We’re often asked by preppers who are just starting out – and some older hands at the game, for that matter – to suggest a list of essential stores and supplies.
The only problem with producing a list of “essentials” is that, as soon as you’ve done it, someone cries foul when you fail to include one of their pet items. Recognising that no preppers list is definitively fool-proof, therefore, here are some basics …
Water
- it’s generally accepted that you can survive for only about three days without water – and those first 72 hours are also likely to be the most critical period in any emergency situation;
- you’ll need to make it a priority to stock up on enough fresh, drinking water to last you those first three days – about 2½ pints (1.2 litres) per person a day;
- water storage will take up lots of precious space so, for the longer-term, invest in some means of water purification to let you meet subsequent needs from natural sources – take a look at emergency water filter bottles;
Shelter
- there’s every chance you’ll be hunkering down at home when disaster strikes – and that’s obviously a good thing as far as your immediate needs for shelter are concerned;
- but it could rapidly become a home without electricity, gas, heat, light, or cooking facilities;
- if this happens in the dead of winter, you’ll probably find yourself wearing several layers of clothing from the wardrobe – but keep as a valuable standby sleeping bags you can rely on to keep yourselves warm throughout the night;
Fire
- fire will not only provide any heating you need but you can also cook – or at least heat up – meals on it;
- matches, will be essential, of course, but also keep ready a flint and striker (such as the affordable Ember Rock device) and a stash of firelighters such as the Natural Eco Wood Firelighters from the Log Barn;
Food
- although you’d probably need a fair bit of practice getting used to cooking on an open fire, there’s no getting around the fact that you and your group will need the food on which to survive;
- ready-made meals designed for campers and climbers offer an easy yet nutritious solution that lets you off any need for serious cooking – and there is a wide range of menus from which to choose;
- for the longer haul and to make sure you can dig in with plentiful supplies, build up your stores of long-life and non-perishable foods such as canned goods and dry staples such as rice, pasta, and freeze-dried foods;
Medical and first aid
- if you or members of your group rely on prescribed drugs, there will be little alternative but to draw on supplies you have already put in store – be prepared for the fact that chemists are likely to have closed or to have run out of the medicines you need;
- while any prescribed drugs – as much as you can lay your hands on – need to be kept in store, your medicine store will also need to include a good and comprehensively stocked first aid kit;
- a first aid kit will make sure you can treat wounds immediately before they develop into anything worse – and a wide range of products is readily available.
Our UK preppers’ list is our shot at suggesting some of the items you’re likely to find essential. It’s by no means definitive – and you might need to fill on any blanks with your own ideas and choices.
Leave a Reply