands dry or you'll freeze your fingers in a heart beat. I have seen north winds in Wichita Falls, Texas that would literally freeze the legendary nautical brass balls and I have tried to chop wood at forty below in Colorado... my advice is to split and harvest your wood in the bright sunlight, stay dry and warm at night. You can always make a little kindling sitting by your fire while you enjoy a warm mug of tea or chocolate. And, by the way, I should say thanks to John Rau, my bookseller, who taught me every thing I know about chopping wood. John has a great, huge book store and is a good source for obscure books and he and Alex have thousands of used books of every description:
Why Get Ready for Emergencies? Because, if you aren't ready first, you cannot get ready. Make up your mind to be ready. Know where your go-bag is and have the right stuff in it.
The following list is just a list; a scratch pad. It will give you a way to begin to think about what you have and what you might need in an emergency. It will not all fit in a go-bag which is ready for a grab and run scene whereas having 25 pounds of pinto beans is something you can store around your house. There are many levels of preparedness and you have to develop a plan that suits your needs.
There are many ways to improve on this list and I welcome anyone to give me further suggestions and remarks.
I have found that many things need to be organized to meet any crisis and one thing I want to mention that has helped me is the plain old fly fishing vest. It has a lot of pockets and those pockets can hold a wide array of small objects. I use a one vest and one soft go-bag as my absolute emergency must have kit. It has everything in it from iodine-monkey blood, upholstery needles and carpet thread to potassium iodide in the event of an atomic-attack (if you don’t know what this is for, you need to, especially if you have kids).
The following list also corresponds, roughly, to things that may be first to disappear in a crisis of any sort.This list does not put a great deal of emphasis on food and water which must be prime considerations, but it does list things that may be hard to get in the event of a hurricane or anything that disrupts traffic and delivery systems.
Let me say that few people have the money or a spare cabin in the woods with which to purchase and store everything. Getting as ready as one might like to be seems a daunting task but just start small, according to your ability, and build up your readiness supplies. If you put aside a few gallons of water, a few cans of mackerel, and a good flashlight, you will, with that small beginning, probably be better prepared than most. Just begin and then, in the event of a crisis, you can help yourself and others. In a crisis, the responders need all the help they can get and if you can take care of yourself or your family, you will take a big load off the first responders.
For short term preparations, I have found the following link helpful:
http://www.hmscrown.com/life_tools/emergency_be_prepared.html
And, for long term survival type information, I recommend the following links for information regarding supplies, tools, equipment, etc. I also note that the original form of the list below may have been shown or originated at the following link:
http://www.millennium-ark.net/
For related and very interesting information I suggest the George Ure site
http://urbansurvival.com/ George also offers an invaluable little book, Live on Ten Thousand A Year. The book will stimulate your thinking and provide some great information.
1. Gasoline and other generators. For the most part they are expensive, heavy, expensive to operate, and of course, fuel dependent; gas acquisition and gas storage are possible dangers; they are also noisy, have to be maintained, and clearly are an obvious target for thieves of every class. In regard to this type of power, it will be advisable to check out solar or wind charging and similar devices.
2. Water filters/purifiers (and information on how to clean up water with bleach, iodine, etc.—you cannot be too informed about water). In a pinch, primitive is better than nothing. Suzi and I use a Berkey Water Filter system, but there are many kinds and of course combinations may be indicated.
3. Portable toilets – and consider camping stool toilets which will require lots of plastic bags for sanitation.
4. Seasoned firewood, or at least firewood and don’t forget saws and axes and other firewood processing tools.
As I have had a lot of experience chopping firewood, I strongly advise having at least two axes, one single head, one double head, and a couple of sizes of wedges for splitting large logs and such. When Suzi and I were living in Colorado with four foot snows, I split more wood with a six pound sledge hammer and wedge than I have with an axe. If you have the luxury of a shed or tarps to keep wood dry you will grow to appreciate it, if you don’t you can make a field roof with sticks, branches, leaves and grass over the wood pile to help keep it dry… this is rather essential in snow country when the weather will freeze all the wood into one solid clump.
5. Lamp oil, wicks, lamps (there are various ways to make lamps though the types of fuel are very limited; learn all you can; stick with clear oil, but get any oil you can.
6. Coleman or similar fuels – get all and stock all that you can; for your purposes and for trade.
7. Guns, ammunition --- any ammo, even if you can’t use it ammo will be a big barter item. Also pepper spray, knives, clubs, bats and high quality slingshots; quality air pistols and rifles; and dare I say quality bows and arrows
8. Hand operated-can openers and hand egg beaters, whisks, large stainless steel spoons, forks, turners, and tools that make large batch cooking easier --- you can also use the same tools for small batch cookery. Knife sharpeners such as stones, files, etc. are essential. Most people will be well advised to be sure to have at least one heavy duty large file and one smaller fine file for various purposes.
9. Honey/syrups/white, brown sugars; I would avoid artificial sweeteners except for trade goods or for dietary reasons.
10. Rice; Beans & Wheat
11. Vegetable oils and lards for cooking, baking and efficiency in food preparation.
12. Charcoal and charcoal lighter fluid; Zippo or similar lighters (the cigarette type) and lighter fluid. I have in a pinch used alcohol to fill a Zippo lighter.
13. Water containers --- hard clear plastic is best, you can’t have too many.
14. Mini Heater head for heating rooms with propane. There are a variety of possibilities here so think it through but zero degree, or better, sleeping bags are no mistake when thinking about staying warm. Propane cylinders
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric); if you have lots of space and money, hand coffee mills, meat grinders, etc.
16. Propane Cylinders, butane, and all compressed type gas supplies.
17. Survival library (can be printed pages, books, etc.) If you don’t have experience or a clue, you need to do some reading NOW.
18. Spare lamp mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc.
19. Baby Supplies: mosquito hood/cover, thermometer, diapers; formula; ointments; aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, tubs, mop bucket w/wringer to help with laundry… this could be priceless.
21. Cook stoves (propane, Coleman and kerosene, etc.). I personally urge all my (Terry’s) readers to learn (PRACTICE) cooking outside on a wood fire --- learning to make bread or biscuits in an iron Dutch oven is, I believe essential training---and if you do a good slow chicken stew you’ll have some great meal experiences and you won’t feel totally lost when you have to produce a meal. Obviously, you may need to practice how to build a camp fire, maintain it, and control it.
22. Vitamins --- do the best you can but I would avoid One-A-Day or Centrum, which, in my opinion, are among the worst for bio-available nutritional value.
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder---small canister use is dangerous without this item.
24. Hygiene for men, women, and children---hair care, skin care, products, razors, combs, toothbrushes, Tampax, etc. Keep yourself cleaned up or your morale will suffer. The best all purpose, instant results, a little goes a long way, backed by a 110% money back guarantee of satisfaction is Royal Gold Serum from HMS Crown.
25. Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms; socks, outer jackets, etc.)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets and wedges, files, stones, sharpening oil, hammers, sledge hammers, and similar tools. Good small and large shovels, well sharpened are very useful.
27. Aluminum foils, regular and heavy duty, for cooking, food preservation, and barter. Strictly speaking I would avoid cooking in aluminum for health reasons and always try to do your cooking in iron pans and pots.
28. Gasoline containers (plastic or metal). Gasoline is dangerous so be sure you know how to store it and know about stabilizing it; gas will deteriorate.
29. Garbage bags, plastic bags, paper bags of every description, as many as possible. Save you plastic or paper grocery bags. Important for food preservation, and, in connection with a field toilet, for taking a dump and keeping the area clean.
30. Toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towel, etc. Let’s hope we don’t get down to leaves and grass.
31. Milk - powdered and condensed, dry and canned, (shake liquid every 2 or 3 months.)
32. Garden seeds (non-hybrid); if you don’t know how to grow something, practice… plant yourself a little, even tiny, victory garden, even if it only has a plant or two… learn how to care for a plant.
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers and clips of every sort. Clothes can be dried on bushes, but you will prefer a line and pins. When thinking of pins consider a supply of safety pins, straight pins, and needles for use and trade.
34. Repair kits --- i.e. whether it is your generator or your Coleman stove, there are repair kits and suggested maintenance items… you will need them and the instructions
35. Tuna fish (in oil); personally I think mackerel is a better choice. Beware of broth added products which will make you weaker rather than stronger.
36. Fire extinguishers, large boxes of ordinary baking soda in every room, or, at least, pails of water holding old towels soaked, covered in water and ready to go.
37. First aid kits of every description….you can’t be oversupplied here. The government is driving plain old iodine off the market so, if your pharmacy or grocer still offers it, stock up on it. Iodine is cheap and effective. Some pharmacies will still order it for you.
38. Batteries (all sizes ... check for distant expiration dates). Try to get solar and wind up
39. Garlic, spices and vinegar, baking supplies and spices for medicine---cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric-curcumin. Fresh garlic uncooked and chewed raw is best for medical use. Garlic remains a fantastic natural antibiotic. A couple of good health books that tell you how to use foods and spices would be great. I also suggest Adelle Davis’ book, Let’s Get Well, which explains the use of vitamins.
40. Dogs and cats need to eat…. I don’t have any pets so I really can’t comment on that. As a child in my cotton picking era, I know that our dogs survived on table scraps, grease gravy and the occasional biscuit or cornbread.
41. Flour, yeast and salt. Suzi and I really suggest that you learn to make and use sourdough which eliminates the need for yeast and makes a much healthier product. Salt and yeast would probably make good trade items.
Get some small baggies so you could dish out salt in one ounce trade units.
42. Matches "Strike Anywhere" preferred. Boxed, wooden matches are essential if only for trade goods.
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils/solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests these are good for storage, keeping varmits out and to help prevent freezing in the winter.
45. Very good gloves and very good work boots, strong belts, Levis, overalls, and durable shirts.
46. Flashlights, light Sticks and torches, candles, lamps. Etc.
47. Journals, diaries and scrapbooks to organize your thoughts, conserve events, etc.
48. Garbage cans plastic, these will work for storing water; if they have wheels they are a type of transport similar to a wheelbarrow (which would no doubt be very useful for moving wood and heavy things).
49. Men's Hygiene: essentially the same as item 24 above--- men and women may have some special needs and you alone know what that would be. For example, I need a pedicure razor due an old foot injury that requires trimming every month or so.
50. Cast iron cookware---nothing can replace cast iron, after that enamel ware, and last try heavy duty aluminum (I do mean heavy) and . I would advise against the non-stick type of cookware---under all conditions. It may be dangerous to your health; and it will not last; and you will wind up eating a lot Teflon as it wears off the pans.. It is important to have enough cookware. I think you should try to have covers for all pots and all pans. If you are not comfortable using iron, please consider learning how to use it. One set of iron lasts for lifetime(s). I am using some iron that belong to my grandmother; my mother tried to wear it out; and I have done my best but it is still as new as serviceable as when it was new. Iron wear is definitely not part of our new disposable value system… it is an enduring investment. I suggest American iron, not imported iron; not the new specialty light weight iron.
51. Fishing supplies and all the bell and whistle tools that go with fishing.
52. Mosquito coils, repellent sprays, and creams. Some people have luck taking riboflavin (Vitamin B2) as a repellent, and I know you will have some luck with small amounts of citronella, geranium oil, and wintergreen. I have also had moderate success spraying orange oil over my clothes.
53. Duct tape, wire, rope, cord, twine, rubber bands, bungee cords, string, and all sorts of glue and similar tapes. Duct tape can used and has been used to repair many things including clothes, tents, windows, shoes, etc.
54. Tarps, plastic sheeting—the stronger, thicker the better, anchors, spikes, and stakes, nails from largest to smallest.
55. Candles and methodology regarding candles. For example you can make a candle of sorts by rolling a sheet of paper into a tight tube, soaking it grease or kerosene and get a bit of a credible light.
56. Laundry detergent, dry and liquid, and soaps of every sort. You’ll need more soap than ever before.
57. Backpacks, duffel bags, go-bags, travel bags, etc. Packs and bags of all types, soft will probably give you the best service.
58. Garden tools and supplies---don’t forget NON-HYBRID seeds.
59. Scissors, fabrics and sewing supplies---good scissors are likely to be critical. Along with sewing supplies I strongly suggest upholstery needles, straight and curved, and upholstery and carpet grade thread--- all heavy duty thread for repair work.
60. Canned fruits, veggies, soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite.
62. Canning supplies (Jars/lids/wax) AND canning instructions.
63. Knives of every description and sharpening tools: files, stones, steel both for your own service and for trade.
You can’t have too many tools. I routinely buy butcher knives at garage sales.
64. Bicycles and related tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc. Even if you don’t ride a bike some of these things may be good to trade for goods or services.
65. High quality sleeping bags and blankets, pillows, mats, frames to stay off the ground, lawn loungers, etc.
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Books, board games, cards, magazines. How to books would be a good choice. Don’t forget some health reference books. How to, cooking books, health books and such will be very important but man can not live by how to alone. Good literature will be essential. Suzi and I very like the amazing poetry of Martina Newberry http://martina.rollwiththechanges.org/
And we enjoy the work and ideas of Marty Kleva
http://nmwildwriter.blogspot.com/ A little collection of Carl Jung or whatever your favorite topic is will be useful.
68. d-Con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer, and similar.
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps and cockroach magnets
70. Paper, plastic plates/cups/utensils---you can’t have too many if you dishwasher doesn’t work or if you no longer have access to one.
71. Baby Wipes, oils, waterless and Anti-bacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc. Good rain gloves are important.
73. Shaving supplies (razors, blades, and creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps and siphons (for water and for fuels), extra plastic tubing in assorted sizes. Just a few feet of extra tubing could make a difference.
75. Soy sauce, vinegar, bouillons/gravy/soup base
76. Reading glasses, magnifying glasses, binoculars
77. Chocolate, cocoa, tang, punch (water enhancers), teas.
78. "Survival-in-a-Can" and Survival knife with compass, fishing gear, etc.
79. Woolen clothing, scarves, ear-muffs; mittens; socks, overcoats.
80. Boy Scout Handbook (also, Leader's Catalog). There is probably a scout store somewhere near you.
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit, plastic sheets, acrylic sheets, tarps, etc.
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, trail mixes/jerky --- instructions on how to jerk meat.
83. Popcorn, peanut butter, nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (season appropriate and extras)
85. Lumber (all types) plywood, 2x4, 4x4, etc.
86. Wagons, carts, wheelbarrows for transport to and from flea markets and barter groups.
87. Cots and Inflatable Mattresses (for extra guests)
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc. You may want to check gloves for types. I have to have leather gloves, then I like the cotton type dipped in some kind rubberized material that makes a great weed pulling glove. I like rubberized or plasticized gloves for working in the rain.
I can tell you one thing about gloves in the winter, and especially at night in Colorado and similar places, or anywhere the freezing "norther" blows: you can't afford to have wet hands if you are trying to work outside. You must do what it takes to keep your hands dry or you'll freeze your fingers in a heart beat. I have seen north winds in Wichita Falls, Texas that would literally freeze the legendary nautical brass balls and I have tried to chop wood at forty below in Colorado... my advice is to split and harvest your wood in the bright sunlight, stay dry and warm at night. You can always make a little kindling sitting by your fire while you enjoy a warm mug of tea or chocolate. And, by the way, I should say thanks to John Rau, my bookseller, who taught me every thing I know about chopping wood. John has a great, huge book store and is a good source for obscure books and he and Alex have thousands of used books of every description:
89. Lantern Hangers, various S hooks, and rods that can be made to hang various things of various weights.
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts and bolts
91. Teas, coffees, chocolates --- personal use and barter
92. Coffee and coffee substitutes --- personal use and barter
93. Cigarettes and tobacco for barter
94. Wine, liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, fasteners of all types, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies --- personal use and barter
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing) --- a good collection of bottles and sprayers that will mist or spray will be very useful.
99. Sturdy hats and large cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats, rabbits, and chickens may be worth considering in the urban survival scene.
This list is not original with me… I got it somewhere in the Y2K era; I think from Stan Deyo in a book or email or from a website--- I regret that I am not sure of the exact original source. Lists of this type are common and I have made extensive modifications to "my" list, above.
We do not sell any product or any information or any subscription in connection with this list, no emergency supplies, no vitamins, etc.
My personal feeling is that as we approach the winter of 2009, good preparations will be increasingly important for all of us.
Be prepared, you’ll never regret it.
Be prepared, if not for yourself, for your neighbors and for your children.
Terry
Photo credit. The Great Encebado Fire, Taos New Mexico, 2003, near our gallery on Kit Carson Road. I think Susan Kregel Turner took the photo---though I am not sure. The raged for days, we managed to breathe by using fans to force air through wet sheets. After years of previous fires we began long for the green trees and longer snow season in Colorado; ultimately we returned to Ridgway, near Telluride, where we daily had coffee with Red Mountain looking down on our patio. More fire photos by Taos artist, Kevin McDermott http://www.hmscrown.com/fine_art/McDermott/Taos_Fire.html
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