It is important to know what items to buy in preparation for emergencies. But because we are too busy with what are doing in the present, we tend to overlook this simple hack. Worry no further! We’re here to help you make a shopping list fit for the impending Apocalypse.
RELATED: How To Build An Emergency Preparedness Kit For The Whole Family
What to Buy In Preparation for Emergencies
1. Water
You can live for three weeks without food. But without water, you are considered lucky to survive for four days. Just so you know how important an adequate supply of water is for survival. A prepper should at least have 20 gallons of potable water for every person. Aside from this, you also have efficient means to treat or filter dirty water to make it potable.
2. Food
This needed no explanation. You know how it is. The average amount of a calorie a person needs to survive is at least 23,000. Roughly, that’s about 1,500 calories daily. Stock up on ready-to-eat yet relatively nutritious food.
3. Fire
They say water is life but let us not forget how important fire also is. You need fire to cook, as a light source, and defense against predators in the wild. Make sure you have enough supply of matches, lighters, and fire starters.
4. Light Source
Apart from having lighters and fire starters, you should also invest in high-quality light sources. These include flashlights, headlamps, lanterns, or as basic as a pack of candles. With separate devices for lighting, you can save your fire sources for more important uses such as cooking and heating.
5. Shelter
Of course, you can build makeshift abodes in the wild but you can save time and effort by investing in a good quality portable shelter. Aside from the usual tents, we could also make use of tarpaulins that are available for cheap from home depots.
6. Communication Device
Human contact is indispensable during an emergency. You should also put communication devices on your priority list. This will be your lifeline when you hit a wall in a tight situation. Invest in cellphones, two-way ham radios, or one-way NOAA radios.
7. Heating and Cooling Devices
The weather could be your ally but most of the time it is your worst enemy. It’s either you’ll die of extreme cold or excruciating heat. Nowadays, however, there are various portable gizmos designed to cool or provide heat. These include self-heating blankets, portable heaters, and USB-powered electric fans.
8. Tools
Your chances of long-term survival will depend on how well-equipped you are. You will be needing the right tools to make it through Catch 22 situations. Make sure that you prepare yourself a portable yet functional toolbox carrying essentials like knives, ax, duct tape, screwdrivers, and the like.
9. Self-defense Weapons
We all want to live a peaceful life. Sometimes though, securing peace is preparing for war. In a situation gone haywire, chaos ergo lawlessness may reign. You should be capable of defending yourself and your loved ones during this scenario. The most efficient way to do that is with self-defense weapons such as firearms, tasers, and body armor.
10. Medical Supplies
This is also self-explanatory. The importance of a complete first aid kit cannot be stressed enough. It could spell the difference between life and death during the deadliest of emergencies. Check out this article on how to set up a medical emergency kit:
RELATED: How To Build A First Aid Kit
You will never know where an emergency might take you. And sometimes, it will take you to unfamiliar territories looming with danger. It pays to know how to negotiate unchartered terrains. You can do that with navigation devices such as GPS trackers or the old trusty analog compass. Either way, you are safer.
12. Clothing
Prepping for SHTF situations does not require a closet full of elaborate wardrobes. What you only need are the bare essentials. Pack and prepare good pairs of jeans, at least a week worth of shirts, a thermal jacket, ski cap, gloves, and a few pairs of underwear.
13. Cash
Sometimes all you need is cash but not that much. Stash just enough cash so you can use it for emergency purposes. The idea is to be able to afford essential supplies like medicine, extra food rations, and gas money.
14. Mental Health Supply
Much is being said lately regarding how important mental health is. We always focus on physical well-being, but with a distressed mental function, our body is useless. So, as much as you care about food and other essential supplies, you should also feed the head. If you can, include books, board games, and music devices in your prepper arsenal.
15. Essential Documents
During chaotic situations where at least, a small semblance of order could matter much, it’s best to be organized. Essential documents such as birth certificates, land deeds, maps, and identification cards, would help a lot in bringing a sense of order amid confusion and chaos.
16. Emergency Information Notebook
It would make a huge difference when you know how to get in touch with individuals or institutions for help. Prepare a pocket notebook with a list of local and emergency numbers such as hospitals, fire stations, and police outposts.
17. Bug-Out Bag
Being prepared at all times is the secret to survival. What could be more prepared than having a bug-out bag ready for the taking? A bag filled with food, water, clothing, a medical kit, and other emergency supplies is what you need. In case you lack time for elaborate preparations during emergencies, it would be safer to have a grab-and-go bag ready anytime.
Easy does it, right. And the beauty of this list is it is not mandatory. You can customize it based on your situation. You can add or remove items to buy to suit your specific needs in a specific timeframe. But, again, the key is careful planning. Happy shopping and keep safe!
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How prepared are you in case of an emergency? We would love to know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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