Prepping
Prepping becomes more of a new lifestyle rather than just purchasing a few items. Then it turns into an obsession. I wanted to recommend a few of the bigger important starting items.
What You Need
1) a 72 Hour Pack.
These are designed for if you only have 5 minutes to leave the house, grab the 72 hour pack. Many companies already assemble these for you. This is a combination of items that make being away from home in an emergency for 3 days (72 hours) much more tolerable. Don’t get the cheapest, and don’t get the most expensive. Have one for everybody in the family, including pets. Tailor it to your individual needs. Also, update it every 6 mouths.
We are seeing more and more that events are causing people to leave their homes immediately. Massive fires burning down towns, hydro-electric dams collapsing, flash floods, chemical & nuclear accidents, and maybe a pandemic shutting down the world’s supply chain.
https://readymaderesources.com/product-category/outdoor-equipment/emergency-kits/ (explore this site)
2) Money.
Have a combination of currencies set aside for emergencies, and in an easy to access but safe location.
The U.S. Dollar Federal Reserve currency is the exchange system our country runs on whether you like it or not. Many people are becoming dependent on using credit or debit cards to purchase items and supplies for daily life. This is a dangerous mistake. Simple – if the electricity goes out so does the ability to use cards. Also, the banks stop functioning so you can not withdraw cash.
Paper Money – Have some paper money and in a combination of denominations. If you have only $100 bills and the store has no ability to give you change, you just donated to the store. Have $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, and $1 bills. And have a good supply of $5 and $1 bills (as annoying as it may be) so you will not have to donate much if the store has no change. I also keep about $200 in cash in each car or vehicle just in case the wallet goes missing or is forgotten.
Gold and Silver – Have both metals just in case something happens to the dollar. I would recommend 80% silver and 20% gold, but there is a lot of advise on the Internet about what percentages are best for you. Of course this is not financial advise as I am not an official Financial Advisor to the BS monopoly game being played.
Silver comes in a few different sizes and purities. Silver in 1 oz coins 99.99% pure such as the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, and Austrian Philharmonic. 90% silver US coins made from 1964 and older in dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars. I highly recommend the American Eagles in silver first as it is both 99.99% pure silver and official United States currency. The majority of Americans will recognize these coins which is important for exchange. Also have some 1964 and older dimes as they are the smallest denomination in silver in the US. If you can’t find dimes, get quarters. There is also bullion silver in 1 oz, 10 oz, and 100 oz, but these will not be recognized as readily.
Gold in 1 oz coins 99.99% pure such as the American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, and South African Krugerrand. I highly recommend the American Eagles in gold first as it is both gold and official United States currency.
3) A Coleman Duel Fuel ($60) or 3 Fuel stove ($110).
The ability to heat food and water is key! If the electricity goes out or you need to leave the house in an emergency – how are you going to cook or boil water? These stoves all run on Coleman fuel (which will be very hard to find) and normal unleaded car gasoline (which a few liters will be very easy to find – which is what makes this stove important). It is also a great backpacking stove.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/9870598?
This 3 fuel MSR stove model also runs on Kerosene ($100), but I think is not so needed as much.
Or a Coleman Powerhouse Dual Fuel 2-Burner Stove ($170) the famous green folding camp stove over the last 50 years. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Coleman+Powerhouse+Dual+Fuel+2-Burner+Stove&crid=18Z72JVBIA87V&sprefix=coleman+powerhouse+dual+fuel+2-burner+stove%2Caps%2C303&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
If you get the Coleman green camp stove you might add a “Mr Heater Pressure Regulated Propane Converter” ($20) that turns a Coleman Two Burner gasoline stove into a Propane stove. This gives you more versatility of fuel types – either gasoline or propane. This uses the small 1 lb green propane tanks. https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-gear-supplies/camp-cooking/grills-camp-stoves/propane-accessories/mr-heater-pressure-regulated-propane-converter/p/1531389
Than get a Mr. Heater Propane Hose to Bulk Tank ($27). This allows you to hook up the 20 lb white propane tanks available almost anywhere. Store a few of these white tanks. https://www.sportsmans.com/camping-gear-supplies/camp-cooking/grills-camp-stoves/propane-accessories/mr-heater-propane-hose-to-bulk-tank/p/p2523
4) A Coleman Duel Fuel lantern ($80).
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Premium-Dual-Fuel-Lantern-with-Case/29005438 Again, it works on unleaded car fuel and you will always be able to find a liter or 2. Buy extra mantles.
** have a 5 gal can of unleaded gasoline stored. Put in preservative so it lasts a year or so.
*** and make sure you have a bunch of Bic lighters
5) Mr. Heater
F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater ($150). https://www.mrheater.com/portable-buddy-heater.html (They make a bigger unit also)
This gives you emergency heating if for any reason your heat or electricity goes off. If you purchased the Mr. Heater Propane Hose to Bulk Tank ($27) mentioned above, you can hook up a 20 lb white propane tank and have a good supply of heat. Make sure to have a carbon monoxide alarm.
6) Water Filter & extra elements ($400)
Probably one of the most important investments to make. Big Berky is the most popular but there are others that are comparable. https://www.amazon.com/Berkey-Gravity-Fed-Filter-Purification-Elements/dp/B00BWIWZJI
Also store some water in 5 gal jugs in food grade containers. You can purchase them at the big box stores like Costco or BJ’s. The square containers you can stack. Again this gives you some lead time to find replacement water and empty containers will be useful in storing more water.
A bunch of smaller portable water filters are also recommended. At time of writing you can buy a Sawyer mini water filter for only $20 off Ebay or Amazon. Good to have one of these in each vehicle glove box.
7) A year of food for 1 person, or 6 month for 2, ect.
It stores for 10 years. Having at least 3 months for everybody in the family is critical. Very simply, if for some reason the food system gets interrupted this gives you 3 months to find alternative food supplies while the rest of the population has about 3 days.
It is not perfect, and can be tweaked with additions, but covers the big issues. https://beprepared.com/products/1-year-emergency-food-kit-emergency-essentials?_pos=1&_sid=858b3ef25&_ss=r . If left in original boxes, it can be thrown in a car and be very portable.
Here is a minimum 1 year supply for 4 people. I know Hollerman personally.
Please note. In December 2018 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has come out and recommended that you store 6 months of food for each person in your household. That was increased from 3 days. I realize this is an intelligence test, let us see who passes.
In general, 1 year of food storage for everyone in the family is very good, 2 years is excellent.
8) A folding knife.
Swiss Army – medium size. Remember the Tom Hanks “Cast Away” movie. A simple Swiss Army knife is an incredibly useful tool.
You can find it on ebay at 1/2 the price confiscated by TSA and resold courtesy of our government.
9) A good Multi Tool – ($25 to $100) . Leatherman are generally considered the best but a little overpriced for the name. https://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-Wingman-Multi-Tool-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005DI0XM4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1477005363&sr=8-5&keywords=multi+tool
Here is a cheaper model Multi-tool with a fire starter attached that I have, and have yet to break. https://www.amazon.com/CM1349-Multitool-Multitools-Multipurpose-Survival/dp/B07FD6LSDH
Have one for everyone in the family, and a few extra in case you donate yours to the TSA like I occasionally do. Instead of giving crap gifts for birthdays & holidays, give something of value.
10) A Tactical Flashlight. Many choices.
I like Nitecore, they are good quality and mid-range in price. This one at $60 is bright when using the rechargeable battery. This Nitecore has 5 illumination ranges which is very useful. On high at 1800 Lumen in the face then attackers will not see, on low at 1 Lumen you can can find your way around the house for 330 hours. Good for those with prostate issues to find the bathroom at 3 AM and not step on the cat. Make sure it has a separate End Button to turn it on and off without adjusting the modes of illumination. It itself is a weapon as they are blindingly bright. https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-EC23-1800-Lumen-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-ec23.htm
Here is a WISSBLUE X2 Military Grade Flashlight, 1600 Lumen ($24). Very good for Everyday Carry, not for main tactical flashlight. Includes battery and charger. https://www.amazon.com/WISSBLUE-Flashlight-Waterproof-Rechargeable-Equipment/dp/B07GH4KXGQ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=wissblue&qid=1683243779&sr=8-3
11) Guns.
You need to sit down with a skilled, recommended, professional firearms trainer to find out what guns are best for you and your needs.
Very simply, if things get ugly you will need to protect your family. If you think calling 911 with an average response time of 11 minutes during good times will work during bad times, well stupid is as stupid does. Deciding to run out and purchase a gun when it is getting ugly is a really poor strategy. It is better to have a gun and not need it, then need one and not have it.
With that said, one of the best basic guns I highly recommend is a Ruger 10/22 “Takedown” with a threaded barrel. This is a “take apart” backpacking 22 caliber (small) rifle at about $350 (a little expensive for a 22). It can do a lot and you won’t be considered Rambo by your flaming liberal friends as it is considered a Boy Scout’s first rifle (Although the Scouts just claimed bankruptcy). Make sure to get the threaded barrel if allowed in your state. It is good for squirrels, foxes, and knee caps. While not the 1st choice for ultimate home defense, even a seasoned bandit will respect looking down its barrel from the wrong end.
https://www.cabelas.com/SearchDisplay#q=RUGER%20TAKEDOWN%20RIMFIRE%20RIFLE
A Simmon’s scope ($40) – https://www.amazon.com/Simmons-511039-Matte-Black-Riflescope/dp/B000KOSB34/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1477010811&sr=8-5&keywords=simmons+22+mag+truplex
and extra 5 magazines (or the the largest legally allowed in your state) https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1366238525?pid=902857
1,000 rounds High Velocity ammunition
and
1,000 Subsonic ammunition – (may be hard to find)
Make sure you take training on this and any gun you own. (PS – any gun trained friend who stops by will be happy to see this rifle). Also, it is very portable.
12) Short Wave.
If communications go down and your Smart phone no longer is so smart, this will be about the only way to communicate. You may need to find someone skilled to teach you, but having it is the first important thing. One for everybody in your group. At $40 it is not that big a deal. Very portable.
https://www.amazon.com/BAOFENG-uv-5r-BaoFeng-UV-5R-Ham-Radio-BaoFeng-Radio-with-Extra-1800mAh-Battery-and-TIDRADIO-771-Antenna-Dual-Band-Ham-Radio-Handheld-Includes-Full-Kit-BaoFeng-Walkie-Talkie/dp/B0925XWVS8/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=baofeng%2B5r&qid=1683244112&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUVBYQVFHSU5aQU40JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDIxMjkwMjI5WTVUTE1VSEQ3SCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTQ5NDE4M0IxNkVCNlA3VUdMTCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU&th=1
and car battery charger
13) Some water stored
– BJ’s has 5 gal square stackable water containers here in NJ. You get the water plus a $5 deposit on the container.
Or use a Smart Bottle that stores collapsed – https://smartbottleinc.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvOHzBRBoEiwA48i6As38j-1rB1KhwOxRh_oXLN1bhz_NAG_qSz6KcvKFXfUUl1McHW64sxoC2w8QAvD_BwE#!/5-Gallon/p/84303596?_vsrefdom=adwords
Also grab a Water Bob for $30 https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/waterbob-emergency-drinking-water-storage-100-gallon-with-siphon-pump-fda-approved-bladder/FC-899854001000.html or some bathtub liners for $12 to emergency store water in the bathtub.
14) Generators to run key appliances, heating, and water pumps.
A 5 kw Diesel with stored fuel is recommended. Make sure you have an electrician install the “Generator Transfer Switch” box now because you will not find an electrician during a regional emergency. Diesel fuel will always be more available then unleaded gasoline. The country’s delivery and transportation system runs on diesel. Virtually 99% of the private sector’s automobiles run on unleaded gasoline. Which do you think is most critical? What do you think the government will turn off first? Which ran out during Hurricane Sandy (unleaded gasoline) and which did not (diesel)?
15) Solar Charger 25000mAh Solar Power Bank ($40)
Both a Power Pack and Solar Panels – It can recharge a mobile phone in an emergency, and can recharge its own power pack when there is no electricity.
16) A portable Tool Kit ($100)
– with a simple tool set like this a skilled person can solve 80% of the household mechanical problems. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-200-Piece-Household-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/1001349756 (make sure it has a hammer – the Russian precision tool). Also of value is that this set is portable and can be easily thrown in the car if you have to Bug Out.
17) a Good Library
Stored in a plastic milk crate (available at Tractor Supply for $7) , that can easily be thrown in a car if you have to Bug Out fast. Very simply, despite what the country club armchair generals will say, you can not know it all!
YOU NEED GOOD REFERENCE BOOKS
- Dare to Prepare – Holly Deyo – covers almost every issue – http://www.standeyo.com/Our_Books/DTP.html
- When Technology Fails – Mat Stein (a friend that pasted away) covers almost every issue – https://www.amazon.com/When-Technology-Fails-Self-Reliance-Sustainability/dp/1933392452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476809029&sr=8-1&
- Survival Theory: A Preparedness Guide – Jonathan Hollerman (also a friend) is one of the best books for if Sewage Hits the Fan (SHTF). Hollerman taught the military Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE). Recommended in both paperback and Audible. https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Theory-Preparedness-Jonathan-Hollerman/dp/069267280X
- LDS – Preparedness Manual – hard copy good for reference – PDF is free. Food storage. Very good lists. http://www.ldsemergencyresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/LDS_Preparedness_Manual_Complete.pdf and here is the paperback https://www.amazon.com/Preparedness-Manual-Handbook-Providnt-Living/dp/0982194684/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=LDS+Preparedness+Manual&qid=1618408459&s=books&sr=1-2
- The Encyclopedia of Country Living – Carla Emery – https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-50th-Anniversary-dp-1632172895/dp/1632172895/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
- How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It. – James Wesley Rawles – “The Godfather of Prepping”. Not a pleasant read for light workers. It deals with prepping and defending yourself. I do recommend you have it to reference. https://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-End-World-Know/dp/0452295831/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1476809029&sr=8-7&keywords=when+technology+fails Also available on Audible.com as mp3.
- SAS Survival Guide – John Wiseman – a mini pocket edition that goes in your Bug Out Bag or Glove Box. It is only 3 inch X 5 inch. https://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Guide-Survive-Collins/dp/0008133786/ref=pd_cp_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5RFG9ZJPQ2BVK4F1AY0D
- Complete Wilderness Training Manual (Boy Scouts) – Hugh McManners – a pocket edition that goes in your Bug Out Bag with much better pictures for those of us needing visual instructions. Can be found used for about $5. https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Wilderness-Training-Manual-America/dp/1435142969/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476810171&sr=8-1&keywords=complete+wilderness+training+manual
- Mini Farming – Self Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre – Brett Markham – https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Farming-Self-Sufficiency-Brett-Markham/dp/1602399840/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476810508&sr=8-2&keywords=farming+on+1+acre
- Any book from Selco Begovic. The man lived a 20th century nightmare and survived. At the age 19 while chasing girls at the disco, the Bosnian war broke out. He lived for 1 year in a city under siege with no water, heat, nor food between 2 armies snipering any civilian. https://learn.theorganicprepper.com/cartflows_step/selco-library/
- One Second After – William Forstchen – A fictional account of an EMP hitting the USA. Highly recommended. Brings a real emotional understanding of EMP and its devastation that the majority of Americans have no clue about. https://www.amazon.com/Second-After-John-Matherson-Novel/dp/0765356864/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476810722&sr=8-1&keywords=one+second+after. Recommended to get on Audible.com and than you can listen on your mobile phone. Anybody who listens to this will start prepping immediately. Scary, accurate, and inevitable.
With these preps, the main important areas of Food, Water, Security, and Reference are in the majority of your control.
Till Later,
J.C.
Key Components Shortage from Limited Supplies