Most preppers start their journeys by stockpiling food and water. Doing so makes sense, of course, but it’s important to remember that this is just a starting point. If you really want to make sure that you are prepared for a worst-case scenario, there are other tools that you’ll need to get to ensure your safety and survival.
First Aid Kit
Perhaps the most important thing you’ll need to have with you during a disaster is a well-stocked first aid kit. A good disaster first aid kit will include not only basics like band-aids and disinfectants, but also items like basic antibiotics, any daily medications you might need, and items like anti-diarrhea medication. These items will be scarce in a worst-case scenario, making them a must for your stockpile.
At a minimum, you should have gloves, several different sizes of bandages and gauze, pain and fever relievers, antibacterials, allergy medications (like Benadryl, Claritin, and an epi-pen), and any other regular medication you may need to take. You should also have blankets, a thermometer, trauma shears, tweezers, and other useful tools in your kit. Make sure you know how to use everything in your kit so that you’re not wasting supplies in an emergency.
Extra Clothing
Extra clothing is also an incredibly important addition to any stockpile. Having clothing that can protect you from the elements will help you as you travel, but it’s also important to remember that extra clothing is going to help you avoid infections and keep your basic level of hygiene up. In a pinch, extra clothing can also help you make a make-shift tourniquet or even a signal flag.
While it’s not necessary to bring your whole closet, you’ll want a few changes of clothes. When choosing clothes, pick darker colors rather than reflective materials or bright patterns. you should make sure that you have a jacket, a couple short and long-sleeve shirts, an extra pair of pants. Bring several pairs of socks. Dirty socks or poor foot hygiene can lead to painful infection, which is especially dangerous if you need to be on the move. You should have good walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet. Make sure that the clothing you pack is adaptable so that it can stand up to all weather conditions.
Check your emergency clothing stock regularly. Look for any damage that may be caused by age or pests, and replace damaged clothing. If you have kids who are still growing, make sure to replace their emergency clothing as needed so that they will have clothes that fit them if a crisis strikes.
Multi-Tool
The multi-tool is one of the most important things you can have on your person in an emergency. This is not just because it’s got plenty of tools but also because it helps to reduce the amount of weight you need to pack with you. A good multitool will take the place of a wire cutter, pliers, a wrench, a hammer, and even a knife. It’s important to buy something that is high-quality, though, with an eye towards real survival or hunting use rather than decoration.
Firearms and Bulk Ammo
Finally, you’ll want a firearm and bulk ammo. A good firearm is going to not only be useful for personal protection, but also for helping to extend your food supply. Don’t leave this until you see a crisis on the horizon. Get a firearm and practice with it regularly so that you can reliably use it in an emergency. As a rule, you’ll want something with which you feel confident and for which it is easy to get ammunition.
It is wise to stock up on ammo while you can to avoid being left with what could otherwise be a very expensive paperweight. You can often find ammo like bulk 9mm Luger ammo for sale online or at your local gun store. Keep an eye out for good deals so that you build up your stockpile.
The point of emergency preparedness is to have everything you need to survive a disaster. Make sure that the tools you store have a purpose and that you know how to use them. Though you don’t know what will happen in the future, it never hurts to be prepared.
