18 Things You Should Start Stocking Up On Besides Food And Water Just In Case

With so many different household items that can double as emergency preparation items, which do you think you should be stockpiling in case of a significant apocalyptic calamity? Sure, food, water, ammo, fuel, and first aid are all things we need to be collecting, but there are a ton of other "double-duty" items that are super important as well.

The following are some items that you and everyone else ought to start stockpiling right away:

Things to stock up onPhoto byRichelleg

Batteries

This applies to all types of batteries. You can store them in a cardboard box or container that you set aside in the utility room or storage. If your electronics are mostly battery-operated, you will be shocked at how fast they run out in a true grid-down emergency.

Blankets

In the winter, you'll be glad you had an abundance of blankets on hand in case the power goes out. In particular, wool blankets and quilts will keep you warm, and dry.

Books

Novels, favorite books, non-fiction works, how-to manuals, survival guides, children's books, and cookbooks are all going to be hot items if the internet goes down. Think about it.

Duct tape

Basic duct tape has several uses. Not only is it excellent for little household repairs, but in an emergency, it may be used to secure splints, create temporary bandages, and repair rips in clothing, tents, or sleeping bags. You can use it as a fire starter, as a trap for small game and insects, for waterproofing, or even as a temporary shelter if all else fails!

Stock up!Photo byRichelleg

Different types of alcohol

This is more than just taking the edge off a bad day of survival. High-proof spirits can be utilized for bartering, lighting fires, making tinctures, and wound disinfection. In a long-term survival situation, small, sealed bottles of alcohol could prove to be a precious item.

Trash Bags

There are numerous uses for garbage bags in both daily life and emergency survival situations. Making a rope, fixing leaks, keeping goods dry, making a tourniquet, gathering rainwater, blocking the sun, and making a pillow are just a few.

Newspaper

Using newspaper as a fire starter is the most common and obvious survival use that most people are aware of. It's not unusual for individuals to light a newspaper on fire by igniting its edges with a lighter or match, then putting the paper under some tiny wood chunks and other kindling to start a fire.

Newspaper can also be used as makeshift toilet paper if necessary or as insulation in shelters or clothes, among its many other use.

Asprin

Aspirin and other painkillers are vital for reducing fevers and headaches. You can even crush them up and put it on burns, stings, and scrapes.

Salt

Another ordinary household item that can prove to be quite useful in a survival emergency is salt. It's for flavoring and preserving food, but also for cleaning, preserving hides, and even as a simple antibiotic for small wounds or gargles.

Salt is for more than food!Photo byRichelleg

Lace Up Your Shoes

In addition to your actual shoes, your shoelaces will come in handy if you ever need to survive. They can be used, for instance, to tie shelter poles together, make snares and traps, make splints for broken limbs, fishing, and more. If you actually think about it, you should be able to utilize your own shoelaces for almost anything that can be accomplished with smaller strands of rope or paracord.

Soap

A necessary item for keeping oneself clean and stopping the spread of illness is soap. Soap is a crucial item to have on hand since survival in emergency scenarios depends heavily on cleanliness. You'll need it for wound care, washing clothes and dishes, as well as yourself.

Aluminum cans

Cans have a variety of purposes in survival. They may be used to carry water or other drinks or food items. The tab can be made into a fishing hook, and if you can hold the can correctly and are patient, you can polish the bottom of the can with chocolate to reflect sunlight and start a fire.

Furthermore, a soda or beer can can also be used as a tiny burner. All you have to do is cut it open and insert a lit candle inside. This little rocket stove can warm a small space, or even cook food!

Cans make great survival suppliesPhoto byRichelleg

Super Glue

Super glue is useful for more than just mending. In an emergency, it can also be used to seal small wounds. It can buy you some time until you receive the right medical assistance, sets quickly, and avoids infection.

Tin Foil

One of the most useful commonplace products for survival and disaster preparedness is tin or aluminum foil. Aluminum foil can be used as trail markers, fishing lures, to signal for aid, to clean dirty pots and pans, and to remove rust from metal by simply scrubbing it against the metal. Not to mention the obvious of cooking, making dishes and cups, and storing things.

Toilet paper

For obvious reasons, toilet paper is one of the most important supplies to have on hand in case of emergency. Not only the paper, but also the used toilet rolls. They light up quite easily when they come into contact with a flame from a match or lighter. Stuff them with lint for a great fire starter, or fill with soil for a little seed starter.

Vaseline

Vaseline is incredibly helpful for two main reasons: it may be used to quickly start a fire and as wound care for cuts, scrapes, or stings to minimize discomfort and infection.

VaselinePhoto byRichelleg

Keep cotton balls and Vaseline-soaked cotton in your supplies; the cotton can be used to apply Vaseline to scrapes and also set on fire, even in bad weather!

Vinegar

Particularly white vinegar comes in handy. It is a multipurpose tool that can be used for food preservation, cleaning, and basic disinfection. Additionally, vinegar works well as a natural herbicide if you're growing your own food.

Zip Ties

These are multipurpose, lightweight, and convenient to store. Zip ties are an indispensable tool that can be used for tying down equipment, mending a damaged bag strap, and joining materials for a shelter. Should security become a concern, they can also be utilized as temporary handcuffs.

Stock up!Photo byRichelleg

Attributions:

Loosli, L. (2021, December 30). 25 Things Everyone Should Hoard. Food Storage Moms. https://www.foodstoragemoms.com/25-things-everyone-should-hoard-for-an-emergency/

Stephanie. (2024, February 20). 29+ Non-food items you should keep stocked at home - Six Figures Under. Six Figures Under. https://www.sixfiguresunder.com/29-non-food-items-you-should-keep-stocked-at-home/

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