suburbansurvivalist.net

The need for matches can not be understated, and a box of 250 is extremely cheap.  If at all possible get “Strike Anywhere” matches.  Many stores now only sell “Strike on Box” matches which as the name implies the box must be used to light the match (which is fine until the box gets damp). 

Buy several boxes (or dozens of boxes).  Store them in a sealed freezer bag or other method to protect them from getting damp (and ruined).

This will make a great barter item during long term emergencies.

Consider alternative ways to cook outside the home: Other methods might include a white gas stove, fire (wood) pit, charcoal grill, solar stoves or a variety of other methods.

When considering future plans on cooking outside, remember that most modern cookware is not adequate to outdoor cooking.  Light weight pans with Teflon or other fancy coatings will not hold up over an open fire.  Avoid pans with plastic parts such as handles!  Most of the heavy weight pans have metal handles that become very hot when cooking outdoors so have pot holders for moving the pot and lids and long handled (metal or wood) tools for stirring.

Although often joked about, a basic and cheap survival supply for the suburban survivalist is duct tape and plastic.  Specifically the plastic sheeting used by painters as drop clothes.  There are several thicknesses that can be purchased, but for those on a budget, the thinnest plastic drop clothes seal just as well as the thick ones (but are torn or punctured very easily).  The cheapest 9ft x 12ft plastic drop clothes can be purchased for about a dollar each.  Have at least one plastic drop cloth for each window and door in any room that needs to be protected.  Have at least 3 or 4 drop clothes to protect future gardening plots from fall out or other contaminates.  Have at least 2 or 3 drop clothes to use in rain water collection or for solar stills.  If the budget allows, try to have about two dozen drop clothes of different thicknesses for the multitude of uses.

There are several brands of duct tape, most of which will serve plenty well.  It has a multitude of uses and storing several rolls would be advisable.

Those who are dependent on cigarettes often assume that they will be able to quit smoking when an emergency occurs. While others believe that storing several months’ worth of cigarettes will get them through the tough time.
However, consider that a massive emergency will be an extremely stressful time, it will probably be the worst time to consider kicking the nicotine habit.

In an emergency, a clear head is needed to survive. Being forced to quit smoking ‘cold turkey’ will prevent a clear head, cause shaky hands, increase stress levels for everyone and very likely cause rash (and unwise) decisions.

Rash and unwise decisions can be fatal.

It is important to cut wood in advance of winter. Wood freshly cut does not burn well, and gives off large amounts of smoke. Wood cut from hardwoods (such as oak) need to cure (dry) for at least a year (or better yet 18+ Months). Soft woods (such as pine) can be cut in the early spring and cure during a hot (southern) summer and be ready to burn by winter. Because of this, putting in a store of wood is an important preparedness item (especially in the areas with harsh winters).

Most survivalism websites focus on the products that are to be acquired, and focus very little on the skills that should be learned. Skills trump gadgets. Those with skills are able to improvise, but gadgets without the skills are useless. In the best of all worlds, survivalists would have well practiced skills and have every nifty gadget that was useful. In the practical world, survivalists should strike a good balance.

As always begin with the basics. Learn the most useful skills first, and get the most versatile and important product first. As an example: Knowing how to defend a homestead is important, but will be useless if dehydrated from a lack of water.

Skills need to be practiced!

Make a list of things around the home that need to be repaired. Then any of these that will make a big difference during abnormal times mark as priority.

Roof leaks may be a small problem now, but left unfixed cause more and more problems. Fixing the roof is a great example of a penny of prevention is equal to a pound of cure. Other areas to check out: Broken windows, plumbing problems, septic tank issues and wiring problems.

Then make a list of things around the person that need to be fixed. Specifically Dental problems. Have any dental problems fixed as soon as possible (especially if covered by insurance). Having tooth pain with no way to resolve it would be almost unbearable.

Start with the basics. Grab a notebook and pen and start an inventory.

First walk through the entire house and spend some time in each room thinking about all the tasks that are performed there. Write down all the tasks that are performed, and generally how often (Daily, weekly, monthly, rarely). Make sure to include tasks that all family members perform, not just the ones involved in making a list.

After all the tasks are written down, go through the rooms again, and write down all the items that are used doing these tasks, especially but not limited to the consumables. Make sure even the lesser rooms like closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms and garages are included.

Next decide which of the tasks are essential, needs, and wants. Essentials tasks are those that are necessary for life to continue: Eating, drinking, going the bathroom, etc. Needs are those that would be necessary for health and safety: Bathing, washing dishes, etc. Wants are things other than Essentials and Needs.

Next spend some time thinking about what all was written down, and as life continues over the following weeks, go back and make additions or changes to the list as necessary.

Use this inventory to help understand what items around the home are critical and what consumables are most important.