A friend sent me this. I'm not sure where she got it from, but from from growing up in coastal Florida, (read hurricane-prone area) this seems to correlate with what I've seen.
After searching the web, I've found several sites with this same list on it. I can't find anyone who claims ownership of the list. If you know who owns the list, please let me know.
There are pros and cons to storing most of these items. Personally, I can't afford a generator and though as a rule, I'm ok with people owning guns, I was not ok about my little people and personally having a gun in the house. Now that they're older I might rethink it, but since the two oldest have ADHD and tend to do then think, probably not. kwim?
Here is one method of storing water and hiding the container that I use. I have an "end table". It's a 55 gal drum that has my water storage in it. It's in the corner of the living room (I have no basement. Outside it would freeze.) I have a patterned table cloth over it. For a while I had a twin sheet covering it, but something stained it and the unused table cloth was substituted. If I had the money, I would have a 1/2" - 3/4" piece of plywood cut to fit the top, so that the top is flat. Since this is a food grade storage container, the top does not come off it just has two 3" diameter openings that can be removed to access the liquid. So there's no chance of a child drowning in it.
I also have a clear plastic piece of hose that has two fittings, one on each end that you stick partially into the water, pump your arm up and down and it starts a siphon action going and you can drain the water out into another container (smaller one!) Saves sucking your brains out to get the water out and DEFINITELY better than trying to tip that container to pour some out.
While these are the first things to disappear, be careful about storing fuel, especially gas. There's really no good place to store it but underground in a special tank. If you store it inside your home, you're asking for a fire that would be out of control and also look like arson to an investigator. Gas is explosive as well as highly flammable. If you store it outside, it's subject to the elements and being stolen. The cans that Coleman fuel come in will rust. Once propane tanks are installed in a lantern or stove, they slowly lose propane. (You don't want to know how I know the last two things.)
I just found out that the reason for storing CLEAR lamp oil is that the dyes will clog the wick.
Question. Why would people buy "Survival in a Can" kits? Do they even know HOW to use what's in them? Take a look online to see what's in one. You can make one for a whole lot less and gear it to your climate and talents. I mean, if you live in the desert, what good is a fishing line with a hook attached? There's usually no place to fish, unless you're along a river with water in it and the water isn't: 1. muddy and 2. Flowing so fast that there's no place for the fish to feed. And do you know where to find bait for the hook? Unless you know a thing or two about fishing, you'll be wasting resources and time trying unsuccessfully to fish.
If you don't know how to "carry a fire", 4 matches won't get the job done. If it takes you half a box to start the charcoal grill, 4 matches won't go far. So make your own kit with what you know how to use. Store it in a coffee can, one liter soda bottle or fanny pack.
Better to make emergency kits, also known as 72 hr. kits and keep them with you. Make one for each member of your family and keep in a closet near the front door. Make one for the car and make a mini one for work/school. Then learn how to use the contents BEFORE the emergency arises. Make sure your kids know what to do and how to use anything in their kits.
I have my family's kits in backpacks. I also have a "camping" container in the hall closet. In an emergency, we can be out the door in under 5 mins., with tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and water. Actually, we can do it in less, but things like the port-a-potty which is outside, and scriptures and genealogy are likely to not get grabbed.
So as a family, I need to have us do an "emergency" evacuation. Take the 72 hr kit and go to a campground or friend's house for the weekend. Sleep in their yard and see what we need to do to tweak our kit. I also need to make a list of things to grab so we DON'T forget anything that doesn't live in the kits.
One thing I don't see on the list is Space Blankets. These handy little things are $1-$2. They are great things to have for an emergency. They will keep you warm, you can distill water with them, signal with them and a lot more. Combine with duct tape, and MacGyver would be proud to have you along! Seriously, I bet they are also a fast disappearing item. For while they will keep you warm, they can also help keep you cool. Tape over your window and it blocks the sun's rays out. Keep several in the car just for that purpose.
Top 100 Items to Disappear First During a National Emergency
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.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)
After searching the web, I've found several sites with this same list on it. I can't find anyone who claims ownership of the list. If you know who owns the list, please let me know.
There are pros and cons to storing most of these items. Personally, I can't afford a generator and though as a rule, I'm ok with people owning guns, I was not ok about my little people and personally having a gun in the house. Now that they're older I might rethink it, but since the two oldest have ADHD and tend to do then think, probably not. kwim?
Here is one method of storing water and hiding the container that I use. I have an "end table". It's a 55 gal drum that has my water storage in it. It's in the corner of the living room (I have no basement. Outside it would freeze.) I have a patterned table cloth over it. For a while I had a twin sheet covering it, but something stained it and the unused table cloth was substituted. If I had the money, I would have a 1/2" - 3/4" piece of plywood cut to fit the top, so that the top is flat. Since this is a food grade storage container, the top does not come off it just has two 3" diameter openings that can be removed to access the liquid. So there's no chance of a child drowning in it.
I also have a clear plastic piece of hose that has two fittings, one on each end that you stick partially into the water, pump your arm up and down and it starts a siphon action going and you can drain the water out into another container (smaller one!) Saves sucking your brains out to get the water out and DEFINITELY better than trying to tip that container to pour some out.
While these are the first things to disappear, be careful about storing fuel, especially gas. There's really no good place to store it but underground in a special tank. If you store it inside your home, you're asking for a fire that would be out of control and also look like arson to an investigator. Gas is explosive as well as highly flammable. If you store it outside, it's subject to the elements and being stolen. The cans that Coleman fuel come in will rust. Once propane tanks are installed in a lantern or stove, they slowly lose propane. (You don't want to know how I know the last two things.
I just found out that the reason for storing CLEAR lamp oil is that the dyes will clog the wick.
Question. Why would people buy "Survival in a Can" kits? Do they even know HOW to use what's in them? Take a look online to see what's in one. You can make one for a whole lot less and gear it to your climate and talents. I mean, if you live in the desert, what good is a fishing line with a hook attached? There's usually no place to fish, unless you're along a river with water in it and the water isn't: 1. muddy and 2. Flowing so fast that there's no place for the fish to feed. And do you know where to find bait for the hook? Unless you know a thing or two about fishing, you'll be wasting resources and time trying unsuccessfully to fish.
If you don't know how to "carry a fire", 4 matches won't get the job done. If it takes you half a box to start the charcoal grill, 4 matches won't go far. So make your own kit with what you know how to use. Store it in a coffee can, one liter soda bottle or fanny pack.
Better to make emergency kits, also known as 72 hr. kits and keep them with you. Make one for each member of your family and keep in a closet near the front door. Make one for the car and make a mini one for work/school. Then learn how to use the contents BEFORE the emergency arises. Make sure your kids know what to do and how to use anything in their kits.
I have my family's kits in backpacks. I also have a "camping" container in the hall closet. In an emergency, we can be out the door in under 5 mins., with tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and water. Actually, we can do it in less, but things like the port-a-potty which is outside, and scriptures and genealogy are likely to not get grabbed.
So as a family, I need to have us do an "emergency" evacuation. Take the 72 hr kit and go to a campground or friend's house for the weekend. Sleep in their yard and see what we need to do to tweak our kit. I also need to make a list of things to grab so we DON'T forget anything that doesn't live in the kits.
One thing I don't see on the list is Space Blankets. These handy little things are $1-$2. They are great things to have for an emergency. They will keep you warm, you can distill water with them, signal with them and a lot more. Combine with duct tape, and MacGyver would be proud to have you along! Seriously, I bet they are also a fast disappearing item. For while they will keep you warm, they can also help keep you cool. Tape over your window and it blocks the sun's rays out. Keep several in the car just for that purpose.
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.
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. Cookstoves (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. Livestock
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. Cookstoves (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
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
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. Livestock
3 comments:
awesome list, sorry to be so mean, but half of that is not relevant in a real state emergency. Lets say, for example, you really had to survive " in the wild", or you broke your leg out camping, and your 30 mils from anyone in any direction. I'm pretty sure you wont be carrying all that, plus, ciggy's are not a national disaster..lol
Oh, I agree!
There are several different scenarios for emergencies. One is you "Shelter in Place", one is you can leave in your car, and another is you have to take your BOB (bug out bag aka 72 hr kit) and walk with it. Each scenario requires different things.
I made a spreadsheet with my emergency preparedness supplies and then coded them: SIP (Shelter in Place) BOB-C (Bug Out Bag-Car) and BOB (Bug Out Bag - what you can carry). Some of my items I would use if I was Sheltering in place. Things like the Generator, firewood, my Jump Box (my old paramedic trauma bag that has extensive bandaging amongst other things) would not only be useful for SIP, but also if I can get out with my car.
My frame Backpack would be both a BOB-C and walking out. My water in my 55gal drum is only SIP, my survival-rated water filter bottle and straw would probably only need to be used in the "wild".
And since I don't smoke, I don't have ciggy's. However, for people whom are smokers and hence are addicted to tobacco, it WOULD be an emergency for them. No joke, their bodies are used to having regular nicotine "fixes" and without it, they go into withdrawals. Same for coffee drinkers/energy drinkers.
I DO have tobacco in a sealed pouch (how long does that stuff stay good?) for stings. It makes a good poultice.
I don't drink coffee, but like cigarettes, may make for a good item to have for trading. Problem is, I'm not going to go BUY this stuff. lol
So the list is really just a list of the top things PEOPLE buy, not necessarily what you "have" to have for an emergency. And it will also depend on how the emergency goes down as to what's useful.
And as my neighbors 45 minutes from here found out, an F-5 tornado smacking into your home ain't leaving NOTHING behind that's still standing and anything left behind is usually ruined.
So...we do what we can to prepare and then go from there.
@Stephan
You can't possibly think that she was telling you to go out and buy all that. It's a start sweetie, all you do now is add common sense and figure out what works for YOU and YOUR situation.
And speaking of common sense, I don't smoke either, but I actually DID go out and buy some ciggs for emergencies. Same with alcohol. In an emergency ciggs and alcohol will be worth their weight in gold because EVERYONE will want some and will trade WHATEVER you may need for some.
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