37 Things You Need in a Crisis

Dear Preppers and Survivalists,

OK. I need a break from building the chicken coop and writing about it, so I want to talk to you about ...


Have y'all seen the site "37 Things You Need in a Crisis?" Pretty slick ain't it especially for only $49.97. Wow, under $50!!!

Well, I would like to give you my list, for free.

1. Secure Shelter
To me, you and your family need to have shelter that will keep you warm when it's cold, cool when it's warm, and dry when it's raining.

Now, don't misunderstand me. You don't have to heat the whole house in the middle of winter, just one room. The same goes for a hot summer; you and your family just need to cool one room. For my family that's the room we would sleep in.

Heck, you don't even need a house instead you and your family could use a travel trailer for your shelter during a disaster.

2. Water
As everyone knows, without water, you and your family would be dead in about five days, so y'all need to store water. One quart of water a day per person is the minimum; one gallon a day per person would be better, for at least two weeks.

So,

A family of five would need to store 70 gallons for those 14 days.

Don't forget your pets!

3. Food
For starters, y'all need to buy the same kind of food you normally eat.

Once again, a two week supply of the normal canned, boxed, bottled, and bagged food you and your family already eat. If you want to store more, go for it.

Again, don't forget your pets!

4. Protection
For most folks preparing for an economic collapse, handguns should be the first purchase

Yes, I said handguns, with an "s." Your partner is going to need one and any older children, too. I'm thinking sixteenish or older.

You will also need a holster, magazines, and ammunition for the handguns,

Don't forget the safety training.

5. Medical Supplies
Folks, stuff happens like scraps, cuts, burns, diarrhea, constipation, motion sickness, athlete's foot, and ... to name a few, even during disasters, so y'all need to have a first-aid kit. If you want or think you'll need more advance medical supplies, stock the supplies.

Don't forget the multivitamins and any prescription medicines you and your family currently take; you'll need them during a disaster, too. Once again at least a two-week supply.

Oh, I almost forgot.

Contact users. Don't forget your contact supplies!

6. Communications
I believe, a weather alert radio and a small portable AM/FM radio both using AA batteries or a 9 volt battery are the best buys for most folks. The weather alert radio will notify y'all of an immediate threat, and a AM/FM radio will inform you of what's going around you.

7. Transportation
Needless to say, one of the easiest methods of dealing with a disaster is to leave the area, so y'all will need a reliable form of transportation. This could be your family car, bicycles, or a good pair of walking shoes.

Of course, you will need to store fuel, if you and your family plan to use a motorized vehicle for bugging out. Bicycles will need flat repair kits, bicycle pumps, and spare innertubes.

8. Emergency Evacuation Kit
For some disasters, you and your family will need to immediately leave your home. Yes, the police will knock at the door and say something like 'A train has derailed. It was carrying dangerous cargo, and it's leaking. You need to leave right now. Lastly, here is a map for the safest route away from here.'

Trust me. You will believe them because every TV and radio station will be broadcasting about the accident. Heck, friends and family from out of state will be calling you to ask if you're OK.

So,

Your family needs to have pre-packed bags, so you will be ready for that knock.

9. Power Production
For most folks, battery power will be the safest and simplest method of providing light during an emergency. A cheaper method, but more dangerous, is to use candles.

You will also need power to heat your home. A wood stove, fireplace, or maybe a kerosene heater comes to mind. Remember, you'll need to store fuel, too. Plus, all of these methods will allow you to heat food for a warm meal.

10. Other Stuff
Soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, can openers, pots and pans, forks and knives, plates, pillows, blankets, bed sheets and pillow cases, and ...

Long-term food storage (wheat, white rice, dried beans) self-packed in mylar bags, with oxygen absorbers added, stored in plastic bucket or cardboard boxes. Learning how to cook using whole grains. Grain mill to grind the grain to make flour, and ...

Water filters, plans for making a slow sand water filter, maps with the location of rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, and ponds marked on it. Chemicals to treat the water, and ...


OK.

I have to stop because, by now, you know that there is no list that will provide you and your family with all the items y'all will need to survive during a disaster. You will have to do the research, gather the supplies, and learn how to use the tips, techniques, and equipment.