5 Survival Things You’d Never Think to Stockpile In Your Preparedness Kits

The first things that typically come to mind when someone considers what to have on hand in case of an EMP, economic collapse, natural disaster, or other event are usually rice, beans, water, and protection. While those items are a fantastic start, there are actually so many other things we don't think about when we're trying to plan for emergencies.

Think camping.. what will you need?Photo byRichelleg

Once we get the most important things out of the way (food, water, shelter, first aid) and the reality of the situation kicks in, you'll look around and notice things that you usually have and do in your normal life that you should have stocked up on. I like to tell people to think about camping. Yes, you'll need a tent, food and water, a flashlight, and a way to light a fire, but what about everything else? I hope this article opens your eyes a bit to other things you should be stocking up on for any emergency or rainy day.

1. Cutlery

Think about how you're going to eat things, and not just out of cans. You'll need paper plates, disposable cookware, and plastic utensils. Yes, of course you can use the dishes and silverware you already have, but you'll need a lot more water than you think to wash those dishes. Disposable cutlery, although not good for the environment, is great for water conservation in an emergency.

2. Aluminum foil

Foil is one of those all-star supplies. You can use it for weatherproofing, insulation, making cups and bowls, cooking, food storage, cooking on open flame, first aid, and even warmth.

While you're at it, get some pots and pans that you can use in the fire safelyPhoto byRichelleg

3. Garbage bags

Another all-star supply to stockpile; you can use them for shelter, weatherproofing your clothes and socks, weatherproofing a shelter, food storage, trash removal, bathroom duty, water collection, ect.

4. Laundry things

You'll need a way for hot and cold water, a wash bin, an agitator of sorts, laundry soap, and a way to hang and dry your clothes. This is assuming the grid goes down and there is no electricity to run your machines.

Laundry basinsPhoto byRichelleg

5. A grill grate suitable for direct flame use.

This is one of the ones that, when I thought about it, I laughed to myself. If you've ever been camping and didn't have a grill to use, you're looking for sticks to cook with. And that will get real tricky with anything other than a hotdog. Having some sort of grill plate or grill grate to use will allow you to cook anything directly or provide a sturdy, fireproof place to put your pots and pans.

Metal grill plate, multi purposePhoto byRichelleg

Attributions:

Airhart, E. (2024, October 16). The Best Emergency Preparedness Supplies. Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/emergency-preparedness/

Build A Kit | Ready.gov. (n.d.). https://www.ready.gov/kit