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100 Items That Disappear Fast And First When A Disaster Strikes.

6K views 48 replies 29 participants last post by  CCinaG26 
#1 ·
100 Items to Disappear First

I did not compile this particular list. It is a Copy & Paste from one of my PDF files. You might have additional items that you feel need to be added.
So feel free to add additional items in follow-up posts.

I DO want to keep this thread relatively UN-Drecked up without unrelated, OFF TOPIC, or nonsensical comments that are not useful/helpful/or applicable.

So if your post gets deleted you'll know WHY in advance.

Personal comments are fine but, DO keep in mind that this will be primarily a reference forum.

If you want to make an off topic, silly, or funny comment - fine - just make certain that SOMETHING HELPFUL is added right along with it.


1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves;
maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR
PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without
this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens


From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and
friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.
1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate
near renewable food sources.

2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.

3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war
quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.

4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to
do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)

5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without
heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of
the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs
enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in
bulk.

6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more
valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival
guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll
have a lot of time on your hands.

7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many
people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of
toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to
lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.

8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches
 
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#2 ·
i have the EXACT same list.
i will add medicine. most of us think about guns and bullets. some of us think about camping/survival gear. some of us think about food.

medicine. just as many people die from infection during these times as from bullets. this is a time when someone forgetting to wash their hands after going potty can kill an entire family.

DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!!!! but you can score ALL forms of prescription anitbiotics as fish supplies. Fish Mox, Fish Ampro. if you decide to do this you MUST get a Nurses Drug Guide. i found mine used online for .39 cents. and then paid 4 dollars to ship it. less than $5 total.

you can also get hemostatic agents/gauze online.

i have a small homestead with a well and i keep chickens. i have stocked food, water, and ammo/guns/supplies for a long time. my focus as of late has been on medicine.

real preppers call this the 3 B's. Beans, Bullets, and Bandages.

even if you don't believe civil war, or zombies, or Russian Commando's will be dropping out of the sky, Katrina was apocolyspe enough for those that died during it....

EDIT- and MUCINEX (gauifenex) ... a simple chest or head cold becomes pneumonia...and ur dead. a litte mucinex stocked up can prevent a lot of misery...
 
#4 ·
I ALSO WANT TO ADD THIS.

AGAIN....NOT MINE....Some items may not be practical, necessary, or applicable.

Yes, I know that the bottom is a mess but, that is the way it copied - Do your best to sift through it. I am not spending a ton of time to make it more easily readable.

If anybody want to copy and paste it into a new post and clean it up I will be happy to delete the messed up version at the end of this post.

ALSO: Prices of items may no longer be accurate.

$20 a week food pantry plan
WEEK ONE 5 lbs sugar $2.00 3 lbs. Crisco $3.00 5 lbs. flour $2.00 5 lbs. rice $2.00 6 cans tuna $2.00 5 lbs. beans $3.00 3 cans spaghetti sauce $3.00 5 lbs spaghetti $3.00

WEEK TWO 1 box oatmeal $3.00 5 lbs lentils $2.00 3 boxes saltines $3.00 1 case ramen noodles $2.50 1 can baking powder $1.50 1 can coffee $4.00 5 cans condensed milk $4.00

WEEK THREE 10 lbs. complete pancake mix $5.00 1 gallon pancake syrup $5.00 12 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup $6.00 2 canned hams $4.00

WEEK FOUR beef bullion cubes $4.00 Chicken bullion cubes $4.00 Granulated garlic $4.00 Black pepper $4.00 8# brown sugar $4.00

WEEK FIVE 1 #10 can instant potatoes $3.00 6 boxes Little Debbie snacks $6.00 20 lbs chicken @ .49 lb. to home can 2 boxes salt $1.20

WEEK SIX 10# 15% fat (or less) hamburger to can $20.00 WEEK SEVEN 20 cans Progresso or other ‘no water added’ soup $19.80

WEEK EIGHT 2 cans coffee $8.00 1 container poultry gravy mix $4.00 1 container brown gravy mix $4.00 2 canned hams $4.00

WEEK NINE 1 box powdered milk $16.00 1 box tea bags $4.00

WEEK TEN 10 boxes breakfast cereal $20.00

WEEK ELEVEN 25 lbs. Sugar $9.00 25 lbs. Flour $5.00 25 lbs. Beans $6.00

WEEK TWELVE 36 pack dbl. Rolls toilet paper $10.00 10 lbs. Chicken quarters for canning $9.90

WEEK THIRTEEN 12 cans spinach $6.00 12 cans peas $6.00 12 cans green beans $6.00 2 cans spaghetti sauce $2.00

WEEK FOURTEEN 1 grow light assorted seeds WEEK FIFTEEN 12 cans mixed vegetables $9.00 1 #10 can instant potatoes $3.00 4 canned hams $8.00

WEEK SIXTEEN 1 carton dehydrated hash browns $5.00 12 cans diced tomatoes $6.00 12 cans whole kernel corn $6.00 6 rolls 25 sf. aluminum foil $3.00

WEEK SEVENTEEN 1 #10 can sliced peaches $3.00 1 #10 can sliced apples $3.00
1 #10 can fruit cocktail $3.00 1 #10 can applesauce $3.00 12 cans mushrooms pieces $6.00 2 cans pink salmon $2.00

WEEK EIGHTEEN 16 rolls paper towels $11.00 9 boxes tissue $9.00

WEEK NINETEEN 25 lbs. sugar $9.00 25 lbs. beans $6.00 Large box of Bisquick $5.00

WEEK TWENTY 1 #10 can of cocoa powder $5.00 10 cans refried beans $8.00 10 cans of tuna $5.00 2 - 100 ct packs of paper plates $2.00

WEEK TWENTY-ONE 36 pack dbl. Rolls toilet paper $11.00 6 cans spaghetti sauce $6.00 6 lbs of spaghetti $3.00

WEEK TWENTY-TWO assorted sauces & condiments, 1 of each; hot sauce soy sauce Worcestershire sauce teriyaki sauce liquid smoke gravy master ketchup mustard mayo

WEEK TWENTY-THREE assorted condiments, continued; pickle relish olives pickles salad dressings

WEEK TWENTY-FOUR 4 cans pink salmon $4.00
3 lbs Crisco shortening $3.00 5 lbs rice $2.00 12 boxes of asst cake mix $9.60

WEEK TWENTY-FIVE 2 lb pk pecan halves $6.00 2 lb pk walnut halves $6.00 12 cans pork & beans $6.00

WEEK TWENTY-SIX 10 lb bag of chocolate chips $9.00 2 cases ramen noodles $5.00 30 packs of kool-aid $3.00 6 lbs of pasta $3.00

WEEK TWENTY-SEVEN 5 lbs sugar $2.00 3 cans pink salmon $3.00 5 lbs. flour $2.00 5 lbs. rice $2.00 6 cans tuna $2.00 5 lbs. pinto or kidney beans for chili to home can $3.00 3 cans spaghetti sauce $3.00 5 lbs spaghetti $3.00

WEEK TWENTY-EIGHT 1 box oatmeal $3.00 1 bottle canola oil $2.00 3 boxes saltines $3.00 1 lg. pkg. egg noodles $2.50 1 can baking powder $1.50 1 can coffee $4.00 5 cans evaporated milk $4.00

WEEK TWENTY-NINE 1 gal. Vinegar $3.00 5# split peas $3.00 1 can Nestlé’s Quick $3.00 20 lbs chicken @ .49 lb. to home can 2 boxes salt $1.00

WEEK THIRTY 10# 15% fat (or less) hamburger to make chili to home can $20.00

WEEK THIRTY-ONE
16 cans Progresso or other ‘no water added’ soup $16.00 2 boxes salt $1.00 1 can Nestlé’s Quick $3.00

WEEK THIRTY-TWO 2 cans coffee $8.00 1 bottle olive oil $6.00 1 box 48 apple cider drink mix $6.00

WEEK THIRTY-THREE 1 box powdered milk $16.00 1 box tea bags $4.00

WEEK THIRTY-FOUR 25 lbs. Sugar $9.00 25 lbs. Flour $5.00 25 lbs. Beans $6.00 WEEK THIRTY-FIVE 36 pack dbl. Rolls toilet paper $10.00 10 lbs. Chicken quarters for canning $9.90

WEEK THIRTY-SIX 25 lbs. sugar $9.00 25 lbs. beans $6.00 Large box of Bisquick $5.00

WEEK THIRTY-SEVEN 10 cans refried beans $8.00 20 cans of tuna $10.00 2 - 100 ct packs of paper plates $2.00

WEEK THIRTY-EIGHT 12 cans spinach $6.00 12 cans peas $6.00 12 cans green beans $6.00 2 cans spaghetti sauce $2.00

WEEK THIRTY-NINE 12 cans mixed vegetables $9.00 1 #10 can instant potatoes $3.00 4 canned hams $8.00

WEEK FORTY 1 bone-in ham to can $8.00 12 cans diced tomatoes $6.00
12 cans whole kernel corn $6.00

WEEK FORTY-ONE 1 box powdered milk $16.00 1 3 pk cornstarch $4.00

WEEK FORTY-TWO 1 #10 can sliced peaches $3.00 1 #10 can sliced apples $3.00 1 #10 can fruit cocktail $3.00 1 #10 can applesauce $3.00 12 cans mushrooms pieces $6.00 2 cans pink salmon $2.00

WEEK FORTY-THREE 25 lbs. sugar $9.00 25 lbs. beans $6.00 large box of Bisquick $5.00 WEEK FORTY-FOUR 16 rolls paper towels $11.00 4 boxes asst. hot cereal $9.00

WEEK FORTY-FIVE 1 #10 can of cocoa powder $5.00 10 cans refried beans $8.00 10 cans of tuna $5.00 4 # brown sugar $2.00 WEEK FORTY-SIX 36 pack dbl. Rolls toilet paper $11.00 6 cans spaghetti sauce $6.00 6 lbs of spaghetti $3.00

WEEK FORTY-SEVEN 1 large jar peanut butter $4.00 1 can Tang instant drink mix $4.00 6 boxes cake mix $6.00 2 jars jelly or jam $6.00

WEEK FORTY-EIGHT 8 boxes breakfast cereal $16.00 1 can or jar honey $4.00

WEEK FORTY-NINE 20 cans tuna $10.00
16 rolls paper towels $10.00

WEEK FIFTY 1 large jar peanut butter $4.00 2 jars jelly or jam $6.00 5- 100 ct. paper plates $5.00 10 # powdered sugar $5.00

WEEK FIFTY-ONE 6 cans Spam or luncheon loaf $9.00 10 # box baking soda $3.00 large pkg. or jar yeast $8.00

WEEK FIFTY-TWO baking powder $1.50 2 jars or cans honey $8.50 12 cans evaporated milk $9.60
$20.00

WEEKLY PLAN TOTALS STAPLES flour- 60 lbs white sugar- 110 lbs brown sugar- 12 lbs powdered sugar- 10 lbs salt- 6 lbs baking soda- 1 10 lb box baking powder- 3 cans yeast- 1 large Crisco- 6 lbs canola oil-1 olive oil-1 vinegar- 1 gal. 3 pack cornstarch-1 DRINKS coffee- 6 cans tea- 2 boxes Kool-Aid- 30 packs powdered milk- 3 extra large boxes evaporated milk- 22 cans Nestlé’s quick- 2 cans apple cider mix-1 box tang- 1 can BREAKFAST FOODS
oatmeal- 2 boxes pancake mix- 10 lbs syrup- 1 gallon cold cereal- 18 boxes bisquick- 2 large boxes asst. hot cereal 4 boxes

BEANS, PEAS & LENTILS assorted- 110 lbs split peas- 5 lbs lentils- 5 lbs RICE, PASTA, POTATOES rice-15 lbs spaghetti- 22 lbs assorted pasta-11 lbs ramen noodles- 3 cases instant potatoes- 3- #10 cans dehydrated hash browns- 1 carton egg noodles- 1 large

CANNED VEGETABLES spinach- 24 cans peas- 24 cans green beans- 24 cans mixed vegetables- 24 cans diced tomatoes- 24 cans whole kernel corn- 24 cans mushroom pieces- 24 cans refried beans- 20 cans pork & beans- 12 cans CANNED MEATS & FISH hams- 12 tuna- 52 pink salmon-11 Spam- 6 SOUPS & SAUCES spaghetti sauce- 22 cans ready to eat soup- 36 cans condensed cream soups- 12 cans SPICES & CONDIMENTS (spices in restaurant sized containers; sold by weight, approx. 1 quart size container- from 5 oz to 26 oz.)
Black pepper- 1 granulated garlic- 1 beef bullion cubes- 1 chicken bullion cubes- 1 poultry gravy mix- 1 brown gravy mix- 1 condiments- hot sauce- 1 soy sauce- 1 Worcestershire sauce- 1 teriyaki sauce- 1 liquid smoke- 1 gravy master- 1 ketchup- 1 mustard- 1 mayo- 1 pickle relish- 1 olives- 1 pickles- 1 salad dressings- 1


MISCELLANEOUS FOOD ITEMS #10 can cocoa powder- 2 10 lb bag of chocolate chips- 1 assorted cake mixes- 18 2 lb bags of walnut halves- 1 2 lb bags of pecan halves- 1 saltine crackers- 6 boxes Little Debbie snacks- 6 boxes peanut butter- 2 large jelly or jam - 4 jars honey- 3 cans or jars

FOOD ITEMS TO HOME CAN OR RE-PROCESS whole chicken- 40 lbs chicken hindquarters- 20 lbs lean hamburger- 20 lbs- 5 lbs to be used to make chili to home can #10 cans sliced peaches- 2 #10 cans sliced apples- 2 #10 cans fruit cocktail- 2 #10 cans applesauce- 2 1 bone-in ham 5 lbs pinto or kidney beans for chili -1

PAPER GOODS & MISCELLANY
double rolls toilet paper- 144 rolls; paper towels- 48 boxes; facial tissue- 9 paper plates, 100 ct. packs- 7 aluminum foil rolls- 6 NOW! It's done... I'm sure there will be things on these lists that you may not like or use. You have to remember that this is not set in stone. It is meant to be a guide to kick start your thinking processes so that you can see how much easier it is to stock up if you just have a plan! If you do and will utilize everything on these lists, good for you! The only thing you have to do now is print & go shopping! Another thing you need to understand is that there is no way I can tell you how many people this will feed or for how long. This is so subjective it can't be calculated. What I can tell you is how it would work for my family but, you need to know that I can make an excellent meal out of what others think is an empty pantry. When I look at this list I see; 110 lbs. of beans = 110 meals 22 cans of spaghetti sauce = 33 meals 12 cans of condensed cream soups= 12 meals (when combined w/ 1 pint canned hamburger or 1 canned ham or 2 cans tuna or 1 pint canned chicken 15 lbs rice = 30 meals (when combined w/ canned chicken or made into sweet rice or served w/ 1 pint canned hamburger & gravy from gravy mix 60 lbs chicken (total)=60 pints or 30 quarts of chicken for soup, chicken pot pie, etc., and 30 pints minimum of chicken broth. 24 cans of mushrooms = 12 for combining w/ other meals and 12 for soup Without breaking down the entire list, I've just named 257 meals for my family of 3 or 6, depending on who is here. Yes, I can use other stuff on the list to stretch and feed twice as many. It's all just a matter of using veggies, pasta, biscuits, bread and desserts to fill out the meal. If you have a garden, that's even better. There are also a lot of things that are not on this list, and maybe a lot of them should be but with limited funds you have to make do. If you truly bargain shop, you can actually have change each week to put up for some of those other purchases. For example, I listed the canned veggies at 50 cents a can... right now, I can save from 7
to 12 cents per can by shopping at either Wal-Mart or Food for Less. Another is the chicken for canning. The list has 40 lbs of whole chicken at 49 cents per lb. That would be a total of $19.60 Right now, with the Holidays looming, you can get turkey at rock bottom prices. I have gotten 4 turkeys so far, 1 was free with purchase, and of the 3 others, I paid 18 cents a lb for one, and 19 cents a lb for the other 2. So if you don't have a problem substituting turkey for chicken, you should be able to get double the 'bang for your buck', so to speak, with a little change left over. I got 77 lbs of turkey total, for $12.33. That works out to just a hair over 16 cents per lb! I don't know about you but, I can't think of another food I can buy for 16 cents a pound! I'll put in a separate post about the other things that you can buy to fill in the gaps in your pantry. You also need to realize that these lists are based on the presumption that you already have something in you kitchen, and are not starting from scratch.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Good info for everybody! A couple of additional items that were in VERY limited supply after the numerous hurricanes I lived and worked through 1) plywood (some people drove 300 miles to get some 1/2" CDX) 2) cordless drills w/ extra batteries to be charged off generator listed above.
 
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#6 ·
Pressure cooker for canning. You can use to stockpile food before a disaster. And store food after a disaster.

Visit your county extension agent. Tons of resources on food storage and what grow well in your area.

When shopping for kerosene lanterns and stoves look for the ones that run off diesel fuel also. Same thing with Coleman fuel stoves, they make them that will run off unleaded fuel.

Solar car battery charger. RV supply stores have them. Good for running anything in a camper.

Stabil fuel stabilizer.

Learn a craft that can be bartered. We have lots holster makers on here, learn to make horse harnesses for plowing.

Keep cash money. ATM will not do you any good without electricity.

During a long term, widespread disaster gas will hard to get and has a short shelf life. Diesel powered stuff is a better option. Diesel fuel stores a long time, but will grow algae, clogging up fuel filters. You can filter burnt motor oil and run it in a Diesel engine.

After Katrina I went a long time with out electricity. A 5000 watt generator will burn 10 gallons of gas everyday. It will need an oil change everyday.
 
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#19 ·
Great post! There are a number of good posts on this thread, but yours contained the most info that i DID NOT KNOW.

I had no clue about how much gas a generator would use, OR that it would need an oil change every day. That amazes me. Of coure it might also explain why that one a client gave me didnt work. I doubt he did much generator oil changin' whilst....engaging in his ...."enterprise".
 
#7 ·
This list, like so many others I see on the Net, was obviously created by someone who has never lived off the land. It also doesn't define the length or type of "disaster." Are we talking about a hurricane, that impacts for days and then goes away, or a major war strike, or the collapse of the U.S. economy, that could return the entire country to primitive times for months or more.

Regardless of which, many items listed are either not useful or unrealistic (especially for a duration of more than a month that assumes you will be entirely on your own.) I've copied the entire list and have deleted the ones that make no sense (if it had any use at all, I left it.) For a duration of 2 weeks or less, some of them could be added back to the list. Some of the most important items didn't make it onto the list until near the end, while other things that are questionable made the top 10. If you have questions as to why, ask:

2. Water Filters/Purifiers
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR
PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook stoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
94. Wine/Liquors (for bartering)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
 
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#9 ·
This is all well and good. :yup:

I WANT folks to make additions and for members to have the ability to run through tons of suggested items and be able to use this as a reference/resource aid to "pick & Choose" and compile their own list.

And if any member thinks that some items are not practical or necessary or whatever - post accordingly. :yup:

That is exactly what I would like members to do.

Everything perfectly fine so far.

CARRY ON! :king:
 
#10 ·
This is all well and good. :yup:

I WANT folks to make additions and for members to have the ability to run through tons of suggested items and be able to use this as a reference/resource aid to "pick & Choose" and compile their own list.

And if any member thinks that some items are not practical or necessary or whatever - post accordingly. :yup:

That is exactly what I would like members to do.

Everything perfectly fine so far.

CARRY ON! :king:
Glad you agree with my assessment of #1
 
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#11 ·
Iodine tablets for purifying water.
Paraffin soaked cotton balls, fire starter even when wet.
Now don’t laugh, unlubricated condoms, they do not take up much space and will hold a quart or more of water without bursting.
Hard candies, good for a quick perk up and can be crushed to use as a sweetener.
Plastic storage bags, Ziplock or similar for storage or waterproofing small items.
 
#32 ·
Good points except for the Paraffin soaked cotton balls. It would be better to have the two as separate items in a stash. Once you combine the cotton balls with the wax, they become a limited use item. Having a few is good. But, having the cotton balls and wax as discreet items is far more useful. The cotton balls can be used for wounds and first aid, could be pulled into thread for weaving and string, packing for warmth and a myriad of other uses. The wax could be turned into candles, used in preservation of food and as lubricant for moving parts (zippers for example). And if needed you can combine them later and make the fire starters.
 
#31 ·
BHT food preservative for gas. For diesel it is only need to keep algea from growing, a tiny bit of gas, or using California approved diesel will stop that. I have used many drums of free "old" diesel after running it through a filter/water separator.
Drying fish or meat? window screening stops flies.
 
#14 ·
I thought the list is a great starting place. The wife and I worry more about preservation than running out of most of the things on that list. I think salt should be very high on a persons list of things to have as well as Honey. Natural disasters sell generators however if the electrical grid is down where does the fuel come from.

I have to agree with common sense but I am not sure it is abundant when things are normal let alone during stress and disaster.
 
#15 ·
I thought the list is a great starting place. The wife and I worry more about preservation than running out of most of the things on that list. I think salt should be very high on a persons list of things to have as well as Honey. .
Forgot about salt. My dad used to have salt box for pork. I don't remember exactly how he salted the pork. Guess I need to read up on that.

I still can vegetables, fruits, meats and soups and stews. Need to quit relying on the deep freezer so much. I have dehydrated fruit on the roof before. I had Phillipino neighbors in California that dehydrated fish on the roof. It looked kind of gross but apparently it worked. Got covered with flies, but worked. I have been to many countries where waving the flies off hanging meat was the norm.
 
#16 ·
Interesting. I was just thinking about what if I could only have 3 items, what would they be. Right now, I'm thinking: 1) knife and sharpening stone, 2)fire starter, and 3)paracord. Extending that out, I think a nice pellet rifle for suburban areas would be good. There's quite a bit to eat around in the form of squirrels and rabbits. It became quite obvious in our last ice storm that the 'just in time' delivery of groceries to stores means that once the stores are picked clean, you are on your own. I think it was 3 days+ for them to recover once the supply lines were opened again.
 
#17 ·
what about pickling and canning/jarring?
i keep chickens and i am wondering what to do with my surplus of eggs this summer. i am wondering about pickling. i have pickled plenty of eggs before. just hard boil them and then drop em in a jar of old pickle juice and let em go for a few weeks. however, since that vinegar has already pickled some, pickles, is it still "strong" enough to give the eggs a decent shelf life? what should i expect? should i get fresh vinegar? should i seal them hot or cold?
 
#26 ·
You use a pressure cooker to can with canning jars. Try to get a pressure cooker with a gage rather than a rocker. Walmart has pressure cookers, canning jars, lid rings and seals. The only thing you can't re-use is the seal. The pressure cooker has recipes and directions for canning.
As you know chickens are only productive egg layers for about three years. Then you can can their meat for stews, chicken salad, chicken and dumpling, Mexican dishes and the list goes on.

Storing food in jars is called canning.
 
#20 ·
I don't see "exes" on the list. Gross oversight.
 
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#22 ·
I have to agree with the war list, TP is right up there with ammo, run out of either and life as you know it is over.
That is why t-shirts have sleeves. In fact, that is why t-shirts exist at all...
 
#23 ·
Windows break.

3/4 inch plexiglass X2
2 rolls clear visqueen (can also be used to line chachments or basins constructed to catch rainfall.

Extra charcoal for water purification for long term. With a heat source, you can boil out the biota and then build a sand and charcoal filter to get out most heavy metals (a greater concern in Nevada for surface water than in other places).

All in all a pretty good list/starting point.
 
#24 ·
Tons of stuff covered in the lists so I will only add my paltry comment and one item.

Firewood. Yep seasoned is better but green wood fresh cut can be burned for home use in a wood burner just as well, you just have to give it more air flow. Certain hardwoods burn easier than others green but only one or two like gum or what we call ironwood around here are almost fireproof green. Run out of seasoned wood just start cutting green or cut green burn mixed with seasoned wood to make your seasoned wood last longer. Do it all the time and all I heat with is wood and have for years.

And my one item to add? Zip ties. You can get heavy ones pretty cheap, store tons of them in a very small space, and do tons of stuff with them. Almost as good as nails at a lot of things. Plus you can use them and hot piece of iron or steel to plastic weld cracked garbage cans or about anything made of Abs or similar plastic to repair these items to good as new condition should they be damaged and no replacements available.
 
#28 ·
Tons of stuff covered in the lists so I will only add my paltry comment and one item.

Firewood. Yep seasoned is better but green wood fresh cut can be burned for home use in a wood burner just as well, you just have to give it more air flow. Certain hardwoods burn easier than others green but only one or two like gum or what we call ironwood around here are almost fireproof green. Run out of seasoned wood just start cutting green or cut green burn mixed with seasoned wood to make your seasoned wood last longer. Do it all the time and all I heat with is wood and have for years.
...what do you do/do you have problems with soot? when i burn green, and about the only thing i burn is lodgepole pine, i have to fill up my stove with cardboard and "burn out" my flu every month to keep the soot down, but i almost never get the chance to burn any hardwoods. what's your experience here?

Emergency TP, the plant mullein is also referred to as cowboy toilet paper and grows just about everywhere in the US. Besides its use as TP when crushed and placed in a small pool it kills the fish like rotenone but is destroyed by cooking making the fish safe to eat.

Verbascum thapsus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ya beat me too it!! only i grew up knowing it, and still call it, Indian Rag Weed. it's got a soft fuzz on it, it's quite pleasant on the backside!! ha! i don't know how many times i used that stuff growing up.

For Pickling you boil you vinegar with the pickling mix then pour the boiling vinegar over the stuff you are pickling. The pressure cooker will have the directions to make your eggs safe for long term storage without refrigeration.
nice. i've been dabbling in some canning. so far just on a stove top with a thermometer and internet instructions, and so far we're eating what we can and not long term storing it, want a little more experience first. thanks for the pointers on pickling.
 
#29 ·
The scarce items after hurricanes Charlie, Francis, and Jeanne were gas containers, cash (credit machines down and communications down), generators, and chain saws.

I keep some canned cash with my food storage now. It sucked to find a gas station with power but that couldn't process credit.
 
#33 ·
Something I don't see on many of the lists...

Buckets. Lots of buckets. Metal and plastic. You are going to need them to hold and move liquids and other stuff. Good old galv pails and 5gal plastic buckets (with lids).

They stack with each other so they consume little space. They can be made into makeshift tables, containers, storage, even cook stoves to conserve fuel. One upside down over a food can form a makeshift oven to concentrate heat from a limited fuel.

Something else to look for is seeds packed in paint buckets sealed and nitrogen filled. The buckets are re-sealable and reusable. The seeds are almost always heirloom seeds which mean they are non-hybrid and their fruit will produce seed to restock the seed stash with. Make sure to get containers of seed for fruits, vegetables, herbs and legumes. Many legumes you buy in bags from the grocery store are from hybrids and may not grow and produce plants capable of growing additional legumes. So its best to have buckets of seeds known to do so.
Here are a few suggestions...
Buckets | Seeds Trust
Non-GMO Garden Seeds 2-gallon Bucket by Food for Health
Survival Seeds Vault $99 2 Acre+ 1.5LB+ Seeds Non-Hybrid/GMO
Lindon Farms Seed Bucket
garden seed bucket | food insurance

I like brown rice for flavor but, its a bad choice generally for long term storage. The bran coating contains many oils and enzymes that cause the rice to go rancid. White long grain rice stores the longest since its husk has been removed.
 
#34 ·
One other thing that will disappear is functioning cell phone service! Don't get to dependant on hi tech apps! We depended on GRMS radios because our 800mghz police radios didn't work during several hurricanes. There were some huge 911 communication problems during these hurricanes. Think old school & low tech that is what actually works during these times.
 
#37 ·
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