BBC reports that greater inequality, exploitative institutions, and the strain between elites may exacerbate social tensions. Basic systems we rely on daily break down. Developing a comprehensive supply cache can help you and your loved ones prepare for long-term instability.
Under these circumstances, here are 20 essential supplies you need to prioritize, based on duration, environment, and needs, to help ensure survival chances should society‘s infrastructure stop functioning reliably.
Water and Filtration Supplies
Water is the most important element for survival, and water storage and purification systems are essential. Ensure you have enough water storage solutions (portable water bladders, large water barrels, etc.) to keep water on hand for your family for however long you believe you might run out of running water.
LifeStraw, Katadyn filters, and Berkey systems filter unsafe, unclean water and make it safe to drink. If you have more than one way to purify water, your supplies will also include water purification tablets and iodine drops.
Food and Nutrition
Long-term survival requires having a well-stocked pantry of nonperishable foods. When fresh food is not available, high-calorie bars from brands like Mountain House, canned foods, and freeze-dried foods filled with essential nutrients are used as food.
Caltex Plastics says that using Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers can even help store dry food—like rice and beans—keeping it good for months longer. Vitamins, protein powder, and dried fruits can all be included in your diet to balance these times and keep your energy levels up.
Cooking and Heating Supplies
Meal prep and staying warm mean cooking and heating supplies. Compact and fuel-efficient stoves make it possible to cook on the go.
Once stockpiled, fuel and ignition sources like propane, butane canisters, lighters, and matches will be useful for possible fire-starting. Other options when traditional means won’t work include alternative cooking gear, solar ovens, and rocket stoves.
Medical Supplies and Equipment
The biggest issue in an emergency is that you never know what may occur or what you may need. Therefore, a comprehensive first aid kit is a must to treat injuries and prevent infections. To address common injuries, include bandages, antiseptics, and pain relief medication.
Keeping stock of important medications (prescription, antihistamines, and antibiotics) to treat chronic conditions. Tourniquets, trauma shears, and splints are emergency medical tools for difficult situations.
Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies
Toothpaste, soap, and wet wipes help you be clean and comfortable. Good sanitation is achieved in challenging environments using portable toilets, bags, and disposable gloves. If you are short on water or can’t use it, consider waterless options such as hand sanitizer and body wipes.
Shelter and Protection Gear
Staying safe and comfortable during a societal breakdown requires access to reliable shelter and protection gear. Tents, tarps, and thermal blankets sheltering in emergency shelters provide refuge from the elements.
The gear also includes sleeping bags and thermal sleeping mats to help ensure a good night’s rest. Waterproof and insulating layers of clothing can protect you while you adapt to different climates and weather.
Fire Starting Tools
Cooking, warmth, and safety depend on fire. Relational fire starters such as ferro rods, waterproof matches, or lighters are indispensable in survival.
Cotton balls in petroleum jelly or magnesium powder can make starting fires easier in harsh conditions because fire accelerants facilitate that process. Also, backups such as flint and steel or a magnifying glass for solar ignition give you many ways to make a fire.
Lighting and Energy Sources
Navigation doesn’t require much (or any) light, and light doesn’t need much (or any) energy, but while you’re in darkness, you need a lot of it to see and keep things you need to use pouring.
Reliable illumination comes from flashlights and lanterns with solar or battery-powered options. You should stock up on long-lasting and rechargeable batteries so you don’t drain your devices!
According to a published study by Research Dive, new, more efficient lighting options such as LEDs have reduced the energy demand in the lighting sector. One of the other types of energy-conserving lighting is the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) or the ball light bulb—types that consume 75% less electricity than traditional bulbs.
Communication Tools
If you’re not in an emergency, you may not think about it, but effective communication is key to staying informed and connected with your people. When cell towers are down, reliable communication channels exist, such as two-way radios, walkie-talkies, and HAM radios. Signal mirrors and whistles are valuable emergency signaling tools.
The National Weather Service (.gov) states that most NOAA Weather Radio receivers are intended to be battery-operated portable units or AC-powered desktop models with a battery backup, suitable for a broad range of situations. You will automatically receive critical updates about weather conditions and other things.
Self-Defense Supplies
Being prepared is everything when there is a breakdown of society. Personal defense can be done at an affordable price with pepper spray. This can be for self-defense or simply practical.
If you don’t know how to protect yourself in dangerous situations, take basic tactical training or learn self-defense techniques.
Tools and Hardware
You need versatile tools and hardware to repair and problem-solve in emergencies. You should have tools like the bulkier multi-tool with pliers, screwdrivers, and knives, which provide a compact solution to many tasks.
If you find minor repairs and, if need be, building structures, a few basic repair kit components, such as duct tape, paracord, nails, and a hammer, can address this.
Clothing Essentials
Tactical pants or waterproof jackets are durable clothing that can be worn in rough conditions. You should also own sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots for various terrains. In colder climates, wool socks and insulated gloves keep you from getting cold.
Navigation and Maps
You need accurate navigation tools to find your way and stay on track. A compass and topographical maps are pretty invaluable if you’re going to be navigating unfamiliar territory.
An efficient portable GPS device with a long battery life provides additional support for navigation. Land navigation training exposes how one may or may not know how to read maps and use a compass.
Survival Manuals and Guides
Survival manuals and guides can provide survival information and skills during emergencies. Basic survival, plant identification, and first aid manuals are hard-copy books that provide valuable knowledge.
Practical and lifesaving essential skills include fire building and water sourcing. Tending books like “SAS Survival Guide” are highly suggested when you want to know survival plans.
Cash and Barter Items
Cash and barter items are a great way to trade and make transactions when society breaks down. Keep some cash for smaller purchases when digital payment is unavailable.
As barter goods, you can trade goods or services with barter items like handcrafted goods, clothing, tools, and coffee. In the long-term economic collapse scenarios, they may hold their value in gold or silver coins.
Mental Health Supplies
Entertainment with books, games, and puzzles mitigates stress and provides normalcy. Self-care practices like meditation or relaxation techniques can promote mental resilience.
Maintenance and emotional well-being are essential because they build community support and are a way to connect with others.
Gardening and Seed Supplies
Gardening and growing your food will provide you with a sustainable source of nutrition for your family. Non-GMO heirloom seeds are a renewable food source.
But to cultivate a garden, you will need gardening tools such as a small spade, gloves, and composting supplies, just to name a few. For outdoor gardening, which is out of the question, think about hydroponics or indoor garden kits.
Transportation and Mobility
Reliable means of transportation are essential for mobility and resources. Bicycles provide fuel-free, dependable modes of transportation under different conditions.
Spare tires, repair kits, and lubricants are maintenance supplies that keep vehicles working. If fuel is available, gas can be stored in a portable gas can, increasing the transportation options.
Knowledge of Local Resources
Access to local knowledge helps people sustainably balance many uses of natural resources. For one, such a plant recognition product can aid people in identifying medicinal and edible plants to improve their nutritional status.
Identification and Important Documents
A published study at Colorado State University suggests that if you want to ensure you get your identification and important documents safely in case of a disaster, fire, or theft—you don’t want them damaged or lost—you should store them securely in a safe place at the bank, such as a safe deposit box.
Do not carry unnecessary originals with you, and keep digital copies of your documents safe by using strong passwords and encryption.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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