I think it’s time we talk about survival items that you can start, or continue to stock up on now for any emergency that may come your way. This list is by no means an entire list of survival items, but at least it’s something to make us look over our prep stash and add, rotate, or discard any items that expired beyond usability.
Water will always be my number one survival item, but after that, these are not necessarily in order of importance. I will be writing several of these over the next few weeks, mainly to help those just getting started prepping, and for those who have prepped for many years, to be ready for any scenario.
45 Survival Items
1. Water
This is a given. I recommend four gallons of water per day per person. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per day per person. I will leave the amount up to you. I get thirsty just thinking of only one gallon per day, but I always think beyond the bare necessity.
2. Food
This is also a given. I will share my Food Storage Sheet to help you figure out how much food you need to store. I do not count calories, I choose the food I eat every day and the staples to help me cook from scratch. Where Do I Start? You can fill in the blanks for seven days worth of meals. Easy peasy.
3. Flashlight
You can choose a flashlight with batteries or a solar one. If you decide on a battery one, then, of course, you must store the appropriate batteries.
4. First Aid Kit
I hope you have a first aid kit that you have stocked and that you rotate the goods stored within. If the stores close, you may not be able to get your favorite over-the-counter drugs you love to use. I am going to add essential oils in this section because I rely on them heavily for many uses. Here is my popular First Aid Kit with a printable list available to print out. I also want to suggest some Bag Balm and Epsom Salts
5. Emergency Whistle
This survival item may just save your life. You can buy some whistles that you can hang around your neck and alert people if you are lost or under some fallen materials. These are the ones I have purchased Plastic Emergency Whistles These can be heard up to a mile away.
6. Water Filter/Purifier
There are two that I recommend that I have in my preparedness items. I always recommend having more than one type in case one should fail. These make great Christmas gifts, by the way. Berkey-Sport Bottle or LifeStraw Personal Filter
7. Good Knife
You never know when you will need a knife, or two or three. I have a variety of knives for different uses. The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife is a great one for most all camping needs and possible self-defense. Here is another great one for multi-task uses Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
8. Map & Compass
You can’t always rely on the GPS on our phones, so having a compass is one more way to find our way. They are lightweight and inexpensive. Be sure and have a state or city paper map in your emergency bags and in your car.
9. Fire Starter
Be sure and have more than one way to start a fire. You may need to cook meals and stay warm, to name a few. You need to store waterproof matches, regular matches, and maybe even some InstaFire (I love this stuff, you can start a fire in the snow). InstaFire
10. Cordage
You can use cordage in so many ways. You may have to repel from a mountain, drag an animal or tie some stuff together. This one is a military-type Titan 550 Paracord
11. Paper Towels
You can use these for spills, starting a fire, cooking meals, and washing your hands.
12. Calendars
Your phone may not work, so these would become useful to check off each day or to set goals. Remember, your phone may not work in a massive power outage or an EMP. I highly recommend you read “Lights Out”.
13. Books
If the power is out for days you may enjoy reading a book or two, right? Knowledge is everything.
14. Tent
I’m not talking about a $2,500.00 tent, just a tent that may give you shelter if you are evacuated from your home. Tarps is another one, thanks, Leanne.
15. Blankets
Blankets can be used for protection from the elements and block a doorway to keep you warm in one room. Cover your windows if it’s cold outside and your heater does not work.
16. Bug Spray
We have so many mosquitoes this year, you understand why we need bug spray.
17. Cast Iron Pans
These are awesome because you can cook outside if you have the fuel. I store briquettes, lump charcoal, raw wood, and pinecones. My favorite cast iron pan is a 6-quart Dutch oven. You can make bread, a casserole, boil water, and make biscuits in one. It’s not just for peach cobbler anymore, although that’s delicious!
18. Instant Coffee
I don’t need to say anything else, this is a must-have for most people. Think barter, if you don’t drink coffee, trust me on this one. This is my new favorite Instant Coffee, Jacob’s Velvet Coffee.
19. Hand Sanitizer/Baby Wipes
You can never have too much of this stuff. Do you love clean hands as much as I do? You can always use baby wipes, right?
20. Toothbrushes
We all feel better if we have brushed our teeth. If some families need to move in with you, please have a stash of toothbrushes and toothpaste for them.
21. Hair Needs
Be sure and store some combs and hairbrushes for yourself and families that may have to live with you after an unforeseen disaster.
22. Deodorant
No one needs body odor when we’re in the middle of a disaster or when we’re cleaning up an unforeseen emergency. It’s all about mental health, if you feel good, you are more likely to be happy.
23. Best Survival Books
24. Garbage Bags
We need these for garbage, possible body bags, and temporary toilet liners.
25. Baggies
You can always use bags or baggies in several different sizes.
26. Board/Card Games
If we’re stuck at home because of a pandemic, severe weather or a major disaster games will help defer anxious feelings.
27. Candles/Lights
One really cool idea is using those solar yard lights to gather the sun’s rays and power up for lights at night. Bring the lights in at night and take them back outside to power up for the next day. These are cheap and they work. You may want to store some lanterns because they can light up a room. Please remember to test the amount of light they project before an emergency. You want to be familiar with the ones you have stored in your preps.
Candles are fine, but I do not store them. There are convenience issues, but also safety concerns.
28. Sleeping Bags
If you have sleeping bags you can stay warm if you buy the right ones. Check out the temps on each sleeping bag to see if they will work for you. If you live in the desert you can get by with a lighter one compared to where snow is falling every day.
29. Tarps
Sometimes you just need a tarp, right?
30. Toilet Paper
You get the drift, stock up, please.
31. Paper Plates, Cups, and Silverware
If we have a disaster we may not want to use all the water we have stored for washing dishes. Having these paper products can save us water and time. You can always burn the paper products (in a safe location) if you have zero garbage pickup.
32. Aluminum Foil
I use aluminum foil for so many things. Aluminum Foil by Linda
33. Escape Tool For Your Vehicle
I have several of these because if you need to cut a seatbelt or break a window, you have it NOW. Vehicle Tool
34. Umbrellas
Sometimes you just need an umbrella, right? Or maybe two.
35. Four In One Tool
This is a great tool that’s used for turning off gas lines and water shutoff valves. 4 In-1 Tool
36. Pencil and Paper
You can always use pencils and paper. Crayons melt so I’m not adding those here.
37. Duct Tape
You can never have too many rolls of duct tape, right?
38. Emergency Washing Machine
If you have some tubs or buckets you can at least wash your underwear. I also have a post in my archives about how to make an emergency washing machine. Check it out. Emergency Washing Machine
39. Clothesline and Clothespins
If you wash your clothes, you need a way to hang them up, right? Don’t skimp on the clothespins, trust me, some are sold that do not last more than one load of wash. I may need to do a giveaway with some of my favorites called Kevin’s Clothespins
40. Condoms
What can I say, they will be needed.
41. Book Lights
If we lose power and we have zero light, having a book light would be awesome! You can at least read a book or two.
42. Wagon
You may need a wagon, a large one to haul things that you can’t carry alone.
43. Coolers
If we lose power our refrigerator or freezer may be okay for two, possibly three days. Yes, you can store water jugs in them, but eventually, you may have to transfer the food to some coolers. Hopefully, you can procure some ice. These coolers will stay cold for five days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Igloo 120-gallon Cooler
44. Cloth Diapers
I highly recommend getting some cloth diapers for babies, toddlers, and adults. It’s a fact of life, they will be needed if the stores are closed for weeks or months. I can hear some young mothers saying, “yay, I love cloth diapers.” You may also hear, “there is no way I am using cloth diapers.” I raised all four of my daughters with cloth diapers and saved lots of money and protected the environment.
45. Griddle
I picture making a lot of pancakes after an emergency. Yes, I’ll be cooking outside and loving every minute. Please remember, you start with a few things and keep adding to them. You can do this, we can do this. Life is good if we can sleep at night knowing we are prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world.
Copyright Images: Emergency: AdobeStock_109228559
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