Being Prepared for Emergencies!

 

What Being Prepared for a Real State of Emergency Truly Means...

 

Most people get caught with no backup plan or resources to use.  They are completely out of everything, and if no stores are opened and/or they have no way to get what they need, they are literally in a very bad and possibly even deadly situation.  Not being prepared for a visit from someone you were not expecting can be very frustrating and even pretty embarrassing.  However, not having the tools and things you need to survive in extreme cases can cost you your sanity and your life.

 

What we are doing now is looking at the most important list that anyone can ever have for survival.  Yes, it is true that a 150-proof or higher bottle of medical-grade Vodka is a good thing to have for medical purposes; most people will just drink it for stress relief instead of waiting to use it for cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or fever.  Likewise, it is true that military packs of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are a great thing to have, but they cost too much now and are not as good or satisfying as the canned goods on our list.  So, with that being said, I have at least mentioned the strong alcohol and the MREs; however, they are not a realistic part of what most people will buy.  Some will definitely get the alcohol; however, it will probably not be as strong as stated above.  I see most people stocking up on good ol' Jack Daniels & Jim Beam as opposed to 150+ proof vodka.  Anyway, I've covered it now, so let's get on with the very basics of what to expect.

 

If an extreme event of nature or war causes you to go without any power, communications, fresh water, gas, or a way to get food and medical supplies—YOU had better be prepared!  When all unholy hell breaks loose, who are you going to call?  Ghostbusters?  I don't think so...  You most likely will have no way to call ANYONE!  Therefore, look around your living room, kid; you're on your own.

 

When society is hit hard, everyone turns into panicked and paranoid creatures that are under extreme STRESS!  The only ones you can count on are you and your family if they are in your home with you at the time.  So, having at least most of what you need for a while will at least give you enough time to group your thoughts and get your act together.  If you don't have what you need, then you are going to be just as messed up as nearly everyone else at the time.  And you definitely do NOT want to be in that massive boat of epic stress, confusion, chaos, and misfortune.

 

In grave times of need, the stores will be immediately broken into, and ALL important supplies for survival will be very quickly gone.  Even if you had all the money on Earth, there would be nothing locally that you could even find.  EVERYTHING WILL BE GONE!

 

This is the exact reason that truly smart people use their wisdom to STOCK UP on the following when they can.  They know that an emergency happens with little to no warning.  Therefore, by the time a big event occurs, it will be too late.  So, I put together this layout and simple article to help you get prepared.  Its purpose is to guide people in the correct line of thought of getting what they REALLY NEED and not a bunch of cheap junk that they truly don't.

 

The Most Important Items to Stock Up On:

 

First, the number one concern is the most important foods based on our real health needs.  So, this list starts with the number one need and goes down in the direct order of importance.

 

At the very TOP are high-fiber and high-protein-based foods.  Everything in this list should be in a container that is able to last for at least 3 years or more.  Most products in cans and jars are usually good for consumption up to 1 or 2 years past their expiration date.  They will taste better if eaten before they expire; however, most are still very healthy and can be eaten long after their actual stated dates.  The main thing is to stay stocked up with NEW items by using the old ones first.  Therefore, when you shop for emergency supplies, only buy what has at least another 2 years to go before it reaches the product's stated expiration date.  Now, let's begin with the list...

 

Our biggest concern is protein and fiber:

 

Canned Beans: Black, Red, Kidney, Pinto, etc.

 

Canned Meats: Tuna, Chicken, Beef, Sardines, etc.  (Avoid cheap meats such as spam, Vienna sausages, potted meats, etc.)

 

Canned Beef and Chicken Stews

 

Canned Chili

 

Large Jars of Peanut Butter

 

Large Containers of Mixed Nuts

 

Containers of Single Nuts (Peanuts, Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts, etc.)

 

Cans or Pouches of Boiled Peanuts

 

Bags of Dried Beans

 

The next thing is basic nutrition and electrolytes:

 

Canned tomatoes and cans of mixed vegetables

 

V8 and Tomato Juice (avoid fake fruit juices that are mostly sugar)

 

Canned Vegetable Soups

 

Real Honey

 

Popcorn kernels that can be cooked in a pot with vegetable oil over an open fire

 

Large Bags of Corn Chips (avoid cheap, oily potato chips and puffy snacks)

 

Saltine & Ritz crackers

 

Large Boxes of Cheez-It Crackers

 

Whole Wheat & Oat Cereals (Honey Bunches of Oats, Frosted or Unfrosted Mini-Wheats, etc.)

 

Regular Oatmeal & Cream of Wheat

 

Rice

 

Powdered Milk & Powdered/Instant Eggs

 

Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour

 

Salt & Pepper (spices that you normally use and like, as well as those you may eventually need)

 

Regular Sugar

 

Apple Cider Vinegar & White Distilled Vinegar

 

Soy sauce and other sauces you may need for cooking

 

Salad Dressings & Spreads (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)...

 

Fresh Bottled Water (5-gallon jugs and large packs of individual bottles)

 

Now for the next part of emergency supplies:

 

Medicines for the common cold, allergies, headaches, fever, body pain, and plenty of top-quality topical antibacterial ointments for cuts, burns, insect bites, and scrapes 

 

Medical-grade iodine and rubbing alcohol.

 

Vicks VapoRub

 

Band-Aids & Bandages

 

Slings/gear for arm and leg injuries

 

Medical tape

 

Next are the basics for around-the-home needs:

 

Plenty of high-quality fresh batteries

 

Solar lights and portable solar generator/chargers for phones, computers, and basic equipment.

 

Large battery-operated fans like the Ryobi 18-volt fans

 

Basic soaps and cleaning supplies

 

Real Bleach & Strong Disinfectants (for countertops, showers, sinks, and floors)

 

Trash Bags & Paper Towels

 

Real hand towels that can be washed and reused

 

Body Soap & Shampoo

 

Mouthwash & Toothpaste

 

Plenty of butane gas and at least two butane stoves for cooking

 

Material to build an outdoor grill that uses wood—not charcoal

 

Stock up on plenty of gas and oil for your vehicles.

 

A gas generator for big uses and important power needs

 

A large 50-gallon drum or multiple large containers for catching and storing water for washing dishes and clothes, flushing toilets, and taking baths.

 

Packs of matches and new lighters for starting fires

 

Flashlights & Solar Lanterns

 

Extra blankets, pillows, emergency heaters, and winter gear for cold areas

 

Standard tools for the home and yard

 

Chainsaw with extra chains

 

Large handsaws and axes

 

Crowbars

 

Self-defense supplies 

 

Duct Tape, Gorilla Glue & Caulk

 

Candles

 

These are just the basics of what people truly need to survive in harsh situations.  If a family is forced to go without any power, gas, or the access to get more food and freshwater for over a month, they must be prepared.  Having an emergency supply of at least one can of beans, one can of soup, one can of vegetables, and one bowl of quality cereal, with plenty of good juice, tea, and fresh water to drink per person every day, is essential for basic survival.  The snacks of crackers, corn chips, and popcorn will greatly aid in the extra energy needs and prevent the extra stress of feeling sluggish and being hungry. 

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Sir Richard N. Rockfire