# US Preppers > Field-tested emergency preparedness, survival skills, and self-reliance guides for preppers. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Congratulations You’re In! URL: https://uspreppers.com/congratulations-youre-in/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T21:28:11.000Z Welcome to the Family! **View, Download, or Print the free guide below** [Here Is Your FREE Prepper Guide!](http://files.ctctcdn.com/6aeca6bf401/89593932-1dbf-47d1-a585-588c78a814ca.pdf?ref=uspreppers.com) “101 Ways to Prepare” is our free gift to you for joining US Preppers! Be sure to look in your inbox for our weekly mailers that are full of helpful tips and ideas that incurage emergency prepardness and disaster planning. ### Guest Posting URL: https://uspreppers.com/guest-posting/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:44:01.000Z We are happy to take guest posts from fellow preppers! Guest posting helps bring new ideas, thoughts, tips & tricks etc. to our followers and hopefully encourages engagement. If you feel you can bring some good info to our community please submit any posts and we will get back to you asap. [**contact us**](https://uspreppers.com/contact-us/) A few guidelines for guest posts: If its Prepper related, odds are we will be glad to put it on the site. We want to be a solid source of factual information, so please try to refrain from opinionated topics. - **Each article will be proofed by our Editor**, and the final say is up to him whether it gets published. We reserve the right to edit grammar and sentence structure if needed. - **Abuse or spam will not be tolerated**, and we reserve the right to terminate accounts and posts from violators. - **Reviews** must be from actual users. Please keep reviews on topic and use a professional demeanor. Talk about what you like and what you don’t like but please don’t come here to simply slam a product. Our readers want to find a product that suits them, so please focus on the positives. ### About Us URL: https://uspreppers.com/about-us/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:21:39.000Z US Preppers is run by two men: Ronald and Robert. We are not survivalists living off-grid in a bunker. We are prepared citizens who believe readiness is a duty, not a hobby. ## Our Mission We built this site to give you field-tested tactics — not panic, not politics, and not product pitches dressed up as advice. Every article starts with one question: will this help a family stay safe, fed, and ready when the system fails? We cover food storage, water purification, emergency medical skills, off-grid power, defensive tactics, and the mindset that ties it all together. No fluff. No filler. Just what works, tested and written up so you can act on it. ## Who We Are Ronald handles the research, the writing, and the gear testing. He is the one breaking down bug-out bags on the kitchen table at 2 AM, comparing water filter flow rates, and running the numbers on long-term food storage. If a piece of advice appears on this site, Ronald has either tested it himself or verified it against multiple field sources. Robert handles operations, threat assessment, and the long view. He thinks in systems — supply chains, regional risks, infrastructure dependencies. Robert is the one asking what happens when the trucks stop running and the taps go dry, then building the checklist to close that gap. Together, we approach preparedness the way a field manual approaches a mission: assess the threat, inventory your resources, close the gaps, and train until it is automatic. ## Our Philosophy Preparedness is not about fear. It is about refusing to be a victim of circumstances you could have anticipated. The world is full of people who assume the lights will always come on and the shelves will always be stocked. We are the people who know better — not because we are paranoid, but because we have done the reading. We do not chase every headline. We prepare for the threats that are statistically likely in our region, then expand outward. A family with two weeks of food, clean water, and a written plan is ahead of 95% of the population. That is the first objective. Everything after that is optimization. ## Start Here New to prepping? Start with our [Emergency Essentials guide](https://uspreppers.com/the-uspreppers-emergency-essentials-what-every-prepper-needs-to-know/). Then work through food, water, and medical — in that order. Once those pillars are solid, branch into power, defense, and advanced skills. We are glad you are here. Now let us get to work. ### Disclaimer URL: https://uspreppers.com/disclaimer/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:42:45.000Z Hi there, and thanks for visiting USPreppers.com. We hope you and your family find this information here valuable and can use it to aid in and improve your emergency preparedness skills. Please understand that the information provided on the USPreppers site is not to be taken as any type of legal or licensed professional advice. You may at some point decide to click one of our affiliate links that will magically transport you to said affiliate’s website. At which point, you’re on your own. No offense, really, we just can’t be held responsible or liable if you happen to get a little carried away with that really cool fire starter link you happened to see while reading this article right here. 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[Back to top](#contents) ## Posts ### Civilian MREs: what they are, where to buy, and how long they last URL: https://uspreppers.com/civilian-mres-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T20:39:12.000Z MRE stands for "Meal, Ready-to-Eat." It's the U.S. military's individual field ration, and it has become a staple of the prepper pantry for one simple reason: you get a complete, shelf-stable meal in a pouch that needs no stove and no refrigerator. Here's what a civilian MRE actually is, whether MREs are legal to buy, how long they last, and whether they belong in your own food plan. ## What is an MRE? An MRE is a single complete meal packed in a tough tan or brown foil pouch. It replaced the old C-ration and the MCI that came after it, and every pouch is built around a main entree plus a pile of extras. A typical MRE holds the entree, a side dish, crackers or bread, a spread like cheese or peanut butter, a dessert, a powdered drink mix, and an accessory pack with a spoon, napkin, matches, salt, pepper, and gum. Each meal lands around 1,200 to 1,300 calories. Three meals a day are meant to keep a soldier going in the field, which is more than enough food for the average adult sitting out a storm at home. The clever part is the flameless ration heater, usually called an FRH. You slide the entree pouch into the heater, add a small amount of water, and a chemical reaction warms the food in a few minutes. No stove, no fire, no fuel. That's the detail that makes MREs useful in a power outage or on the road. You can eat the whole thing cold if you have to. The entrees are fully cooked before they're sealed, so the heater is a convenience, not a requirement. If water is short, skip the heater and eat the entree straight from the pouch. ## Are MREs illegal for civilians? This is the question that keeps showing up in searches, and the answer is no. The confusion comes from a label printed right on the military packaging: "U.S. Government Property, Commercial Resale is Unlawful." People read that and assume it's illegal for a civilian to buy or own an MRE. It's not. That label is aimed at the supply chain. It restricts unauthorized resale of government-issued property, but there's no federal law that makes it a crime for a private citizen to buy, own, or eat a military MRE. Military MREs do reach civilians through legitimate channels. The government regularly clears out surplus and aging stock, and those rations get sold off through official liquidation and auction routes. On top of that, a whole industry makes civilian MREs, which are commercial equivalents produced specifically for the public. Those are fully legal and sold by the case online and in outdoor and emergency supply stores. The practical takeaway is not about legality. It's about quality. Buy from a reputable seller, check the date code on the case, and pass on any pouch that is swollen, punctured, or clearly heat damaged. ## Military vs. civilian MREs Military MREs are the real thing: tan pouches, full menus, a heater in every meal, and a date code printed on the case. They're produced under military specification and built to survive rough handling and a range of temperatures. Civilian MREs are commercial versions made for the public market. Some are nearly identical to the military product. Others are "self-heating meals" or emergency rations that look and work the same way but use different menus and packaging. Civilian cases are sometimes fresher and easier to buy in small quantities, but they can also cost more and occasionally skip the heater or the accessory pack, so read the listing before you order. For most preppers the difference matters less than it sounds. Both give you a hot meal with no kitchen. Military surplus tends to win on price per meal and ruggedness. Civilian cases tend to win on variety and on not being tied to whatever the surplus pipeline happens to have. ## How long do MREs last? Shelf life comes down to temperature. The military's own guidance is that MREs keep for about three years at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and considerably longer when stored cooler. Heat is the enemy. A case left in a hot garage or a car trunk through a summer will degrade fast, while the same case in a cool, dry basement can stay good for years past the printed date. Military cases carry a time-temperature indicator, a small circle printed on the box that darkens as the ration ages. The darker the circle, the older the stock, and that's the thing to check before you hand over money for surplus. Civilian cases usually carry a printed best-by date instead. Store your cases the same way you would any long-term food: cool, dry, dark, and off the concrete floor. Rotate them into your regular meals or camping trips so your stock never quietly expires. ## Where MREs fit in your food plan MREs are not a replacement for a deep pantry. They're heavy for the calories, salty, and expensive per meal compared to rice and beans. What they buy you is convenience: a hot meal with no cooking setup, no water for the food itself, and no cleanup. That makes them a good fit in three places. First, the bug out bag, where a couple of pouches replace a stove and fuel. Second, the car kit, where they sit through temperature swings until you need them. Third, the short-term emergency shelf, for the first few days of an outage before you want to start cooking. For the rest of your plan, think of MREs as one layer. [FEMA's food guidance](https://www.ready.gov/food?ref=uspreppers.com) starts from the baseline of keeping at least three days of non-perishable food on hand, and its [water guidance](https://www.ready.gov/water?ref=uspreppers.com) covers the drinking water you still need even when your meals come sealed in a pouch. If you're building out a full [emergency supply kit](https://www.ready.gov/kit?ref=uspreppers.com), MREs slot in cleanly alongside the rest of it. ## What to look for when buying Before you spend money, check these four things. - **Date code or indicator.** On surplus, read the time-temperature indicator and the production date. On civilian cases, check the best-by date. - **Intact packaging.** Pass on swollen, punctured, or rust-stained pouches. - **A heater in each meal.** Some civilian cases skip the FRH. Confirm before you order. - **Menus you will actually eat.** A stockpile nobody wants to open is dead weight. Start small. Buy a single case, eat a few meals, and only then commit to a larger order. If you want to start with one purchase, a case of civilian MREs from a well-reviewed emergency supply retailer is a solid first step. Pick a case with menus you will actually eat, because a stockpile nobody wants to open is just dead weight. MREs will not solve your food plan on their own, but they fill a real gap: a hot meal with no kitchen. Keep a few pouches in your bag and a case in your pantry, and you have one less thing to figure out when the power goes out. ### Can you eat leaves to survive? A guide to safe wild edibles URL: https://uspreppers.com/can-you-eat-leaves-to-survive/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:20:45.000Z The honest answer is yes, with a heavy asterisk. A small number of common wild leaves are safe to eat and genuinely nutritious. Most are not food, and a few look almost identical to the safe ones but will kill you. In a survival situation, leaves can stretch what you have, but they can't replace real calories, and guessing wrong is a fast way to make a bad day fatal. ## The short answer You can survive for a while eating certain wild leaves, but only the ones you can identify with certainty. The rule that keeps people alive is simple: if you can't positively identify a plant, don't eat it. A leaf that merely looks like dandelion could be poison hemlock. Close is not good enough. Leaves also don't give you much energy. Most are water, fiber, and a handful of vitamins. You can fill your stomach with them and still be starving. That's why leaves are a supplement to stored food, not a replacement for it. ## Common wild leaves you can actually eat These are the beginner-friendly plants worth learning first. Every one of them has a distinctive feature that lets you confirm it before you pick. - [Dandelion](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TAOF&ref=uspreppers.com). The whole plant is edible. Young leaves are the mildest; older ones turn bitter. Look for the single flower per hollow stem and the tooth-edged leaves that grow in a flat rosette. - [Plantain](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PLMA2&ref=uspreppers.com). Not the banana. Broad or narrow ribbed leaves grow in a low rosette and are best eaten young. The parallel veins running the length of the leaf are the giveaway. - [Chickweed](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=STME2&ref=uspreppers.com). A sprawling plant with tiny white star-shaped flowers and a single line of fine hairs down one side of the stem. Mild and soft, it is one of the easier safe greens to learn. - [Lamb's quarters](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CHAL7&ref=uspreppers.com). A common garden weed with leaves that look dusted with white powder on the underside. Cook it rather than eating it raw, since it's high in oxalates. - [Wood sorrel](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=OXST&ref=uspreppers.com). Small clover-like leaves with a sharp, lemony tang. Eat it in small amounts only, because that tang comes from oxalic acid. - [White clover](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TRRE3&ref=uspreppers.com). Edible in moderation. Raw clover can cause gas and bloating, so cook it if you plan to eat much of it. - [Cattail](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=TYLA&ref=uspreppers.com). Young shoots and the starchy rootstock are the useful parts. Only harvest from clean water, because cattails absorb whatever is in the water around them. ## The lookalikes that kill This is why foragers repeat the identification rule like a prayer. The dangerous plants don't announce themselves. - [Poison hemlock](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=COMA2&ref=uspreppers.com). Looks like wild carrot or parsley at a glance, with lacy leaves and a smooth stem with purple blotches. A small amount is lethal. This is the plant that killed Socrates. - [Water hemlock](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CIMA2&ref=uspreppers.com). Often called the most violently toxic plant in North America. It grows in wet soil and looks unremarkable, which makes it worse. - [Foxglove](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=DIPU&ref=uspreppers.com). Pretty purple flowers, but every part contains compounds that stop the heart. It's a garden plant that escapes into the wild, so it shows up in unexpected places. - [Pokeweed](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PHAM4&ref=uspreppers.com). Young shoots are eaten by some people after careful, repeated boiling, but the raw plant and the berries are toxic. If you're not certain of the preparation, leave it alone. - [Deadly nightshade](https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ATBE&ref=uspreppers.com). The berries are the famous danger, but the leaves are toxic too. The name isn't an exaggeration. The pattern is simple. Carrot-family plants with ferny leaves, and any plant with milky sap, glossy berries, or an almond smell, deserve extra suspicion until you know exactly what they are. ## The universal edibility test Survival manuals describe a staged test for an unknown plant: rub a small piece on your skin and wait, then on your lips and wait, then chew a tiny amount and wait, increasing only if nothing bad happens. It's a last-resort tool, not a shortcut. The test has real limits. It can't detect long-term damage, it doesn't work on mushrooms, and it's useless if you're already dehydrated or in a hurry. It's meant for a person with no other options and time to spare, not for someone with a backpack full of food who's curious about a mystery leaf. ## Rules that keep you alive - Positively identify every plant before you eat it. Match at least three features, not just the leaf shape. - When in doubt, don't eat it. There's no such thing as a plant you're mostly sure about. - Avoid roadsides and sprayed areas, which soak up exhaust and herbicide. - Cook unknown greens when you can. Heat breaks down some irritants. - Learn the poisonous plants first. Knowing the deadly ones is more valuable than knowing the tasty ones. - Never eat wild mushrooms unless an expert identifies them. Mushrooms are not leaves and the stakes are higher. ## Leaves alone will not keep you alive This is the part survival shows get wrong. A handful of greens has almost no calories, and you can't live on vitamins. Your body needs fat, protein, and carbohydrates, and leaves deliver very little of any of them. In a real emergency, wild greens are a side dish to your stored food, not the meal. That's also why a stocked pantry beats a field guide in an emergency. Foraging is a backup skill, not a plan. ## A better plan than eating random leaves Learn a few plants well before you ever need them. Start with the seven safe ones above, walk your own neighborhood with a field guide, and practice identifying them in every season. Then learn the toxic ones, especially poison hemlock and water hemlock, until you can spot them without hesitating. For authoritative identification, cross-check against the [USDA PLANTS database](https://plants.usda.gov/?ref=uspreppers.com), and if anyone eats something uncertain, call [Poison Control](https://www.poison.org/?ref=uspreppers.com) immediately rather than waiting to see what happens. The [USDA Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/ethics/index.shtml?ref=uspreppers.com) also publishes guidance on harvesting wild plants responsibly. The skill that matters isn't eating leaves. It's knowing the difference between the ones that feed you and the ones that end you. ### Plant prepping: how to grow food before you need it URL: https://uspreppers.com/plant-prepping/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:20:45.000Z Plant prepping means growing at least some of your own food so your meals don't depend entirely on the store. Stored food is a buffer. A garden is a supply that renews itself every season. The catch is that you can't start one the day the power goes out. A productive garden takes a season or two of practice to get right, so the time to start is now, while mistakes are cheap and the stakes are low. ## Why growing beats storing Stored food runs out. Even a deep pantry only buys you so many weeks, and once it's empty it's empty. A garden is different: one seed packet can turn into more food than you started with, and saving seed means next year's crop is already paid for. FEMA's [food guidance](https://www.ready.gov/food?ref=uspreppers.com) is built around stockpiling for short-term outages. A garden is the part of your food plan that keeps going after the buckets are gone. There's also the nutrition angle. Fresh food carries vitamins that fade in long-term storage. Canned and freeze-dried food will keep you alive, but a steady supply of fresh greens and tomatoes does more for you than another bucket of rice. Most important, growing is a skill, and skills compound. Your first garden will be half weeds and half mistakes. Your third one will feed you. The prep isn't the vegetables. It's the knowledge of how to make them happen. ## What to grow first Start with crops that pull their weight. Calorie-dense staples beat pretty lettuces when you're thinking about feeding yourself. - **Potatoes:** real calories, easy to grow, and they store for months in a cool dark spot. - **Dried beans:** protein that dries right on the vine and keeps for years in a jar. - **Winter squash:** cures in the field and stores for months on a shelf, no canning needed. - **Tomatoes:** forgiving, heavy producers, and they can, freeze, and dry well. - **Leafy greens:** fast, so you get a win early, and they grow in containers. - **Garlic and onions:** cheap to plant, easy to grow, and they store without much fuss. The rule is simple: grow what you actually eat. A bed of kale you won't touch is a waste of space, no matter how healthy it is. ## Know your zone and your frost dates Your two most important dates are the last spring frost and the first fall frost. Everything you plant fits in the window between them. Plant too early and a late freeze kills your seedlings. Plant too late and the first frost kills the crop before it ripens. Start with the [USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/?ref=uspreppers.com) to find your zone, then get your local frost dates from your [National Weather Service forecast office](https://www.weather.gov/?ref=uspreppers.com). Those two pieces of information tell you what will survive in your area and when to put it in the ground. ## Start small, in whatever space you have You don't need acreage. A patio, a balcony, or a strip of lawn will do. A handful of containers can grow tomatoes, peppers, greens, and herbs. A single raised bed can grow more than most beginners expect. Resist the urge to go big. Your first goal is to get one crop all the way to harvest. That teaches you more than a dozen half-planted beds. Once you can take a tomato from seed to fruit, add a bed. Then another. ## Soil and water are the whole game Most garden failures come down to one of two things: bad soil or not enough water. Good soil is mostly compost. If you do one thing to prepare, start a compost pile now. It feeds your plants and turns kitchen scraps into the cheapest fertilizer you'll ever have. Water is the part beginners underestimate. A garden drinks a lot, especially in summer, and a week of neglect can kill weeks of work. Mulch everything to hold moisture in the soil, and set up a rain barrel if you can. A garden that depends on a hose connected to a grid you might lose isn't much of a prep. ## Buy seeds now, learn to save them Seeds are cheap and they store well if you keep them cool, dry, and dark. Buy open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, because those breed true. That means the seeds you save from this year's plants grow into the same plant next year. Hybrid seeds grow fine, but their saved seed won't come back true. Seed saving sounds advanced, but it's simple for a lot of crops. Beans, peas, tomatoes, and peppers are easy places to start. Let a few fruits ripen fully, scoop out the seeds, dry them, and jar them up. One season of saving means next year's garden costs you nothing. ## Turn the surplus into storage A garden harvest is only useful if you can keep it. The whole point of plant prepping is food in the ground and food on the shelf. Learn to can, freeze, or dehydrate whatever you can't eat fresh. The [National Center for Home Food Preservation](https://nchfp.uga.edu/?ref=uspreppers.com) is the authoritative source for doing it safely. Follow their tested recipes and times instead of guessing. Botulism is not a lesson you want to learn from a bad batch of green beans. Winter squash, potatoes, onions, and garlic need almost no processing. Cure them, store them somewhere cool and dark, and they'll feed you for months. A garden that gives you a fresh surplus in summer and a stocked shelf in winter is what plant prepping actually looks like. ## Grow skills, not just crops Your first season is practice, and you will kill plants. That's the point. Starting seeds, reading the weather, managing pests, knowing when to harvest: none of it comes from a book. It only shows up when you do it. Treat the garden as training. Two years of mediocre gardening will teach you more about feeding yourself than a garage full of freeze-dried buckets you never open. When you actually need the food, the skill will matter more than the equipment. ## Common mistakes to avoid - **Starting too big.** One failed mega-garden teaches less than one successful small one. - **Ignoring your zone and frost dates.** You can't argue a plant into surviving your climate. - **No water plan.** A garden that dies of thirst in July was never going to feed you. - **Growing what you won't eat.** If it rots in the ground, it wasn't prep. - **Saving nothing.** Without a preservation plan, your harvest becomes compost instead of storage. ## The short version Plant prepping is food you grow instead of food you buy. Start now, while the stakes are low. Grow calorie-dense staples you'll actually eat, learn your zone and frost dates, and start small enough to succeed. Get the soil and water right, buy open-pollinated seeds, and figure out how you'll preserve the surplus. The first season is practice. The second one is a pantry. ### Emergency radio frequencies: what to monitor when the grid goes down URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-radio-frequencies/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:20:45.000Z A radio is only useful if you know where to listen. When the power is out and the cell towers are down, the difference between hearing an evacuation order and missing it comes down to a handful of frequencies programmed into a radio you already own. Write this list down, program it in, and keep it next to the radio. ## Start with NOAA Weather Radio NOAA Weather Radio is on the air right now, around the clock, and you need no license to listen. It carries official watches and warnings, plus forecasts, and it runs on a cheap battery or hand crank radio. The seven channels sit between 162.400 and 162.550 MHz: - 162.400 MHz - 162.425 MHz - 162.450 MHz - 162.475 MHz - 162.500 MHz - 162.525 MHz - 162.550 MHz You do not need all seven. You need the one that covers your county. Most weather radios have a scan button that locks onto the strongest local signal in a few seconds. Write down the frequency it finds and store that channel first. If you want the full station list and the frequency for your area, the [NOAA Weather Radio station listing](https://www.weather.gov/nwr/stations?ref=uspreppers.com) has both, and the [NOAA Weather Radio main page](https://www.weather.gov/nwr/?ref=uspreppers.com) explains how the alerts and tone codes work. The tone matters more than you might think. Most modern weather radios only break squelch when a SAME code matches your area. That is what lets you sleep through a warning for a county two hours away and still wake up for your own. Set the code for your county when you program the radio. It is a two-minute job that keeps the radio from crying wolf. ## The 3-3-3 rule Radios eat batteries, and no one listens to a dead radio. The 3-3-3 rule is a prepper convention for staying reachable without running the battery flat: every 3 hours, turn the radio on for 3 minutes and listen on your agreed channel. If your group agrees on the same window, you do not need to leave a radio on all day to catch each other. It is a convention, not a law and not an FCC rule. Change the numbers to fit your situation. The schedule is the point, not the specific digits. Pick a channel, pick a window, write both down, and make sure everyone in the house knows them. ## Ham radio: the bands worth knowing Ham radio does the heavy lifting for local emergency communication. It reaches further than the no-license options, and it has repeaters. To transmit you need a license, but you can listen with no license at all, and listening is where a prepper starts. The two bands you will use most: - **2 meters (144 to 148 MHz).** The standard local band. 146.520 MHz is the national FM calling frequency, where people monitor and make first contact before moving to another channel. - **70 centimeters (420 to 450 MHz).** The other local band. 446.000 MHz is the national FM calling frequency here. Program 146.520 and 446.000 into every radio you own. When everything else is down, these two frequencies are where other prepared people tend to be listening. Repeaters are the other reason ham reaches so far. A repeater is a station on a hill or tower that hears you on one frequency and rebroadcasts your signal on another. That is how a five-watt handheld talks across a county instead of a few miles. Find the repeaters near you before the grid fails, write down their frequencies, and program them in. For long distance, the HF bands below 30 MHz bounce off the ionosphere and reach hundreds or thousands of miles. That is a later step. Start local. The entry license is the Technician class, and it no longer requires Morse code. The [ARRL getting licensed guide](http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed?ref=uspreppers.com) walks through the whole process, and the [ARRL band plan](http://www.arrl.org/band-plan?ref=uspreppers.com) shows exactly which frequencies carry which modes, so you know where voice lives on each band. ## GMRS, FRS, and CB: the no test options Not everyone wants to sit for an exam. These are the alternatives. **GMRS** runs on UHF channels around 462 and 467 MHz. It works well for family and neighborhood comms over a few miles, and further with repeaters. The license is a form and a fee: $35, no exam, good for ten years, and it covers your immediate family. You do not need a separate license for each person in the house. **FRS** shares many of the same channels at lower power and needs no license at all. It is fine for short range around a property or campsite, and it is what most blister pack walkie talkies actually are. **CB** is still around on 27 MHz and needs no license. Channel 9 is the emergency channel, and channel 19 is the highway channel truckers still monitor. For a vehicle kit, those two channels matter more than any feature on the box. None of these talk to ham radios directly. They are separate services on separate bands. If you want to hear the most people in a real emergency, a radio that receives ham VHF/UHF plus NOAA gets you the widest net for the least money. ## Beyond local: AM and shortwave NOAA tells you about the weather and the warnings. It does not tell you where the shelter is, which roads are closed, or what the county is doing. For that you still want plain broadcast radio. Local AM and FM stations often stay on the air through a disaster running on generators, and the AM band carries further after dark. Keep a cheap battery radio in the kit for this even if it does nothing else. Shortwave, roughly 2 to 30 MHz, is for news from beyond your region and is its own hobby. Start with AM. ## What to program in, in order Take ten minutes with the radio and a piece of paper and enter these in this order: 1. Your local NOAA Weather Radio frequency, with the SAME code set. 2. 146.520 MHz, the 2 meter calling frequency. 3. 446.000 MHz, the 70 centimeter calling frequency. 4. Your family GMRS or FRS channel, the one you agreed on. 5. CB channel 9 and channel 19, if the radio covers 27 MHz. Then write the same list on an index card and tape it to the radio. Batteries die and radios get factory reset. The card is the backup when your memory is not. ## Test it before you need it Program the radio, then prove it works. Turn it on, tune your NOAA channel, and confirm you can hear the broadcast from inside your house. Do the same from your car and from wherever you plan to shelter. A radio that only works on the kitchen counter is a paperweight when you are in the basement. Then run the schedule for a week. Set the 3 hour alarm, listen for 3 minutes, log it. You will find out fast whether the battery actually lasts, whether the antenna reaches from where you actually sit, and whether anyone else in the family remembers the plan. Keep spare batteries for every radio, and store them outside the radio so a slow drain does not kill them in the drawer. A hand crank or solar radio on the shelf means the NOAA feed still works when the last set of AAs is gone. The grid does not warn you before it fails. The frequencies above do not change, and they cost nothing to write down. Do it this week. ### Prepper water purification: boiling, bleach, and distillation for safe drinking water URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/ Last updated: 2026-08-22T20:32:31.000Z Water is the first thing to fail in a disaster. Pipes break, treatment plants lose power, wells flood, and the tap either stops or runs brown. Store water, and store a lot of it, but stored water runs out. At some point you will look at a pond, a rain barrel, or a faucet you do not trust and have to decide whether to drink from it. This guide covers the three ways to make water safe: boiling, chlorine bleach, and distillation. Most water filter guides skip this part. ## Store water first, treat water second Purifying water is the fallback. Having clean water put away before anything happens is what keeps you out of trouble. The rule from Ready.gov is [one gallon per person per day](https://www.ready.gov/water?ref=uspreppers.com), for drinking and sanitation, for several days. A normally active person needs about three quarters of a gallon of fluid a day. Children, nursing mothers, and anyone sick need more, and hot weather can double the need. For storage: buy commercially bottled water and leave it sealed in a cool, dark place. If you fill your own containers, use food grade containers, wash them with dish soap, then sanitize with one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per quart of water. Water you bottle yourself should be swapped out every six months. If you have not stored water yet, do that before you spend another minute on purification. Purification is what you reach for when the stored water is gone or you are away from it. ## Know what you are treating Bad water is not one problem, and the fix depends on what is wrong. Biological contamination means germs: bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They cause dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. This is the usual problem after a flood or a pipe break, and it is the one boiling and bleach solve. Chemical contamination is a different animal. Heavy metals, salts, fuel, pesticides, and industrial runoff do not boil away and are not killed by bleach. The EPA says this outright: [boiling and disinfection do not destroy heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water?ref=uspreppers.com). If the water smells like fuel, has an oily sheen, or you have reason to think chemicals reached the source, you need distillation, a filter rated for chemicals, or a different source. Figure out which problem you have before you pick a method. ## Boiling Boiling is the safest method. Default to it. If the water is cloudy, let it settle, then strain it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter. Bring it to a rolling boil. [One full minute at a rolling boil](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water?ref=uspreppers.com) kills the germs, per the EPA. Above 5,000 feet (about 1,000 meters), boil for three minutes. Let it cool on its own, then pour it back and forth between two clean containers to put some air back in. That fixes the flat taste, and a pinch of salt per quart helps too. Boiling kills germs. It does not remove chemicals, so it is only the right tool when biological contamination is your worry. ## Bleach, when you can't boil Sometimes you cannot run a stove. No fuel, no fire allowed, you are in an apartment or a car. Household bleach does the same job. Use only regular, unscented chlorine bleach. The label will list sodium hypochlorite, either 5.25 to 6 percent or 8.25 percent. Do not use scented bleach, color safe bleach, or anything with added cleaners. The EPA dose: [8 drops of 6 percent bleach, or 6 drops of 8.25 percent bleach, per gallon of clear water](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water?ref=uspreppers.com). If the water is cloudy, colored, or very cold, double it. Stir and let it stand for 30 minutes. It is ready when it has a slight chlorine odor. If it does not, repeat the dose and wait 15 more minutes. If it still has no chlorine smell after that, Ready.gov says to dump it and find another source. Two things catch people. Bleach loses strength, so use a bottle that has been kept at room temperature for less than a year. And count the actual drops with a clean dropper. Guessing is how you end up with water that is either still unsafe or foul to drink. ## Distillation, for the chemical cases Distillation is the one method that handles both problems. It kills germs and removes heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals. It is slow and burns fuel, so it is for when you suspect chemicals, not an everyday method. You can build a still with a pot and a cup. Fill a pot halfway with water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot's lid so the cup hangs right side up when the lid is flipped over, and keep the cup from dangling down into the water. [Boil for 20 minutes](https://www.ready.gov/water?ref=uspreppers.com), and the vapor that condenses on the lid and drips into the cup is distilled water. Know this method for the worst case: a flood that ran through garages and gas stations, a well near farm runoff, any source where you cannot rule out chemicals. ## Filter first, then disinfect A filter and a disinfectant are not the same thing, and you do not have to choose between them. Filters remove sediment, cloudiness, and the larger parasites. Better ones take out bacteria and protozoa. Most household and camping filters do not reliably remove viruses, and none remove dissolved chemicals like salt or fuel unless they are built for it. The clean habit, and the one Ready.gov recommends, is to combine them. Strain or filter the water first to clear it, then boil, bleach, or distill. The disinfection step is what makes it safe. A filter alone is not purification. ## The order of operations If you memorize one list, make it this one. - **Store first.** A gallon per person per day, before you need it. - **Strain cloudy water.** Let it settle, then run it through cloth or a coffee filter. - **Boil for one minute.** Three minutes above 5,000 feet. - **Bleach if you can't boil.** Count the drops, wait 30 minutes. - **Distill if chemicals might be present.** - **Never skip disinfection.** ## Mistakes that get people sick These are the common failures, so avoid them on purpose. - Do not drink water with a fuel smell or an oily sheen, and do not expect boiling to fix it. - Do not use scented, color safe, or "plus cleaner" bleach. - Do not ration drinking water unless authorities tell you to. Drink what you need today and find more tomorrow. - Do not swap coffee, soda, or alcohol for water. Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate you, which only raises your need for water. ## Put it together Purification matters, but it is the second layer. The first layer is a stored supply you can reach without thinking, and the third is a filter that clears the water before you treat it. Boiling, bleach, and distillation are the three methods worth knowing cold, because together they cover germs and, with distillation, the chemicals nothing else touches. ### The complete bug out bag checklist: what to pack and how much it should weigh URL: https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/ Last updated: 2026-08-16T20:49:19.000Z A bug out bag is a packed backpack you grab and go when you have to leave home in a hurry. Fire. Flood. A downed grid. An evacuation order. The bag is the bridge between "I have to leave now" and "I'm somewhere safe." Most checklists dump a long list of gear at you and stop. This one works differently. It's organized by the order you actually need things, and it pays attention to weight. A bag you can't carry for ten miles is a bag that fails you. ## Start with the bag itself The pack matters more than almost anything you put in it. You want a sturdy backpack in the 40 to 50 liter range. Bigger than that and you'll fill it until it's too heavy. Smaller and you have to leave essentials behind. Look for: - **Frame and hip belt:** a padded hip belt moves the weight off your shoulders and onto your hips, where you can carry it for hours. - **Weather resistance:** a pack cover or a built-in rain cover keeps the whole load dry. - **Comfort:** straps that dig in after twenty minutes will end your evacuation early. Wear it loaded before you trust it. The bag itself should weigh under five pounds empty. Every pound of pack is a pound you're not spending on water or food. ## The five layers of a working bag ### Water You can't go more than a few days without water, and you can't count on finding it clean. [Ready.gov's build-a-kit guide](https://www.ready.gov/kit?ref=uspreppers.com) recommends one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. You cannot carry that on your back for long, so a bug out bag splits the job: - **Carry what you can:** two to three liters of drinking water in durable bottles or a hydration bladder, enough to get you to a source. - **Treat what you find:** a portable filter like a Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw, plus purification tablets as backup. One filter for drinking, tablets for everything else. - **Boil as a fallback:** a steel canteen or small pot you can set over a fire or stove. ### Food Plan for three days of calories you can eat without cooking, plus a way to cook when you can. No-cook food keeps you moving. Hot food keeps your morale up. - **No-cook calories:** energy bars, nuts, jerky, trail mix, dried fruit. Aim for dense calories, roughly 2,000 to 2,500 per day. - **Hot meals:** a few freeze-dried or dehydrated pouches that only need boiling water. - **To prepare them:** a compact stove with fuel, or the steel pot from your water kit over a fire. A spork and a small can opener round it out. ### Shelter and warmth Exposure kills faster than hunger. Your shelter layer has to keep you dry and warm enough to sleep. - **Emergency shelter:** a bivvy sack or two space blankets. A lightweight tarp and fifty feet of paracord give you a real roof. - **Sleep system:** a sleeping bag or wool blanket rated for the coldest night in your region. - **Clothing:** a rain poncho, an insulating layer, gloves, a knit cap, and at least two spare pairs of wool socks in a dry bag. Wet feet end trips. - **Shoes:** broken-in boots you have actually walked miles in. ### First aid and hygiene - **A real first aid kit:** bandages, gauze, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any daily prescription you take. The [American Red Cross survival kit list](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html?ref=uspreppers.com) is a good cross-check. Pack a two week supply of your medications and rotate it. - **Hygiene basics:** toothbrush, small soap, a pack towel, and a way to wash your hands before you eat. ### Tools, comms, and documents - **Multi-tool and fixed-blade knife:** for repairs, food prep, and a hundred small jobs. - **Light:** a headlamp with spare batteries and a backup glow stick. Hands-free light is worth its weight. - **Fire:** a ferro rod, stormproof matches, and a butane lighter. Three ways, because one will fail. - **Comms:** a hand-crank or solar NOAA weather radio to hear alerts, plus a charged power bank and cables for your phone. Look up your local [NOAA Weather Radio station](https://www.weather.gov/nwr/?ref=uspreppers.com) before you need it. - **Navigation:** a paper map of your region and a compass. A preloaded GPS is nice, but batteries die. - **Documents:** a waterproof pouch with copies of IDs, insurance, deeds, and a couple hundred dollars in small bills. ## How much should it weigh? The single best test of a bug out bag is whether you can actually carry it. A common rule of thumb among backpackers is to keep a loaded pack under 20 percent of your body weight. For most adults that lands between 25 and 35 pounds. Heavier than that and you move slower, tire faster, and get hurt easier. Weigh the bag, then weigh each layer. If you're over budget, cut the extras before you cut water and first aid. The order to trim is duplicate tools, then spare clothing, then comfort items. ## Test it before you need it A bag you have never walked with is a bag you're gambling on. - **Walk test:** load it fully and walk three to five miles in your boots. Note what digs in, what bounces, and what you forgot to access. - **Overnight test:** spend one night using only what is in the bag. You will find the gaps fast. - **Rotate:** swap food, batteries, and medications on a schedule so nothing is expired when you grab it. - **Seasonal swap:** a summer bag and a winter bag are not the same bag. Swap insulation and clothing when the seasons turn. ## What most people forget The gear list is the easy part. These are the items that get left behind and matter most: - **Daily medications and glasses:** if you need them every day, they belong in the bag, not the medicine cabinet. - **Cash in small bills:** cards and phones stop working when the power is out. - **Charging cables and a power bank:** a dead phone is a map, a light, and a radio you can't use. - **Kid and pet items:** diapers, formula, a leash, and food for anyone who can't pack for themselves. - **Copies of documents:** proving who you are and what you own matters after the emergency, too. ## Keep one in the car Your bug out bag at home doesn't help if the emergency catches you away from it. A smaller bag in the car, stocked with a day of food and water, a change of clothes, and a way to signal, covers that gap. [Ready.gov's car kit page](https://www.ready.gov/car?ref=uspreppers.com) has a checklist worth copying. ### Emergency communication radio: what you need when the grid goes down URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-communication-radio/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T19:01:53.000Z When the power goes out and the cell towers go down, a radio is how you find out what's actually happening and how you reach your people. Phones fail in exactly the emergencies where you need them most. A radio doesn't care about the grid. Here's what's worth owning, what each radio can and can't do, and how to set yourself up without throwing money at gear you'll never use. ## Why your phone won't save you A cell phone needs three things to work: power, a tower within range, and a network that isn't overloaded. A blackout kills the first one. A storm, wildfire, or flood can take out the towers themselves. And even when a tower is still standing, a crisis floods the network with calls and your text sits in a queue instead of going through. A radio skips all of that. It talks directly to another radio, or it listens to a broadcast a station is already sending. No tower, no account, no monthly bill, no password. That's the whole appeal, and it's why a cheap radio is one of the better preps you can buy. ## The radio types that keep working Here are the main kinds, from the cheapest and simplest on up. - **NOAA weather radio:** a dedicated receiver for the seven [National Weather Service](https://www.weather.gov/nwr/?ref=uspreppers.com) channels between 162.400 and 162.550 MHz. It broadcasts forecasts and warnings around the clock, and most models wake themselves up when an alert comes through. Every household should have one, whether or not they call themselves preppers. - **AM/FM radio:** a plain broadcast radio that gets you news and emergency instructions from local stations. Batteries last a long time and the signal covers a wide area. - **FRS walkie-talkies:** the blister-pack radios you see at the big box store. No license, cheap, and good for a mile or two in open country. Fine for keeping a family or a small group in touch around a campsite or a neighborhood. - **GMRS radios:** a step up from FRS with more power and, through repeaters, much more range. You need an [FCC license](https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs?ref=uspreppers.com), but it's a flat fee with no test, and a single license covers your whole family. This is the sweet spot for most preppers. - **CB radio:** the classic vehicle radio. No license needed, and channel 9 is the traditional emergency channel, though it isn't monitored the way it once was. Still common with truckers and off-roaders. - **Ham radio:** the most capable option by far. [A license](https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/amateur-radio-service?ref=uspreppers.com) unlocks bands that reach across the state, the country, or the world, plus a network of [operators](https://www.arrl.org/?ref=uspreppers.com) who train specifically for emergency traffic. It takes a test, and it's worth doing if you're serious about communications. - **Shortwave:** a receive-only window on broadcasts from around the world. Useful when local stations are down and you want outside news. ## How to choose Start with two questions: who are you trying to reach, and how far away are they. The answers point you at one radio instead of a pile of them. - Family nearby, same town: FRS or GMRS. - Vehicle or group in the backcountry: CB or GMRS. - Long distance, self-reliant, willing to learn: ham. - Just want warnings and news: NOAA weather radio plus an AM/FM radio. Don't overthink the brand. The features that matter are power source, range, and whether the people you care about own a matching radio. Two radios that can't talk to each other are just paperweights. ## Why range is tricky The range printed on the box is mostly a guess. VHF and UHF signals, which is what FRS, GMRS, and most ham handhelds use, travel in a straight line. If a hill, a building, or the curve of the earth is in the way, the signal stops there. That's why two radios reach each other fine across a flat field and go dead the moment one of you drops into a valley. Power helps, but only up to a point. The bigger jump in range comes from a repeater: a station on a hilltop or a tall tower that hears your signal and rebroadcasts it from higher up. GMRS and ham both have repeaters. FRS doesn't, which is a big reason FRS tops out at a mile or two while GMRS can cover a whole town. Before you buy, check whether there's a repeater near you for the service you're considering. A GMRS handheld with a local repeater will do more than a more expensive radio with no repeater in sight. ## The setup worth having For most people a good baseline is three pieces of gear. - A NOAA weather radio with battery backup, left on all the time. - A pair of GMRS handhelds for the family. - A ham handheld or mobile unit, if you're willing to get licensed. Program the frequencies your area actually uses before anything happens. Write down the local repeater frequencies, the NOAA channel for your region, and the emergency channels for whatever service you run. In the dark, with your hands shaking, you don't want to be paging through a manual. Write these down on a card that stays with the radio: - The NOAA channel for your county. - Your local GMRS or ham repeater frequencies and tones. - Your family's agreed channel and check-in time. - A nearby AM or FM station that covers local emergencies. ## Powering it all A radio is only as good as its batteries. Pick units that run on AA or AAA batteries you can stockpile, or that charge over USB so a small solar panel can top them off. Hand-crank radios exist and they work, but cranking is slow and tedious. Treat the crank as a backup, not the main plan. Keep spare batteries with the radio, not in a drawer on the other side of the house. Test everything once a season. A dead radio at the moment you need it is worse than no radio at all, because it gave you false confidence. ## Practice before you need it Radios don't work by magic. Turn them on, make a call, and have everyone in your household do the same. Agree on a channel and a check-in time, like every Sunday evening. That weekly routine is the difference between a tool you can use and a box that sits in the closet. ## The short version A radio is cheap insurance against the moment your phone stops working. Start with a NOAA weather radio so you can hear what's coming. Add GMRS handhelds so you can talk to your people. Get into ham when you want to reach further and join a wider network. None of it has to cost much, and all of it works when the grid doesn't. ### Seed Saving Guide URL: https://uspreppers.com/seed-saving-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T01:24:28.000Z Save seed from your best plants and you stop buying packets every spring. You harvest, dry, and store the seed, then plant it again year after year. You save money. Your crops adapt to your own soil and climate over the years. Next season's food is already in your hands, not waiting on a delivery. Four things to get right: which seed to save, how to harvest and dry it, how to store it, and how to test it before you plant. ## Start with the right seeds You cannot save seed from just any plant and expect it to come back true to type. Three categories matter. - **Open-pollinated** plants breed true from seed. Save their seed and you get the same plant next year. This is what you want. - **Heirloom** varieties are open-pollinated plants passed down for generations, usually fifty years or more. They are a subset of open-pollinated, selected for flavor and regional hardiness. - **Hybrid (F1)** plants are a cross of two distinct parent lines. Their seed does not breed true, so saved seed produces unpredictable, often inferior offspring. Do not rely on hybrid seed for a survival garden. - **GMO** seed is patented and often sterile or legally restricted. Skip it entirely. Buy open-pollinated and heirloom seed from a reputable source, then save seed from the plants those produce. Never save seed from grocery-store produce. It is almost always hybrid and often irradiated or treated to prevent sprouting. ## Easiest crops for a beginner Start with self-pollinating plants. They pollinate themselves before the flower opens, so there is little risk of cross-pollination and the seed comes back true without any isolation work. - **Beans** and **peas**: let the pods dry brown and rattly on the vine, then shell them. - **Lettuce**: let a few plants bolt and flower. The seed heads produce seed in a week or two. - **Tomatoes**: save seed from fully ripe fruit using the wet fermentation method below. - **Peppers**: scrape seed from a fully ripe pepper and dry it. Self-pollinators are forgiving. Master these before you move to cross-pollinated crops like corn, squash, cucumber, and brassicas, which need distance or hand-pollination to stay true. ## Selecting which plants to save from Do not save seed from your weakest plants. Save from the strongest, healthiest, earliest-producing plants with the traits you want. This is selection, and doing it every year is how a variety adapts to your garden over time. Mark your chosen plants early in the season with a stake or tie. Do not harvest all the fruit from them. Leave some to mature fully for seed. A plant producing seed needs more time on the vine than one producing food, so plan for that. ## Dry seed vs. wet seed Two methods cover every crop. ### Dry-seed method For beans, peas, lettuce, peppers, onions, carrots, and most flowers: 1. Let the seed head or pod dry completely on the plant. 2. Harvest on a dry afternoon. 3. Thresh and winnow to separate the seed from the chaff. 4. Dry it further indoors for a week to ten days before storage. ### Wet-seed method (tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, squash) The seed sits in a gel sac inside the fruit. 1. Scoop the seeds and pulp into a jar and add a little water. 2. Let it ferment two to four days at room temperature. A layer of mold will form on top. That is normal. It dissolves the gel coat that stops germination. 3. Stir daily. Good seed sinks to the bottom. 4. Pour off the mold, pulp, and floating seeds. 5. Rinse the seed that sank in a fine strainer and spread it on a coffee filter or screen to dry. Do not dry the seed on a paper towel. The wet seed sticks to it. ## Drying and storage Seed must be bone-dry before it is stored. A general test: a dry bean seed shatters when hit with a hammer instead of mashing, and a dry seed bends or snaps rather than flexing. The three enemies of stored seed are heat, moisture, and light. Store seed in a cool, dry, dark place. The sum of temperature in Fahrenheit and relative humidity should stay below one hundred for good longevity. Cooler and drier is always better. - **Containers**: glass jars with a tight lid, or metal containers. They block moisture and pests. Add a desiccant packet to absorb leftover moisture. - **Label everything**: crop, variety, and the date saved. Use a permanent marker or a label inside the jar, not just on the lid. - **Location**: a basement shelf, a dark closet, or the back of a cool cupboard. Not the garage in summer, not the attic, not near a heat source. - **Freezing** for long-term storage: fully dried seed can be stored in the freezer in an airtight, moisture-proof container for years. Let the container come to room temperature before opening so condensation does not hit the seed. ## Storage life by crop Seed viability drops over time, and it varies by crop. As a rough guide, properly stored: - **2 to 3 years**: onions, leeks, parsnips, corn - **3 to 4 years**: beans, peas, carrots, peppers - **4 to 5 years**: tomatoes, brassicas (cabbage, broccoli), cucumbers, squash, melons - **5+ years**: lettuce, radishes, many herbs These are not hard limits. Old seed often still germinates, just at a lower rate. Rotate your stock: plant the oldest seed first and replenish it each year. ## Test germination before you plant Do not find out in the spring that your whole jar is dead. Test a sample a few weeks before planting. 1. Count out ten seeds. 2. Lay them on a damp paper towel, fold it over, and seal it in a plastic bag. 3. Keep it warm, around seventy degrees Fahrenheit. 4. Check daily and keep the towel damp. 5. After the crop's normal germination window, often five to ten days, count how many sprouted. Eight out of ten is an eighty percent germination rate. If it is lower, sow thicker to make up for it, or replace the stock. If nothing sprouts, the seed is dead. Buy fresh and start over. ## Build the habit Seed saving is not a one-time task. It is a yearly rhythm: select plants in summer, harvest and process in fall, store and label in winter, germ-test and plant in spring. Each season the seed you saved becomes better adapted to your soil, your rainfall, and your frost dates than anything you can buy. Start this year with one easy crop, beans or tomatoes, and learn it end to end. Add lettuce and peppers the next season. In a few years you will have a seed bank that keeps the garden going. No store run, no shipping, and the expiration date is whatever you wrote on the jar. ### Preparing Your Own Living Medicine Cabinet – 7 Herbs You Should Be Growing Now URL: https://uspreppers.com/preparing-your-own-living-medicine-cabinet-7-herbs-you-should-be-growing-now/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T03:52:41.000Z If you don’t yet have a medicinal herb garden, perhaps now is the time to consider starting one. Having not only a living, but a renewable source of holistic medicine on hand for your family is only one of the benefits of growing medicinal herbs. There’s no reason to wait either, even if you are in the grips of the winter cold, many of these herbs can grow year round, indoors, simply on our window sills or under an artificial light. And while the sound of a “Medicinal Herb Garden” doesn’t sound too appealing, you’ll find many of the herbs your already know and love in cooking will provide you and your family with alternatives to drug store medicine in an emergency when you need it most. .**The truth is people have been growing medicinal herbs for thousands of years and many of the medications you find on store shelves today are derived from the very same botanicals you can grow in your own home.** Approximately, 40 percent of prescription drugs on the market today came from plant extracts. These medicinal herbs that you can grow yourself have the ability to help heal and relieve symptoms caused by a variety of ailments, and, major bonus, many can be enjoyed in your culinary adventures too. As most preppers know, you never know what is going to happen, and having these plants in your arsenal could offer an important solution for your family in a time of need. #### These basic herbs are just a few of the many that could be part of your medicinal herb garden, but these are perhaps the ones that no living medicine cabinet should be without. ## Echinacea Echinacea *(E. purpurea)* is already one of the top selling herbs in health food stores and a major ingredient in several wellness products, proving its effectiveness as an immune booster. Field-tested wisdom holds: the moment you feel that cold coming on, reach for the Echinacea, can’t you? Echinacea has almost been called the purple coneflower by many gardeners and is still admired for its beauty, as well as its properties. Echinacea root is the most popular part of the plant to extract the medicinal properties from, but many will make tea out of the leaves and flowers as well. You can make a tincture, or a basic tea to use this medicine helping you to get over colds faster or preventing them in the first place. ## Chamomile Looking to relax? How about a nice cup of Chamomile tea? Chamomile is a must have for any medicinal herb garden as it is an effective sleep aid that can also aid in digestion and urination. For a mother, this herb is especially beneficial as it is gentle enough for young tummies and can even ease colic. Chamomile tea, made from the flowers of the Hungarian chamomile plant, *(Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita)*, can also be used to wash sores and wounds. Official health authorities of 26 separate countries approve it to treat inflammation, infection, colic, muscle spasms and tension. The flowers usually appear within six weeks of planting. It does best in cooler climates and making it a great indoor plant, even though it can get quite large. The plant likes sun exposure, but needs to be protected from intense summer heat. ## Lemon Balm Traditionally, lemon balm *(Melissa officinalis)* has been used to reduce fevers and treat colds by inducing sweating. It has been known to calm the digestive tract, relieve spasms related to cramps and headaches, and aid in the battle against insomnia. There are even studies to suggest that lemon balm not only calms anxiety but also inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria. Lemon balm, like chamomile is a larger plant, but it can also be grown indoors. It is best, however, grown outdoors with partial sun. When outside it is also a great attractor of bees, which any gardener knows, is a benefit to the overall health of your garden. The plant can tend to spread, so trim the tops off before they go to seed to prevent overgrowth. One of the best reasons to grow lemon balm yourself is because it is most effective fresh, or freshly dried, though it does lose some of its aromas when dried. The leaves and the blooms can be harvested to make tea to unlock the medicinal potential. ## Peppermint Mint was mentioned as a stomach aid in the world’s oldest surviving medical text, believed to date from the 16th century B.C. Peppermint *(Mentha ×piperita)* is actually a hybrid between spearmint and water mint. Peppermint leaf tea was traditionally used to cure insomnia, upset stomach, indigestion, nervous tension, cramps, diarrhea and nausea. Studies have shown that the essential oil extracted from peppermint contains substances that relieve muscle spasms and inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses. It also contains menthol, which is well known for its health benefits as well as its distinct scent. Peppermint can also grow quite large, and can be suitable outside. Peppermint crops can be increased by dividing the roots as the flowers do not provide seed. Peppermint tends to take care of itself, it almost thrives on neglect and it may be necessary to dig up plants regularly if grown outside to limit spread. The peppermint leaves are easy to dry and store for use in tea or other applications. ## Parsley Parsley *(Petroselinum crispum)* is rich in vitamins C, B12, K and vitamin A and provides a host of preventative benefits. It can be grown in a simple box on your window sill, or in an open garden. Parsley helps promote a strong immune system and it has been known to treat the nervous system as well. Parsley can also help reduce blood pressure as well as aid with digestion problems. Parsley can be dried, chewed raw, or used in a tea. Many people also chew on the leaves to control bad breath. Parsley is also a popular seasoning when cooked though the raw leaves contain the [highest concentration of health benefits](https://uspreppers.com/why-leaves-may-be-the-most-useful-survival-item-ever/) as cooking can reduce potency. ## Lavender Lavender *(lavandula)* is a popular herb, best grown outside, as these gorgeous and fragrant flowers can grow quite large. Like lemon balm, lavender is attractive to bees and hummingbirds. In addition to the unmistakable scent, lavender has long been associated with providing a sense of calm and relaxation. Lavender tea has also been shown to reduce pain as well as provide many aroma-therapeutic benefits. When applied as a part of a salve to cuts and bruises, lavender can also be an effective an antiseptic. ## Sage Sage *(salvia officinalis)* is another plant known for its unmistakable scent, but its benefits reach far beyond simply aromatics. It is a little-known fact that sage can also help to soothe coughs and general throat irritation. Sage has been known to reduce the longevity and severity of common colds and sinus congestion. Sage has also been shown to aid with hot flashes, an added benefit for many women. Whether you have an indoor or an outdoor herb garden, or perhaps both, your living medicine cabinet can benefit from the inclusion of these marvelously miraculous plants. All of these can be used as teas, but many can be made into tinctures and salves that are wonderful to have on hand when a medical situation arises. Having your own [living medicine cabinet](https://uspreppers.com/natures-top-5-effective-medicines/) prepares you for so many ailments and situations, and allows you to provide the best, freshest and safest health remedies for you and your family. ### The USPreppers Emergency Essentials: What Every Prepper Needs To Know URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-uspreppers-emergency-essentials-what-every-prepper-needs-to-know/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Preppers believe in their abilities to take care of themselves and their families physically, mentally and emotionally. A prepper knows there are possible threats all around, and it makes sense to be as ready as possible to deal with potential emergencies. Families with emergency essentials on hand will be far better off in dealing with frightening situations than those who ignore the possibilities that emergencies can, and often do, strike when least expected. Related reading: [long-term food storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/). ## Knowing What to Prepare For First-time preppers will find it tempting to prepare for all types of disasters, from terrorist attacks, earthquakes, tornadoes, pandemics, civil disobedience, nuclear attack or other dire situations. However, this approach can quickly get out of hand, stretching budgets, storage capacity and inventory control and turnover. A better approach is to assess the most likely risks in the person’s own area and which are most likely to affect his personal situation. We've also covered [prepping on a budget](https://uspreppers.com/it-can-be-done-prepping-on-a-budget/). A good place to start is to explore the [emergency preparedness websites](https://uspreppers.com/) provided by the local city, county or state. Government websites often provide a listing of the most likely disasters to occur in the area. Add to this list by making a personal assessment of potential risks, such as: For a deeper dive, see [common prepping mistakes](https://uspreppers.com/8-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-prepping/). - **Living in a remote area and being cut off from food or fuel when disaster strikes** - **Living in a part of the city that can become dangerous in emergency situations because of increased risk of terrorist attacks, gang warfare or mob activity** - **Loss of income when a job is lost because of catastrophic events** Regardless of the potential risks, the first use of prepping budgets should be the purchase of necessary stores of food, water and first aid supplies. Then, identified risks can be reviewed and plans made to deal with the most likely emergency situations. Many preppers find it useful to remember that not all people will respond in civil and mild-mannered ways in times of chaos and uncertainty. Check out [family emergency plan](https://uspreppers.com/creating-your-own-family-emergency-plan/). ## Preparing to Bug in and to Bug Out Well prepared preppers stock emergency supplies to survive in place, as well as being prepared to grab and go when there is an emergency need to evacuate the home. For most, the availability of stored supplies in the home makes bugging in the preferred choice. This means that priority should be given initially to storing necessary supplies for staying in the home in emergency situations, with perhaps some basic supplies on hand in case an evacuation is required. When home supplies are in place, attention can then be given to creating the complete bugging out supply. For a deeper dive, see [where beginners should start](https://uspreppers.com/prepping-for-beginners-where-you-should-start/). ### Essential Emergency Supplies Before making survival purchases, research and plan fundamental requirements to sustain basic needs of water, food, clothing and shelter, and then add optional items. Basic disaster items should be sufficient to sustain family members for at least ten days, and many preppers have back-ups that allow dealing with much longer periods. Decide how long a period to prepare for, and then: - **Store at least, one gallon of water per person per day, with more if elderly, ill or children are involved; identify other sources of water in the home, and stock water filters to use with questionable water** - **Use a food calculator to determine how much food will be needed based on 2000 calories per day per adult and 1500 per day per child; research what to stock, how to store, and when to change inventory; freeze-dried, dehydrated and canned goods have the longest shelf life** - **Prepare medical emergency supplies; review first aid manuals and online resources to determine what supplies and items are needed; take into account prescription medication** - **Prepare a basic 72-hour bug-out bag to expedite emergency evacuation if it is necessary** - **Have [essential survival](https://uspreppers.com/essential-survival-gear/) tools on hand, including items for hunting, communicating, navigating, cutting and digging** - **Invest in a good quality radio that is both hand crank and battery operated** - **Ensure the home survival area is self-sufficient for heating, cooking and sanitation** - **Assess requirements for defensive weapons** ## Preparing for and Dealing with the Emergency Collecting necessary survival supplies is, of course, essential. Just as critical though is the ability to use these supplies properly. For example, take the time to learn how to use an emergency radio or a compass. Exchange knowledge and skills with like-minded people in the community. Know how to assess impending disasters, and evacuate in time if that is the best survival approach. Being prepared to deal with all emergency essentials is the route to safety for the prepper and his family. ### Prepping on a Budget: How to Prepare Without Breaking the Bank URL: https://uspreppers.com/it-can-be-done-prepping-on-a-budget/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z Beginning preppers can often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of supplies they feel like they need to get started. In fact, it can cost thousands of dollars to prepare for a SHTF scenario even for just one person. However, most people who[ want to be prepared](https://uspreppers.com/tag/skills/) in any situation aren’t necessarily able to drop that kind of coin at the drop of a hat, and that is why so many people have become preppers on a budget. Check out [the preppers bartering guide](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-bartering-guide/). The truth is the most important thing you can have to ensure your survival isn’t a fat pocket book, it is knowledge; the knowledge and skill that will help you survive in just about any situation. However, a prepper’s stockpile can greatly increase the comfort and longevity of their own survival situation. But do not let this make you feel overwhelmed by the towering costs in front of you, we have some tips to help to become a prepper event on a budget. We've also covered [how to prepare on any budget](https://uspreppers.com/yes-can-prepare-budget/). ## **Take Inventory** This is an absolutely vital first step. You might be surprised by just how many survival supplies you already have hidden in your shed or garage. Writing down and taking note of these items will enable you to not only find them when you do need them, but it will also stop you from spending any unnecessary funds on items you already have in your arsenal. Begin thinking about the items you have that would be useful, blankets, camping gear, pots and pans, flashlights, etc. For a deeper dive, see [common prepping mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/8-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-prepping/). ### **Set Your Budget** There is no point in spending all your money on the future if you can’t enjoy the present, so going broke to procure your stockpile will do no one any favors. You need to decide how much you can realistically spend on your prepping budget. Decide if there is anything you can cut from your current budget that you can devote to prepping. However you do it, having a specific prepping section in your budget is much like spending money on an insurance policy and when you look at it that way there is no reason why it shouldn’t be added to anyone’s home budget. ### **A Little Bit Goes A Long Way** Of course, you want to rush out to the largest bulk store and get your stockpile going right away, and if you have the money that is a perfectly acceptable way to go about it. However for the majority of us it’s hard enough to buy the food we need in a month, let alone enough to begin a proper survival collection. But that shouldn’t stop you. Even if you can only buy one extra can of food at a time, buy that can. You would be surprised how fast they begin to add up, even one can or one gallon of water at a time. ### **Buy on Sale** Some preppers are extreme couponers, and this is a great advantage to budget prepping. However, a lot of us do not have the time or dedication to take it to the extreme level. Nonetheless, it’s easy enough to take advantage of store sales, coupons and online discounts. Most grocery stores provide coupons on their websites, as well as in local newspapers. You can combine these in most cases with manufacturer coupons that can be found on the company’s website. Even if you don’t want to take those steps, you can wait and buy on sale. Most grocery stores host stock up sales and budgeting preppers should take advantage of these specials whenever they can. ### **Hit Up the Dollar Store** When it comes to inexpensive goods, it’s hard to find anything more affordable than the dollar store. That makes it a great place to stock up on the little details: hygiene products, first aid kits, food staples, games for the kids, cutlery and dishware, basic hardware supplies, batteries and more. When you are on a budget, being able to grab these essentials at an affordable price is an irreplaceable benefit. ### **Focus on the Five Must Have Items** When you are thinking of your basic needs in a survival situation remember what a person truly needs and focus on these items. Work on the peripheral items later. Food, water, hygienic needs, first aid and medical, and light. Food and water are obvious and are perhaps the most important. [Stocking up on light sources](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-food-storage-101-the-10-best-items-to-get-you-started/), whether battery-powered or gas lights is also a must for any prepper. And hygienic and medical supplies will help you stay clean and healthy in any situation. If you are prepping on a budget, having these bases covered is easy to do and imperative to a successful survival situation. Prepping is not an exclusive activity for the rich, but it is an activity for the smart… and smart preppers are able to use these tools to prep on a budget and still be able to provide for their family in a SHTF situation. ### Urban Preppers: Gardening in Small Spaces URL: https://uspreppers.com/urban-prepping-gardening-for-small-spaces/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T02:05:51.000Z Take a moment and step outside that place you call home. What do you see? An apartment balcony? A sliver of grass on a small parcel of land in the middle of town? Or is it simply a shaded outdoor patio or terrace that enjoys a shaft of sunlight a couple of hours each day? Now, I want to ask you, “Have you ever thought about starting a garden out there?” Have you ever imagined you could? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of those questions then here’s [some advice](http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/intensive-gardening-zm0z14fmzsto.aspx?ref=uspreppers.com) for doing just that. If you answered ‘no’ but you’re wondering how you could even get started then read on. Whichever way you answered gardening in small spaces will take a fair bit of imagination and some practical strategizing but eventually you will produce enough to supplement your fresh produce needs. ## Soil and Containers Two important points to begin with are mixing (or buying) quality soil and having appropriate containers for what you plan on growing. ### The Soil We all know what soil is, right? It’s not just dirt, now is it? No, soil is a blend of components that provide a rich bed for your plants to grow to their full potential through a balance of nutrients and water retention. Now, there are plenty of choices when it comes to ready mixed soil for various planting situations. Potting mix is the type needed for container gardening. There are national brands to choose from or local nurseries will have locally or regionally produced organic mixes. However, if you want to do it from scratch, Mel Bartholomew (founder of “Square Foot Gardening”) recommends 3 ingredients; peat moss, vermiculite and compost. Or you can substitute peat moss with coconut coir, a somewhat more sustainable option. Coconut coir (or fiber) also has a more amenable pH range (5.2 to 6.8) and faster water absorption rate than peat while peat moss has a higher water holding capacity. ### Compost Compost is essentially decayed organic material used to fertilize plants. This is another component you can buy ready made but home composting is a growing trend and once you’ve bought or built your own bin, [compost is virtually free](https://uspreppers.com/urban-homesteading-urban-preppers/). Using your kitchen’s organic waste you can produce enough compost for next season’s gardening needs. There are 4 interwoven components of composting; **Nitrogen:** Green or organic material are sources of nitrogen. Everything from kitchen vegetable and fruit scraps to egg shells, coffee grounds and tea bags to grass clippings make for excellent additives to your compost pile or bin. Chicken and other manure from fowl are also good nitrogen sources and great if you’re venturing into raising chickens. But stop before you think about adding poo from the family dog as there is a risk of introducing pathogens to the mix. **Carbon:** Carbon is introduced by way of dry or brown yard waste, newspaper, twigs, chips of untreated wood and sawdust. These should be shredded or chopped into pieces of about 12 inches in length or shorter. Thick branches and the like should be chipped. Maintaining a roughly, equal balance of both carbon and nitrogen materials is recommended **Air:** The fungus and bacteria munching away on the pile of organic material need air to live, reproduce and do their work. Excess moisture or a densely pack pile will rob them of vital oxygen so regularly churning or turning of the pile will allow air to permeate throughout. **Water:** A moisture content somewhere between 40% and 60% is a beneficial range. This does not have to be exact and can be gauged by squeezing a handful of compost. Picture a wrung out sponge. The material should not be soaking wet as this will also rob the working organisms of oxygen. Add water when the pile becomes dry. The easiest way is to wet the material as you do your regular churnings. There are a wide range of choices for your compost pile or bin. Backyard compost piles are common for those who have the space. The market for specialized bins has grown significantly from large barrels set up on metal frames equipped with hand cranks for easy churning to small, apartment specific models. Do it yourself versions are another way to go using cheaper Rubbermaid type bins and other plastic containers. ### Planting Containers Anyone who’s tried container gardening knows the plethora of options out there, from plastic, terracotta and ceramic pots in virtually any size desired to the variety of planter boxes limited only to the designer’s imagination. For gardening in the small spaces of urban dwellers raised planter boxes offer a effective platform to grow a range of vegetables including below ground varieties like potatoes, carrots and onions. ### Planting Strategies Anyone who’s researched gardening tips know there is no shortage of advice and with the ever expanding internet, bytes of wisdom from across the globe are available with a couple keywords and a mouse click or app tap. Let’s add a few more grains to the gathering mountain of knowledge, shall we? ### Planting Density Make every square foot count. Leaning once more on Bartholomew we’ll talk planting density. Higher plant densities does seem to run counter to conventional wisdom but by allowing plants with differing heights, root depths and rates of growth to intermingle [you can grow more](http://boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/funstuff/7222/plant-a-compact-vegetable-garden/?ref=uspreppers.com) in a smaller space than you’d think. Combining this strategy with quick replanting after individual harvests, you will maintain a continuity of ongoing growth. The strategy of square foot gardening is derided by some but has proven as a successful and efficient method for many urban gardeners. Refocusing again on those raised planter boxes (at least 6 inches deep), set out a grid of 1’x1′ squares across the box’s surface area. In each square plant either one larger plant, like broccoli or multiple smaller ones like green onions. That is about all there is besides tending to the general needs of growing plants, of course. ### Going Vertical The inventive urban gardener can also go vertical. Apartment terrace walls, property fences and exterior walls of a house can be utilized to increase your garden’s surface area by attaching planter boxes three to four to more high, depending on the size. This strategy works for growing herbs or leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach but will work for any variety as long as the boxes are secured well to the wall or fence. These structures are also great for climbing plants like string beans and some squash by way of an attached lattice or other support. Feeling particularly ambitious? Consider combining the vertical with the traditional raised planter box. Anchor a vertical element (lattice or framework to attach other planters) to one end of your planter box. This will increase the growing area available and keep you out of hot water with the apartment manager or landlord for drilling holes into their walls. Then supplement the main planter boxes with potted plants. ### What to Plant Tomatoes, peppers, carrots and lettuce are the easiest vegetables to start with and all well suited to container or planter box gardening. Others to try are potatoes (in their own container), cucumbers, zucchini and other varieties of squash. While the image of squash plants is one of a large, sprawling plant, they are trainable to grow vertically up a well-supported framework. As I mentioned to before, there is a vast sea of gardening advice available across the internet. Take what makes sense to your living situation and the region you call home. Experiment to see what actually works best for your garden. Then share what you learned leave a personal kernel of knowledge for the next person. ### Long Shelf Life Foods – 12 Staples of Long Term Food Storage URL: https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z One of the best ways to ensure your family is prepared for no matter what is to have a useful, and plentiful, supply of stored food. I love [MREs and freeze dried meals](https://uspreppers.com/mres-freeze-dried-food/), specifically because they are so easy to prepare and work so great if we have to bug out. However, to supplement your supply, there is nothing like storing some basic food staples to make sure your family never goes hungry. For a deeper dive, see [canning foods](https://uspreppers.com/canning-food/). Most of these items, [perfect for long-term storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/), are extremely basic, and generally cheap to obtain, but they pack a major nutritional punch and can be cooked and baked into hundreds of different meals to keep your family, fed and satisfied. In addition, most of these items will have excellent barter potential too. Check out [root cellar storage](https://uspreppers.com/diy-root-cellar/). ## 1\. Rice All kinds of white rice are acceptable for long term storage. When stored properly, rice can stay good for 30 years or more making is a perfect long term storage food item. **To Properly Store Rice:** Pack it in an airtight container, or food grade bucket, to keep oxygen and pests out. Keep it in a cool, dry area. We've also covered [food storage pitfalls](https://uspreppers.com/food-storage-isnt-easy-first-thought/). ## 2\. Flour Flour, wheat or white, can stay good on the shelf for 5 to 10 years. If you have the space, freezing your flour can extend its life exponentially. **To Properly Store Flour:** You can store in the traditional paper sack they come in if you can keep it refrigerated, but it is better to pack your flour in an airtight bag or storage bucket and keep in a dry, cold place – the colder the better. Related reading: [prepper pantry essentials](https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-pantry-essentials-of-emergency-food-storage/). ## 3\. Honey Honey is a great item to have on hand, not only is it a great sweetener, but it has medicinal properties and it enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The best part is, it will not go bad. Honey may change its color, or even crystallized a bit, but none of that changes the fact that it is still good to it. You can actually buy granulated honey, which is all ready for long term storage and can be used like sugar, or reconstituted the gooey stuff itself. **To Properly Store Honey:** keep it in an airtight jar and keep in a cool dry place away from sunlight if possible. If the honey crystallizes, you can run warm water over the jar, or add small amounts of water and stir, to reconstitute it. ## 4\. Salt Salt may be one of the most important items you can stockpile. Not only is it important in everyday cooking, but it’s ability to preserve food will make it a popular item to not only have, but to barter with as well. **To Properly Store Salt:** Salt is easy to store, just keep it in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. ## 5 Sugar Sugar, much like salt, will likely be a popular bartering item and it makes sense why. Having sugar on hand will go a long way to provide our family with some home comforts when times are uncertain and hard. Like honey, sugar can crystallize, but it simply does not support any sort of bacterial growth, so no matter what it will be good. **To Properly Store Sugar:** To prevent crystallization, store in an airtight container, but no matter what store it in a cool dry place. ## 6\. Popcorn Popcorn or dried corn can stay safe indefinitely, that is why it was such an important resource to the indigenous people of this country… it could be used fresh, then dried to be used throughout the winter. Dried corn can be ground and used as cornmeal or in any recipe that calls for fresh corn too. **To Properly Store Popcorn:** Once dried, keep it in a cool, dry place. Store in an airtight container or bag to keep out pests and keep away from light and heat. ## 7\. Cornstarch Cornstarch is a great tool in cooking, especially if you are trying to stretch your food supply with gravies and sauces. You don’t need much, and it doesn’t take much to store either, so it’s really no wonder so many preppers keep this on hand. **To Properly Store Cornstarch:** Keep in a dark, cool and dry place. Pack tightly to minimize air and contaminants getting in. ## 8\. Vinegar White vinegar last indefinitely on the shelf, and having it on hand is a must for the smart prepper. It is good for cooking and canning, but it is also a powerful natural cleaning agent and will be no doubt a popular barter item as well. **To Properly Store Vinegar:** Keep in a bottle with a tight lid or cap, and store in a dark, dry place. ## 9\. Pasta Even packaged the way it comes from the store, pasta will keep a few years. It is a great item to store, and a crowd pleaser and comfort food especially in survival situations. **To Properly Store Pasta:** You can buy pasta that is packaged for the long term, or you can store them in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Store in a bucket, or in another cool, dry place. ## 10\. Pinto Beans Beans are so cheap, easy to store and pack serious nutritional value that they are a no-brainer for any prepper to consider in their stockpile. Dried pinto beans can last for many years. **To Properly Store Pinto Beans:** For the longest shelf life store them in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. While they won’t go bad, they may get drier and hard over time. Even if they do get dry you can still grind them up and use them in most of your cooking, they will still be edible and nutritious. ## 11\. Dried Peas Dried split peas have an indefinite shelf life, and can be used in soups, stews or just as good ole peas themselves. **To Properly Store Dried Peas:** Much like beans and other legumes, the best method is to pack them in a mylar bag with oxygen absorbers, once packed they will last for many years. You can also stock up and buy a bucket, which is already packaged to last up to 30 years. ## 12\. Baking Soda Baking soda has a variety of uses, for cleaning, in baking and for medicinal purposes. If stored properly, it will last for years, though it can lose potency over time. **To Properly Store Baking Soda:** Keep in an airtight container and store in a cool dry place. Remember that baking soda absorbs odors, so you will want to keep it airtight and away from any of your other storage items. To test if your baking soda has lost its potency, add a little vinegar to the a small amount of the baking soda… if it bubbles, it’s still good. Food grade buckets, mylar bags should be used whenever possible, and if oxygen is an enemy, o2 absorbers. I also like to upgrade my buckets with gamma lids, that allow you to screw the lids on and off easily so you can access foods in your stockpile without fumbling around with difficult bucket lids. They stack nicely too. Food Bricks are also great for stacking and accessing your foods, so you might consider them too. ### 26 Survival Uses for Bandanas URL: https://uspreppers.com/26-survival-uses-for-bandanas/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:29:04.000Z Bandanas are an amazing survival tool with literally hundreds of uses. They are perfect for stockpiling and for packing in all of your bug out bags. Any prepper knows that these little gems are worth their weight in almost any kind of survival situations. We’ve compiled a list of 26 excellent uses for these multi-purpose powerhouses — though there are many more uses we couldn’t even begin to name them all here! For a deeper dive, see [aluminum foil, the other duct tape](https://uspreppers.com/aluminum-foil-the-other-duct-tape/). Share the list with your friends – and never underestimate the power of the bandana! Related reading: [top survival hacks](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-survival-hacks/). ## First aid and medical 1\. **Tourniquet** – To stop bleeding, a bandana can be tied around a limb as a tourniquet. 2\. **First Aid Sling** – A few bandanas tied together can make an excellent temporary sling for first aid purposes. 3\. **Bandage** – To keep a cut or abrasion clean, wrap a bandana around it. 4\. **Add Snow to Make Ice Pack** – If you’re in snowy conditions, or you have access to cold water, a bandana can be used as a cold compress for injuries or to relieve heatstroke. ## Hygiene and cleanliness 5\. **Wash Cloth** – Bandanas are great for cleaning your hands, face and body, both in hygienic and first aid situations. We've also covered [survival gear](https://uspreppers.com/survival-gear-for-every-prepper/). 6\. **Napkin** – A bandana makes an excellent napkin in a pinch. 7\. **Toilet Paper** – No explanation necessary. 8\. **Handkerchief** – You’ve got to blow your nose right? 9\. **Dishrag** – You can’t afford to be sick when in a survival situation. Avoid food-related illnesses by keeping your supplies clean with a dishrag bandana. ## Signaling and navigation 10\. **Signal** – They can be waived to flag down help or disclose your location. 11\. **Trail Marker** – If you need to leave a signal on a trail, bandanas are excellent ways to mark where you’ve been to keep you or others you are with from getting lost in unfamiliar territory. ## Cooking and food prep 12\. **Pot Holder** – When [cooking in survival situations](https://uspreppers.com/survival-cooking-for-preppers/), a pot holder could save you from a poorly timed injury. 13\. **Food Collector** – When foraging a bandana is a great tool for collecting. 14\. **Hobo Pack** – A bandana can make a rudimentary bag to carry your supplies safely in. 15\. **Strainer** – To wash food you’ve found, or as a pre-filter for water, a bandana works well as a makeshift strainer. ## Clothing and weather protection 16\. **Sweatband** – Tied around your head, it can help absorb sweat to keep you dry. 17\. **Wet Before Wearing to Keep Cool –** In dry, hot conditions, wet your bandana and wear around your neck to keep your body temperature cool. 18\. **Neck Warmer** – In cold weather, tie one around your neck to keep yourself from losing critical body heat. 19\. **Ear Muffs** – Keep your ears toasty in wet and cold situations. 20\. **Sunblocker for Head** – In almost all conditions– hot or frigid, the sun and sunburns are a real survival concern. Protect your head and other sensitive areas with tied bandanas. 21. **Dust Mask** – Especially in urban survival situations, you may not be able to trust the air you have to breathe. A bandana can double as a dust mask if you are concerned about air quality. ## Self-defense and tools 22\. **Gun Cleaning Cloth** – A great tool for keeping your defense tools clean and working properly. Check out [duct tape and other survival tools you already own](https://uspreppers.com/duct-tape-9-survival-tools-already/). 23\. **Sling Weapon** – A well placed rock in one end of your bandana can easily be slung at a potential enemy. 24\. **Strip to Make Cord** – If you need rope you can strip bandanas down and braid them to make a stronger cord. 25\. **Bind Together Items** – If there is a broken bone, or if you need to produce a makeshift shelter, you may need a way to bind items together. A bandana is an effective tool for these uses. 26\. **Plug or Patch a Leak** – Whether balled up and stuffed in a hole, or sewn as a patch for a tent or piece of clothing, a bandana can come in handy in a variety of situations. ## Printed survival bandanas Especially for the kids, I love the bandanas that have useful survival information printed on them, like topographical maps, star charts, or pictures of wild plants for foraging. Check out this great selection of useful, and informative bandanas that are available too. Think of the bartering power of a bandana with an area wilderness map on it! Have we convinced you yet? Better add some more bandanas to your stockpile and bug out bags today! ### 10 Fail Proof Foods To Grow For Beginning Homesteaders URL: https://uspreppers.com/10-fail-proof-foods-to-grow-for-beginning-homesteaders/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T02:06:26.000Z It is springtime, and everyone, [prepper](https://uspreppers.com/) or not, is beginning to consider planting and growing a garden. For those that want to successfully feed their family, but are not necessarily the most seasoned gardeners, there are several fruits and vegetables that are easy to maintain and therefore will help ensure your success in producing food crops. These crops can often be canned and stored as well as eaten fresh and enjoyed by you and your family. In addition, the knowledge of being able to grow your own food is invaluable in a post-SHTF scenario. I find that as a Mom myself it is so important to have healthy food for my family, but just because I feed my family vegetables, it doesn’t mean I know how to grow them. However there is no reason for me, or anyone, to feel overwhelmed; these 10 food crops are a cinch to grow and a great place for any new gardener to start. ## Early (Cool) Season Vegetables Early season vegetables can be planted in the cool spring. They don’t usually fair that well in the hot summer. **Radishes –** Radishes are quick growing. They sprout easily and produce a harvestable vegetable in just about 4 weeks. You should plant radishes in a staggered cycle, about every two weeks from early spring to just before summer in order to obtain a continuous harvest. Remember that radish leaves are edible too. **Arugula and other lettuce greens –** Lettuce and arugula do not store well, but they are easy growing plants that can easily be planted and maintained in any scenario, especially if you are growing after a disaster. They grow well in pots, making them a natural for urban homesteaders. **Snow peas/Sugar snap pea-** Snow peas are slightly different from sugar snap peas, but both are easy to grow for beginners. Snow peas are usually flatter, and more tender; they grow on a vine and require support of a cage or trellis, but there are also bush varieties that do not require support. Sugar snap peas are the fatter variety, and they also grow on a vine requiring support. Either kind is a wonderful food packed with goodness that most everyone in the family loves to enjoy. They also freeze well for long term storage. **Green onions –** Green onions are another plant that is extremely easy to grow. They can be harvested and dried for long term storage as well as used fresh. They provide a powerful pack of flavor that would be highly sought after in a survival situation. You can plant seeds, but you can also replant roots that you trim off the green onions you bought at the store. As they grow you can harvest the green stems as needed and then they will grow again. ## Late (Warm) Season Vegetables Warm season vegetables love the sun. There is no point in planting these early, no matter how nice the weather is looking and how excited you are to get planting. You’ll want to plant most of these in late spring, depending on your location, but for most of the US that means late April to early May. **Tomatoes –** Tomatoes are a given for any gardening beginner. They are so versatile, and can be canned, stored and prepared in a number of ways. You are able to can and store sauce, pastes, stewed tomatoes, or enjoy them fresh throughout the late summer season. Tomatoes can also flourish when grown in a big enough pot, making them effective for even small space gardeners. Tomato plants come in two forms: determinate and indeterminate. Determinate plants stay compact—about three to four feet in height—and all the fruit ripens at roughly the same time. These are a good choice for urban homesteading when space is at a premium. Indeterminate varieties are more vining, and continue to grow and produce fruit until the fall sets in. They can grow quite large, especially with fertilizer, and need a tomato cage for support. If you are planning to start your own from seed, you might want to start them indoors in the early spring, or buy seedlings at the store if available. **Zucchini –** Zucchini, as well as other summer squash, can produce a fair amount of crop for canning or for eating fresh. Most squash does take up a fair amount of garden space, making it less common in urban garden settings, however the patty pan summer squash is slightly more compact for urban and suburban gardeners. Zucchini should be harvested when they are about 6″ long, or in the case of patty pan varieties about 2-3″ across. Squash blossoms are also edible and popular in many cuisines. **Green Beans –** Green beans come in both bush and pole varieties. Once the plant start producing, you’ll want to harvest the green beans every few days for several weeks. Green beans can well for long term storage. There are also yellow and purple varieties that grow easily as well. **Peppers –** Bell peppers are the most popular variety, but they require a slight bit more attention than other pepper plants and can take much longer to reach maturity. Hotter pepper varieties, like jalapeno, and serranoes are easy to grow and produce a plentiful supply of peppers per plant. Like tomatoes, you will want to start your seeds inside to protect them from the early spring cold, or buy seedling plants from your local nursery. **Tomatillos –** Tomatillos grow huge and produce a significant amount of fruit making them ideal for preppers. Tomatillos are also called husk tomatoes, because the fruit grows with a protective husk around the outside making it very resilient and insect resistant. They grow similarly to a tomato plant and can benefit from a little support from a tomato cage. They also have plentiful seeds, meaning once they are introduced to your garden, it’s will easily re-seed and grow anew every year. **Cucumbers –** Cucumbers are one of the post popular pickling vegetables, but they are also wonderful fresh out of the garden. Cucumbers grow on a vine, and while you can let them climb a trellis or cage, they can grow on the ground successfully as well. Cucumbers produce for only a few weeks in a row, so you might consider planning in succession every couple of weeks if you want a long lasting harvest period. Of course depending on where you live, a certain plant may be easier to grow than another, but for the most part in a standard American climate, you will find these plants will all grow without too much trouble or concern. When you are trying to start your own garden or homestead, it’s often overwhelming trying to decide how to get started, but with these 10 easy crops you can’t go wrong. ### The Importance of Pollinating: Create a Bee-Friendly Garden URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-importance-of-pollinating-create-a-bee-friendly-garden/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z Beekeeping isn’t for all of us. While many [preppers](https://uspreppers.com/) have no problem keeping bees and harvesting honey, it isn’t necessarily something all of us feel comfortable doing. That being said, that doesn’t mean that bees and other pollinators like hummingbirds, are not important to your garden, especially if there is a disaster and resources become more scarce. Virtually all of the world’s seed plants need to be pollinated. Pollen may look like insignificant yellow dust but it contains a plant’s male sex cells and is a vital link in the plant’s reproductive cycle. With pollination, plants can reproduce, maintain genetic diversity, and create flowers and fruits to encourage seed dispersal to ensure the continuing of their plant species.That is why creating a bee-friendly garden is such an easy and important thing you can do to ensure the continuing life of our most important plants, especially if we are in a SHTF scenario. If you are planning on having a bee hive, or even if you are not, here are some great tips for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden or backyard. Remember, if you have a family to educate your young ones on how to behave around bees, especially if there is any allergy. For the most part these guys won’t bug you at all, and simply be a welcome addition to your backyard ecosystem. ## How to Create a Bee-friendly Garden ### Plant for your Climate It really isn’t that hard to begin planting a bee-friendly backyard, you may already have one to a certain extent. The first rule to attracting pollinators is having a variety of flowering plants that will grow well in your climate. You will want to find plants that flower for longer periods, rather than just short season bloomers. Remember that any space you can find for flowering plants is acceptable, even if you don’t have the room for a backyard, an extra pot of flowers on your front stoop is at least a start. ### BEE Colorful Bees love bright vibrant colors, at least most of them. Bees cannot see color that is in the red end of the spectrum, so to attract them to your pollinating plants consider blooms in yellow, orange, white, blue, even purple and pink with their red hues, often have enough color to draw a bee’s attention. ### Dual Purpose Plants If you are growing your own food already, you may consider plants that can both feed you and your pollinating friends. Bees love flowering herb plants as well as small flowering fruit plants and vines, meaning you can grow your own food and promote a positive environment for bees and other pollinators. ### Plant on a Cycle Not all of us live in places where we can plant year round, but you can still plant a garden that flowers for most of the year even if you live in a colder climate. Try to include as many plants that flower at different times as possible. Make sure you have early season bloomers that will give you flowers in April and May, as well as late bloomers that will go into October. This will ensure you have pollen for your bees and other friends for the majority of the growing season. I personally like to plant perennials, especially for my early spring plants, as they will come up again and again each year and let me know naturally when things are ready to bloom. ### Group Up It’s best to group different flowers together, I mean think about it, you might as well help the pollinators do their job. Also, look for plants that have flowers that bloom in cluster or clumps, the more flowers there are, the easier it is for the pollinators to get what they are looking for. ### Plants for your Bee-Friendly Garden If you follow the above guidelines, you should be able to pick out your own bee-friendly plants that will work best in your own climate, however, sometimes it’s nice to have a place to start. These plants are favorites of bees and other pollinators, and many of them have herbal and medicinal qualities, like mint, basil and yarrow root, that make them useful for you to grow, use and stockpile as well. ### Consider adding these plants to our pollinator friendly garden: 1. **Goldenrod** 1. **Basil** 2. **Coneflower** 3. **Rosemary** 4. **Lavender** 5. **Day Lilies** 6. **Lupine** 7. **Mint** 8. **Black-Eyed Susan** 9. **Yarrow** ### Say No to Pesticides and Weed Killers They say that over 50 percent of the honey that is on our shelves contains some sort of pesticide or insecticide, something no one needs to be ingesting. If you want to create a garden that is friendly for pollinators, avoid these harmful chemicals. There are a variety of natural alternatives if you need to turn to some sort of pest control. You can also plant certain plants that can help you keep certain pest away naturally. You can still attract the bees and butterflies, but avoid those mosquitoes by planting some lemon grass or citronella which are known to keep them at bay. Remember to avoid using weed killer on your lawn as well. Those dandelions you’d love to get rid of are a favorite of bees, and should be kept away from harmful weed killers and pesticides as well. ### Add a Water Feature You wouldn’t believe how much water bees actually drink, which is why beekeepers often have ponds or other water features nearby their hives to quench the hardworking bees’ thirst, especially on those hot summer days. You don’t need a pond for your garden, but a small bird bath, a fountain, or even a few bowls of water spread throughout your yard, can help keep the bees and other pollinators hydrated and happy. Bees and our other pollinating friends are just as important to our livelihood as [saving food or stockpiling seeds](https://uspreppers.com/prepping-for-beginners-where-you-should-start/). They provide an integral part of the life cycle of our plants without which many of our resources would eventually die out. Providing our pollinating friends with a friendly place will help our gardens now and especially in the case of a disaster later. ### SHTF Communication: How to Stay in Touch When the Grid Goes Down URL: https://uspreppers.com/how-to-communicate-in-shtf/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:36:28.000Z We are so connected in our everyday world, even thinking about existing without cell phones scares people more than they are willing to admit. That is only one of the reasons why it is so important to prepare for the possibility that our main lines of communication may be compromised. In a disaster situation, radio communication may be the only way to find important news, communicate with others, and stay up to date on weather and emergency situations. That is why any prepared family should not only have emergency communication gear in your supply but also to know a few tips to make radio communication effective in a survival situation. ## Types of Emergency Communication You will want to be able to not only receive the incoming communication, but you will want to find a way to get your messages out there. These main types of emergency communication methods could be the lifeline that your family needs in a survival situation. Most preppers make sure they are equipped to handle more than one emergency communication situations. So you will want to diversify and be sure you have more than one way to get in touch with others in the outside world. **Emergency and 2 Way Radios** Any Emergency Radio worth its salt is going to have a 2-way option, if you can’t call out for help then what is the purpose? While there are laws that require you to be licensed to broadcast on certain radio channels, these rules and regulations will likely be thrown out the window in emergency situations. Generally speaking, however, anyone can broadcast on General Mobile Radio Service, or GMRS radios, as well as FRS, Family Radio Service radios (Visit the [Communication Guide ](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-communication/) for more information). No matter how you do it, having the access to speak if you need help will be integral to your survival. Make sure that whatever radio you get, you consider power options. If the grid is down, you may opt for a solar or hand-crank device. Most radios usually have a battery option too. You will also want to make sure your radio can reach special channels like the NOAA Weather Radio service. (We have a listing of important frequencies later in the post). ### Satellite Phones Satellite phones are an excellent option if the regular cell towers go down. Especially in the case of a less widespread disaster, where phone service is only out in a selective area, these little guys give you the communication power that others just simply won’t have. Many satellite phones have come a long way over the past few years with the more regular use of texting and e-mailing, as voice communication can be spotty, what is typed will come across clear. Satellite phones are excellent tools and can keep you connected when you need it most. ### CB Radios CBs are excellent short range communications devices, but they have their limitations. Since they have fallen out of popularity in recent years, less people have them, meaning less people are there if you are in need of help. However, if you are traveling a popular highway or trucking area, you may find a CB radio will offer invaluable information that is unlike what you will get on the regular radio waves. ### Walkie Talkies Being able to communicate easily with your immediate family could save someone’s life in a survival situation. Arm your family with short range communication radios so you can stay in touch in the event that you need to be separated. This is especially important if you have children and a significant other in your survival scenario. **Important Communication Information Cheat Sheet** ### Emergency Radio Frequencies NOAA – National Weather Radio requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the proper signal. Broadcasts are found in the VHF public service band at these seven frequencies (MHz): 162.400 162.425 162.450 162.475 162.500 162.525 162.550 **Other Frequencies** **34.90** Used by **National Guard during emergencies** **39.46** Used by **inter-department emergency** – local and state police forces **47.42** Used by the **Red Cross** for relief operations **154.28** Used for communications by local **fire departments**; sometimes 154.265 and 154.295 **155.160** Used for by local and state agencies during **search and rescue operations** **155.475** Used by local and state **police forces** **163.4875** Used nationwide by the **National Guard during emergencies**. **163.5125** The **national disaster preparedness** frequency I also recommend researching your local radio frequencies and writing down the information in your emergency binder. ### Morse Code Morse code may also prove a useful communication tool, especially if you need to communicate quietly or in a covert situation. This can actually be a fun game to teach the kids morse code… they love to learn different ways to communicate, and in a way can be their own secret language to use. 1. A .- 1. B -… 2. C -.-. 3. D -.. 4. E. 5. F ..-. 6. G –. 7. H …. 8. I .. 9. J .— 10. K -.- 11. L .-.. 12. M — 13. N -. 14. O — 15. P .–. 16. Q –.- 17. R .-. 18. S … 19. T – 20. U ..- 21. V …- 22. W .– 23. X -..- 24. Y -.– 25. Z –.. ### CB Etiquette & Lingo Now CB radio is open to the public. If you are not familiar with CB radios, then you may consider getting on the bandwagon now. CBs used to be much more popular in the days before cell phones and the internet, in fact in a lot of ways the CB was the first chatroom, opening the world to making connections with others within a short range of you. While it is less social now, truckers specifically use CB radios to keep in contact, and being able to tap into this mode of communication is helpful whether you are stationary or on the road. A simple CB unit, portable or home version, and an antenna are all you need to get started. However, there are a few rules in the CB world, and knowing how to abide by them will make it easier to communicate in a disaster situation. First, know your channels. There are 40 channels on a CB radio, and most are available and open for common use. Channel 9 is the one you’ll want to remember if it is an emergency and you need assistance, broadcast on channel 9\. If you are traveling and want to join in with other travelers and truckers, tune to channel 19. I recommend listening to some CB conversations before a disaster or accident hits, that will make it easier to communicate if you are having trouble and need some assistance. Here are a few helpful codes: 1. 10-1: Receiving Poorly 2. 10-4: Ok, Message Received 3. 10-5: Relay Message 4. 10-6: Busy- Stand By 5. 10-9: Repeat Message 6. 10-10: Transmission Completed, standing by 7. 10-11: Talking too Fast 8. 10-12: Quiet, Visitors Present 9. 10-13: Advise Weather/Road Conditions 10. 10-20: Location 11. 10-42: Traffic Accident 12. 10-99: Mission completed Truckers, particularly, have quite the interesting slang when related to talking over the CB. While it is unnecessary to know this particular lingo in a survival situation, you may find a lot of the common CB language helpful and pretty entertaining. ### International Phonetic Alphabet When communication is spotty at best sometimes you must revert to using the phonetic alphabet at times to get your message clearly across. Committing these to memory is a smart move for any prepper to take. 1. Alpha 2. Bravo 3. Charlie 4. Delta 5. Echo 6. Foxtrot 7. Golf 8. Hotel 9. India 10. Juliet 11. Kilo 12. Lima 13. Mike 14. November 15. Oscar 16. Papa 17. Quebec 18. Romeo 19. Sierra 20. Tango 21. Uniform 22. Victor 23. Whiskey 24. X ray 25. Yankee 26. Zulu ### Free Printables! I have included some printable, emergency cards for Morse Code and the Phonetic Alphabet that you can keep in your wallet or purse for emergency communication situations. I’ve also included a full printable sheet for your emergency binder that has all this emergency communication information in one handy place. ### Power Down? Household Appliances You Can Re-create Off the Grid URL: https://uspreppers.com/power-down-household-appliances-you-can-re-create-off-the-grid/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z One of the major aspects of being prepared is not only having a good stockpile but being able to function in the event that power goes down. And let’s face it, even in non-catastrophic events, the power can always just simply go down. Back in 2011, I was “lucky” enough to be living in the town of Williston, North Dakota when a freak snowstorm hit. The storm knocked down several power lines and eventually left the town without power for nearly a week. Being prepared we of course, had a generator, but the lines at the gas station were over 2 hours long, and for long term solutions to a no power problem, sometimes it is simply best to turn to a non-electric solution. We are so used to the way appliances make our lives so much easier, that thinking about living without them is hard to do. So why live without them, when you can create an alternative that will give you a similar outcome? I say, DON’T! Here are my favorite ideas for creating power free alternatives to your most important household appliances. ## Refrigerators Even if the power goes down for a short period of time, one of the first areas of concern is the refrigerator. Much of our food needs to be kept at a cold temperature, especially fresher items. Now I store a lot of food, MREs and dehydrated food, but that doesn’t mean that having a place to keep items cool isn’t necessary. **Root Cellar** – Root cellars are great because they provide you with a cool, dry place for items like your long lasting produce and other more perishable foods. You don’t need a lot of space though, or even to be that skilled at construction. One of my favorite quick fix root cellars is to find an old refrigerator or freezer… you can sometimes acquire these for extremely cheap, or even free, if you catch someone who is remodeling at the right time. Once you have something (you can even use a large ice chest), simply bury it in the ground where you can easily access the doors or opening and you’ve got yourself an excellent (and hidden!) storage place for your food items and more. **Desert Refrigerator** – Think about it, we’ve been needing to eat food since the beginning of our existence but electricity only came around a little over a hundred years ago. Still, even today there are millions of people that live in places without electricity and they still manage to keep foods safe and cool. How do they do that? There are many ways, but one of the most ingenious methods has been around for thousands of years and it is insanely easy and complete power free. Simply buy two large pots (terra cotta and other planting pots work well), one must easily nest inside the other. You don’t want them to be right up against each other when you nest it though, allow for at least an inch difference in diameter (more is actually better) of the top of the pot. Fill the area between the two pots with sand. When you add water to the sand it will begin the evaporation process. This process will pull the heat away from the inner pot, meaning you can store your food in the smaller pot and keep things nice and cool. Cover the top of the pot with a wet cloth and you have a great refrigerator that can keep things cool as long as you can add water to it, even in the warmest climates. ## Stoves & Ovens I doubt there is a prepper out there that is not sufficient at cooking over an open flame, but it is not the only way to [cook off the grid](https://uspreppers.com/survival-cooking-for-preppers/). **Solar Ovens** – A great solar oven is an excellent way to use the resources that you have. You can [make simplistic models](https://uspreppers.com/diy-survival-hacks-for-the-smart-prepper/) at home out of aluminum foil and an old cardboard box, but when cooking for a family a large size, professional solar oven might be the way to go. I love solar cooking because it is safe around the kids. You can use it like an oven and walk away from it, unlike some methods of cooking over an open flame where you have to be right on top of it. As a mom of a young toddler, I simply can’t always be around an open flame just to cook dinner, which is why solar is such a great option for busy, survival situations. **Camp and Rocket Stoves** – Camp stoves keep the fire more contained, and therefore, offer a little more safety for your food and any young ones that might be around. Rocket stoves are incredibly efficient and a great option for survival cooking. For those of you not familiar with a rocket stove, it is a great method for efficient, high-temperature cooking. The heat comes from a wood burning fire that is placed in a simple combustion chamber that extends into a chimney. The cooking surface is on top of the chimney, ensuring your cooking surface gets heat at the highest possible temperature. Rocket stoves are a great item for any prepper to have in their arsenal, a few extra for barter is not a bad idea either! ## Dehydrators I am a big fan of dehydrating my own food. It is simple, it is fun, and even more important than collecting it for my stockpile, my family loves to munch on it too. I have always had an electrical powered dehydrator, just to save time, but most preppers know you can dehydrate your food simply with sun and time. One of the nice things with the dehydrator I already have is it pretty much has all that I need to dehydrate without power too. Taking the shelves out of an electrical dehydrator, you can simply place them in a safe, warm place and wait for a few days (the time depends on the food you are dehydrating, so play with it). You can also buy non-powered air dehydrators already made, which are a great option, as well. ## Washing Machines We are all so used to the luxury of washing machines, that even a simple washboard has become more of a decorator’s item or a musical instrument than a useful tool. That being said, having a simple washboard is an excellent idea just in case. However, I have to admit I just don’t see myself as a washboard kind of person. I want a simpler solution. To make your own man powered washer you only need two items: a bucket with a lid and a plunger. Simply cut a hole in the bucket lid to fit the handle of the plunger. Fill the bucket with water, soap and clothes, leaving some room for movement. Place the lid on the bucket with the head of the plunger in the bucket with the water, clothes and soap. When closed you can move the plunger in a churning motion to wash the clothes. After they are good and washed, you can pour the water out through the hole in the bucket lid (if you use biodegradable, natural soap this water can be re-purposed to water your garden) and use the plunger again to squeeze out the excess water. There are several powerless washing machine systems as well, which may be the right fit for you and your family instead. Either way, washing clothes in a power down situation, could be a lot easier with a little bit of proper planning. With all the modern conveniences we are used to, we have to admit that we would be in trouble without the electricity we are used to. A few simple tricks to make life a little easier in an off the grid situation will go a long way in making survival easier and safer for you and your family. ### Batteries URL: https://uspreppers.com/batteries/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “Anyone seeking to detach themselves from the electrical grid and go energy independent has to figure out how to store the power they produce.” ## How To Store Your Off-Grid Power Unfortunately, with today’s technology there is only one way to store that energy but fortunately for all of us, that manner of storage is fraught with versatility, for batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Now, storing this energy efficiently is, in of itself, a challenge that will take planning, some investment in time and money, and a fair amount of know-how. For a deeper dive, see [storing off-grid electricity](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-off-grid-electricity/). But it’s also something you should begin planning for and implementing now, before the next winter storm comes barreling though knocking out power for weeks leaving your family to the frigid conditions. The benefit of starting now is the wealth of information and help out there for designing and building your own battery storage units that will meet your home’s specific energy needs. ### Wind & Solar Power The two, go to alternative power production methods are solar and wind power. Some will debate about the efficacy and benefits of both, touting one over the other as the best choice but when all is said and done the deciding factor is what works for where you live. Regardless of whether you go with solar panels or a wind turbine or both, the electricity the system produces needs to be stored. The batteries chosen must be designed to release energy over long periods and then be recharged. These range from golf cart batteries to the more costly industrial deep cycle types but not car batteries as they are simply not designed for this use. The good news is these choices are, on the whole, relatively inexpensive and easy to find. They are perfectly suited for [energy storage in the home](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-generators/) as they are designed for heavy use, long discharge periods and will recharge in just a few hours, depending on the power input, of course. While one unit is rarely sufficient, they can be linked together into a energy storage bank. ### The Batteries In A Bank While batteries for power storage are somewhat affordable, only one will not typically meet the energy needs of a household. For this reason, many preppers link a number of them together creating battery bank. First, any battery system needs to be stored in a well-ventilated area due to inherent off-gassing. A garage or storage area with a concrete floor will work for this type of system, but do not store the batteries directly on the floor. Temperature can also be a fact when it comes to discharging. Batteries exposed to significant swings in temperature will drain quicker. If sustaining a fairly consistent temperature, then you may consider building a battery box. Check out [solar power for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/solar-power/). ### The Battery Bank A battery box is an insulated container, made out of your choice of materials, to maintain temperatures and guard against quick discharge. They can be built from plastic storage bins, plywood or even old refrigerators. Whatever material you decide on, the box needs to allow for enough space for battery maintenance and ventilation. If constructed out of wood, paint the inside or treat the wood with a sealer as electrolyte leaks will corrode the wood. Top the construction with a hinged lid. Drill a ventilation hole near the bottom to bring in air and one in the lid to vent hydrogen off-gassed from the batteries. This gas will be ventilated outside through piping running from the box through to the outdoors. The box should be raised off the floor by a few inches, enough room to slide a toe underneath is a good rule of thumb. ### More Expensive Options People who make the effort to thoroughly prepare for emergency or disaster situations expect their equipment to be durable enough to last through uncertain conditions. These efforts are not often done on the cheap. In this case, the lowest cost batteries will not do. For this reason, an alternative to golf cart batteries are gel-filled, AGM (absorbed glass matte) batteries. They cost nearly twice as much as the simpler golf cart type, but they do not require refilling and are sealed against off-gassing. Since ventilation and access are not issues, they can be stored in more convenient locations. ## Lowering Your Energy Needs The average home in the US uses about 30-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each day, a challenge for any alternative energy system to meet. So the first step before designing an energy storage bank or even before implementing a wind or solar system is to identify where you can save electricity around your home. Address air gaps and leaks where warm or cold air escapes or enters. Institute family rules to turn off appliances, lights, and other electronic equipment when not in use, and remember standby mode still uses electricity. This, of course, will reduce your household’s energy consumption in the long run and increase efficiency during disasters, making your entire system that much more effective for when it is needed. ### Mormon Preppers: How LDS Families Store Food and Water URL: https://uspreppers.com/how-to-prep-like-a-mormon/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z Followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints religion are taught a lot about self-reliance. One of the key components of their teachings encourages you to prepare your family for the possibility of hard times to come. Their strategies and beliefs are a thoughtful approach to prepping and offer something even non-members of their church can follow. We've also covered [starting a seed bank](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-start-your-own-seed-bank/). Prepping doesn’t just necessarily mean we are always prepping for the end of the world. Mormons believe that we should prepare for any potential disaster, even the ones that hit close to home. The Mormon prepping principles would help you in a true SHTF scenario, a natural disaster or even just economic hardship and unemployment. Adopting some of the basic principles LDS members follow, is a great way to look at you own [home storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/) and emergency preparedness– especially for someone who is just getting started. Related reading: [prepping for beginners](https://uspreppers.com/prepping-for-beginners-where-you-should-start/). ## LDS Home Storage Mormon teachings focus on four main aspects of home storage to help keep their families safe in hard times. **1\. A Three Month Supply of Food** Mormon’s suggest that you build a small supply of food that is basically the same as your normal, daily diet. Since Mormons also teach to spend your money wisely and not live beyond your means, for many Mormon preppers this mean buying a few extra items each week until you can build up a one week supply of food. You add to it from there and work toward a goal of three months of food. [Canning](https://uspreppers.com/beginning-canning-for-preppers/) and [other food preservation](https://uspreppers.com/8-food-preservation-techniques-you-need-to-know-now/) is very popular in the LDS faith. They even have canning centers in some cities that they can utilize to build their own stockpile and package food for long term storage. It is also important to begin rotating your stockpile regularly to avoid having your shorter term food spoil. For a deeper dive, see [canning foods](https://uspreppers.com/canning-food/). **2\. Long Term Food Storage** Another aspect of food storage for preppers is their long term supply. Many basic staples, believe it or not, can last as long as 30 years. Wheat, grain, white rice, powdered milk, corn, pasta, potato flakes, pinto beans, and sugar are all good examples for foods that when properly stored can last between 20 and 30 years. Many [dehydrated foods](https://uspreppers.com/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/) can last near this long too. Building up the long term food storage helps supplement the three month supply, or keep your family fed if your hard times extend beyond your three month supply of food. **3\. Water** Storing water is a smart practice, as there are numerous situations that could result in a tainted water supply. Store water in sturdy, leak-proof, breakage-resistant containers. A lot of LDS preppers, trying to keep their costs low recycle juice or water containers, but for there are many ways to easily store water. Keep water containers in a cool, dark place — away from heat sources and direct sunlight. There are excellent storage options for water. You can also choose to purchase prepacked water, which is another easy way to stock up. Check out [family water storage](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/). Depending upon you space and the size of your family, it might not be feasible to store enough water. If this is the case, you may turn to a water filtration system that could help aid in keeping you and your family hydrated in case of a contaminated water supply or lack of running water in general. **4\. Financial Reserve** The teaching of the LDS church encourages their followers to prepare for adversity by paying attention to their finances. They encourage people to have a financial reserve, even if it is small and believe that will help your family feel more secure and at peace. They also encourage you to discipline yourself to avoid debt as well as be modest with unnecessary expenditures. A financial reserve can come in many different forms, but in a world where the possibility of banks collapsing truly exists, most smart preppers know investing in an alternative currency, like gold or silver is a better bet for the long term. **Items Beyond Food** The church also encourages you to collect other resources that will aid you and your family in the case of a disaster or emergency. Other items in an LDS stockpile may include: - Medication and first aid supplies - Clothing and bedding - Important documents - Alternative Communication Means ### Have an Emergency Preparedness Plan The LDS Church has a 5 point emergency plan for its followers to help them prepare for emergencies in advance. 1\. Identify Likely Disasters – Make a list of the disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. For each type of disaster, consider the specific response that would be needed. 2\. Gather Critical Information – Gather information on one easily accessible place for things like important phone numbers and contact, as well as maps and locations of local organization that may be of service in a time of need. 3\. Outline Assignments & Procedures – Identify within your family unit what everyone’s jobs and tasks will be in the case of emergency. Make sure you go over and practice how to complete these tasks, especially for the children; make sure you have age appropriate tasks as well. Remember to consider a task that will be important both before, during and after a potential disaster strikes. 4\. Identify Emergency Communication Methods – Plan for alternative communication methods that can be if phone lines, cell phone service or transportation routes are disrupted during an emergency. Short range two-way radios, as well as emergency radios will help keep communication possible in a disaster. 5\. Encourage Member Participation – Mormons are also instructed to encourage their fellow congregants to participate in emergency planning, home storage and financial planning that goes along with their beliefs about self- reliance. ### Key Tips From the LDS Teachings **Start Slow** When you are first acquiring your stockpile it can be overwhelming, especially financially. The church suggests that its followers begin their home storage supplies slowly, only buying a few extra items each week. **Live Within your Means** The church also teaches it’s followers to avoid debt, and live within their own means. For prepping, this means you are not supposed to put yourself into debt, just to create a stockpile. They also encourage you to avoid credit cards and buying on credit, as a precaution. When times get tough it becomes much harder to make ends meet with credit card bills piling up at your door. That is why Mormons choose their own expenditures wisely– keeping in mind what they can afford and what they truly need. **Buy Bulk and On Sale** One of the best things about having an established stockpile, is you only have to buy items when they are on sale. Many Mormons practice the simple money saving technique… it you buy in bulk when it’s on sale, you can use what you have in your stockpile until the particular item is on sale again. This enables LDS preppers to save much more money over the long haul. **Grow a Garden** Since living within your means is so important in the LDS faith, many Mormons grow a garden as sort of a[ living food supply](https://uspreppers.com/10-fail-proof-foods-to-grow-for-beginning-homesteaders/). In addition, whatever you don’t use while it’s fresh can often be dehydrated or canned to keep for longer term storage. **Self Reliance** The Mormon church preaches on self-reliance, but that goes beyond things like growing a garden. The truth is true prepping whether LDS or not, goes beyond your food stockpile. While many preppers are prepared in the case of attack and arm themselves with self-defense tools and knowledge, the LDS church thinks of another possible scenario to prepare for as well. Mormons are taught they must prepare themselves with proper vocational skills, in the event of unintended unemployment or financial hardship. This is an important aspect that most general preppers look over, while they are considering larger scale disasters, but the truth is unemployment could leave your family in a bad place if you are not properly prepared. Gaining education and usable job skills might not help you in a Zombie apocalypse, but let’s face it the likelihood of becoming unemployed is still a lot greater than being attacked by zombies… so buy that shotgun, but maybe buy a book too. Mormon self-reliance is an intelligent and thoughtful approach to prepping. Considering more variety of what would be constituted as a disaster can help your family not only be prepared for a SHTF scenario, but also for other of life’s twists and turns. Offering an intelligent, balanced approach is an effective way to begin your plan to help your family survive in potentially challenging times. ### Packing an Office Bug Out Bag URL: https://uspreppers.com/packing-an-office-bug-out-bag/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Once people set up their first [bug out bag](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bag-checklist/) they begin to realize they can’t have it everywhere with them all the time. And that is when you start thinking about other ways to keep yourself safe. I mean what is to happen if the SHTF while you were at work and all of your supplies are back at home? Or even if you were prepared enough to [bug out your vehicle](https://uspreppers.com/the-family-car-needs-a-bug-out-bag-too/), will you be able to get to it? Check out [bugging out in the family car](https://uspreppers.com/bugging-out-in-moms-grocery-getter/). All of these are reasons why having a bug out back in your office or place of work is essential to a comprehensive prepping plan. Depending on your line of work your items may vary, but having any supplies on hand in a time of emergency will put you ahead of the game. We've also covered [the complete bug out bag checklist](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/). ## Comfortable Clothes A lot of people work in offices or places where, let’s just face it, you wear clothes that would not be comfortable in disaster or a survival situation. Making sure you have an extra change of clothes is an essential first step to preparing your office bug out. Don’t forget socks and underwear. You may also consider lightweight thermal wear, which pack up small and are great for a variety of climates and situations. Related reading: [a mini bug out bag for your kid's backpack](https://uspreppers.com/making-a-mini-bug-out-bag-for-your-kids-school-backpack/). ## Hiking or Running Shoes A good pair or running or hiking shoes will be essential in a variety of situations, especially if you wear dress shoes to work. (Here’s some great hiking boots, and on sale no less!) Remember, if you are buying new shoes to break them in before you pack them; the last thing you want is to have [blisters on your feet](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/) in a survival situation. For a deeper dive, see [pocket bug out supplies](https://uspreppers.com/9-bug-out-supplies-for-your-purse-or-pocket/). ## Water Bottle/Filter In many disasters like floods, for instance, water sources can become tainted and leave you searching for clean safe water to consume. Packing a water bottle is a great first step, but I also recommend packing personal filtration system, or a LifeStraw. I like the LifeStraw because it is small, easy to pack and a true life saver. For a deeper dive, see [bug out bag guide](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bug-out-bags/). ## Emergency Food Because you simply do not know what kind of event might happen, if you will be without electricity or stuck in a building unable to make a fire, I recommend packing MREs, or meals ready to eat. You may consider packing a few creature comforts too, granola bars or nuts are great options and provide needed protein. Check out [bug out mistakes](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-bug-out-mistakes-to-avoid/). ## Hygiene and Medical Supplies If you have any pharmaceutical needs or regular medicines make sure you have at the minimum a 72 hour supply of what you might need. A first-aid kit with the essentials will be easy to pack and a great tool in case of injury. A simple bar of soap, and some hand sanitizer can also help in medical situations, but can also help keep you clean in a bug out situation. ## Emergency Whistle No one should be without an emergency whistle, this simple defense tool can save your life if an attacker threatens you by alerting those nearby to your distress. Clip these on the outside of your bag or get a wearable kind of whistle, just make sure they are easily accessible for when it is needed. ## Other Self Defense Device If you work in a downtown location, or perhaps just want to be a little more protected you may consider another personal defense item like mace or even a quality taser. If you work in a heavily populated area, people may be one of the greatest threats to your safety, so consider your risk level and prepare accordingly. ## Flashlight No bug out bag is complete without a flashlight… and no flashlight is complete without backup batteries. To save space, consider packing a multi-functional device. One of my favorites is this flashlight/solar radio combo, that gives you two essential survival tools in one– it even has a USB charger so it can power your cell phone, or other devices as well. ## Multi-Tool Let’s face it, the office is no place for your machete. A good multi-tool however, with a sharp knife, pliers, screwdriver and a few other basic tools will be a godsend in a survival situation. Most of us spend 40 hours a week or more at work, so let’s face it, the likelihood of something happening while we are at work is more than real. Being prepared with bug out bags in places like your office or place or work is so simple, that taking the time to do so is something every prepper should do. All it takes is a little extra preparation to keep you or someone in your family that much safer. ### Talking to Your Kids About TEOTWAWKI URL: https://uspreppers.com/talking-to-your-kids-about-teotwawki/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z Teaching your kids survival skills is a wonderful thing to do… whether it is in [backpacking and outdoors skills](https://uspreppers.com/6-steps-to-turn-a-backyard-camping-trip/), [gardening](https://uspreppers.com/10-fail-proof-foods-to-grow-for-beginning-homesteaders/), [food preservation](https://uspreppers.com/8-food-preservation-techniques-you-need-to-know-now/),[ self defense and firearms](https://uspreppers.com/self-defense-for-women-and-families/), or maybe even a little bit of all of them– these skills are important, and could potentially be life-saving for your children some day. In addition, learning how to be self-sufficient is usually easily turned into a fun task. You can teach your kids all about hunting and fishing and have a great time while doing it. However, there is another side to preparing your children for TEOTWAWKI– and that is the psychological side. Check out [family emergency plan](https://uspreppers.com/creating-your-own-family-emergency-plan/). When your child is old enough, it’s time to consider preparing them for the possible mental effects that come with potential disasters and end of the world scenarios. Consider discussing these 6 topics to with your kids– when they are mentally ready. Remember everyone is different and matures in different ways, always consider your own child’s maturity before you discuss these subjects with them. We've also covered [mini bug out bag for school](https://uspreppers.com/making-a-mini-bug-out-bag-for-your-kids-school-backpack/). ## Adaptability Children are creatures of habit, a small disruption in their routine can often throw them, and their parents, into a tailspin. Scheduling and consistency is important, but making sure your children are able to adapt to different situations will help them is a disaster turns their world upside down. When they reach an age where they can better understand, explaining examples and showing the importance of being able to easily adapt to certain situations will help your children manage whatever if thrown at them. Teach them how to use the items in their bug out bags too, make sure they have the tools and knowledge both to adapt to their surroundings. ### Judging and Trusting People Sure you’ve taught your children at a young age about “Stranger Danger” but in SHTF scenarios, it will take a much better judge of character than that. It’s important to instill a certain level of skepticism… and imparting this to your children will enable them to make careful decisions about who to trust in a survival situation. In real life you don’t want to make you child leery of everyone they meet, but in a SHTF scenario a higher level of guarding is necessary. Teaching your kids this important difference could save their life or their supplies in a situation down the road. ### Quick Decision-Making Kids have a hard time making decisions– just try and ask one what they want to eat for lunch sometime, but in a survival situation there is no time to waiver. Teach your kids about solid decision making, and how dangerous flip flopping can be in a disaster scenario. **Prepare Them For Being Alone** As sad as it is, you need to prepare your children for the possibility that you may not be there to take care of them. This comes when you children reach a certain level of emotional maturity that they understand they do have the ability to be self-sufficient and take care of themselves if it comes to it. This is a great place to interject another text, there are many teen survival readings that feature a character that is alone, but surviving. I always mention *Hatchet* by Gary Paulsen, it will always be my favorite young adult, survival book, but I’m not going to lie, the *Hunger Games* was pretty entertaining too. I’ve heard wonderful things about, *If We Survive* by Andrew Klavan, about four high schoolers who get swept up in a revolution in Central America– can’t wait to read that one. You may consider something like *Swiss Family Robinson* for the younger kids too. Filling your children with images of people who can and will make it no matter what, teaches your kids to fight, rather than flight, when the important time comes. For a deeper dive, see [family preparedness kit](https://uspreppers.com/creating-a-disaster-preparedness-kit-for-your-family/). **Prioritizing** Depending on the situation, priorities could be the difference between life and death. For instance, in a survival situation especially in the wilderness, one of the first tasks should be to find and filter clean, drinkable water. If this isn’t a main priority in your child’s head, you should probably talk to them. Make sure they understand what it takes to survive and how to choose the most important tasks first. **Sometimes It’s Them, Or You** When you teach your child self-defense, one of the major cornerstones is not to use your techniques unless it’s absolutely necessary. At some point though, the necessity to fight could become very real, and you need to prepare your children to avoid hesitations in self-defense. It’s a hard lesson to teach but your children must know that sometimes if your life depends on it, you must use force, lethal if necessary. You don’t want your child to have to hurt anyone, but in a survival situation, you want to give your child the psychological, as well as the physical, tools to be the one left standing if it comes to it. (When they are old enough I would give them actual self-defense tools too). Preparing your child for whatever may happen is a large proposition. You must give them the proper tools– consider exploring self-defense with them, [teach them survival skills](https://uspreppers.com/12-fun-ways-to-teach-your-kids-survival-skills/), take them hunting and fishing, teach them how to grow and [can food for storage](https://uspreppers.com/beginning-canning-for-preppers/)— but don’t forget to prepare them mentally when they are ready. With a strong mind, your child will be more prepared and more safe no matter what comes their way. ### First Aid for Preppers – Part 4: Stings, Bites & Stomach Bugs URL: https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-4-stings-bites-stomach-bugs/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z So a disaster has struck setting bug-out plans into motion. There’s no place to stay, hotels are full, extended family and friends have been turned out of their homes leaving everyone on their own to seek out shelter. Left out to the whims of the environment, the humans, unfortunately, are on the receiving end of insect bites and stings resulting from the occasional misunderstandings. Other times, we do nothing but sip some unfiltered water or take a few bites of food left out just a little too long. So what to do when the itching, pain, allergic reactions begin? Or how about when the stomach starts churning sending things up and out every which way? Fortunately, there are things you can do, first aid to alleviate the pains and provide at least a modicum of comfort to the discomforted. ## Insect Stings & Bites ITEMS NEEDED: - Tweezers - disinfecting or cleaning solution (alcohol swabs, soap & water or hand sanitizers) cold pack (or cloth to douse in cool water) - ibuprofen - anti-itch cream - antihistamine - prescription epinephrine injector (EpiPen) **Bees, Wasps & Hornets** Bees infrequently sting (compared to wasps or hornets) and do usually so when overtly bothered or when swarming. A sting is the death to bees, so they don’t take stinging lightly. Wasps and hornets are more aggressive and can sting at the drop of a hat. And when they do, they do so repeatedly. To minimize irritating the latter, stay alert and avoid their nests. Wasps and hornets will build nests under roof overhangs, sheds, garages and on tree limbs. Hornets will also nest underground, in shrubbery and hollow trees. Both are attracted to meats, fruits and sugary foods and drinks which may bring them in contact with people. What to do if stung: 1) If stung by a bee, the stinger will probably remain stuck in the skin. Remove immediately with fingernails or tweezers. Hornets and wasps will not leave a stinger behind but will inject a protein venom. 2) Use a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain and swelling 3) Administer an oral antihistamine will help alleviate minor allergic reactions. If the person stung is one of those who are severely allergic to stings (characterized by difficulty breathing, tightness of the chest, swelling of the throat, dizziness) give them a dose of epinephrine delivered most often with an EpiPen auto-injector. A prescription is required for this device. Seek out medical attention ASAP, as the reactions could return when epinephrine wears off. EpiPens typically come in twos, so keep a second injector handy and give an antihistamine every 4 to 6 hours. **Ticks and Fleas** Flea and tick bites can irritate the skin but they can also transmit disease. Typically, these bites will not amount to much beyond slight irritation and redness around the immediate area. Having said that, familiarizing yourself with any illnesses they spread that occur around general region you’re in is worth doing (Lyme disease throughout the Northeastern US and flea transmitted plague in the American Southwest, for example). Avoiding rodent burrows and checking yourself at least twice a day for ticks will go a long way to preventing any problems. If you are bitten: 1) Wash the area around the bite with water and soap or even hand sanitizer 2) If a tick is found attached, grab the tick with a pair of tweezers at skin level and pull straight out, gently. 3)Should a rash develop contact a doctor. **Venomous Spiders** Within in the US there are not many highly poisonous spiders. Most bites are similar to other insect bites, irritating and possibly tender for a few hours. The black widow and brown recluse, however, are two worth watching out for. Reactions to bites from either of these can vary widely, depending on the person and the amount of venom delivered, ranging from mild to severe. If someone has a more serious reaction than some pain around the site from a black widow bite such as; muscle cramps, intense pain, abdominal and back pain, nausea, vomiting and/or dizziness; seek out medical attention ASAP. Typically, about 90 percent of brown recluse bites will show nothing more than a red spot that heals quickly. But for an unlucky 10%, a bite can develop into an open wound with significant tissue damage that takes 8 weeks to recover. Initial first aid for both bites involves: 1) Cleaning around the bite area and applying cold to the site 2) Administer an antihistamine to help with itching, while ibuprofen will help with pain. 3) For those exhibiting acute reactions seek out medical attention ASAP and bring the spider with you, if you’re able. Bites from these spiders are rarely life-threatening. ### Animal Bites **Venomous Snakes** From copperheads to cottonmouths to rattlesnakes, venomous snakes range across the US. Most bites occur when people wander, unwittingly, too close. At least, rattlesnakes will give a bit of a warning before striking and you will know when you’re bitten. Depending on the species the symptoms include; - **Redness and swelling around the area of the bite which will likely spread** - **Severe pain at the site** - **Nausea and vomiting** - **Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)** - **Disturbed vision** - **Increased salivation and sweating** - **Numbness or tingling around face and/or limbs** A snake bite will require medical attention and the faster a victim can reach a hospital the better. Try to remember the type of snake it was or at the very least its coloration and shape to help doctors identify the species. In the intervening time provide first aid: 1) Keep the victim still and calm. A slower heart rate will slow the circulation of the venom. 2) Remove or loosen any restrictive clothing or jewelry before swelling cuts off circulation. 3) Keep the bite area and/or limb below the level of the heart. Do not elevate as you would with other types of wounds. 4) Wash the site with soap and water 5) Cover the wound with a dry, loose dressing According to the CDC do not do any of the following: - **Do not pick up the snake or try to trap it.** - **Do not wait for symptoms to appear if bitten, seek immediate medical attention.** - **Do not apply a tourniquet.** - **Do not slash the wound with a knife.** - **Do not suck out the venom.** - **Do not apply ice or immerse the wound in water.** - **Do not drink alcohol as a painkiller.** - **Do not drink caffeinated beverages.** **Mammals** Bites from mammals can range from a barely-breaks-the-surface, playful bite from your cat to a full blown gash from an animal attacking or trying to defend itself. Apply first aid to the latter as you would with any other, paying specific attention to cleaning out the wound, itself. 1) Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. 2) Thoroughly wash and clean the wound immediately with soap and water. This is very important as animal bites are prone to infection. 3) Rinse clean and generously apply antibacterial ointment before covering with sterile dressings. Do NOT try to suture the wound closed as this could foster infection. 4) Seek medical attention ASAP for any wound worse than a superficial scratch given the risk of infection. Take special note of the animal. If it is/was acting noticeably strange, staggering, circling, appeared disoriented or was convulsing tell medical personnel as it may be an indication of rabies. Treatments are very effective if started promptly. ### Gastrointestinal Illness Gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses are caused by a host of bacteria, viruses and parasites. They all cause distress along the gastrointestinal tract, that is the stomach on down (hence the name). This distress tends to cause either diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and for the unlucky person, all of the above. These illnesses spread easily, infecting a lot of people quickly. Given the general range of symptoms and mode of transmission, there are universal steps to follow to curtail their spread and help provide comfort to those dealing with the symptoms. **Stopping Transmission** Hand washing is perhaps the best defense against these stomach bugs. Wash with hot water and soap scrubbing for at least 30 seconds, working fingertips and under nails. Use latex-type gloves when caring for ill people and handling any of their waste. Clean countertops and other surfaces with bleach-water solution or other commercial bleach-based cleaners. Spread doesn’t always stop when symptoms do. A person recovering from norovirus, for instance, will continue shedding the virus for up to 2 weeks after symptoms have dissipated. **Treating for Diarrhea and Vomiting** 1) Give as much fluid as the patient will tolerate to prevent dehydration. 2) Avoid caffeinated beverages. 3) Offer fluids with electrolytes (Gatorade, for example). 4) Try giving the patient easily digestible foods like crackers, oatmeal, rice, toast. Avoid fatty foods and dairy products. 5) If vomiting worsens, blood shows up in stool or if a fever starts, find a doctor. If you and your family have been forced to bug-out, camping in the wilderness and have to drink natural sources of water, you can prevent contracting this type of illness by filtering water and boiling it before drinking. Taking those two steps will kill off virtually any organism that could cause a problem. If you missed the previous article in this series, check out [First Aid Part 1: Blisters, Burns & Nasty Wounds](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/), [First Aid Part 2: Sprains & Broken Bones](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-2-sprains-broken-bones/) & [First Aid Part 3: Shock, Heatstroke & Hypothermia](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-3-shock-heatstroke-hypothermia/) and get all the information on how to be prepared to administer successful first aid in any situation. ### Why Leaves May be the Most Useful Survival Item Ever URL: https://uspreppers.com/why-leaves-may-be-the-most-useful-survival-item-ever/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z The old saying goes, money doesn’t grow on trees, but who needs money when something, even more, of value grows on them? Leaves. Okay, so maybe they aren’t going to accept leaves as legal tender, but if SHTF, there may be more uses for the stuff that grows right on trees than the printed stuff in your pocket. That is why you should educate yourself on the many uses of the absolutely indispensable leaf. For a deeper dive, see [bushcraft survival](https://uspreppers.com/bushcraft-survival-wilderness/). In a survival situation It is said you can live 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. With the right leaves at your disposal, you won’t have to do without any of these things. Let’s explore how leaves can be used to provide and collect these important resources to keep you fed, hydrated and safe in an outdoor survival situation. Check out [safe wild edibles](https://uspreppers.com/can-you-eat-leaves-to-survive/). ## Shelter If you don’t have an emergency shelter at your disposal, you will find there are still ways to keep you and your family covered and protected. Leaves make excellent roof shingles or thatching when woven together. No matter what the size and weight of the leaves you have at your disposal are, you can utilize them to create a rudimentary shelter from the sun or the dangerous elements. Longer leaves can even be stripped to make rope, which can be used to tie larger leaves together to make a stronger shelter. Leaves are also great if we are in a more volatile survival situation. Especially in the autumn, fallen leaves makes excellent camouflage, that can easily hide you or members of your family until the threat is gone. ## Water First, it should be said all water collected from plants should be filtered before you drink it. Without any work at all, some leaves are just natural water collectors. Plants that have bowl-shaped, or upward turned leaves not only collect water, but also dew from more humid climates. If you are on the go in a wilderness survival situation, remembering to look for these plants could give you a major leg up in your struggle to survive. We've also covered [nature's medicines](https://uspreppers.com/natures-top-5-effective-medicines/). There are a few other techniques as well that have been tried and true. If you are near a grass field, plan to wake up early before dawn. When the dew is on the morning grass, there is an interesting way to collect this resource for consumption that has been used by indigenous people for centuries. By tying tufts of fine grass around your ankles and trudging through a dew filled field in the early morning, you can collect enough of this precious resource to keep you going. Once the dew is collected, wring out the grass and filter your water. If you are stationary, and have decided to hunker down in one place you can also create condensation with plant leaves too. Wrap non-toxic, plant leaves with a clear plastic bag. As the temperature heats up the plants will release condensation inside the bag, providing precious water in a true emergency. If you need to employ this method, you will want to have more than one bag in use at a time, as just one won’t produce quite enough water. While it is not the most common in the US, green bamboo thickets are an excellent source of fresh water. If you do happen to find bamboo stalks, you can obtain the clear and odorless water by bending the stalk, tying it down and then cut the top off. The water will then drip freely from the plant during the evening. Even old and already cracked bamboo may hold some water too. ## Food There are many edible leaves and plants and they are important to know. Here are some incredible, edible plants you can find in the wild or in your own neighborhoods that you will want to know — having this knowledge could save your life in a survival situation. **Dandelions** It’s not just the leaves that are edible on a dandelion… the whole plant provides nutrition. The leaves are best when they are young, as they tend to get bitter when they are more mature. If you do need to eat the mature leaves you can boil them first to cut the bitter taste. **Seaweed** For some, the access to seaweed may be easier than others, but if you do find yourself in a place where seaweed is present, don’t miss the opportunity to reap its nutritional benefits. After you pull green seaweed from the water you should rinse it with fresh water and let it dry in the sun. It can be eaten raw or but many people will boil it and include it in a soup. **Chickweed** Chickweed leaves are pretty hefty and they can be eaten raw or boiled. They’re a great resource if the grow in your area (usually found in temperate and arctic zones) they are high in vitamins and minerals and provide powerful energy for someone in a survival situation. **Clover** Clovers are plentiful and their leaves have a great flavor in salads. While they are good raw, some people have trouble digesting them which is why many people use them to make teas and juices, in fact clover tea is already popular for its nutritional value. In a survival situation, whether the clover is raw or not, you will benefit from the nutritional value of this common and useful plant. **Mallow** Mallow is actually a quite taste leaf, soft in texture and great in salads. Raw is generally the way mallow leaves are eaten, but you can also cook them slightly as you would spinach. The smaller leaves may be slightly too tender, so stick to the larger leaves. **Plantain** Plantain has the same name as the banana-like plant that grows in tropical regions, but it is really quite different. It is found all over the world, usually in wet marshy areas, but also in alpine terrain. Like the dandelion, the leaves will get more bitter tasting as they mature. Plantain is very high in vitamin A and calcium with even a little bit of vitamin C. Not only are there several edible weeds that already likely grow in abundance right in your neighborhood, they can also be used as cookware and dining ware in survival cooking situations. Large, wet leaves make excellent cooking packets (the Mallow leaf is a good example of one you could use this way) and bigger, flat leaves can be used to serve your food too. ### Other Uses The long list of uses for leaves in a survival situation includes, but is by no means limited to: Related reading: [bushcraft skills](https://uspreppers.com/top-10-bushcraft-skills-for-every-prepper/). - Toilet Paper - Natural Bandages - Ropes - Sleeping Mats - Pillows and Bedding - Insulation - Fire Tinder There are so many more uses for leaves, it’s hard to imagine why they are often a forgotten part of the plant. With medicinal qualities present in so many as well, there are even more ways they can help you survive that we haven’t even begun to cover here. While most prepared families already have planned for the limited resources of shelter, water and food by purchasing tents and emergency shelters, creating stockpiles of [long term food storage ](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/)and [storing water](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/) and water filtration systems. However, no matter how prepared we think we are, it is still possible to find yourself trapped out in the wilderness at the mercy of the elements. In those cases arming yourself with knowledge is the best step a prepper can take. Learning how leaves, and other natural flowers and plants, can be used to aid our survival will only make you and your family that much safe when a true disaster arises. ### Creating Your Own Family Emergency Plan URL: https://uspreppers.com/creating-your-own-family-emergency-plan/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z Prepping is more than just having a lot of great supplies. You must also have a plan if you want your family to survive any situation successfully. If you are preparing for a family rather than just yourself, there are a lot more factors that can go into a survival situation. You can’t simply grab your bug out bag and go, if you’ve got a spouse and kids. The key to successful emergency planning is not just to plan, but to communicate with your family so they know how to act when an emergency situation actually does arise. Whether it is a basic natural disaster, a powerful storm, or a true SHTF scenario, planning now will help you and your family immensely when the times comes. ## The Binder System To keep all their information in one place, many families employ the binder system. (I actually have two different binders, one for my home and one for my car). In the binder, you can place all the information that you may need in the case of an emergency. Each family may have different things they want to add or include, but here are a few items to consider. **Emergency Contacts** – Your doctor’s number, and numbers for other emergency facilities and organization. You will also want to identify, in case you are not in the home when an emergency hits, who is your backup emergency contact. **Everyday Contacts** – Don’t forget to include the everyday numbers that you use, with cell phones becoming the norm, people are less apt to remember numbers, so those basic contacts you may need in an emergency should be included too; daycares and schools, classes and lesson teachers and/or coaches, grandparents, neighbors, and don’t forget your number too, in case your children are with a caretaker or babysitter. **Medical & Allergy Information** – If your children, or anyone in your family, needs regular medication or has allergies that could be of concern, include this information as well. **Identification of Likely Disasters** – Take some time, even include your kids, to research what disasters are more likely to hit in your area. Then create different response plans catered to that specific situation. **Jobs & Responsibilities** – Once you’ve identified your potential disasters, consider thinking about jobs and responsibilities that each person in your family can have in the case of a disaster situation. For instance, [if there is a flood](https://uspreppers.com/prepping-for-a-flood/) your younger kids can help move important objects off the ground, or unplug electrical devices. If you create a plan, and inform your children, even run drills if you feel it’s necessary, they will know exactly what to do in a disaster or survival situation. **Copies of Important Documents** – I keep all of our important documents in a fire and waterproof safe, but certain documents I keep copies of in our binder. This works great for things like insurance cards. Be careful of keeping financial information, however, in too easily of an accessible place. I like to make copies of our credit and debit cards (front and back) but I NEVER leave that information in my car binder, just in case someone breaks into my car. My main home binder however, has copies of social security cards, financial information and Internet websites and passwords– whatever I may need if we have to bug out to a different location. **Food Storage Info** – Some people like to keep track of their food storage, expiration date and shelf lives and if you are doing this, keeping a copy in your emergency binder is a smart call. Having that information at your fingertips can help you avoid using any spoiled food and making a bad situation even worse. ### Have an Emergency Meeting Place Ensure everyone in your family knows where to go to in case of an emergency. Your first meeting place should always be your home, but in the event that your home becomes compromised you and your family will need to know where to meet in case communication is down. You may consider having more than one meeting place to accommodate different disasters, or potential scenarios. Either way, make it a place that isn’t impossible to get to, and a place that has several routes to get there, that way if one road is cut off, there is still another option for still reaching your safe place. Print off maps for your binder, and identify multiple routes, not only form your home, but from their schools, friends’ homes, or other places they might be. Then share these different routes with your children, so they are aware of how to safely reach their destination. You can also include a map in your [kids’ bug out bags and school backpack too](https://uspreppers.com/making-a-mini-bug-out-bag-for-your-kids-school-backpack/), just in case they are at school and have to go to your meeting spot to stay safe. ### Emergency Plan Gear There are a few items that can be useful in an emergency situation, even one that is not necessarily a SHTF scenario. In case of snow storms, floods, earthquakes or a variety of other common natural disaster you will find these items will bring you news, safety and comfort when you need it most. **Radios & Walkie Talkies** Having an emergency radio, especially one with a NOAA weather station option allows you to stay informed in case of a power outage or loss of cell service. They have solar powered and hand crank models, as well as battery powered ones, that can work even if you are off the grid. Prepared families will probably also keep a set of two-way radios, or walkie talkies to keep them in touch with each other in case there is a need to be separated. **Blankets** Even in very warm conditions, blankets and other clothing can be used in a variety of ways, for shelter, in medical emergencies, for bedding, and much more. Having emergency blankets, as well as even some old blankets and pillows stashed away could be a huge comfort in difficult times. **Flashlights** Flashlights and other means of lighting are critical to safety and comfort, especially for a family with small children. If the power goes down, you will want to make sure you have reliable and safe light for your family. **Water and Water Filters** In the case of SHTF, and many other disaster, water sources may be scarce. Even if you have running water, certain conditions can contaminate drinking sources which is why is is always a good idea to have water stored for just such occasions. If you have a large family, however, you will find storing the amount of water you need for a longer term basis could be quite challenging which is why many prepared families make sure they have a water filter system, even if it is just a few personal water filters like Life Straws for each person in your family. Preparing is more than just stockpiling stuff, it’s stockpiling knowledge and information. Creating a family binder and an emergency response plan is only one part, but an important part, of the prepper’s agenda. By making a few simple planning measures to add to your prepping procedures you will not only help safe, but it will also keep you and your family one step ahead of the game in any level of disaster scenario. ### First Aid for Preppers – Part 3: Shock, Heatstroke & Hypothermia URL: https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-3-shock-heatstroke-hypothermia/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T02:04:25.000Z When a disaster drives us from the shelter of our homes, forced to bug-out in a hurry the family is subjected to the elements whatever they may hold in store. In the middle of summer, marching out with hefty packs strapped to their backs the situation is ripe for someone succumbing to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Winter conditions present problems from the opposite end of the spectrum, exposing anyone without shelter to freezing temperatures, temperatures of which an unprepared body may not be able to cope. Laid atop these worries and the possibility of injury is the specter of shock anyone can fall victim to spurred by any given body jarring event. As concerning these problems may be, knowing how to provide first aid within those critical moments can make the difference between life and death. In this, the third in US Preppers’ four-part First Aid series, we will delve into recognizing the signs and symptoms of traumatic shock, heatstroke, hypothermia and frostbite and how to provide initial treatment and care to those afflicted by these conditions. ## First Aid for Shock ITEMS NEEDED: - **Blankets** - **extra clothing or sleeping bag** - **an object to prop up legs** Assume shock will occur with any traumatic injury, after significant blood loss, may accompany heat stroke or potentially any other body jarring incident. Shock occurs when there is not sufficient blood circulating throughout the body. It can cause organ shutdown and heart failure. If untreated, this can lead to permanent organ damage or even death. Be aware of the signs of shock include: - Cool, clammy skin - Pale appearance - Rapid pulse and/or breathing - Nausea and possibly vomiting - Dilated pupils - Weakness, lightheadedness or fainting spells - Behavioral changes with increased anxiety or agitation, confusion After any traumatic injury or if any of these symptoms are present take the following precautions to guard against shock: 1) Lay the victim down and raise their legs above the level of the heart. In this position, the legs do not need to be raised very high. Prop the up on a couple of pillows or another person’s lap. This will improve blood flow to the brain and the body’s core. (Do not attempt if there is a head, neck, torso, hip or leg injury) 2) Loosen tight or restrictive clothing. 3) Keep the victim warm by covering them with a blanket or extra clothing and do not move them unless there is imminent danger. 4) If the victim is vomiting or bleeding from their mouth turn them on their side. If injuries prevent this turn the person’s head and take measures to ensure they do not choke. 5) Provide first aid to obvious injuries. 6) Seek out medical attention as soon as possible. Should you find yourself alone in such a situation, treat yourself for shock by following the same steps. Elevate your legs above the heart or position yourself at a decline (downhill). Keep warm by covering yourself in a blanket or crawling into a sleeping bag. \*\*\*Always assume shock is a threat and take precautions to prevent its onset\*\*\* ### Heatstroke and Hypothermia Heatstroke (or hyperthermia) and hypothermia occupy opposite ends of the spectrum but deserve equal precaution and attention. Both are instances of a body unable to regulate a stable temperate, either unable to cool down or warm up, most likely caused by outside conditions. **Heatstroke** ITEMS NEEDED: - **Cool water** - **cloth to douse** - **ice packs (optional)** - **shaded or air conditioned area** - **nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks** Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises to abnormally high levels and it’s unable to cool down. The condition usually occurs due to overexertion while not taking in enough fluids or being in an overheated environment for too long. The elderly frequently become victims of heat stroke during summer months in a residence with no air conditioning. All too often people exerting themselves in hot temperatures ignore the initial signs until it becomes life-threatening with the potential to cause damage to the brain and vital organs. These signs and symptoms of this form of hyperthermia are: - Sudden dizziness - confusion - irritability - slurred speech or mumbling after an extended period in a hot environment - Hot, dry skin or lack of sweating - Flushed skin - Rapid pulse - Rapid breathing - Headache - Muscle cramps - Nausea and vomiting - Fainting (possibly the first sign in older adults) - Fever of 104 F or greater Seek out medical attention if the more serious symptoms manifest if the person does not respond to first aid measures or symptoms worsen. The focus of first aid efforts is to cool the person down in any possible way. In any case, begin first aid immediately; 1) Get the person out of the heat, into the shade or into an air-conditioned area. 2) Remove unnecessary clothing. 3) Sponge with cool water. 4) Fan while misting with cool water. 5) Place ice packs or cool wet towels on the neck, armpits and groin. 6) Cover with cool damp sheets. 7) If the person is conscious and able to, allow them to drink nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids (approximately 32 fl oz (1 L) to 64 fl oz (2 L) over 1 to 2 hours) DO NOT immerse the victim in cold, ice water. Guard against the onset of heat stroke by staying aware of your surroundings, to the temperature, to the physical exertion you and your family are subjected to. Drink plenty of water while avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated fluids due to their dehydrating qualities. Watch one another for symptoms of exhaustion and heatstroke. **Hypothermia** ITEMS NEEDED: - **Warm dry shelter** - **dry coverings (blanket, sleeping bag, extra clothing)** - **nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks (if the person is conscious)** When a person’s body is unable to produce sufficient heat to counter heat loss, hypothermia will set in at varying levels of severity. An elderly person or infant child left in a cold room overnight can develop mild hypothermia. As hypothermia worsens pronounced symptoms present themselves: - Shivering, (a sign that the person’s heat regulation system is still working) but may stop as hypothermia worsens - Slow, shallow breathing - Slurred speech or mumbling - Fumbling hands or stumbling, general loss of coordination - Confusion and memory loss - A slow or weak pulse - With severe hypothermia, a person may be unconscious without obvious signs of breathing or a pulse - Watch infants for cold-to-touch skin, bright red appearance and unusually low energy With the onset of these symptoms begin providing first aid to the victim(s): 1)Help the person to a warm, dry place. The nearest place may be a tent or other temporary shelter. 2)Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothes, blankets or into a sleeping bag. 3)Offer warm, nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids if the person is able to drink. If there is no shelter available and you’re exposed to the elements locate a place out of the winds. Build a fire to warm the person and yourself. If a sleeping bag and tarp is available, zip the person into the sleeping bag and wrap the tarp around them to help reduce heat loss. **Frostbite** ITEMS NEEDED: - Warm dry shelter - warm water or other warm heat source - dry sterile dressing - gauze pads or cotton balls Typically occurring in the extremities (fingers, toes) as well as ears, noses and cheeks, the skin first becomes very cold and red, then numb, and finally hard and pale when tissue has frozen. While there is little first aid for the latter, there are actions to take before freezing sets in and the person can receive medical care; 1) Retreat to a warm place and remove any wet clothing 2) Avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes. 3) Only attempt to warm the affected areas if you are able to keep them warm. Re-cooling and re-warming may cause further damage. 4) Use warm (not hot) water to warm the afflicted area or with an alternate heat source until the skin appears red and warm. Another option is to hold the problem area to your body and breath on it through cupped hands. Do not expose to direct heat from heating pads, radiator, or fires. Do not try to rub or massage the affected area or break blisters. 5) Using loosely wrapped, dry sterile dressing, bandage the area. Place gauze or other sterile dressing between toes or fingers to keep the separated. Take these lessons, familiarize yourself with the steps provided, include the family in their practice and stow them away in a safe place to refer to when problems strike. Then keep an eye open for the fourth and final installment in our First Aid for Preppers series when we’ll look into insect and animal bites along with those stomach bugs that cause so many problems at the worst possible times. Check out our selection of emergency essentials, or catch up on [Part 1](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/) and [Part 2 ](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-2-sprains-broken-bones/)of the First Aid for Preppers series. ### First Aid for Preppers – Part 2: Sprains & Broken Bones URL: https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-2-sprains-broken-bones/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T02:04:25.000Z Here, in this the second installment of First Aid for Preppers, we are attending to sprains, strains and broken bones. In the rush to reach safety or to secure the home during an emergency, it’s all too easy to make a mistake, take a misstep and end up with a sprained ankle or pulled muscle. Of course, we can’t rule out a broken finger caused by a heavy object dropped from an unsecured load or a cracked fibia after a less than eloquent fall from a ladder. This is what to do when they happen… ## Sprains and Strains ITEMS NEEDED: - **Cold pack or compress** - **elastic athletic wrap (Also known as Coban)** Sprains and muscle or tendon strains are usually more annoying than anything else, an injury that’s barely an injury, something you’re told, “Walk it off”. But then there are those sprains or strains that might as well be a broken ankle or knee for all the pain they cause. The limb or joint is rendered worthless, unable to bear any weight whatsoever. In those cases, don’t push yourself as doing so will only make the injury worse. **Instead, RICE… Rest and ICE it.** Ice the injury with a cold pack or snow or even cold water to reduce swelling. A bad sprain will swell. Rest and ice the area for a good 20 to 30 minutes then remove and let it warm back up on its own before testing to see how it handles body weight. If it is still sore wrap with an ace bandage or other elastic athletic wrap. Wrap snugly but not enough to cut off circulation. ### Broken Bones and other Appendages ITEMS NEEDED: Sturdy supports appropriate to the size of appendage– limb splinter or a SAM Splint padding material strips of cloth or other material for tying supports and padding around the fracture A broken bone can be as obvious as a compound fracture with the bone protruding through the skin, a limb bent at an unnatural angle or as hard to diagnose in the field as a hairline fracture possibly mistaken as a bad sprain. If the area is painful, cannot support weight and swollen, err on the side of caution and treat the injury as a broken bone. It will need splinting to prevent further damage. **Broken Arm:** 1) In the case of a broken arm, leg or other appendage a splint can be cobbled together by employing anything that will act as rigid supports to the break and securing them into place with wrapped or tied cloth or other any material that will do the job. Do not try to straighten the limb as this will likely cause more damage. 2) Splint with the break. The priority is to immobilize the break, to prevent more pain or injury, until the victim can receive medical attention. *A Note to Remember*: A basic rule of thumb for splinting is to immobilize the joint above **AND** below the broken bone. If the lower leg is broken, splint the ankle all the way to above the knee. **Broken Finger:** 1) Locate two supports approximately the length of the finger, anything from a couple of sticks (not so dry that they will break) or two popsicle sticks or anything that will provide support. 2) Place supports on either side of the break or the best position to keep it from moving. Again, do not attempt to straighten the finger or any broken appendage. 3) With strips of cloth wrap around the finger, securing the supports to the finger and tie the ends into knots neither directly over the break or so tight that circulation is impaired. Sturdy medical or athletic tape can also be used in place of cloth strips. **Broken Forearm:** 1) Locate material that will serve as padding between the rigid supports and the arm. This can be anything that is not excessively bulky from a t-shirt, socks or a small towel. With care, wrap the arm. 2) Place a ball or a rolled up sock under the patient’s palm. This position tends to alleviate pain and increase comfort. 3) Locate a rigid support such as a sturdy, flat board, styrofoam padding, sturdy cardboard, a SAM Splint or anything rigid enough to prevent movement and long enough to support the hand. 4) Wrap with wide strips of cloth, above and below the break and around the hand. An ace bandage will also work well for this purpose. 5) Check blanching (capillary refill) by pressing on a fingernail until the skin underneath whitens and release, noting how fast the pink color returns. If slow, the binding may be too tight. 6) Make a sling (or purchase a sling for your stockpile or bug out bag) with a doubled, triangle piece of cloth or small blanket. Place the arm inside, bring the arm around to the front of the body and tie the ends around the back of the neck. 7) Tie another length of cloth above the elbow (mid-humorous) and around the torso to further secure from unwanted movement. **Broken Leg:** 1) As with the other two examples, a sturdy support is needed but more substantial given the size of leg bones. These can be two 2x4s, thick blankets rolled up, medium sized branches or any other found items that will provide the support needed. 2) As with the arm, wrap light padding around the leg with firmer padding placed behind the knee (a rolled up shirt or the like) to keep the leg slightly bent. 3) Bind the leg with strips of cloth or other binding material. Tie above and below the knee but not directly over the break. 4) Check capillary refill as described in arm splinting or by pressing on bare skin to see if bindings are too tight. If the break is an upper leg fracture the splint will need to extend up the entire leg, up to the arm pit, wrapped along the length of the leg and across the torso across several points. ***A Note about CPR*** While there are step by step instructions for performing CPR, it is highly recommended that you consider taking a course through any of the numerous community provided trainings taught by certified instructors. This is truly the best route to learning the skills and techniques required to perform this area of first aid. Stay tuned for a third installment of First Aid for Preppers when we’ll tackle aid for traumatic shock, figure out the differences between hyper- and hypothermia. Then watch out for how to treat insect and animal bites and what to do when gastrointestinal illnesses strike in the our fourth and final installment. If you missed the first installment of this series, visit [First Aid for Preppers – Part 1: Blister, Burns & Nasty Wounds](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/) or check out other Emergency Essential Supplies and First Aid Kits. ### 9 Bug Out Supplies for Your Purse (or Pocket!) URL: https://uspreppers.com/9-bug-out-supplies-for-your-purse-or-pocket/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Everyone, even if you don’t use a purse, *boys*, should think about carrying a few simple bug out supplies with them at all times (wearing survival paracord bracelets is a great example of how to easily do this). The truth is you never know when something will happen, and being prepared isn’t just about a massive stockpile, it is about being ready for any situation, at any time. As a [mother of an infant son](https://uspreppers.com/prepping-with-baby/), I carry a minimum of 24 hours worth of supplies in my diaper bag, but even before he was born, I always made sure I had a supply of basic items with me at all times. Sure my primary [bug out bag](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/) is well stocked, but what if I’m nowhere near it at the time disaster strikes? That is why I devised what I consider to be the Perfect Purse Bug Out Kit, that includes 9 multi-purpose, survival items that are still small enough to fit in most handbags. Most of these items have versions that can just as easily fit into your pocket, as well. For a deeper dive, see [essential survival gear](https://uspreppers.com/essential-survival-gear/). ## 1\. Handkerchief There are so many uses for handkerchiefs, especially in survival situations. It can be used for washing, for first aid, as a signal, a dust mask, as a sweatband, as a tourniquet, honestly the list goes on and on. I usually wrap all my purse bug out supplies in my handkerchief, to keep them separate from my daily use items. ## 2\. Flashlight Light is essential. Depending on how much you are willing you carry around you may decide to get a larger flashlight. I carry around a small, clip on flashlight, but I have a good friend that carries around a flashlight radio combo in her purse all the time. While it’s more than I want to carry, it is still only about 8 inches long, and really doesn’t take up much space (I like them for my standard bug out bag, but everyone prepares differently). ## 3\. Chapstick When you are dehydrated, your lips suffer but chapped lips is certainly not the only reason to have chapstick with you. It can be used as a lubricant, if you have a stuck zipper for instance, or as a fire starter. I have even seen people use it as a short term candle itself. It can also stop small cuts from bleeding and help heal dry, chapped hands. It can also work as a temporary water proofer on things like leather shoes. One little tube packs a big punch. That’s another reason I stock up on these, with so many uses, they will likely become a popular bartering items as well. ## 4\. First Aid Kit These come in so many sizes. I have larger ones for my home, my primary bug out bags, and my car. I still find, however, that a small first aid kit, even just a few band-aids and some ointment, in my purse not only is great for bugging out, but is helpful when a minor injury arises in our day to day life. ## 5\. Moist Towelettes I used to just grab a few extra of these every time I saw them at a restaurant, but when I realized what a great bartering item they would make as well, I decided to stock up on moist towelettes. They are great in kid’s bug out bags too. ## 6\. Emergency Whistle This is the one item I don’t keep packed away. I actually have my emergency whistle clipped on the outside of my purse, in the most easily accessible place possible. If you can, get an emergency whistle with a multi-purpose option, this helps save even more space. ## 7\. Lighter If you need warmth or need to prepare food, you will need fire. Having a lighter could be a big difference in your survival. A book of matches, or any other fire starting tool, is always a good alternative too, in a pinch. ## 8\. Small Knife or Multi-Tool A small knife, but especially a multi-tool, can be a life-saving item in a variety of survival situations. Again, like the flashlight, it comes down to how much you are comfortable carrying. You can get small multi-tools with a respectable variety of options, or aim for something more robust that includes more items to help in survival situations. It all depends on how much you want to carry, but either way don’t skip this important item. ## 9\. Food Let’s face it, there are more than one “emergencies” that can always arise where a granola bar could save they day– it doesn’t take a disaster for that to happen. So I always keep a few of the more compact snacks with me. A pack of trail mix or a granola bar can easily be included, if there is enough space in your bag. Dehydrated food is my favorite for my purse bug out, because if I forget about it, it’s still safe to eat and actually quite delicious! Check out [a mini bug out bag for a school backpack](https://uspreppers.com/making-a-mini-bug-out-bag-for-your-kids-school-backpack/). As with any bug out bag, you can add anything, or leave out anything you like. Bug out bags and kits are about being ready for anything, anytime and you know what items work best for you. And just because it can fit in a purse, doesn’t mean that a prepared gentlemen might not want to prepare a pocket version as well. As a guideline, I think these items are a great starting point for anyone looking to have a “prepared purse.” or just someone who wants to be ready for any situation. ### First Aid for Preppers – Part 1: Blisters, Burns & Nasty Wounds URL: https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Amidst the chaos of a widespread emergency, injuries will no doubt happen– but not just to the other guy. There is every possibility that, no matter how many precautions are taken, someone in your family, a friend or neighbor will be hurt and with medical help stretched thin during any disaster, assistance may be a long wait away. Knowing how to provide first aid for a range of injuries and conditions can make the difference in someone’s life until help is available. In this four-part series, we will explore a full range of first aid techniques for treating minor wounds, burns, broken bones, preventing heat stroke and shock, as well as what to do when nature bites back. This first installment will cover minor wounds, first aid for the 3 types of burns and how to dress serious wounds. For quick reference, an item lists is included at the top of each section to help you stock first aid kits and prepare to treat these injuries. ## Treating Minor Wounds and Burns **Blisters** ITEMS NEEDED: [Blister pad](http://www.amazon.com/Spenco-2nd-Skin-Squares-200/dp/B0006GE6A8/?tag=usp08-20&ref=uspreppers.com) or band aid antiseptic wipe alcohol swap or lighter pin or small knife antibiotic ointment adhesive tape For a blister that has yet to burst, you will need to drain the fluid. Begin by cleaning the area with an antiseptic wipe, one any basic first aid kit carries, or at least with clean water and towel. Sterilize the point of a pin or knife with an alcohol swab or by holding it in a flame. Gently pierce the base of the blister enough to draw a drop of fluid. Press the fluid out from the opposite side, as you would with a toothpaste tube squeezing from the bottom. Then cover with a a blister pad, the padded, adhesive dressing with a hole in the middle. If this is not available use a band aid or other dressing that will not rub the wound. Then fill the blister pad’s hole or band aid pad with antibiotic ointment. Cover with adhesive tape to hold it in place. Dress burst blisters in the same manner. To prevent blisters on feet, [always wear well-fitted hiking boots](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/7585208/type/dlg/sid/usp/http://www.backcountry.com/rc/hiking-boots-on-sale?ref=uspreppers.com) or shoes, break them in gradually. Wear moisture wicking socks or cover those friction points (heels, balls of feet) with extra padding or even a band-aid. On hands, blisters usually form along the ball of the hand. Typically, these can be prevented by wearing gloves when working. **Abrasions** ITEMS NEEDED: [Sterile gauze ](http://www.amazon.com/DKL1412-Sterile-Gauze-Pads-White/dp/B000FD61ZU/?tag=usp08-20&ref=uspreppers.com) soap large adhesive bandages (optional) adhesive tape Abrasions are a different animal than other wounds. They are usually a product of skidding bare flesh across a harder and, typically, dirtier surface. Because of this, debris is picked up and embedded in the wound. Of course, this will need cleaning which, unfortunately, means scrubbing. So with a soaped up gauze pad or other clean wipe, clean out the wound. If it doesn’t hurt, you’re not doing it right. Rinse the wound, making sure to wash out all the soap then cover completely with a layer of gauze and tape it into place. There are also some commercially available bandages large enough to cover abrasion wounds. **Burns** ITEMS NEEDED: Cool water source [sterile dressing](http://www.amazon.com/Kendall-Ouchless-Non-Adherent-Sterile-Dressings/dp/B000MG9XA0/?tag=usp08-20&ref=uspreppers.com) water-based burn gel ([like Water-Jel](http://www.amazon.com/Water-Jel-First-Relief-count/dp/B0006GE5N6/?tag=usp08-20&ref=uspreppers.com)) or natural aloe vera (no greasy ointment) ibuprofen Immediately run cool water over the burn, immerse it or use a cool compress (soaked cloth) for about 20 minutes. For minor, first degree burns or small second degree burns (less than 3 inches), after the initial period of pain and discomfort apply aloe vera or a water-based burn gel, if available) and cover or wrap loosely with a sterile dressing. Do not… DO NOT use butter or any oily ointment as these will trap heat in the affected area and could cause more damage. A dose of ibuprofen will help with pain and inflammation. Should blisters form (a characteristic of second-degree burns) take special care to prevent blisters from bursting for as long as possible. Burns covering a large area and any above first degree should receive medical attention. ## Burn Classifications: **1st degree** – The least serious type of the three, affecting only the outer layer of skin and may cause: - Pain - Redness - Swelling Treat as a minor burn unless it covers large areas of hands, feet, face groin, buttocks, or a major joint at which time seek medical attention. **2nd degree** – A more serious burn likely to cause: - Pain - Red, white or splotchy skin - Swelling - Blisters A smaller burn, less than 3 inches, can be treated as a minor burn (outlined above). However if it covers large areas of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint, consider it a major burn and seek medical attention immediately. **3rd degree** – Third-degree burns are the most serious burns affecting all skin layers and underlying fat. These types could also reach as deep as muscle layers and bone. The burn may appear: - Black or white and will be dry - Have a leathery texture - Skin will not blanch (or white) when pressed - Generally, there will be no pain - Seek emergency medical attention as quickly as possible for these types of burns. ## Treating Serious Wounds ITEMS NEEDED: [Sterile gauze ](http://www.amazon.com/DKL1412-Sterile-Gauze-Pads-White/dp/B000FD61ZU/?tag=usp08-20&ref=uspreppers.com)and dressing roll of gauze adhesive tape antibiotic ointment adhesive sutures While we all have experience dealing with our own cuts and scrapes that need little more attention than a quick cleaning and a band aid. Serious wounds are of the type that cause excessive bleeding, are comparatively larger and deeper than a typical minor cut, and most likely will require medical attention to be properly cleaned and sutured. Begin by applying direct pressure to the wound until bleeding stops. Pack the wound with sterile gauze, continue applying pressure and elevate above the heart if possible. This may involve laying the victim down and propping up an injured leg. Do not remove soaked gauze as this could tear open any clotted areas and cause bleeding to start again. Instead, add more layers of gauze and continue with direct pressure. After bleeding has stopped for some time, carefully remove soaked gauze and gently flush with water. Dry the area around the wound. Then spread a layer of antibiotic ointment to one side of a sterile dressing and cover the entire wound and tape in place or wrap with a roll of gauze. For open wounds in need of stitches, go ahead and press the edges together, using adhesive suture strips to keep closed. Apply sterile dressing as described above. Watch for signs of infection indicated by: - Increasing pain, warmth, redness, and swelling around the wound site - An increase of pus (white and/or yellow) - Red streaks radiating out from the wound under the skin - Fever - Seek medical attention if symptoms grow worse. **DO NOT** attempt to close animal bites or those injuries caused by a crushing accident as these are difficult to clean thoroughly and will serve only to trap contaminants and foster infection. In these cases, pack the wound with moistened gauze, wrap in a sterile dressing and locate medical assistance. Keep an eye out in the following weeks for the next three parts in this series when we’ll nurse sprained ankles, dive into splinting broken bones, guard against shock and learn how to prevent heat stroke and what to do when bugs bite. ### Prepping for a Flood URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepping-for-a-flood/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z The recent floods in Texas have once again brought to light how important preparing for disasters can be. Preppers are so often painted as people who are waiting for the world to end, but the truth is a real prepper is dedicated to preparing their family for whatever there is to come. Whether it is an economic crash, truly TEOTWAWKI, or a devastating a natural disaster, those who have taken the time to be prepared will be in a far better position than those that did not. In fact, surviving natural disasters is one of the key components of many people’s prepping plans. In light of recent events, you may decide you need to create or re-evaluate what your family’s plan is in case of flood. Even if you live in an area where floods are unlikely, the information can still be useful in case of a freak storm. Also feel free to pass it along to those you might know who have higher flood risks. The truth is, however, floods can truly hit just about anywhere if the conditions are just right and this information could be beneficial for anyone. Many survivors of floods will tell you, floods can hit quickly and leave you with little time to prepare. That is why [smart preppers ](https://uspreppers.com/)will always try to stay one step ahead of the storm. ## First Things First… **Gather information** The first thing you will want to determine is the level of risk in your specific area. This can usually be obtained from your local Red Cross, or from local emergency officials. You can also visit [FloodSmart.gov](http://floodsmart.gov/?ref=uspreppers.com) to assess your risk. If your home is by any bodies of water, you may want to put a little research into finding your home’s elevation. If a flood happens in your area, knowing your home’s elevation in comparison to the nearby body of water will allow you to determine when you and your home is truly in danger. **Make an Emergency Plan** Have a plan in action that begins when a flood watch is in place. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go in case of a flood, in the event that you are separated from each other when the danger hits. If you home is in a danger zone, make sure you have an alternate place to rendezvous that everyone in your family is aware of. Plan for multiple escape routes from your home. In the case of a flood, certain roadways may be impassable, so know alternate routes to get you to higher ground. **Learn About Driving Safety** Before an event happens, it’s important to learn about driving safely in rainy and flooded conditions. Even if you have multiple escapes routes, you may find yourself in a position where you have to drive through standing water. Education could be key in this. Beyond learning safe maneuvering practices, you should also know your vehicle’s clearance, so you can make a better estimation when you may be escaping from a flooded area. **Guard Your Keepsakes** Birth certificates, important documents, pictures, you know, those things you just can’t replace… they need to be kept safe from floods, as well as fires and other disasters. Pack them up somewhere where they can keep without being ruined. With everything digital these days, I store all my family’s pictures on SD memory cards, I have one for each year. They are small so they easily fit in my safe, and I seal them in a foodsaver bag, just to keep them waterproof too. Whatever it is you want to save, make sure you have it safe in advance of any disaster, and it will be one less then to worry about when a disaster strikes. ### Getting the Home Ready If there is time, you will want to take a few precautions to get your home and items safe. Each person in your family can be assigned a job to take on in case of a serious flood risk. - Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts - Unplug and raise electrical equipment to highest point possible. - Place appliances (furnace, water heater, refrigerator, washer and dryer) on cement blocks and unplug them - Move furniture and valuables to safer places - Chain down any fuel tanks If you are nearing the evacuation of your home, you will want to turn off any electricity, gas, water, that is running to your home. This will help minimize property damage. Make sure that everyone in your home that is old enough knows where the main switches to all of these are, in case they need to shut things down in a flood emergency. ## Flood Essentials – The Supplies You Need to Have **Sump Pump** If you live in a flood plain, you may want to invest in a sump pump to help clear water out of a flooded area, like a basement. Consider one that has a battery powered back-up in case the flood results in power failure. **Water Filter or Stored Water** When a flood hits, it doesn’t always require you to evacuate your home, but sometimes it can leave you without power or a way to get to the grocery store with ease. In these cases, and in a multiple number of other scenarios, water filters are a key to survival. Especially when flooding waters can affect the local water supply, and even taint the tap water that comes into your home. **Food** Make sure you’ve got 72 hours’ worth of food at the minimum ready in case of flood. It may be difficult, depending on your location, to cook food at all, so make sure you have some MREs on hand. **Radio** In a flood, you’ll want to be able to received constant updates on the weather and the conditions. If the power is out, this may not be a possibility for some, which is why smart preppers make sure they have a battery powered, solar powered or hand crank radio, to stay connected to the latest news to keep your family safe. You may also consider a two-way radio, or a family walkie-talkie set, in case you are separated from your family. **Flashlights** Flashlights are essential as tools and as comfort when it gets too dark to see. Each person in the family should have their own flashlight, and don’t forget backup batteries too. **Emergency Rain Gear** If you have to go outside, you don’t want to be at the mercy of the elements. Make sure you have proper rain gear stored, and at the very least an emergency poncho for everyone in the family. **Heater** A propane heater, or other non-electrical powered heater is the way to go for flood situations. If you are stuck in your home, but without power, you will want to make sure you can keep you family warm, especially if you don’t have a generator. Small space heaters are an excellent option to get you through the storm. **Blankets and Socks** Extra blankets (emergency ones are great to stockpile) will help keep you warm if you are without power, and socks, well let’s just face it everyone needs clean, dry socks. **Bug Out Bags** In many flood scenarios, you have to leave your home. Make sure you have bug out bags for everyone in your family and that you can leave quickly at a moment’s notice. Floods are no joke. They not only damage homes and property, they can even take people’s lives, as we’ve learned, again, with the Texas floods. [Make sure you have the proper plans](https://uspreppers.com/tag/safety/) in place to safely weather a flood, or any storm, that comes your way. ### Earthquakes: Prepping to Survive the Aftermath Part II URL: https://uspreppers.com/earthquakes-prepping-to-survive-the-aftermath-part-ii/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z Earthquakes, usually happen at the most inconvenient times. For most of the population, this causes panic and uncertainty, at the very least it will send stress levels skyrocketing through the roof. As preppers, we do what we can to anticipate disasters and prepare for them. Most of these preparations will apply to a full range of scenarios, but all emergencies have their own response peculiarities. Planning for these unique aspects will go a long way to help your family survive a serious earthquake and its aftermath. In this, the second installment of [US Preppers](https://uspreppers.com/) two-part earthquake series, we will outline how to plan for these particular problems associated with quakes, how to respond when the earth begins to move and what to do once the shaking stops. ## Make Your Plans Just as you would with any other emergency or disaster prepare yourself with the universal stores of emergency essentials for either sheltering in place or bugging out. That means stockpile enough food (dry goods, freeze-dried meals) and water to last a week (72 hours minimum). Beyond the general plans applicable to numerous emergencies, there are some specific amendments to add; ### Electricity: The power grid is usually the first to go during decent sized quake. [Plan ahead](https://uspreppers.com/tag/shelter-power/) and invest in an appropriate generator. Alternatively, install solar panels or a wind turbine (depending on where you live) to supply power and store it in a battery bank. If neither of those options work then stockpile batteries, flashlight, and battery-powered lanterns. Avoid using candles due to the risk of gas leaks. ### Sanitation: Water is used for more than drinking and washing. It also washes away our wastes. When the water mains break, the toilets don’t flush but people don’t stop needing to go number two. One solution is to line the toilet bowl with a garbage bag not unlike lining a kitchen garbage bin. Use normally and remove when needed. ### Bugging Out: While an earthquake generally leans toward sheltering in place there are situations that could shift it to a bug out scenario. 1) Home may be rendered unlivable after all the shaking 2) Gas leaks are notorious results of quakes and could make whole neighborhoods unsafe until repairs are made. 3) Fire is always a threat in the aftermath of a quake. They spread quickly and go uncontrolled due to compromised water supply lines. 4) After the 2008 Indonesian earthquake, concerns about a tsunami run high along coastal quake zones. An offshore quake over 7.5 might trigger a tsunami. Find out if you live within an inundation area (maps available on state government websites) and if you need to evacuate make sure your planned bug-out location is outside the flood zones. Familiarize yourself with posted tsunami evacuation routes. Also have a Plan B in case your primary destination is damaged. ### **Family Quake Drills:** Identify safe locations around your home to ride out the quake and hold family practice drills at least twice a year. ### When the Shaking Starts How you and your family react to an earthquake is as important as the planning and exercising before it strikes. A great many ears have been filled with advice for where to run, where to stay and what to hide under. From diving under tables to standing under door frames to the “triangle of life”, not every piece of advice is equal. First things first, the triangle of life theory sounded logical when it garnered attention but since then it has been resoundingly discredited as it was based on questionable evidence. According to experts, experience from official rescue teams and based on universally accepted research, the best reaction to an earthquake is to; **1) DROP:** Before the quake knocks you down, drop to hands and knees. Doing so protects you from being thrown about or knocked down which could cause injury. **2) COVER:** Get under the cover of a sturdy table or desk to protect, at a minimum, your head, and neck. If there is no shelter then drop and cover your head and neck with hands and arms next to an interior wall or low furniture that is less likely to tip over on you. Research has also shown people moving as little as only 10 feet amidst a quake are more likely to sustain injury. **3) HOLD ON:** Grab a hold of that table leg for your life and ride out the shaking. Be prepared to move with the shelter if it begins shifting around. If you are indoors, do not run outside. If you are outside when an earthquake hits, move away from buildings, power lines, streetlight poles and trees. Falling brick work, roofing materials, electrical power lines and trees can fall causing serious injury. Drop and cover your neck and head. ### After the Shaking Once the shaking stops take stock of family members and the immediate condition of your surroundings. If you are in a tsunami inundation zone, move to higher ground, listening for sirens or other evacuation warnings. You may have to go on foot as roadways and bridges may be unsafe. Should you be unable to reach higher ground try to reach, at a minimum, the 3rd story of a sturdy building. This is the last resort option since your first priority is to get out of the danger zone. Once you are free and clear of the coastal danger areas, do not return until official give the all clear. If tsunamis are not a concern, begin with a cursory check of your home for fires, gas leaks, immediate structural damage and compromised electrical and water lines. Shut off any utilities if you find damage or leaks. Tend to any family first aid needs. If your home is unsafe evacuate the premises and seek shelter at a friend’s or extended family’s home. You can also text SHELTER plus your zip code to **43362** (4FEMA) for the location of the nearest shelter. Check with local emergency management or the Red Cross for space and availability. Stay informed about recovery efforts and resources you may need on a battery-powered radio listening for any on-air stations or NOAA Weather Radio for public service announcements. 1. **Remember aftershocks can strike at any time after the initial quake.** 2. **Remain vigilant.** 3. **Stay calm.** 4. **Respect others who are trying keep their families safe.** ### Car Bug Out Bag: What to Keep in Your Vehicle Emergency Kit URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-family-car-needs-a-bug-out-bag-too/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Time to feel proud, go ahead and pat yourself on the back. The stockpile of food and water are set, plenty to last more than week. The house is stocked and ready for sheltering everyone in place. The whole family all gathered together in the living room last Saturday, backpacks in hand and provisions laid out in from of them. Bug out bags are set to go, ready to throw in the car and head out of town if and when that dire emergency strikes. So when a disaster does come to town is the plan to leave on foot? Given a choice, most people would rather pile in the family car instead of sitting out exposed to whatever the elements hand out. With that in mind, doesn’t the [trusty grocery-getter](/bugging-out-in-moms-grocery-getter/) need its own [bug out bag](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/)? Check out [bug out bag mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-bug-out-mistakes-to-avoid/). Just as each member of the household has their own bag with all the personal supplies and gear they need, so does the family vehicle. It will need its own set of gear, tools, parts, fluids and fuel to get everyone, including itself, to that predetermined, bug out destination. Many of these supplies are the same a typical roadside emergency kit would have, making it a good place to start, a base to build onto. For a deeper dive, see [an office bug out bag](https://uspreppers.com/packing-an-office-bug-out-bag/). ## The following list will serve as comprehensive kit to be kept in the vehicle at all times 1. **Tools: a general toolkit including; screwdrivers (Philips and flat head), ratchet set, adjustable pliers, crescent wrench, vise grips, wire cutters, hammer, electrical tape, pocket knife. A quality multiplier may replace some of these.** 2. **Fluids: Antifreeze, 2 quarts motor oil, brake,** **and transmission fluid, washer fluid, WD-40** 3. **Funnel** 4. **Car manual and/or repair manual** 5. **Jumper Cables and/or emergency battery jumper** 1. **Extra fuses** 2. **Tire gauge** 3. **Car jack, lug wrench and/or tire iron** 4. **Inflated, full-size, spare tire** 5. **Roll of duct tape** 6. **Rope and/or other tie downs** 7. **Tow straps** 8. **Pair of work gloves** 9. **Spare rags and/or paper towels and roll of toilet paper** 10. **Well-stocked first aid kit** 11. **Bottled water and some energy or granola-type bars** 12. **Blankets and/or mylar emergency blanket** 13. **Ice scraper** 14. **Roadside flares** 15. **Flashlight with fresh batteries** 16. **Plastic shopping bags** 17. **Pen/pencil and paper** 18. **Maps of the region** 19. **Tire inflator** 20. **Emergency reflectors or flashing light(s)** Be sure to maintain batteries, replace food and water every couple of months and ensure fluids do not expire or containers leak. Most of this will fit into a sturdy canvas bag or a smaller plastic, storage bin and easily stored out of the way in some corner of the vehicle. There are also numerous car storage organizers on the market today, which could serve the same purpose. Once the car is set up to for its own bug out scenario begin planning for all the other needs of a true evacuation situation by expanding supply and storage capacities beyond the typical backpack. The rule of thumb for bugging-out is to ensure everyone has enough supplies to survive on for a minimum of 3 days after a disaster. When it comes to preparing for going mobile in a vehicle, think of it as a scaled up bug-out bag. While sticking to the same general emergency essentials and being aware of weight and available space, a vehicle allows for packing away a larger, sturdier tent, more supplies of water, food and medical supplies, along with additional cooking supplies and fuel. These items can be prepacked (in plastic, Rubbermaid type bins, for example) and readied to go at a moment’s notice. If you’re a frequent car camper, consider keeping all the regular equipment in one bin that’s ready to go for each trip instead of packing and unpacking the camp stove, pots and pans, lanterns, outdoor kitchen and water filter every time. That base kit will serve the same needs during a bug out scenario as it does on a typical camping trip. Load other bins with the [ long shelf-life food](/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/) of your choice, water, additional blankets and clothes, items the family pets will need, spare auto parts (belt, hoses, etc) and a more extensive selection of tools than the roadside emergency kit you put together holds. These bins do not have to be the large, 18-gallon containers. I’d actually recommend against it. My personal, camping equipment kit is a 14-gallon tote that fits on the floor, behind the front seat of my vehicle, all set and to go whenever I am. There are smaller versions also available. These bins can be packed ahead of time just as personal bug out bags are, ready for any imminent disaster. And when danger strikes load those bins into a rooftop cargo carrier that bolts on, or ties down to existing roof racks. Or they can be stacked up onto a trailer hitch, mounted cargo platform, in a zip-up canvas cover and strapped into place. This then becomes a self-contained, vehicle bug out bag housing all the family’s survival needs when the time comes to go mobile. ### Beginning Canning for Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/beginning-canning-for-preppers/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z [Canning is important for any prepper](/canning-food/) or homesteader to learn if you want to truly make the most out of the food you have. Some people think canning is just for gardeners, but there are endless foods you can get ingredients for at the grocery store—soups, sauces, salsa, meats, pickles, jams, jellies, vegetables- that are perfect for canning and let’s face it, it only makes sense to add this important skill to your prepper’s arsenal. I am fairly busy, especially as a mom, and I used to think I didn’t have the time for canning, so originally I stocked up on MREs and dehydrated foods for the most part. I realized, however, that in a SHTF scenario my family is going to be much happier and more satisfied with a variety of food options – it’s sort of one of the little things I can do to make life a little better in a potentially dangerous and uncertain world. Besides, once I got into, I found out that canning was actually really fun and produced foods that my family loves to eat regardless of the reason. ## Water Canning vs. Pressure Canning There are two basic ways you’ll be canning in your home and for more reasons than one I recommend getting comfortable with both water bath canning and pressure canning. There are certain foods that require different canning conditions, and when it comes to preserving food you don’t want to make any mistakes. First off, most people are more comfortable with the water bath canning method, which requires less specialized equipment. Even so I wouldn’t think about water bath canning without having a full-on canning kit on hand. The tools that come in these kits make canning much easier and no canner would want to be without them. (If you already have your canning pots, you still want to get the accessories, this 5-piece kit is a great selection and is on sale this week!) Pressure canning may simply deter more people due to the need of a pressure canner, which looks sort of like, but should not be confused with, a pressure cooker. You should not let this deter you, however, because both methods are important if you want to become a well-rounded canner. **Canner’s Rule of Thumb:** Low-acid foods must be processed in a pressure canner. Items you pickle and most fruits can be canned in a water bath. Pressure canning allows your jars to reach a much higher temperature, allowing you to can more types of foods. If you are using a water bath canning method, your food must have a high acidic level (or have something like vinegar that has a high acidity in it) in order to preserve properly at a lower temperature. In other words, if you pickle asparagus in a vinegar brine, the vinegar raises the acidic pH level and therefore can be canned without the extreme temperature a pressure canner provides. If you want to preserve your asparagus in water, however, you will need a pressure canner. You will also use a pressure canner for soups, stews, stocks, sauces and really anything you can imagine canning. ## Step By Step Canning How To The steps to prepare your jars for water bath canning or for pressure canning are similar and often come with the recipes you use. However, there are a few common steps that are present in all forms of canning preservation. ### 1\. Find Your Recipe Whether you are pickling, making jam, or just trying to preserve some basic vegetables you will want to have some good recipes that you family will enjoy. Most canning sets also come with a recipe or cookbook to help you get going. I’ve included a few of my favorites at the end of this article. ### 2\. Prepare Your Canning Pot & Jars You want to make sure that you have your canning jars, even if they are brand new, washed thoroughly. Then place a rack in the bottom of your canning pot and place the jars you are using in place. Fill the jars and the pot generously with water in order to bring it right to the edge of boiling. This sterilizes the jars and keeps them at the best temperature for canning conditions. You can finish the rest of the steps while this is coming to a boil. ### 3\. Prepare Your Lids You will want your jar lids (not the rings) warm to make a better seal. Keep a sauce pan with water on a low simmer and keep the lids in here until you’re ready to use them. ### 4\. Prepare Your Food and Fill Your Jars Once you’ve prepared for food according to your recipe, remove the jars from the boiling water in the canning pot, carefully pouring the water back in. This will be when you are really glad you got that canning set and you have that jar holder to keep your hands safe. Now fill with your prepared food product. You will need to leave usually between ¼ and 1 inch between the food and the top of the jar, the exact headspace should be indicated in your recipe. This is important, to get a good seal it must not be too full. Place on the lid, wiping it clean before you twist the lid ring on to secure it and return the jar to the pot of boiling water. ### 5\. Start Your Timer Start a timer and cook for the time allotted in the recipe. Once they’ve been in the water bath or pressure canner for the allotted time, remove the jars carefully and set them on a towel to cool. If canning went properly you will begin to hear the ping of the jar lids soon after they are removed from the heat. This ping means that a vacuum seal has taken place and you’re canning project is a success. ### 6\. Check Your Seal It never hurts to be certain, especially in food preservation, as simple mistakes can be life threatening. After the jars have cooled to room temperature you can remove the jar lid bands and check the seal is secure. ### 7\. Store in a Cool, Dry Place I like to wash off all my jars one more time before I store them, just in case any food residue still remains. My family never minds if I have a few jars that don’t can properly, we just eat those one right away and store it in the refrigerator for safe keeping. The rest of your jars can stay safe for up to a year, certain food even longer. ## Three Recipes to Get You Started There are a million recipes out there, so get to looking. You might find an investment in a great canning cookbook might be a good idea for you, but here a few of my favorites to get you off and going. I included recipes that could be used in a variety of different applications, but with the same process so be creative and come up with your own recipes too. ## Apple Jam (Water Bath Canning) - **6 cups peeled and diced Apples (Tart apples work best)** - **Juice of 1 lemon** - **2 cups apple juice** - **1/2 cup raisins** - **1 tsp ground cinnamon** - **1 tsp Nutmeg** - **3 Tbsp Pectin** - **1-1/2 cups sugar** Makes approximately 48 oz of jam Bring the apples, lemon juice (you can add some lemon zest too if you’d like) to boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until apples are soft. Remove from heat and stir in pectin. Add raisins, nutmeg and cinnamon. Return mixture to the stove to boil again for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Pour hot jam into the jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace between the jam and the lid. Place in boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool. ## Pickled Green Beans or Dilly Beans (Water Bath Canning) - **3 lbs green or yellow wax beans** - **3 & 3/4 cups vinegar** - **3 & 3/4 cups water** - **1/3 cup pickling salt** - **6 cloves garlic** - **6 springs of dill** Makes 6 – 16 oz Jars of Dilly Beans Place the beans, dill and garlic evenly spread between the 6 jars and leave 1/2 inch headspace at the top. Fill the jars with the vinegar liquid, leaving the same amount of headspace. Be sure to remove any air bubbles you can from around the green beans themselves. Seal the lid and cook in water bath canner for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool. ## Beef Stock (Pressure Canning) - **4 lbs of meaty beef bones** - **8 cups water** - **1 chopped onion** - **3 or 4 chopped garlic cloves** - **1 sliced carrot** - **1 sliced celery stalk** - **1 bay leaf** - **Salt** Makes approximately 64 oz of Beef Stock Bring water and beef bones to a boil over a high heat. Reduce heat to a medium low temperature and add vegetables and seasonings. Boil for around 2 to 3 hours. Season to taste. Some people add bouillon if they want a stronger flavor. Remove the bones and strain stock through a fine sieve. Allow the stock to cool until a layer of fat solidifies on the top. Remove the fat. You will want to heat up the stock again before you fill the prepared canning jars with the liquid. Ladle the hot stock into the jars leaving 1-inch headspace. Seal the lid and place the jarred beef stock in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure for 20 minutes if you are using pint jars or 25 minutes for quart jars. Remove jars from canner and let cool. ### Making a Mini Bug Out Bag for Your Kids’ School Backpack URL: https://uspreppers.com/making-a-mini-bug-out-bag-for-your-kids-school-backpack/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Most preppers with families know how important it is to make sure your children are prepared. Every member in your family should have a bug out bag, preferably one that will cover at least 72 hours in a survival situation. But what happens when your kid is at school and separated from you and their own supplies? Making sure your kids are prepared for any potential disaster scenario, no matter where they are, is an easy way to help them stay safer in case of a disaster. Even in a small scale event, a school closure, getting snowed in, an earthquake– you can easily give your child some essential tools to aid in any survival situation. By adding a few simple, and compact items to your kid’s backpack you can help them in any situation, whether they are at school or maybe even just at a friend’s house. Most of the items here can be easily packed into a backpack while still leaving room for their everyday school necessities. Depending on your child’s age or specific needs these items, of course, can vary. As always, consider your child’s needs first and pack accordingly. I can stuff most of these items into one hiking style water bottle, keeping it neat and compact, and out of the way of my son’s daily activities. ## Water Bottle As I said before I keep most of the items packed inside the water bottle, however, it’s pretty common practice for many kids to already take a water bottle with them, without bugging out in mind. A water bottle is one of the most important tools out there; keeping hydrated is key to survival. It is estimated that you can only survive 3 days without water, but the side effects of dehydration set in long before then. Make sure your child can stay safe and hydrated. ## Water Purification The water bottle won’t help much if you can’t find any purified water. Water tablets are easy to carry and are useful in emergency situations. I prefer to pack a life straw, which is a personal purification system that is compact and effective. For children, I find they are less resistant to using a life straw in comparison to the tablets, I mean I can’t convince my son to eat peas, let alone a strange tablet in his water; that is why I pack a life straw for my kiddo. ## Emergency Whistle Emergency whistles are an excellent safe guard, helping to keep your child safe from possible attackers. By being able to alert those nearby to a potential danger or even just to scare away a potential assailant, a whistle is a lifesaving tool that takes up very little space in your child’s backpack. It’s a good idea to consider if and when your children are mature enough to understand they can only use them in an emergency. ## Poncho Emergency ponchos can pack up to be extremely small and are often extremely affordable. If rains or dangerous weather hit, a poncho, or really any type of rain gear, makes a huge different in keeping a kid dry and safe. ## Bandana [Bandanas have hundreds of uses](https://uspreppers.com/26-survival-uses-for-bandanas/) in survival situations. They can be used in first aid, as a signal, as a washcloth, as a sling; they can be used for sun protection, for cleaning, cooking and for countless other applications that can aid you in survival. A bandana is easy to carry and takes up little room, they can even just be tied on the outside of a backpack to make sure they don’t take up any crucial space. ## Extra Socks and Underwear There’s no explanation needed for why an extra pair of socks and underwear is a good idea. Even just as a backup for a regular day, having a change of these important necessities is something that will always be useful. ## Flashlight Flashlights are incredibly useful, especially in the case of a power outage. Younger kids who are afraid of the dark certainly should not be without one of these important tools. ## Extra Food An extra granola bar or some dehydrated food will go a long way to not just feed your child in case of an emergency, but also to give them needed comfort in scary and stressful times. Pack something that will last for a long time so you don’t have to keep replacing it. I also make sure I keep one thing my son really likes, something that would be a real comfort to him, and replace it in his pack as needed. ## Drink Packets Drink packets last a long time and kids love them. There are also liquid drink mixes, but the powdered ones are easier to store and often come in pre-measured packets so any kid can simply add it to their own water bottle easily. Powdered milk is also a good consideration, especially for the younger kids. (If you have powdered milk, dry cereal is a great food to pack). ## Emergency Contact Information A small information card is a huge benefit, especially for younger kids who aren’t able to memorize a lot of facts. On my card I have all of my contact information, in case someone needs to get a hold of me during a disaster or emergency. I also have my son’s name and an alternative emergency contact listed, just in case I cannot be reached. If your children have any medical conditions or allergies you may want to include that on your contact card as well. ## Small First Aid Kit Having the basics: band aids, antiseptic wipes, ointment, gauze, etc. will go a long way if any injury occurs. Whether your own child gets hurt, or if it’s one of their friends, a first aid kit can come in handy in an emergency, or just in everyday life. ## Hand Sanitizer A lot of people send their kids to school with hand sanitizer already, so this one is easy to include. Hand sanitizer is also often sold in small bottles making them compact and easy to store. ## Emergency Blanket There are several somewhat smaller size emergency blankets that will fit in to your child’s backpack without too much notice. There are Mylar blankets as well, which aren’t as durable, but they are a much more compact option. In addition, emergency blankets can also double as emergency shelters if needed. ## Comfort Item Especially If you’ve got a younger child, this, something of comfort might be one of the most important items. Make sure you have something that provides your child an escape from their potentially scary situation. A book, a stuffed animal, a photo album, whatever it may be, make sure you have something that is there just to make your kid smile. You can pack as much or as little as you feel is necessary, but remember this is not your child’s main bug-out bag, so don’t overdo it. Make sure you avoid potentially dangerous items. While a pocket knife is an integral survival item for older kids, they simply can’t bring those to school. When disaster strikes, you certainly hope you are not separated from your kids. Just in case, however, you’ll want to do whatever you can to [ensure their survival](https://uspreppers.com/tag/safety/) and ease your mind until you are back together again. ### 6 Steps to Turn a Backyard Camping Trip into a Kid’s Survival Course URL: https://uspreppers.com/6-steps-to-turn-a-backyard-camping-trip/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Everyone loves a backyard camping trip, it’s great fun for everyone, but it’s also a great opportunity for learning. It is a fun way to [teach your kids](https://uspreppers.com/12-fun-ways-to-teach-your-kids-survival-skills/) the basics of self-reliance, without them realizing they are learning anything because they’ll be having so much fun. For a deeper dive, see [talking to your kids about TEOTWAWKI](https://uspreppers.com/talking-to-your-kids-about-teotwawki/). Start with ground rules that apply to your particular area. You may live in a place where starting a small fire in your backyard is acceptable, but many people do not, so consider what is appropriate first. We like to set a “No going back into the house” rule once our backyard camping trip gets started, but many people will have to break this rule to handle basic bathroom necessities without offending your neighbors. Again, consider your area and what is okay in your neighborhood. The other rule we set is no electronics other than flashlights. You can come up with your own family camping rules and once you do, just let the fun begin. ## Step 1 – Create Your Shelter The first place you start whether out in the wilderness or in your backyard is to set up shelter. Sometimes this is a simple as popping a tent, but even that is a skill that is highly necessary in many survival situations. It is a good idea to make sure your kids knows how to pitch not just any tent, but also the one you and your family plan to use if faced with a survival situation. While it’s great to make sure that your emergency tent stays neat and safe, breaking it out and getting accustomed to how it works will save valuable time later, especially if you teach your kids how to take part in the action. Backyard camping is also a great opportunity to teach your kids about alternative shelters, such as making a cover with a tarp and some rope. If you have a good amount of brush or plant life, you may consider teaching your kids about natural shelters, how to keep off the ground at night, and how to camouflage themselves from potential threats. These skills are fun for most kids to play with– tying knots, pitching tents, playing hide-n-seek, and making forts are all activities most kids love to take part in and the simple knowledge of how to do it well could save their life if faced with an outdoors survival situation. ## Step 2 – Start a Fire Again, starting a fire may be something that is prohibitive in your backyard, but you can still teach your kids how to properly build a campfire structure without lighting it. It’s a great opportunity to talk about fire safety, how to clear dangerous materials from a fire area, or how to properly put out a fire. In addition, let them learn about fire starting in a camp stove, rocket stove or hibachi grill. Learning the essentials of fire-starting, especially without the use of a lighter is a skill no child will ever forget. ## Step 3 – Cook on a Camp Stove Once you’ve got that camp stove going, it’s time to teach your kids how to cook without the aid of electricity. This is another opportunity to talk about safety, not just around fire but around food. Make sure your kids understand how food is properly cooked in order to avoid being sick. [Basic survival cooking skills](/survival-cooking-for-preppers/) are an excellent thing to pass down to your kids; it can help keep them alive and safe as well as being a great job for the older kids to take on in a survival situation. ## Step 4 – Purify Water I feel like [water purification is an extremely important aspect](/types-of-water-filters/) of teaching your kids survival. They need to know where to look for water and how to make it safe for consumption, and I find it easy to squeeze a little water lesson into a backyard camping sessions. You can have your kids simply purify some water that comes from your hose. It’s important to make sure my kids know how to use the water purification system you have on hand, as well as how to purify it by simply boiling it. ## Step 5 – Navigate Using the Stars When the stars come out to play it’s time to teach your kids the basics of celestial navigation. Teach them how to find the North Star and how to determine direction. This is a great opportunity to teach your kids how to use compasses too. You can easily turn this into a game, a sort of directional scavenger hunt if you will. ## Step 6 – Read a Survival Story Instead of the proverbial ghost story, when it’s time for bed dig into a good survival book. Getting your kids’ head in the mindset of being able to survive will go a long way if and when a disaster actually hits. Having heroes and characters that have proven how self-reliant kids can be is an important self-esteem booster that can keep your kids strong and level headed at the most important time. Gary Paulsen’s *Hatchet* is one of the most popular survival texts and has been enjoyed by children and teens for many years. *The Swiss Family Robinson* and *Robinson Crusoe* are also long standing favorites, but for the early teenage set you may get further with something like the *Hunger Games*. A night of backyard camping is simple fun that is part of almost everyone’s childhood. With a little extra planning and guidance, you can turn it into an opportunity to help instill valuable skills and self-reliance in your kids, making them part of the team and an asset in survival. ### Prepping for Beginners, Where You Should Start. URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepping-for-beginners-where-you-should-start/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Generously Contributed By Skip Tanner For a deeper dive, see [8 common prepping mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/8-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-prepping/). The idea of prepping can be a bit overwhelming, especially for those who are just starting out. When you start looking at everything all the books say about everything that you need to do in order to be prepared, it seems like a task to challenge Hercules, not something for a mere mortal. Nevertheless, you have to realize that everyone you read about, who seems to have the perfect survival setup, started out where you are… with nothing. We've also covered [the emergency essentials every prepper needs](https://uspreppers.com/the-uspreppers-emergency-essentials-what-every-prepper-needs-to-know/). [Prepping is more](https://uspreppers.com/) a lifestyle than a task to be accomplished. Oh, there are plenty of tasks to do, but they are all focused on one thing… becoming more self-sufficient. That way, when a disaster does strike, you aren’t going to be amongst the hoard of people just sitting there, waiting for big government to rescue them. So, how to sort out the myriad of tasks that are associated with prepping? This is actually a much easier question to answer than one would imagine. The key here is to look for those items, which will provide the greatest amount of help in the greatest number of possible survival scenarios. Basically, that means leaving aside things like gas masks and aquaponics, so that you can concentrate on learning basic survival skills and stockpile the basic survival supplies that you’ll need. What are those? They are the things that your body needs to survive, no matter what. So, we need to start with understanding those needs. ## Homeostasis – This technical term literally means maintaining the balance between two extremes. For survival purposes, it’s talking about maintaining your body temperature. So, the first priority is shelter, and warmth so that you don’t die of hypothermia. ## Potable water – The human body can only survive about three days without clean drinking water; what is known as “potable water.” This is water that has been purified to eliminate all microscopic pathogens that could make you sick. ## Food – We can live much longer without food than we can without water, especially considering that the average American is a bit overweight. However, in a survival situation you’re going to be doing much more manual work than normal, so you’ll burn more calories. Without proper food, your body will weaken. There are many other things that are needed as well, but those three are the top priorities. So, that’s where you start. Find a way to heat your home when the grid goes down and buy it or install it. Make sure you have plenty of fuel to go with it as well, a fireplace without a ready fuel supply is just masonry — plan accordingly. Don’t forget that you’ll need some means of lighting that fuel on fire, so be sure to have several good fire starters on hand. Check out [prepping on a budget](https://uspreppers.com/it-can-be-done-prepping-on-a-budget/). Stockpile food and water, as well as making sure you have a means of cooking that food, [without electricity](https://uspreppers.com/generating-electricity-off-the-grid/). Get yourself a good water filter too, so that when your water stockpile runs out, you can start purifying water to drink. Make sure that you know where to find water as well, both at home and wherever you ultimately pick for your bug out location. Don’t concentrate on stockpiling those items, to the exclusion of everything else. We’re talking about where to start here. Start with fuel, water and food. But once you have a month’s worth of those items, it’s time to think about broadening out a bit, adding first-aid, seeds and some other important items. While not abandoning your stockpiling efforts. Basically, you’re adding to that, rather than replacing the work of stockpiling. While stockpiling these things is important, it’s not as important as what you learn. Those who know how to survive can do so without having all the latest and greatest gadgets and supplies. Invest the time in learning survival skills, so that you can make it through, no matter what. Learning survival skills is something that never ends. There’s always something new that you can learn. While the basics can be learned in an afternoon, there are so many variables in survival scenarios, that you can always find something new to learn. But the more you learn, the easier it will be for you to survive. About The Author: Skip Tanner is more than a writer, avid outdoorsman, hiker and international survival expert. He is also the creator of www.ExpertPrepper.com. Skip’s been studying, sharpening, and expanding his skills every day since he was 15 years old. He brings you the news you need to know as well as breakthrough information from some of the best authors and experts in their field. Together, they share their deepest secrets of survival with you. ### Earthquakes: Prepping to Survive the Aftermath Part I URL: https://uspreppers.com/earthquakes-prepping-to-survive-the-aftermath-part-i/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T23:43:39.000Z Events like the recent Nepalese 7.8 earthquake, while a world away for people in the U.S., nonetheless make many of us sit up and take notice, especially for those living in quake-prone regions. The “Big One” has long been predicted to hit for so long the thought of it is more a running joke than anything else. The reality of such an earth shattering event is more likely to make an appearance in yet another B rated movie plot than manifest itself in the real world. At least that’s the perception of so many who call the West Coast home. Does that mean California shouldn’t worry about some near future, massive earthquake? God, no! California will be hit with another big quake again…. and again. That much is certain. But with the not so well perceived, looming threat of The Big One creating a blasé attitude towards such a ground reeling disaster means fewer people are seriously preparing for the next one to hit. The same can be said about other regions. How many of you know the Pacific Northwest is overdue for an offshore quake, the size of which spawned the 2008 Indonesian Tsunami? Or how about the likelihood of the New Madrid Fault sending another series of temblors running through the Midwestern United States? Between December 1811 and February 1812 the adjoining region of northeastern Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri suffered four earthquakes ranging from 7.0 to 8.1\. The last of which temporarily changed the course of the mighty Mississippi River. In the early 19th century, the region was sparsely populated but today as many as 2.6 million households could be affected. The point of this doom and gloom is many people who live in places where earthquakes will, and do strike are not preparing themselves for the disasters building up right below their feet. The worst part is earthquake prepping their homes is something that could be done in a typical weekend. And as the conscientious prepper is well aware, preparing for the worst is the best way to survive the aftermath. In this, the first of a two-part [US Preppers](https://uspreppers.com/) earthquake series, we outline our recommendations for physically preparing your surroundings for a significant quake. ## Earthquake Prepping Your Home Falling objects, debris and toppling furniture are a major cause of injuries from moderate earthquakes. These injuries are largely preventable by taking a few, simple actions. ### Secure the Furniture: With “L” brackets, wood screws, wall anchors, a stud finder and furniture straps all in hand, secure large pieces of furniture to their walls. Bookcases, dressers, and armoires can be secured with two “L” brackets at or near their tops. If drilling a wood screw into Grandma’s 85-year-old armoire makes you cringe, consider using a furniture strap, which is a nylon strap, tipped with metal brackets, that wraps around the furniture piece and is anchored to a wall by the brackets on either side. Similarly, use television straps for those TV’s not already mounted to the wall. Also consider moving furniture away from beds so you don’t wake to a bookshelf toppling over on top of you. ### Secure Kitchen Cabinets: Affix latches to cabinet doors to keep everything inside when the shaking starts. As for the contents, break the habit of precariously stacking dishware, cups and coffee mugs, as none of that will stay put in a quake. Leave a buffer space of about an inch to two between the cup or stack of plates and shelf’s edge to compensate for movement. Consider cleaning out old bags of chips, stale boxes of crackers from pantry cabinets to make for easier and more stable storage. In the case of open shelving, install a restricting lip, which is a metal or plastic strip attached to the front edge of the shelf. Other options are to run a nylon or bungee-type cord across the middle of each shelf. This, of course, could be unsightly for a kitchen but would work for open pantry shelves or garage shelving where home canned goods are often stored. ### All the Hanging Things: A show of hands… how many have pictures hanging from your walls? Big heavy, framed mirrors? Cherished artwork? Plants hanging from the ceiling? Okay, for those of you who didn’t raise a hand, skip this part as you’re all set. For everyone else here’s a few tips; switch out the flimsy, picture hanging hooks with a more sturdy one that incorporates a closing clasp which will keep them from leaping off the wall. Or use a hook that turns in on itself then couple that with an adhesive putty product (made for such purposes) to the bottom corners to keep the frame from banging against the wall and possibly shattering the glass. Larger hanging objects should be set into a wall stud so they do not pull out. The same goes for hanging plants. They should already be secured to a ceiling stud or to any of the various types of ceiling anchors. Also, make sure hanging plants will not hit windows once they begin swinging around. And one final note, avoid hanging any of these things above where you lay your head at night, because being wrenched out of a sound sleep by an earthquake is rude enough without adding a framed, glass picture to the mix. ### Around the Outside: Take a look out in the garage and outside around the house. In the garage (or wherever it is located) secure the water heater. Like the furniture inside the home, the water heater can be secured with a strap. That new, gas barbecue bought last Christmas, make sure the propane tanks and connections are secure because a punctured, propane tank does not equal a whole mess of fun. Consult with a tree trimmer about trees or large branches that might threaten the house during a quake and go with what they advise. Make sure any hazardous materials (pesticides, gasoline for the lawnmower, container of used motor oil) are safely stored. ### Plywood Sheets: When I first moved to [earthquake country](https://uspreppers.com/government-disaster-response-whats-left/), I noticed stored up in the garage rafters, stacks of plywood sheets. I shrugged it off figuring they were left over from some past household repairs the landlord made. Then one late afternoon about 5 years ago, a 6.5 quake hit just offshore. After everything calmed down I noted along with all the collapsed brick chimneys around the neighborhood, people pulling out their own large plywood sheets to cover empty, window frames. It was an ah-hah moment and now I recommend stocking up ’cause there are never enough glass replacement companies around when everyone else needs them. ### Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in strategic places around the house and in the garage because fires tend to go hand in hand with earthquakes. Just ask San Francisco. Here we have provided detailed specific actions you should take to physically prep your home for a potential earthquake but there is more to do. In the upcoming Part II of this series we will discuss quake specific actions and plans to further help you and your family survive the next time the earth moves under you. ### 6 Defense Mistakes for All Preppers to Avoid URL: https://uspreppers.com/6-defense-mistakes-for-all-preppers-to-avoid/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Defense is a huge aspect of prepping. Whether you are mastering different ways to defend yourself, of if you are trying to find the best way to protect your home, defense is a key cornerstone to any solid prepping plan. Still, it’s easy to make mistakes and defense is the one place you can’t afford to have any errors. For a deeper dive, see [personal defense 101](https://uspreppers.com/personal-defense-101/). When prepping not only must you prepare by learning the things you must do to survive, but you must also learn about the things you should NOT DO as well. ## Bragging About Your Supply Rule number one about prepping, is to keep your mouth shut regarding your stockpile. Most preppers practice operational security, otherwise known as OP SEC, which basically means keep your operations secret and secure. Only those closest to you should know about what is in your stockpile, where it exists and how to access it. I know this can be difficult, it is hard to resist sharing information, especially when you are proud of your accomplishments, but this simple precaution could be key to saving your food and other supplies later. Remember, in a survival situation even your friends and co-workers can be pushed to the point of desperation, don’t make yourself an easy target. ## Relying on One Form of Defense Some people think that if they’ve got a gun and ammo they are protected. And some others think that an extensive knowledge of [martial arts is the only way to protect yourself](https://uspreppers.com/tag/safety/). But both are wrong. A shotgun may not help you if someone comes up behind you, and martial arts won’t do anything against an assailant that is firing at you from several yards away. Any properly prepared prepper knows that having a knowledge of more than one defense method is important to keeping you and your family safe. Consider taking firearms courses or visiting the range regularly, but couple those actions with defense courses or training to make sure you are properly trained and prepared to protect yourself. Check out [self defense for women and families](https://uspreppers.com/self-defense-for-women-and-families/). ## Only Stockpiling Guns & Ammo Guns are a great way to protect your home and family. Ensuring that you have enough firearms and the ammo to go with it is integral to a proper survival plan but don’t stop there. There are several defense situations where lethal force will simply not be necessary and that is why you should consider other forms of non-lethal defense. There are a variety of amazing defense products that you should consider adding to your stockpile and to your defense strategy. Mace is a simply defense tool that can easily be carried with you and used at a short range. Tasers are also a great option. Most non-lethal forms of defense also are great items to stockpile and use for bartering later. ## Not Bugging Out Some people work very hard to defend their home, which is an excellent strategy for self-defense. However, everyone needs to be prepared in the case that their well-defended home may become compromised. Everyone should be prepared to easily leave their home or shelter if the need arises. Part of that means having each member of your family prepared with their own bug out bags. There are several pre-packed bug out bags available and you can also pack your own. Either way, make sure you are prepared for at least the crucial first 72 hours. ## Shooting on Sight When people are encroaching on your land, or presenting a perceived danger to your survival, the first instinct is to sometimes shoot. The reality, however, is that not everyone is a danger. In fact some people could even be a big help in a survival situation. In addition, you don’t want to harm or kill someone that may just be looking for a little help. Non-lethal defense weapons are an option for protecting yourself with force that will keep others safer. The other truth is that if you shoot, they might just shoot back and that usually doesn’t end well for at least one of the parties. Shooting quickly also alerts your potential assailants to the fact you have a gun and something to protect. While the gunfire may be enough to keep some away, in a survival situation it may encourage looters to come back and try to get their hands on your guns and other supplies. ## Not Defending Your Home Well Enough In a plan A scenario, most people consider staying in their home, with their stockpiles, and being able to keep their family safe. That is why home security is such an important part of a prepping plan. Burglar alarms are excellent but be prepared to have a variety of perimeter security measures in place. One of the best methods of defense is being able to have a place where you can obtain a 360-degree view of your property, whether through finding a high point in the land or by installing a security camera system. Remember that if the power goes down, some of the home defenses we are used to will be useless. Think about powerless forms of [home defense](https://uspreppers.com/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/), like a door jammer, in addition to an electronic system. Another excellent strategy is keeping things hidden; looters can take your supplies if they can’t find them. The best plan, however, is to have strong defenses in place. If your home is difficult to penetrate, looters might just walk right past to find an easier target. In the world of prepping there are plenty of places to make mistakes, but if we really face [ a SHTF scenario](/talking-to-your-kids-about-teotwawki/) there is no room to leave your family or yourself defenseless. Make sure your defense plan is solid and avoid these simple mistakes to keep your home, your family and yourself safe no matter what. ### Prepping with Baby URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepping-with-baby/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z My son is almost one-year-old, and I have often thanked my lucky stars that in the first year of his life, or even while I was expecting, that we were not faced with any sort of disaster or potentially world-ending scenario. Even as prepared as my family is, the prospect of having to be prepared for everything my little child needs seemed daunting. However, it is necessary that if you are expecting or have a young one you prepare for whatever could lie ahead. Prepping for a baby is different than prepping for other members of your family. The changes that a little baby will go over in just the first year require a variety of sizes, resources, and foods; it requires a much different mindset than just preparing for a year in the life of an older aged human, who likely won’t outgrow their clothes or have to change their diet. That is why taking the time to prepare for baby in a disaster is just as important a step as getting your nursery ready. ## If you are Expecting or Trying to get Pregnant Preparing for your baby’s arrival is an exciting process, one that should and can easily include preparing for potential disaster situations. Make it part of your nesting process- include plans for future scenarios, the last thing you will want to be without in a disaster situation is the essentials you need for your little one. If you are still expecting, you may want to add some basic [first aid supplies](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/) to aid you in the event of an emergency birth. Extra blankets, surgical scissors, antiseptic cleaner, etc. should all become part of your emergency supplies, just in case you can’t get to a hospital. You may want to speak with a doctor or a midwife regarding guidance on how to deliver your baby unassisted should an emergency arise. There are also a number of books and websites on this you may consider reading. Much like taking a birthing class, knowing how to get through the birth unassisted could be the key in helping your baby be safely ushered into this world. Besides, arming yourself with knowledge is never a bad idea for any prepper. You should also consider post-partum care, having feminine pads, squirt bottles for cleaning, medicated pads, ibuprofen, and other things to help ease recovery after birth. Don’t forget prenatal vitamins too. As long as you are breastfeeding, you will want to have these on hand. ### Feeding Baby The majority of people agree that breastfeeding is best, and in a disaster scenario, there is no better way to have the food you need for your child with you. But that does not mean that breast milk alone will do the trick if it is TEOTWAWKI. Especially if you are still expecting, there are numerous factors that can arise in any mother’s life inhibiting her ability to produce the needed milk for her young child. Especially in disaster scenarios, your milk supply can be affected by stress or lack of nutrition and the last thing you need is to be unable to feed that hungry baby. That is why no matter how you feel about breast milk versus formula, having some powdered formula for your stockpile may be a wise idea. Remember you will still need a source of clean, filtered water to mix your formula. A baby quickly changes, and in just a few short months after being born they begin to need solid food, fruits and vegetables and other nutritious meals. At this point they will be able to begin eating some of the same food that is already in your stockpile, but it might be wise to stock up some special food that is just for baby. Baby food jars have relatively long shelf lives, but you can also make you own food and pack it in food saver bags for long term storage. For the most part though, [the foods you eat](https://uspreppers.com/tag/sustenance/) will be the foods they eat. ### Diapering Baby Diapering presents perhaps the biggest challenge in preparing with a baby. Depending on how many diapers your baby goes through in a day, stockpiling enough to get them through a year, let alone two or three, is not only a huge space killer, but it would also cost a pretty penny upfront. Even with the possibility that the grid could go down, and you’d be left without a powered washing machine, cloth diapers are the way to go. Now many people already use cloth diapers on a regular basis, but even the fans of disposable models should grab a stash of cloth diapers. These will work over and over again are easy to keep stockpiled. Don’t forget the diaper pins too. Remember to get diapers in enough sizes to cover the first two years of your child’s life. You can also invest in diaper covers, which give you a little extra protection and extend the life of your cloth diapers. These come in more universal sizes, so you won’t have to stock up on as many of them as the diapers themselves. They are also more reusable than the diapers themselves and can often be used through several changings. Wipes are also important, and again cumbersome and wasteful in the disposable models. Still you will likely want to have several packs of baby wipes to stockpile, but I would also collect some other sort of soft cotton that you can wash and reuse, possible an old plain t-shirt. ### Clothing Baby Clothing for kids is a lot smaller, thank goodness, because they grow out of it fast. I try to keep at least two years of clothes collected for my boy, which is fairly easy to do with hand-me-downs, secondhand stores and end of season sales. I often go to the name brand kids stores for their year-end clearance. Just recently this spring I bought my son the raincoats and winter coats he will need for the next two years, and at a steal too. Make sure you plan for the climate you live in, but ensure you have the sort of gear you may need to get through any particular scenario. In other words, you may live in a desert, but having a rain coat for your child is still a good idea as you never know what could happen. Don’t forget shoes, hats and especially the socks. As your child grows out of their clothing, they can often become good barter items or just good hand me downs to share with a neighbor in need. ### Sleeping for Baby The baby need a safe place to lay to get rest. While you can rest your head on a rock if you need to, the baby need to be kept clean and safe from the elements. For our son, we have a co-sleeper which doubled as a portable baby bed. While we didn’t have to use it for an emergency when our son was really young, we did use it several times for travel and in hotel rooms. Our co-sleeper folded up for easy storage, but there are also larger models that fold up smaller as well. Many people like to use playpens, which often come with a bassinet attachment to safely cradle the sleeping baby. You will also want to pack some bedding comforts for baby. While it is not safe for the younger kids to sleep with blankets you may want to pack away some sleep sacks that could keep baby warm if there is a lack of heat. You could also use swaddle blankets for the little ones. ### Medicine Cabinet for Baby There are a variety of medicines and remedies that could come in handy if your child is sick or just has some usual childhood maladies. - **Teething Tablets– Teething tablets are a great general medicine to help babies with general pain and discomfort. Their gentle formula often includes natural ingredients to calm baby and therefore they can be used in a variety of applications.** - **Anti-Fungal Cream/Diaper Rash Cream – All babies get diaper rashes at some point. Be prepared to cure this common ailment.** - **Baby Cough Syrup/Cold Medicine – A little medicine could help a sick baby or be a great barter item as well.** - **Thermometer – If** **baby is sick, you will need to be able to monitor their temperature. If you’ve got a digital model, consider packing up** back up **batteries.** - **Vaseline – Vaseline can be used in a variety of applications, both for baby and for the rest of the family.** - **Baby Safe Sun Block and Bug Repellent – Don’t forget to include these important items to keep your baby safe outdoors.** - **Corn Starch – An alternative to baby powder, cornstarch can easily clear up a wet rash when sprinkled on an affected area.** Each baby is different, and your baby may have more specific needs than others. Be sure to prepare properly for the medical needs of your child that may arise. You may also educate yourself in homemade remedies and homeopathic medicine as well, that way if necessary you can learn to grow herbs and plants to create your own remedies to keep your family healthy and safe. ### Cleaning for Baby Baby safe shampoo is a necessity in my life. While a baby can use most of the items you use for hygiene, they make tear free products for a reason. The best thing, these items are easy to stockpile because a baby simply does not need that much soap. It takes me about 5 months to go through just one bottle of the all over wash that I use with my son, meaning just a few bottles will keep you stocked for years. Remember to keep other items to help you will baby hygiene like a baby bath, q-tips and cotton balls, baby fingernail clippers, extra towels just for baby, baby lotion, and any other items that will come in handy to keep baby happy and clean. ### Baby Carrier A must-have item in many situations is a strap-on baby carrier. Strollers, car seats and other bulky child toting methods will not be as adaptable to a certain situation as a wearable baby carrier can be. Having a hands-free way to keep baby safe could be invaluable. There are a variety of different styles of carriers. We had a simply front and back carry on for our son, but now we are purchasing a backpack carrier designed for hiking for future use. Not only will it be great in any SHTF scenario, it will be great for camping and recreation too. ### Don’t Forget Fun When disaster strikes, fun is often the last thing you think of but babies don’t know the difference. Babies need stimulation and play to have a full day and develop fully. Consider items you have already that can double as toys, pots and pans have made great drums for years, for instance. But also keep a few creature comforts, a few stuffed animals or simple blocks can comfort and provide hours of entertainment. ### The Baby Bug-Out-Bag Now that you’ve prepared for the first two years, or more, of your child’s life, now it’s time to create your baby bug out bag, in case you need to get out quickly and safely. I always keep 24 hours’ worth of whatever I need in my baby’s standard diaper bag. That way if we get separated for our home or from our bug out bag, we still have what we need to get us through the first crucial day. However, I also keep a 72-hour bug out bag with our other supplies, and these are the items that I have in my baby bug out bag: - **A pack of disposable diapers in the size my child currently wears. I rotate these out as he moves into bigger sizes.** - **A pack of baby wipes** - **Hand sanitizer** **Garbage bags – One to throw old diapers and other trash in, one for dirty clothes.** - **5 set of clothes – Don’t forget socks and shoes and make it a variety of weather appropriate clothes to cover a range of temperatures and situations. And don’t forget to prepare for those inevitable diaper blowouts.** - **2 Warm Baby Blankets** - **3-4 Burp Cloths or Rags** - **3 Days’ Worth of Food – Age appropriate, formula if needed, and/or canned baby food. Little snacks for the older babies is also a good idea. Include spoons or other utensils if needed.** - **Bottles – I keep two bottles for formula, and a bottle of purified water in case I cannot find a water source.** - **3 Bibs** - **First Aid Kit – Think items like what was included in the medication section earlier.** - **A Few Toys** Having a baby, or getting ready to have one is already a lesson in being prepared. Taking a few extra steps and precautions to make sure you and your little family will always be safe is easy and is something important for any prepping family to do. ### 12 Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids Survival Skills URL: https://uspreppers.com/12-fun-ways-to-teach-your-kids-survival-skills/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z One of the best ways to prepare yourself is to arm yourself with knowledge and that goes for every member of your family. Kids are incredibly apt to soaking up new information and teaching your children survival skills can not only be useful in a variety of scenarios, but it can also provide you with fun activities that give you a chance to bond as a family. Making sure your children are prepared mentally in a disaster scenario will go a long way toward your entire family’s survival. Most children can not only hold their own weight, but they can also contribute to your family’s overall survival if they are properly educated. Teaching survival skills, however, doesn’t have to be scary… there are in fact many ways to teach basic survival skills and have a blast while doing it. Here are my favorite ways to teach important survival skills as a family— with an element of fun tied in. ## **1\. Grow A Garden** All kids love to play in the dirt and growing a garden is a great way for even the youngest little guys to learn about how to plant, feed, grow, and harvest fresh food to eat and seeds to grow—a skill that in invaluable in a disaster scenario or in everyday life. ## **2\. Go on a Plant Foraging or Berry Picking Picnic** Learning about plant identification is a great way for children not only to identify foods that are good to eat, but also avoid ones that are harmful or poisonous. When you children learn how to find food in a variety of places they gain a skill that can help them stay nourished and healthy when they need it most. ## **3\. Make a Backyard Fire or Campfire** Teaching your kids to start a fire is as important as teaching them fire safety. When you child is old and responsible enough begin showing them how to start a fire, as well as different methods to make a spark in case you do not have a match or a lighter. Make sure you also impart the importance of keeping safe around the fire, as well as how to completely extinguish a fire. You can also take the opportunity to teach other skills such as setting up a flare or sending smoke signals. ## **4\. Cook Over an Open Flame** Whether it’s camping in the woods or in a backyard fire pit make sure you share the knowledge of how to safely cook food over an open fire. Start with the basics of roasting hot dogs or cooking up the day’s catch over direct flame. Don’t forget though, you can also teach your kids about dutch oven cooking, digging an oven, aluminum foil packet cooking or a variety of other methods that could come in handy for them down the road. ## **5\. Make a Shelter** Leave a kid alone long enough in any living room and if you’re not careful your couch will soon be turned into a fort. This is a universal among most kids, they love making their own shelters. Knowing how to create cover and shelter is an important survival skill and one and you can easily turn this into a game the kids will love. With the littlest ones I start by just teaching them how to pitch a tent, an important skill all kids should eventually know. You can also make tents with tarps or other materials you may have at your disposal. As kids get older you can teach them the importance of creating natural shelter if they need to, as well as creating an elevated sleeping area to keep them safe in wilderness survival situations. ## **6\. Play Hide & Seek** Teaching children the art of camouflage could be the number one factor in saving their life down the road. Sometimes hiding is the best form of self-defense, so make sure your kids know how to hide and stay quiet if they need to. When you are out in nature, you can take hide and seek to the next level and play around with the skills of camouflage. It’s an important skills to teach your kids how to hide using their natural surroundings. ## **7\. Fashion Some Home Made Weapons** This is an especially easy activity to get the boy children excited about. Teaching a kid how to make and use basic weapons, such as sling shots or spears, could come in handy in hunting or self-defense situations down the road. Not to mention the kids just love this one. ## **8\. Go Fishing & Hunting** These basic survival skills are taught to most kids without even thinking about their prepping potential. Make sure you take their learning one step further, so that your kids can learn not only how to hunt or fish, but also how to prepare an animal to eat if the need arises. ## **9\. Take a Self Defense Course** Learning defense is something everyone in the family can do to help them prepare for any situation. Karate and other martial arts are popular, but even just sharing some basic self-defense techniques with your kids can help protect them in the long run. ## **10\. Climb Some Trees** Let your kids climb, in certain survival situations an ability to head above ground could safe their life. ## **11\. Play Explorer** Teach kids about map reading, compasses and basic navigational skills. You can easily teach your kids about directions and how to find your way even without maps and compasses. Spend some time watching the sun rise and the sun set. Teach kids about how to use the night sky to find your way. ## **12\. Sew Your Own Clothes** Sewing is a great hobby, as well as a skill that can be invaluable in a variety of potential situations. Teaching kids young how to mend, make their own clothes, bags and toys, is an easy and fun activity that can arm them with an important life skill. As parents, it is our job to arm our kids with the knowledge they will need to survive in this world. It only makes sense that smart, prepared parents would also make sure their kids have the tools and skills they need to survive in any disaster or world changing scenario. The better prepared your kids are the better chance your whole family has to make it safely through whatever could happen in this crazy world. ### Climate Change and Drought: Homesteading in the New Normal URL: https://uspreppers.com/climate-change-and-drought-homesteading-in-the-new-normal/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Despite all the heated back and forth surrounding climate change, as to who or what the catalyst may be, it is quite clear there are changes afoot. Temperatures are trending upward, severe weather is more frequent and rainfall patterns are proving erratic. No matter where on the political debate you hang your hat, changes are impacting us all and adapting to this new normal is the only thing that will ease the transition. For a deeper dive, see [keeper vegetables that store well](https://uspreppers.com/keeper-vegetables/). Warming trends lead to far-reaching changes, changes not just limited to the weather. Rainfall patterns shift, or change altogether, which extends already fearsome wildfire seasons. Shifts in temperature and rainfall alter plant growth, growth patterns on which many insects’ life cycles revolve. Plants may blossom earlier or later causing significant problems for pollinating insects, for the food crops they pollinate and the people those crops feed. These changes also allow pest populations to spread further and cycle through multiple generations that would normally have been restrained by the onset of colder, seasonal temperatures. But with warmer nights, warmer winters, shifts in rain and snowfall reducing water resources normally stored and released from seasonal snowpacks, water availability becomes the immediate concern. For homesteaders, reduced water supplies directly impact food production, the food grown in family gardens they rely upon year round. This raises the question, What is the key to adapting to less water? Check out [gardening in small spaces](https://uspreppers.com/urban-prepping-gardening-for-small-spaces/). ## Gardening When it comes to drought adaptive gardening, [soil is the first place to start](/climate-change-and-drought-homesteading-in-the-new-normal/). Go organic. Supplement soils, for both in ground and planter growing, with organic material. This can be from home-brewed compost comprised of anything from kitchen scraps, yard clippings, leaves to even newspaper. Or there are a plethora of commercially available soil options at local nurseries. The important takeaway here is organics absorb and retain water better. Organic soil also provides garden plants with plenty of nutrients for strong growth which goes a long way to help them survive changing conditions. In addition, to the organic material incorporated into the soil use mulch on the surface. Composed of organic ingredients like straw, dry leaves, grass clippings, shredded bark or newspaper, mulch is spread around and over plants. A three to four-inch layer will aid with water retention, insulating the soil and roots, and reduces weeds which compete for water and nutrients. Another adaptive strategy is to choose plants wisely. Focus on drought tolerant plants like squash, peppers, chard, eggplants, arugula, dry beans and artichokes. Avoid, carrots, onions, green beans, lettuce and melons as they require more water than other vegetable crops. What about watering? Traditional over the top watering tends to be wasteful and inefficient while hastening runoff. Consider installing a drip irrigation system. Such a system can be as extensive as running piping just under the surface aligned with planting rows to laying tubes in and around swaths of the garden. But the concept is the same with either version you decide on. Water slowly drips out-diffusing through the soil using 30-50% less water than traditional, over the top watering. Additionally, this watering strategy reduces disease common with over watering, reduces watering time, problems with weeds and slows erosion from runoff. ## Repurposing Water The catch-all term for repurposed water is gray water, which is any water that comes from sinks, showers, washing machines as opposed to “black water” or water that comes in contact with feces including toilet water and what is used to clean diapers. Now as for household gray water, what can it be used for? In drought conditions or simply to use water more sustainably, gray water is a viable option for irrigation. This method saves money through the reuse of what has already come out of the tap. During a drought, capturing and using gray water is about the most effective way to utilize all the water piped into your home. Often there is concern about gray water safety. This is not water you can drink. It is waste water from your home associated with cleaning. Whatever is used for household cleaning will be dissolved in the gray water. This includes chemicals used for cleaning countertops, the soap used to wash in the shower and the detergent used to wash clothes, many of which are not friendly to plants. Bleach, dyes, salts, soaps with ingredients that leave you tongue-tied and products with borax are toxic to plants. Many laundry detergents are sodium-based, as well. Sodium will keep seeds from sprouting and ruin the structure of clay soils. Switching to products with natural or biodegradable ingredients will make more household gray water safe and available for irrigation. Gray water is safe for watering lawns, ornamental plants, fruit trees and vegetable gardens. But gray water may contain bacteria so avoid using it directly on fruits or vegetables that will be eaten raw (apples, plums, turnips, onions for salads). It can be used to water fruit trees but don’t spray or water from the tops of plants. Even with the outlined exceptions and precautions, [gray water](/gray-water-worth-look/) will repurpose a significant amount of household water that would normally flow down the drain. It reduces the volume of water sent for treatment to public sewage facilities or strain on home septic tanks. You will become acutely aware of your personal water usage and encourage the use of nontoxic products. And most importantly in times of drought which may well become the new normal, gray water use will reduce the drain on natural aquifers already strained from overuse. ### Life After Ammo URL: https://uspreppers.com/life-after-ammo/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z A year and two months to the day after society fell, you’re into the last box of .22 shells. The stockpile lasted longer than planned. Those armed hoards never materialized, so ammo was better spent on fox and the occasional deer. Taking care against the wasted shot conserved it for even longer. Unfortunately, the latest supply run was a bust. Finding remnants useful for anything, let alone decent ammo, is a hope left abandoned out in the far and between these days. Sooner, rather than later you have to figure a way to bag a whitetail without the trusty long rifle. Check out [practical prepper home defense](https://uspreppers.com/practical-prepper-home-defense/). Given the boatloads of ammunition US manufacturers pump out monthly, it is hard to imagine ammo running out at all. But should there be any doubt that this is a very real prospect, just look at [recent ammunition shortages](https://guncarrier.com/22-ammo-shortage-lessons-from-the-recent-ammunition-shortage/?ref=uspreppers.com). Far from a catastrophic event severing supply, the cause was panic spread on the backs of government gun control fears coupled with higher costs and increasing global competition for raw materials. If those comparatively mundane catalysts could result in runs on supply how long would stockpiles last if production screeched to a halt? ## Living without Ammo When the ammunition runs out, when there’s not a box or a loaded shell left, people are going to rely on alternatives for hunting and personal protection. But what could possibly take the place of the firearms so many have come to depend on? ### Manual Weapons In the absence of ammunition, guns will become essentially, obsolete. A gun without bullets isn’t good for much of anything other than throwing at someone’s head (hoping they don’t just pick it up and reload) or as a mediocre meat tenderizer. Manual weapons will assume the role firearms once ruled. [These types of weapons](https://uspreppers.com/tag/safety/) include a bow and arrow, spears, slings, slingshots, knives, swords or even the ancient, spear-throwing atlatl. For a deeper dive, see [home defense strategy for TEOTWAWKI](https://uspreppers.com/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/). If you have yet to make an atlatl’s acquaintance, it is a rather cool and very effective distance weapon. The device, used for hundreds of years by prehistoric peoples, is composed on two pieces; a thrower about 24” long, a notched hook at one end and a handle on the other with a counterweight in the middle, and an arrow or spear which lays horizontally along the thrower, fitting into the notched hook. The arrow or spear is launched overhand, not unlike casting a fishing pole. In a trained hand, the atlatl can take down a deer or opponent with comparable accuracy and force as a standard bow and arrow. ### Improvised Weapons These are just what the term implies, weapons improvise from items or objects with other intended purposes. A crowbar’s main purpose is a lever but is rigid and solid enough for use as a blunt weapon. A stone is another example. A stone can be thrown or used in combination with a sling or slingshot. It can also be dropped from a height, aimed right and with gravity handling the rest, a respectable sized stone will stop an opponent in their tracks. Take a tour of your house and garage with an eye to potential weapons. - **Those golf clubs in the closet.** - **The ballpoint pen in the pen holder.** - **A magazine on the coffee table easily rolled up and used as a baton.** - **Kitchen knives (an obvious choice).** - **A sturdy stand lamp pulled free from the wall to make a great staff weapon.** - **The cordless drill or circular saw in the garage, on the workbench (oh so intimidating).** - **A flashlight coupled with a hand weapon (a light to blind so you can strike with the other).** - **Electrical cords as whips.** - **Laundry detergent tossed into another’s eyes (a painful distraction opening them up for attack)** These are simply a few ideas generated from a quick tour of any given home, think about all the weapons, defensive and offensive you could come up with through a careful inventory of the family household. ### Martial Arts Martial arts are not typically the first line of defense when talk turns to replacing guns but in a world at a loss for ammunition, [personal defense](https://uspreppers.com/personal-defense-101/) will become more personal. Martial art styles range from the traditional variants of Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo to the lesser known styles of aikido, Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and Hapkido. Kickboxing, Brazilian Capoeira and mixed martial arts (MMA) have also gained popularity over recent years. While picking the style that works for you is important, choosing the right instructor is equally so. Objectively gauge the instructor’s competence with the style, their general mentality and check credentials before committing to one teacher. ### Smarts Out fox the wildlife you’re hunting or the opponent you’re facing. Learned skills in tracking, building blinds or elevated stands and camouflage techniques will allow you to find game animals and approach closer or reduce range increasing the chances of bringing home food with alternative weapons. Similar techniques are useful should you find yourself facing a human opponent, someone intent on challenging your personal safety. With knowledge of the area, places to hide and locations to lie in wait, you can effectively defend your property and person from those seeking to do it harm. ### The 10 Best Starter Herbs for your Medicinal Garden URL: https://uspreppers.com/10-best-starter-herbs-medicinal-garden/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:34.000Z Picture this, you suddenly find yourself in the third week of a widespread disaster, your daughter has a sore throat with a slight fever, your son has just burned his hand on the stove, your husband is complaining about stomach aches and even though she hasn’t said anything you can tell grandma’s arthritis is acting up. Drug stores and pharmacies are all but out of over-the-counter remedies while overcrowded hospitals are hardly worth the effort. What can you do? Luckily you thought to plant medicinal herbs alongside your prepper garden this Spring. *What, you didn’t?* Well, thankfully, this is just a product of a good imagination. There’s time to plan for the [upcoming growing season](/seed-saving/). And here’s some advice to get you going. ## Getting Started Begin with a plan and start small. There’s no need to plant a whole spectrum of herbs that won’t meet your practical needs. Consider what herbs will grow in your area then whittle that list down by their use and growing requirements (some are finicky). Think about the size of your family and the ailments you will most likely need to treat. This will help you gauge how much of each herb to grow. From there determine the amount of space you have available. Do you have space to plant in an existing garden? Do you have room for a garden? Will your crop be limited to flower boxes hung from a windowsill? Will the plants you want grow in pots, inside or outside? How much light and water will they need? Which herbs provide benefits to other plants you intend to grow? Some herbs grown next to vegetables will keep certain pests away. Okay, that’s a lot of questions to ask yourself along with hours of research trying to weed out reliable information from all those Google results. Let’s see if we can help narrow the search a little with a set of 10 starter herbs that will cover a range of maladies. 1. **Rosemary:** Known for treating congestion (works as an expectorant), sore throat and headaches. Stems are the useful parts and it grows well in planting zones 7-10. 2. **Mint:** Take mint to settle an aching stomach. The leaves are the useful portion of the plant and grow easily in containers. 3. **Chamomile:** Works as a general calming agent for the nervous and digestive systems helping with headaches, sore throats and body aches due to the flu or bad colds. Chamomile is also a blood thinner so do not use when pregnant or if you are prescribed any related medication. Made into an oil, it works to alleviate muscle pain and helps with arthritis. The flowers are the plant’s useful parts and it grows in all growing zones in the U.S. 4. **Lavender:** As with chamomile, lavender has numerous uses. The herb acts as a nervous system calming agent and can even be used as an anti-depressant. It will also work for cough, diarrhea, menstrual pain and maintaining low blood pressure. Its oil is effective in treating burns and skin wounds. The flowers are the prominent part to use and it will grow in zones 3-24. 5. **Coneflower (Echinacea):** This is a great plant for overall immune support and should be used for any illness. Use this herb for mouth sores, toothaches, insect bites, cuts, respiratory infections, among many others. The whole plant is of use but especially its flowers. It grows well in all U.S. growing zones. 6. **Ginger:** This is a root herb great for treating nausea and other stomach issues. Your ginger crop can start with a visit to the grocery store, buying the knobby root with a few (still green) “fingers” and planting it. Generally, it will be ready for harvest in 18 months. Ginger will grow in all zones but its leaves will die off in colder climates. 7. **Garlic:** Garlic serves as an antimicrobial and will work against respiratory infections. As most know, its bulb is the useful portion of the plant and it will grow in all planting zones. 8. **Calendula:** Also has a wide range of uses as an immune system supporter, can treat stomach ulcers and bladder infections. As an ointment, it is good for rashes and skin wounds. Calendula is a hardy, cold resistant, marigold-type flowering annual. Its leaves and flowers are useful and it keeps aphids away from vegetable plants. 9. **Yarrow:** Works as an astringent, anti-inflammatory, fever reducer and even helps with insomnia. Its leaves and flowers are the important parts and will grow well in zones 3-9 but be aware it can be an invasive species, so do contain its growth. 10. **Parsley:** Parsley is best known as an effective diuretic but it is also a great source of vitamins K and C. Primarily, the leaves and roots are used but there are some uses for parsley seeds. This plant will grow well in all planting zones in the US. These herbs can be utilized in a variety of ways with just as many uses. Of course, [these are medicinal plants](/preparing-your-own-living-medicine-cabinet-7-herbs-you-should-be-growing-now/) but they will also add flavor to the food we eat. They can be used fresh off the vine, so to speak, cut up and dropped in a saute pan, or infused in oil used for cooking. They can be dried for similar uses in oils or teas. Either fresh or dried they can be infused in alcohol to make tinctures (herbal medication), poultices, salves or ointments and lotions. A note to remember is that some of these herbal, or essential oils, need to be combined with carrier oils (such as almond, avocado, coconut, olive, sesame, jujube or cocoa butter) due to the concentrated nature of the essential oils that can cause burns if applied undiluted. Carrier oils have their own medicinal properties that work in tandem with the essential oils added to them. In order to prepare the herbs you grow, there are some special tools of the trade. A mortar and pestle are used for grinding fresh and dried leaves and stems. A coffee grinder is useful for grinding some specific herbs and spices. Once the herbs or oils are prepared you will need to store them Consider glass bottles or jars, as they are reusable and will not react with the contents (as some plastics do) or absorb odors. ### Other useful herbs: As you become familiar with the starter herbs and wish to expand your expertise consider the following to add to your stock; - **Comfrey:** used to treat bruises, muscle aches and joint pain - **Cayenne:** good for congestion. - **Cilantro:** helpful for fatigue and joint pain - **Oregano:** useful for treating menstrual cramps - **Dill:** helps with gastrointestinal (GI) problems - **Aloe Vera:** One we’ve all heard of, excellent for the treatment of burns, sunburns and psoriasis - **Dandelion:** Acts as a diuretic but also has anti-inflammatory properties and dandelion root combined with the leaves of uva ursi, can prevent urinary tract infections in women. **Click The Link Below To Check Out Which Medicinal Herbs Grow Best In Your Area…** [Click Here!](http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/?ref=uspreppers.com) ### Top 5 Survival Hacks URL: https://uspreppers.com/top-5-survival-hacks/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:55:34.000Z In a perfect world when a disaster happens you would have everything needed to survive. Of course, in a perfect world disaster and catastrophes would obligingly never happen. Yet having to contend with those frequent bad things that befall us at the most inconvenient times is a consequence of living in the real world. And as Murphy’s Law would have it, one of those times will be the one time you leave your bag of emergency equipment on the workbench in the garage. Due to this law of crappy timing, consider learning how to make [emergency essentials](/) out of commonplace objects or as an homage to classic ’80’s TV, how to MacGyver your way through an emergency. ## 5 Ways to Survive When night falls without a flashlight, how can you light your way? No camp stove? How will you cook food or boil water to drink? Can you catch fish without a fishing pole and lure? Is it possible to open a can without a can opener? What about staying warm without a fire? ### 1) Light it up Technology is a great thing, isn’t it? Everything these days has a light, from key chains to multipliers to cellphones, even saw an umbrella with one but let’s face it, batteries die. And when they do, you’ll still need a light when the sun goes down. And for that task go with the tried and true, old school way to light the way, a candle. There are several candle hack ideas out there with most incorporating oil of various types, a container for the oil and a homemade wick. First, how to make a wick. Any cotton fabric, twine or fiber will work by either twisting it up into a coil, or wrapping it around a wire or toothpick for support. Cooking oil (vegetable, olive, canola) is an excellent fuel source. Poured into some sort of container, anything from an orange peel to a glass jar to a tin can will work as long as the wick will stand up in it with about a quarter inch above the surface. A stick of butter is its own candle, just insert a wick, coat it in some butter and light it. A can of tuna in oil is a ready-made candle as well. Poke a hole in the top, insert a wick that will soak up some of the oil and light it. Another simple candle is a paper wrapped crayon. Start by melting the bottom slightly and press it down onto a nonflammable surface so the crayon will stand on its own. Clip the tip down to the paper and hold it to a flame until it lights. The paper, this time, is the fuel source while the wax crayon serves as a wick. The crayon candle is good for about half an hour. ### 2) Improvised Stove Just as there are several ways to make a candle, so there are about as many to make an improvised stove. Any metal can is a potential emergency hobo stove. Punch a series of holes near the bottom and along the top near the rims of the can for air. Then cut a rectangle piece out near the bottom, large enough to insert tinder and additional fuel (wood) into. Light your tinder and slide it through the rectangle, adding larger pieces of wood to build up the heat. With a couple metal strips laid over the opening, another can or appropriately sized pot can be set on top to cook or boil water for drinking. ### 3) Flowerpot Space Heater For once the weatherman was right. The storm hit just after six, dropping a foot of snow in the first hour and a half but that was before the winds barreled through whipping the skies into a frenzy. Comfortable inside your home, the temperature plummets outside as the blizzard rages just beyond sending a slight chill up your spine, grateful the family is safe indoors. Secure and cozy until the house goes dark, the billowing sound of the heater replaced by the raging weather outdoors. [No more heat](/power-down-household-appliances-you-can-re-create-off-the-grid/), what do you do now? How about a flowerpot space heater? Start with two clay or ceramic flower pots (one larger than the other), 2 to 3 candles and a metal tray with raised sides or a few bricks. Set the lit candles in a row in the tray or surrounded by the bricks, spaced no longer than the diameter of the smaller pot’s top,. Place the smaller pot upside down atop the tray’s raised sides or on top of the bricks, directly over the candles. Then place the larger pot over the smaller one. There should be enough space inside between the larger and smaller pots for air to circulate within, from under the rims and through their bottom drain holes. The candles will warm the pots, and the air circulating in and out, providing warmth to a room. Two or more of these will go a long way toward staving off the freezing cold of rampaging blizzard ### 4) Fishing Without a Pole Imagine, the worst has happened, society has fallen and food is scarce but the river down from your bug-out camp is running strong with trout. Unfortunately, your bug-out bag packing plans didn’t include a breakdown fishing pole. What to do? Did you happen to pack a water bottle? How about some twine of decent strength? I’m sure somewhere along the way you saw a crushed soda can. Go back for it. Tie and wrap the twine around the bottle’s neck then pull the tab from the soda can and tie it to the end of the line. Clip one side off the tab for a makeshift hook. This in of itself may be shiny enough for the fish to bite on but to increase your chances go digging for worms or search out grasshoppers as bait. ### 5) Food, food all around but not a can opener in sight While the tin can (not made of tin anymore) was a leap forward in food preservation, it can be an infuriating thing for a starving soul without a can opener or knife. Luckily there are a couple of methods for opening a can in the absence of the traditional tool and one involves a spoon. Holding a spoon by the handle with a gloved hand, or wrapped in a towel, work the end of the spoon along an approximate one-inch section of the can at the rim. Working the spoon back and forth repeatedly will eventually weaken the metal to a point it will break through. From there it is easy to punch through the can’s lid along the rim just as you would with an opener. The second option is to turn the can upside down and vigorously rub it on a slab of concrete until the metal is fatigued enough to pop off the top. ### Top 5 Bug-Out Mistakes to Avoid URL: https://uspreppers.com/top-5-bug-out-mistakes-to-avoid/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T18:02:28.000Z Anyone who has lived through a disaster of any type knows the roller coaster of emotions and stress such a situation causes. Those circumstances, if nothing else, do not need additional burdens piled on by mistakes made in the heat of the moment or from simply being unprepared. Avoiding common mistakes will help manage an already difficult and potentially chaotic situation. ## 1) Winging It Bugging-out without a plan will only end in a disaster loaded atop the calamity already happening all around. You need to have a specified destination, a destination appropriate for the circumstances. Do not head to a relative’s house if they are in the path of the very same wildfire that sent you escaping from your own home. Coordinate with friends and relatives about staying with them in the event of an emergency, offering to reciprocate should they have to bug-out themselves. If a truly [TEOTWAWKI](/planning-your-escape/) level disaster befall society, have an isolated location already designated, in an area where you are extensively familiar. Know how you will get there. Plan the route to the bug-out destination and identify alternatives. These plans should also include alternate modes of transportation. Interstates will clog up in an evacuation scenario meaning you may have to walk or ride a bike. Decide ahead of time what you will do once you reach the destination. How long can you stay? The last thing you want to do is overstay your welcome at the in-laws’ or a friend’s home. Plan for alternatives should your stay last longer than the typical three days. What will you do if an extended time away from home is necessary? ### 2) Poor Physical Shape An emergency is stressful in of itself. Sheltering in place, at your own home mitigates, at least, some of that from a taxing situation. Throw bugging out into the mix and that stress is compounded. It is entirely possible the circumstances may call for slinging the pack on your back and hoofing it for miles to reach the family’s destination. If there are any doubts about such prospects, just remember back to how people evacuated New York during the 9/11 attacks. They walked off the island of Manhattan. Ask yourself, “Can you handle walking for hours with a loaded backpack slung on your back?” Answer honestly because if you are overweight or out of shape, the strain of the overall situation compounded by the physical exertion will put yourself in serious risk for dehydration, heat stroke or even a heart attack. How will your family handle a health emergency on top of the currently unfolding disaster? If you’re out of shape, start now. Under the supervision of a physician or armed with credible advice, begin working out. Go slow in the beginning and incrementally increase your activity level over time. Go for hikes with the family, get everyone involved. You can have fun while improving your health and preparedness for an emergency. ### 3) Thinking Family will be together when SHTF Disasters happen at inconvenient times (they are inconsiderate in that way) making it all too likely your family will be separated when one strikes. The parents will be at their respective jobs, kids at school or away at college, at the store or the mall or out on a hike in the middle of the wilderness, unpredictability is the nature of disasters. Your disaster plans should take this likelihood into account. Identify meeting places if getting home is delayed or not an option. Since cell phone systems are the first to become overwhelmed, plan for alternative ways to communicate like walkie-talkies or CB radios. ### 4) Bug-out Bag too Heavy Many people overestimate what to pack in their bug-out bag. In doing so they add significant weight to the pack, weight that the person lugging it on their back for miles will come to regret. Your bug-out bag should be light, carrying only what is needed for that first 72 hours. One of the best methods for determining what to pack is to go on a weekend, backwoods camping trip. Hike in with the backpack stuffed with all you anticipate needing. When you return home unpack, separating those items you’re used and those you didn’t into two piles. It’s a safe bet the unused pile will be twice the size of the used one. In addition to being cognizant of the pack’s weight, it should also fit comfortably with most of the load resting on your hips rather than your shoulders. This will go a long way to managing your burdens throughout the situation. ### 5) Overdoing it with Guns and Ammo All too often the priority of [disaster prep](/) is on personal defense. While this aspect is important, such planning is frequently centered around a society destroying, a apocalyptic event where those left will battle it out to survive. Now, there is a possibility of this happening but the probability is low compared to the frequency of natural disasters. And during those situations, evacuations tend to be efficient and orderly. Setting the infrequent failures witnessed after Hurricane Katrina aside, local and state governments have detailed, well-practiced plans for handling such events, essentially eliminating the chances of widespread panic and violence. Simply put, the bug-out scenario someone may have to deal with at any given point in their lives will not require an armed defense of life and property. Now, don’t think of this as advocating to leave the guns at home, instead think if it as practical advice. Guns and ammo are not lightweight. The weight and space they take up in your pack could be used for extra water, food and other emergency supplies. Government disaster plans often include utilizing city or school buses to transport evacuees out of the area or to evacuation shelters. It is worth noting, neither of these will allow people to carry guns. Refusal to leave them behind could delay your evacuation or even separate you from your family should they go on without you. If you are concerned about your family’s safety and want the security of a weapon consider carrying only one, easily packable handgun and a modest amount of ammunition that can be tucked away, out of sight in your bug-out bag. ### 8 Food Preservation Techniques You Need To Know Now URL: https://uspreppers.com/8-food-preservation-techniques-you-need-to-know-now/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T17:54:32.000Z As a mom, the first thing that comes to my mind when prepping is feeding my family. I love MREs and dehydrated food because they are easy to store and can last for such a long time. However, I think it’s important to educate yourself on a few food preservation methods that go beyond just simply canning and dehydrating. When in a disaster-stricken situation being able to provide a few home cooking comforts will go a long way to refresh and recharge your family in a way only their favorite meal can. That is why I constantly am looking for other [food-saving](/long-term-food-storage/) tips and methods to make sure my family has the good and nutritious food they desire. ## Pass the Cheese, Please… Wax Your Cheese – Waxing cheese is a simple way to extend the shelf life of any of your favorite hard cheeses. You can obtain cheese wax from various stores on the Internet, as well as from some specialty culinary stores. You will want to melt the cheese wax in a double boiler over medium heat. You may want to consider using a pot or pan that you will only use for cheese wax or one you can throw away as the wax becomes incredibly difficult to clean after use. Using refrigerated blocks of your chosen cheese, you can begin dipping each side. A good rule of thumb is to dip for 3 seconds, then hold for 30 seconds before dipping again. I always use at least 3 coats and if necessary, I will use a brush to fill in any air holes that the wax may not have covered. You can also adhere a label with the preservation date to the wax as it’s cooling. Once waxed, the cheese can store safely in a cool, dry place. Any unused wax can be saved and used again. **Make Cheese from Powdered Milk –** Rather than just storing cheeses, you can also make it out of one of your stockpile staples. Many people stockpile powdered milk and it’s a great idea to do so. However, it is not just good for making milk in a pinch, you can also make more complex dairy foods like cheese. Combine 1 cup of powdered milk to 2 cups cold water and then stir over a medium-low temperature until hot, but not quite boiling. Then add a tablespoon of plain white vinegar or lemon juice; you should at this point see the curds separating from the whey. Keep on the heat for a few minutes until the curds completely separate and the whey turns a golden color. If it’s too milky still try a little more vinegar or lemon juice. Then pour the curds and whey through a cheese cloth or fine cotton fabric to squeeze the whey from the curds. Now you can rinse the curds and you’ve got about a cup of crumbly cheese similar to a ricotta that will be a great comfort and nourishment when you need it most. ## Eggs are Essential **Eggs & Mineral Oil –** A great trick most of our ancestors probably knew was how to preserve eggs for long term storage. Did you know if you simply rub your eggs generously with mineral oil it will create a seal keeping oxygen out? This means your eggs will be good on a shelf for up to one year. **Make Powdered Eggs –** Many preppers who dehydrate their own food, don’t immediately think about preserving eggs, but farmers who have often more eggs than they can deal with, have been drying eggs for centuries to use and store for emergencies. You can dry eggs in a dehydrator, in a very low heat oven, or even air dry them, but any method you use the process is the same. Simply crack your eggs and mix them thoroughly until the white and yolks are completely blended. Spread out the mixture on a baking sheet or on your lined dehydrator tray. Once dried, the eggs will be in chunks about the size of cereal flakes. I like to break them down further in a blender to get powdered eggs, which are easier for storing and cooking later. ## A Meaty Issue **Dry Curing –** There are quite a few [ways to preserve meat](/8-key-elements-to-successful-urban-homesteading/) actually, which is not a surprise when you think about our ancestors who had to get bywithout electricity and refrigeration; and dry curing is one of the oldest methods for a reason. There is also wet curing, which involves preserving the meat in a salty brine, but for today’s purposes we’ll go over the tried and true dry method. Meat spoils because of bacteria, and bacteria loves growing in watery conditions, something meat has plenty of, especially in the muscle fibers. That is why salt is such an effective preservation method, as it expels the water from the meat creating an environment bacteria cannot thrive in. You can cure most meats, but beef, pork, fish,and venison are the most popular. With your meat, you will also need curing salt and brown sugar. Make sure your curing solution include sodium nitrate, found in most curing salts, but also in Himalayan pink salt and many leafy greens. Sodium nitrate is particularly good at fighting off botulism, a very insidious bacteria. A good recipe for a curing mixture would include approximately ½ pound of curing salt with ¼ brown sugar to cure about 10 pounds of meat. You can also add any other herbs and seasonings you like. If you’ve got a taste for the gourmet, you can find many recipes that play with different flavor profiles, but I like to keep it pretty simply for survival’s sake. Slice your meat in thick slabs and cover it heavily with the salt, then stack the slabs tightly, the less air the better, in crocks for storage. Store for about a month in a refrigerated area or root cellar, just make sure it is below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, take each slab out and wrap it up, air tight, in either butcher paper or plastic. It will now store in a cool, dry place until you are ready to consume. **Lard Storage –** One incredibly simple way to preserve your meat, on a shorter term basis, it by using lard. This is a great application for many meats, but I usually use pork chops. Simply submerge the meat you want to preserve in lard. The easiest way to is to melt your lard at the lowest possible temperature and begin filling a crock, then add one layer of meat, and then cover that lay with more lard. You will continue these steps, ensuring each individual piece of meat is completely covered in lard. Then store in a cool place, preferably a root cellar, until ready to use. This method preserves your meat for around 6 months though I usually keep mine on about a 3-month rotation. It’s Better with Butter **Butter Ghee –** Butter ghee is used in cooking delicacies, but the truth is, it has a lot of great potential for preppers too. Butter ghee is basically just clarified butter that has been cooked until the milk fat is gone. That means it can be stored right on a shelf, without refrigeration, for up to one year. Start with high-quality, unsalted butter and melt it slowly in a sauce pan. Cook for 30 minutes on low to medium-low; you do not want to burn the butter, you are looking for a steady bubble, but not a boil. At this point you should see the milk protein has separated and there is a layer on the top and bits on the bottom of the pan. Skim the milk fat layer off the top and discard. Continue cooking another 5 to 10 minutes until most of the bubbling stops and the milk protein bits on the bottom of the pan begin to brown, but not burn. Cool the butter and then strain through a cheesecloth. If unopened, the ghee will store at room temperature like this for 9 months to one year, not to mention it tastes pretty amazing too. **Make Butter From Powdered Milk –** Like the powdered milk cheese, butter too can come from dehydrated milk, another simple and easy recipe to add some great taste to your meals in a time when that luxury might be few and far between. For about 1 cup of butter- take ¾ cup of powdered milk with 1/3 cup water and ¼ oil, you can use vegetable, coconut, olive, whatever you have on hand. Mix these ingredients in a food processor for about 3 minutes. You can do this without power if you are off the grid, but like all butter it will take some work. After it has mixed, it will have a margarine-like consistency. You can also add salt, or even butter flavoring, for taste at this point if you desire. Food preservation comes in many forms. Canning and dehydrating are just the tip of the iceberg. Sometimes it’s revisiting old ways, like salt curing or waxing cheese, and sometimes it’s finding a new way to make something out of what you already have, like making butter from powdered milk. No matter what, educating yourself in these techniques could mean the difference in the survival of you and your family later. ### Top 10 Bushcraft Skills for Every Prepper URL: https://uspreppers.com/top-10-bushcraft-skills-for-every-prepper/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T18:02:28.000Z Let’s start off with a question. Have any of you ever gotten turned about, lost on a hiking or hunting trip? Have you ever felt a twang of panic vibrate through your belly for that second before regaining your bearings? It’s okay, you can admit. I will. I’ll admit to feeling that more than once and for more than just a second. I’ve gotten myself lost on more than one occasion but things always worked out, I found my way back (wouldn’t be here writing this if I hadn’t). Afterward, I’d kick myself for not being better prepared. Had I not found my way out, what would have happened? That’s the question left to linger, isn’t it? Could I survive? Could you? Ask yourself that. With the skills you have tucked away in your mental arsenal, could you [survive a night in the wilderness](/top-5-survival-hacks/)? Two?… Three?… A week? In my case the answer was, probably, but not very well. However, with some viable bushcraft skills I, and you, can answer that question with more confidence. With such a skill set under your belt you can survive, not only lost in the wilds but also be well prepared for any given bug-out scenario or worse, a widespread catastrophe. ## The 10 To Get You Through While there is a vast world of survival skills you can learn to stay alive let’s narrow the scope down to, say….the top 10 basics that will certainly get anyone by in the wilderness. ### 1) Shelter Everyone has seen any given reality TV survival show where the host is plopped down in the middle of nowhere, right? What’s the first thing the host does? That’s right, they build a shelter. If it’s not the most important skill, at least shelter building is in the top 3 crucial bushcraft skills to know. The purpose of any shelter is to guard against the elements. It should not be bigger than necessary as larger shelters are harder to hold in heat. A smaller space, a bit larger than your body will warm with body heat alone. First, find a location away from potential hazards (runoff areas or dry river beds, near dead trees that could fall or cliffs) There are numerous types shelters to choose from but the general A-shape design is one of the most reliable and easiest to construct. It can be as simple the classic tarp draped over a line tied between two trees or the sturdier design made from a ribbed ‘A’ frame of branches covered in leaves, tree boughs or snow. Should you find yourself caught out in the open during winter a snow shelter will work. Constructed in the classic igloo manner using stacked blocks of snow or burrowing into an existing drift, these shelters are remarkably well insulated and will stay comfortably warm with little more than body heat and a candle. ### 2) Fire Starting Unfortunately, chaos happens at the least opportune times leaving you in need of a fire without a match or lighter or dry kindling to get a fire started. If chaos was more considerate then fire starting would not be number 2 on this list. So in all likelihood should you find yourself in a dire situation, shivering with the chill of the elements you should know a couple of ways to get a fire going without the modern convenience of a match. First, gather a tinder bundle or ball made up of dry grass, the “fuzz” moss found on some trees or dry wood shavings, any type of lightweight dry material that will ignite with heat or spark. Two of the simplest methods are the friction low and the bow drill both employing a flat horizontal piece of wood (fireboard) and a friction building vertical piece to heat up and ignite the tinder. ### 3) Navigation The topic of navigation can quickly run away into intricate complexities but here we’re going to stick with locating the cardinal directions without thebenefits of a compass. Find east and west during a clear day by sticking a stick into the ground, mark the tip of the shadow cast with a rock or another stick. Wait 15 minutes or so, as the shadow moves away from the mark. Draw a line in the dirt from the original mark to the tip of the current shadow. This is your east-west line with west indicated by the first spot and east being the current. Find south during the day using an analog wrist watch by pointing the hour (small) hand at the sun. Draw an imaginary line halfway between the hour hand and the 12\. This is south. Should you find yourself in the southern hemisphere that halfway line will point north. Navigating at night is as simple as locating the North Star, easy if the sky is clear. Locate the Big Dipper then draw an imaginary line through the two stars that form the outer edge of the cup and follow that line to the brightest star along that path. This will be the North Star. Follow that point straight down to earth and you will have north. ### 4) Finding Water A relatively healthy person can go upwards of 8 weeks without food but that same person will last only 3 to 5 days without water, less if that person is hiking through the woods or sweating under a hot sun. What is more vital than water? Not much. In the absence of obvious sources (rivers, streams, lakes) there are various methods to locate water. **Rain water:** Collect rain water with open plastic bags, a tarp, or clothes laid out flat to increase surface area. Funnel water off the tarp into an empty water bottle or makeshift container. Wring water out of clothing into a container. **Dew and Condensation:** Lay out a plastic bag or tarp to collect early morning dew. Trap condensation by wrapping a plastic bag around green-leafed plants, positioned to let water droplets to pool in a bottom pocket of the bag. **Groundwater:** Locate a low point in a valley, a dry riverbed or near a concentrated area of green plants and begin digging. Dig down a foot or two to find moist soil. Let it sit for a while and water will begin seeping up into the hole. **Follow the Critters:** Animals tend to stay near water sources. Find a game trail and follow downhill. Eventually, this will lead to a watering hole. ### 5) Purifying Water Natural sources like rivers, springs and lakes may seem untainted but in all likelihood, there is something swimming around in them that will throw your digestive system for a loop. Approach any outside water source with suspicion. If you find yourself without a quality water filter, the best way to make the precious stuff drinkable is to boil it, use iodine or chlorine tabs. These will kill off parasites and bacteria but won’t remove particulate or chemical contaminants. A water filter can be constructed with sand, grass, charcoal and fabric layered in a water bottle or plastic bag. This will filter the particulates, and charcoal will help with chemical contaminants but will not likely remove harmful microbes. Combining both methods is best. ### 6) Foraging for Food Foraging for food really comes down to familiarizing yourself with [edible wild plants](/why-leaves-may-be-the-most-useful-survival-item-ever/) through a quality wilderness course or region specific, edible plant field guide. Memorize some of the commonly found types without complicated identifications. Grasses are generally a safe bet. Do not eat something you are not 100% sure about and avoid mushrooms. Here are 5 common edible plants; 1. Clover 2. Dandelion 3. Kelp (for those on the coasts) 4. Prickly Pear Cactus 5. Cattail (most of this plant is edible) ### 7) Rope Craft and Knot Tying Rope craft encompasses knowledge of rope, the materials it’s made from and what different types of rope are used for. There is also an aspect of this skill set that teaches how to make rope from natural materials in the immediate surroundings. This set of knowledge, skills and expertise combined with various types of knots will go a long way to surviving in the wilds. Here a five useful types of knots; **Overhand Knot –** An easy starter knot used for keeping the end of the rope from unraveling as a temporary stopper or for passing through a pulley or ring. It is also a starter knot for other types. **Square Knot –** This is the go to knot used to tie two ropes together or to lash objects together. The square knot is essentially two overhand knots formed one on top of the other. **Figure Eight Knot –** This one works as a better stopper than the overhand, easier to untie. The knot, when done correctly, looks like the numeral eight. **Bowline Knot –** This knot forms a loop at the end of the rope that is secure and easy to untie. **Sheet Bend Knot –** This is the knot to use when tying two ropes of different diameters together, as opposed to the square knot which is not as secure for this job. ### **8) Tracking –** Animal tracking, not unlike forage for edible plants, is a skill you can begin building through a quality field guide then hone through practice. Familiarizing yourself with animal tracks will allow you to identify wildlife to hunt or trap and determine the areas they frequent. In the same vein, tracking will also alert you to those animals that may prey on you. ### **9) Hunting and Trapping –** Hunting and trapping employ both tracking and rope craft skills to locate and take prey animals for food. When we talk hunting, the mind tends to picture prepared trips, out with rifle or bow, the tools that give the hunter a better than even chance of coming back with some food. But what if you’re stuck in the wilderness without a quality distance weapon requiring a decent amount of beyond the norm ingenuity. This is where the tracking and proper craft skills come into play. Tracking will guide you to where potential prey congregates or frequently passes through while rope craft enables you to devise traps and snares to catch that prey. ### **10) Processing Wild Game –** We’ve talked tracking, hunting and trapping animals for food but once that part is done, what do you do with it? You eat it, right? Well, yes but first it has to be skinned, cleaned and readied for cooking. There are few universals to know about this process as basic, introductory knowledge. Most animals, besides fish, require skinning as the first step and this is done about the same for all. One thing to remember is to avoid puncturing the internal organs as they can contaminate the edible portions causing them to spoil quickly. Generally, lay the animal on an incline with the head uphill and with a good sharp knife, make a slit just under the skin from tail to chin. Then another down the inside of each leg to the joint above the foot and begin pulling the skin off. Cleaning is a bit more involved with special care to avoid contamination. Again cut from just above the sex organs up to the breast bone which will open up the body cavity. Cut and tie off the anus waste tubes to avoid leaking then reach up inside the cavity for the windpipe and gullet. Cut these and pull out along with the rest of the internal organs. Prop open the now empty body cavity with a stout stick letting the inside cool before readying it to cook. ### How to Start Your Own Seed Bank URL: https://uspreppers.com/how-to-start-your-own-seed-bank/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:34.000Z It’s spring time and everyone from professional farmers to amateur homesteaders are getting their gardens ready for warmer weather. It’s really not a surprise that so many preppers are also accomplished gardeners. Not only is knowing the skill of gardening an important asset if we are faced with [TEOTWAWKI](/), it also provides food for eating and stockpiling. It is strange, though, that you less often hear about what happens after harvest time. However, if you’re creating a seed bank, that is one of the most critical times for true homesteading preppers. Harvesting seeds can be as integral to long term survival as stockpiling food itself, and for many reasons should be a part of everyone’s prepping plan. ## Different Seed Types **Heirloom Seeds –** Heirloom seeds taken from plants that have not been force bred to become a hybrid. They are not modified and have the ability to reproduce generation after generation. **Hybrid Seeds –** Hybrid seeds have been modified by breeding– usually to produce larger varieties, more colors, pests resistant qualities, etc. Most hybrid seeds do not have the ability to reproduce generation after generation like heirlooms, partially because the reproduction is often bred out of them. **GMO Seeds –** GMO seeds are hybrid seeds that have been genetically modified to resist pests and pesticides/herbicides. Clearly, there is a lot of debate about GMOs, but for prepping purposes, as well as for other reasons, GMOs are NOT a real effective addition to your seed bank. Hybrids are also less desirable though a few hybrids do have reproductive qualities, for the purpose of preparing for a disaster or a New World scenario they are generally less useful for long term sustainability and bartering situations. That’s not to say there are not reasons to save hybrid seeds. If you live in a less favorable climate for growing, you may find a certain hybrid that has been cultivated for harsher conditions is a better fit for your stockpile. It’s not a bad idea to have some hybrids just in case, as even if you know the climate and conditions of your area now, these things might change later depending on what kind of disaster you may be presented with. ## Popular Seeds to Stockpile Of course it is important to stockpile the seeds that will grow the food you and your family will enjoy, however, you will want to have as large a variety as you can. The more you have, the more you can share or use for trade when the times comes. These popular vegetables are a good list to start with to give you a wide variety of foods that will nourish your family when they need it most. **Squash** – Squash and zucchini are wonderful for you and can be used in multiple applications in the kitchen. Specific squash plants that are also popular including Butternut and Spaghetti varieties. **Onions** – Onions will be a popular item for barter as well as a needed flavoring agent when spices and other seasonings become harder to acquire. Beware of short-lived onions and leeks whose seeds do not have a very long shelf life. **Beans & Peas** – Green beans and peas grow in vine and bush varieties, though the bush variety might be more useful for growing in situations with limited space and resources. **Lettuce & Greens** – Lettuce, cabbage, and greens can come in a variety of forms. Consider the basics, romaine, red leaf, iceberg, and spinach first. Once you have those stockpiled, be creative; think arugula, mustard greens, kale, and all the desirable leafy greens you won’t want to do without. **Beets, Radishes, & Carrots** – The root vegetables like beets and carrots are full of nutrients and easy to grow and harvest. Their seeds will always be in high demand. **Tomatoes** – Tomatoes are a given; they are popular and when ripe can well to store with ease. **Peppers** – From bell peppers to jalapenos, peppers will always be popular. There are a lot of hybrid varieties of these, so carefully choose your seeds to start with. Harvesting Your Seeds Remember, not everyone is a green thumb, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t save seeds. While harvesting them is the cheapest way, purchasing your seeds is just as acceptable; just as long as you’re prepared. If you are harvesting your own seeds, you will need to educate yourself on the cycle of your plants to know how and when they will produce seeds. With things like tomatoes and peppers you know right where the seeds are, but how do you get seeds from a lettuce plant? While there will be some research you’ll likely need to do based on your specific plants, there are a few general rules every seed harvester should follow. Seeds of most plants will dry right in your garden. If you’re not quite sure if the seeds have reached maturity you may need to move it inside if the weather gets colder, or if birds are harvesting your seeds for you. As long as the crop is close to reaching maturity, the seeds will continue to ripen. If you’re not sure if it’s time yet, let it wait a few days. Even after you’ve harvested them, it is a common rule of thumb to let harvested seed dry for a few more days. Of course, if the seed is a larger variety it will require a longer drying period. Most seeds will dry for storage if spread on screens or even just some newspaper. They will dry faster and more effectively if you turn your seeds over several times during the drying period. Another method is to place seed heads or stalks in an open paper bag. You should also look for a dark place as the drying process can be rushed if the seeds are exposed to too much warm light. If you’re in a hurry, however, you can speed up drying with gentle heat that does not exceed 100°F. Storing Your Seeds Seeds, like most of your prepping stockpile, should be stored under cool, dry conditions. The difference with seeds is temperatures well below freezing will not harm them, if they have been adequately dried. In fact, with most seeds freezing prolongs their shelf life. Sealing most seeds from air, though there is an exception in the case of beans and peas, prolongs their viability. Most seeds will be usable for years in proper storage though some such as leeks and corn, which are just generally more susceptible to age. Some people store seeds in envelopes, though if you have the space sealing most of your seeds in airtight jars or moisture proof plastic containers helps keep the air and moisture out. You could also consider storing seeds in Mylar envelopes if available. Either way, carefully label everything. Accuracy with seeds, including names and dates, will go a long way to create a more effective stockpile. If you are harvesting your own seeds, make sure to add to your stockpile each year to create a cycle that will keep the seeds you save as fresh as possible. Food is life, we simply cannot survive without it. Your stockpile is your lifeline in a disaster scenario and being able to grow your own food is a basic function you will need to have to ensure your family’s [long-term survival](/10-fail-proof-foods-to-grow-for-beginning-homesteaders/). Being able to know how to garden is just not enough; creating a seed bank is truly the “seed” of it all and something you must add to your stockpile today. ### Community After the Collapse URL: https://uspreppers.com/community-after-the-collapse/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z When disaster looms [preppers](/) envision relying solely on their own survival skills and strategies. And why wouldn’t they? While interest in preparing for the worst has grown among the general public the popular view of post-collapse society is grim, With images from the likes of Mad Max and The Walking Dead the post-apocalyptic world is one of winner takes all, every person for themselves. There’s little reason for preppers to plan for anything else but a solo existence. But history shows us we need a community to truly survive and rebuild. No one person can do it on their own, isolation doesn’t suit us. Even embedded in the dire futures imagined in sci-fi, people do come together for one reason or another, for support, for a semblance of purpose, for even a meager sense of community. We are social beings and in the long run, interconnected groups will be the roots of the next society. For a deeper dive, see [trading after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). Science fiction is replete with speculation of the shape post-apocalyptic societies could take, some more realistic than others. There are numerous strategies and philosophies that accompany such visions but the encompassing element, that common factor is a need for community. And by this I don’t mean some kumbaya, spiritual cohesion connecting and binding a community together. No, this is about the foundation built by necessity, individual drive and a common goal… to not just survive, but to thrive. ## Survival through Collaboration The well-known line, No man is an island, from English poet John Donne is appropriate in this context of rebuilding society after its collapse. Yet, by pulling together a group of people, people who want more than just to survive, they will work with one another pooling skills and knowledge to build a framework one that will attract others with additional know-how. The first priorities will focus on basic survival, finding food, water and building shelters. The initial group will have general knowledge of safe food, how to filter water and methods for building temporary shelter. As newcomers arrive and join the group the knowledge base will grow. People with combined skill sets, knowledge and education will advise on safe locations for a permanent settlement away from floodplains, adjacent to water resources and quality land for farming. Others with construction and engineering backgrounds will design and construct structures for housing, common needs including irrigation for farming and defenses should the need arise. Those with agricultural backgrounds will begin collecting seeds, planting crops and find animals for domestication while others will determine safe harvest levels for the region’s wildlife. As basic needs reach sustainable levels pursuits will expand through the sciences producing and distributing electricity, meeting health and medical needs, chemists will serve a multitude of purposes, educators will teach the sciences, math and history expanding the community’s knowledge base even further and ensuring its survival. Check out [how you'll contribute to a TEOTWAWKI colony](https://uspreppers.com/will-contribute-teotwawki-colony/). As the community continues to evolve and progress, inevitably it will connect with [other groups of people who had banded together](/defending-your-neighborhood/) in other regions. With a similar desire to rebuild society this will lead to a restoration of communication lines, then trade which will develop into an economic system that will, itself, evolve over time and expand. Relationships, business and personal, will build up leading to further expansion and likely establishment of new settlements fostering stronger bonds. Sitting there reading this, it is all too easy to dismiss this view of post-collapse community as somewhat utopian. And that pessimism would not be misplaced. The realities of such a world may simply prove to be insurmountable. It is just as possible the communities that sprout up after won’t be the egalitarian or democratic collaborations imagined here but are instead run by the heavy hand of one leader or come in a form loosely connected clans or tribes. But with history as an indicator, those types of societies will eventually give way to those more akin to what exists today. It is not altogether unlikely the survivors of some future calamity will remember what came before, enough so to motivate themselves to rebuild the past. ### Bugging Out in Mom’s Grocery-Getter URL: https://uspreppers.com/bugging-out-in-moms-grocery-getter/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T17:54:32.000Z When asked to imagine the ultimate post-apocalypse vehicle the mind immediate conjures images of road beasts, armored and defended against the worst, capable of crawling over any terrain, tasked with the sole purpose of taking its owner far and away from the crumbling civilization. While such an ideal piece of machinery is the dream of [every prepper](/), cost more often than not douses those dreams with a cold shower of reality and practicality. For the majority, that bug out vehicle (BOV) will likely be the same grocery-getter depended on for morning commutes and taking the kids and forth to soccer practice. Because the everyday car, truck or SUV will be the BOV for most preppers it’s doubtful the vehicle will be sitting, at the ready, with all supplies packed and stowed. If that was the case, there’d be no room for bags of groceries, duffels of sports gear or the average 2.5 kids. But that’s no reason to not get a head start and make sure the car is ready for the general roadside emergency at the same time. ## Roadside Emergency Prep Since most people cannot afford a separate, dedicated bug-out vehicle and the day to day car can’t be packed full of emergency foods and tanks of water all the time, some dual purpose strategizing is called for. The same equipment every vehicle should have on hand in the event of any given roadside emergency will also be needed should [bugging-out](/preppers-guide-to-bug-out-bags/) become necessary. Keep the car packed with the following; 1. **Tools: a general toolkit including; screwdrivers (Philips and flat head), ratchet set, adjustable pliers, crescent wrench, vise grips, wire cutters, hammer, electrical tape, pocket knife. A quality multiplier may replace some of these.** 2. **Fluids: Antifreeze, 2 quarts motor oil, brake and transmission fluid, washer fluid, WD-40** **Funnel** 3. **Car manual and/or repair manual** 4. **Jumper Cables and/or emergency battery jumper** 5. **Extra fuses** 6. **Tire gauge** 7. **Car jack, lug wrench and/or tire iron** 8. **Inflated, full-size, spare tire** 9. **Roll of duct tape** 10. **Rope and/or other tie downs** 11. **Pair of work gloves** 12. **Spare rags and/or paper towels and roll of toilet paper** 13. **First aid kit** 14. **Bottled water and some energy or granola-type bars** 15. **Blankets and/or mylar emergency blanket** 16. **Ice scraper** 17. **Roadside flares** 18. **Flashlight with fresh batteries** 19. **Plastic shopping bags** 20. **Pen/pencil and paper** 21. **Maps** 22. **Tire inflator** 23. **Emergency reflectors or flashing light(s)** Many of these items are included in ready-made emergency kits available online and at various retail locations. These can be supplement with personal equipment and tools. Be sure to maintain batteries, replace food and water every couple of months and ensure fluid do not expire or containers leak. Once the daily car is set up to weather through a roadside emergency begin planning for all the other needs for a true bug-out situation. The rule of thumb for bugging-out is to ensure the everyone has enough to survive for the first 3 days of a disaster. When it comes to preparing for a BOV escape, think bug-out bag and scale up. A BOV allows for additional supplies a backpack simply cannot handle. While still sticking to the same emergency essentials and being aware of weight and available space a vehicle allows for packing away a larger, sturdier tent, more supplies of water, food and medical supplies, along with additional cooking supplies and fuel. All these items can be prepacked (in plastic, Rubbermaid type bins, for example) and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Aside from the BOV supplies, the vehicle itself matters. Regular maintenance is important. In order for it to get the family where they need to go, it’s vital to have reliable transportation and regular maintenance will go a long way to ensuring the car, truck or minivan will function when needed. Regularly change the oil, rotate and replace tires when needed, flush fluids at standard intervals, and address minor problems before they become serious, costly ones. ## The Specialized BOV Beyond having a basic vehicle, one that will take everyone out of the immediate danger zone is outfitting one with more specialized capabilities, one that may not be limited to paved roads and optimum conditions. Such a BOV will require; 1. **4×4 or All Wheel Drive** 2. **Upgraded suspension** 3. **Off-road versatile tires. (consider tires functional for off-road conditions but not unwieldy on paved surfaces)** 4. **2 spare tires (minimum)** 5. **Sturdy skid plate** 6. **Brush guard for front grill** 7. **Power wench** 8. **Additional fuel storage (larger gas tank and/or jerry cans)** 9. **Cargo cage on roof and trailer hitch attached** 10. **Additional lighting to front, back and sides** There is a full industry catering to off-road enthusiasts offering a multitude of options for someone outfitting any number of 4 wheel drive or all wheel vehicles. Virtually any use or need imagined for a bug-out vehicle has been designed and is available for prepper’s use. ### Alternative Bug-out Transport When considering a BOV most of the time is spent on trucks or SUVs but what if the best way out is not over land but by water? Heading down river, or along the coast or out to sea might just be the logical option. A boat can carry, house and store enough supplies for a family all within a self-contained space. From power or motorboats to sailboats, there are a number of types and configurations to consider should water be the most efficient mode of emergency transport. Other less conventional choices come on two wheels, motorcycles, and mountain bikes. With the high probability of highways becoming impassible due to the sheer number of evacuees or accidents, a motorcycle has the versatility to wind its way through such obstacles or simply to go off road. In addition, motorcycles get much better gas mileage than a large truck or SUV and can be equipped for long distance, rugged travel. Mountain bikes are worth consideration as an alternative. Carried on the BOV of choice, a bike is useful if the main vehicle is wrecked or breaks down or can serve a way to scout ahead saving fuel. ### Dream Machines Now, let’s set practicality out of the way and imagine the post-apocalypse bug-out vehicle of preppers’ dreams if cost and realism had no bearing whatsoever. Numerous foreign militaries around the globe are offering up a variety of their vehicles for sale, making for some wild choices for any hardcore prepper or extreme adventurer. 1. Pinzgauer: An Austrian 4×4 and 4×6, highly versatile vehicle in use in various militaries around the world and repurposed as campers and prepper vehicles by many a civilian. 2. Supacat LRV 400: What is essentially a rally version of a Defender 90, one of Britain’s (and the world’s) premiere off-road vehicles, the Supacat is a fast, rugged BOV for anyone with a spare $250K burning a hole in their pocket. 1. Paramount Marauder: A South African born. tank on wheels. The civilian version of this vehicle was put to the test on an episode of the UK’s Top Gear against a Hummer H3 negotiating fast food drive-thrus, attacking brick walls and even seven pounds of plastic explosives set under their chassis. While the Hummer was destroyed, the Marauder suffered little more than a blown tire. Whether it’s equipping the family grocery getter to bug-out in the face of imminent disaster or heading out in the ultimate prepper-mobile capable of powering through the wilds of any apocalypse the future might throw your way the most important thing is to have a plan. Plan your escape by knowing where you’re going, how to get there and what you will do once you arrive. ### A Beginner’s Guide to Aquaculture in Your Own Backyard URL: https://uspreppers.com/a-beginners-guide-to-aquaculture-in-your-own-backyard/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T17:54:32.000Z Having more fish is your diet has become more common and popular in America in recent years, but aquaculture farming, which is the raising of fish and other crops that thrive in water—has been around for many centuries. In China, residents have been using aquaculture since around 2500 BC, when they first realized they could hold fish in the artificial lakes that formed after a river had flooded. And it has continued to be a mainstay of sustainability, even as far back as a thousand years, the Hawaiian people were practicing aquaculture by as well by constructing their own fish ponds. With a history like that it is hard to believe that most Americans wouldn’t even be able to tell you what aquaculture is. The truth is in contrast to the more traditional forms of agriculture the “waters” are highly untested. Aquaculture remains a relatively new field, meaning it is not only a creative way to prepare your own [emergency essentials](/10-fail-proof-foods-to-grow-for-beginning-homesteaders/), it is a discreet one as well. ## Getting Started – Gather your Supplies Start-up and supplies that needed to begin an aquaponic set up are not much different than what you need to start a simple in home fish tank, just think on a larger scale. Most people use ponds where a water source can flow in easily, however it is entirely possible to raise many fish in tanks if your space does not allow for a full-size pond. Tanks also allow you to easily separate fish that may not coexist peacefully. Here is a list of the startup supplies you will need to begin your own aquaculture feature in your yard. 1. **A pond or large fish tank(s) where water can be easily filtered** 2. **Water Source** 3. **Fish for stock** 4. **Aeration device or pump** 5. **Fish food** 6. **PH tester** ### Common Aquaculture Fish **SHRIMP –** Most small producers work with freshwater shrimp. You can grow a large amount in a small area, and they are a popular food to boot. If it truly is TEOTWAWKI, it will feel a lot less hopeless with a shrimp cocktail in your hands, I can assure you that. **CATFISH –** Catfish is a common fish to farm, as it provides a lot of good fish for eating and is relatively easy to raise. They can grow to be quite large and require a sizeable area in which to live. Catfish, like shrimp, is very popular, in fact, it is the biggest US seafood crop. **TROUT –** Trout are also common since they are easy to raise and produce a tasty meal most everyone in the family loves. Trout are very fast growing, reaching maturity in about 6 months or so. They will jump out of the tank so you need a cover for your set-up. They do not like warm water, so trout are very suitable for a chillier climate. Like catfish, trout is popular, and if you are farming fish for profit, you might not see a huge return on these fish. However, for preppers, these easy to raise and tasty fish are perfect for being prepared in potential disaster situations. **TILAPIA –** Tilapia is a common fish that has grown in culinary popularity over the last few years. They are a tasty, crowd-pleasing fish and are adaptable to many living environments, making them a natural fit for aquaculture farms. In addition, tilapia are mostly vegetarian, meaning you can grow your own food for them saving you even more money. ### Temperature & Environment The biggest threat to any aquaculture set up is its environment. Just like in real freshwater situations, your crop is as the whim of Mother Nature. Fish and shrimp are cold-blooded, and thus completely dependent on outside temperature to dictate their survival. There are different categories of fish based on the temperature that is appropriate for their survival. Based on where you live you and what time of year it is you will choose between tropical, warm, cool and cold water varieties. Still, cold snaps and hot spells can have a devastating effect on your pond life. As an aquaculturist, you must be prepared to move or cover your fish as needed, or face losing valuable crops as a result. ### Challenges of Aquaculture One major challenge of aquaculture is finding knowledgeable assistance in such a new field. In addition for the same reason, it can be hard to find stock and supplies in a limited market. Nonetheless, with the rise in popularity, it will likely only be a matter of time before the resources become more readily available. Ordinarily there are very few diseases that apply to fish, and when they do contract disease it is usually due to poor care. While there are very few backyard predators that can cause risk to your crop, you should be mindful of stress on your fish. While birds, raccoons and neighborhood cats are often very curious about backyard set ups, they usually do not cause enough problems to jeopardize the harvest. IF you are growing freshwater prawns, however, be careful as they can stress easily and turn violent to each other. Lack of oxygen, as well as a poor pH balance, can also cause fish to perish prematurely. Test your water regularly and be sure that you aeration system is functioning to ensure your fish stay healthy and alive. ### Aquaponics Aquaponics takes aquaculture one step further by incorporating a hydroponic growing element to the cycle. Aquaponics is a revolutionary way to grow your own prepper food supplies, and in small spaces you will find it is the most productive form of growing food on the planet. Aquaponics works like a living machine. It is a self-sufficient ecosystem, a collection of plants and animals that function together, creating food without waste or pollution. The water used to support the life of your fish and animal crops can be cycled through to provide water to the plants in your system. Hydroponic plants grow without soil, therefore, they get all their nutrients from the water. In an aquaponic setup, the plants benefit from the animal waste in the water, providing important food for your crops, in a convenient and efficient way. Aquaculture may not be the first thing that comes to you mind when you are planning to become self-sufficient or preparing to live off the grid, but perhaps it probably should be. It is an efficient and successful way to provide food for your family that is healthy and fresh, as well as great for freezing for long-term storage. It can also be a great family hobby and fun for the kids, who love to watch the fish grow. Aquaculture has more than enough benefits to warrant consideration in adding it to your homestead or garden and allow you to create a [new way to provide food](/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/) for you and your family. ### 8 Key Elements to Successful Urban Homesteading URL: https://uspreppers.com/8-key-elements-to-successful-urban-homesteading/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:29:04.000Z Urban homesteading is becoming more and more popular, for preppers and non-preppers alike. The truth is there is nothing better than being able to provide your family with fresh, healthy food and it doesn’t get any fresher than out of your own backyard. Even if you do not have much space, anyone can become an urban homesteader with the proper practices and techniques. Whether you have 1/10 of an acre, or a square mile of property, these practices will help you sustain and support your family in ways you hadn’t dreamed possible. ## Grow Your Own Food This is the first thing people think of when they consider homesteading, and rightfully so. Growing your own food to eat and to preserve is the most prominent aspect of sustainability. You’ve probably heard of successful homesteaders who have made accomplishments like growing over 2 tons of food in 1/10 of an acre and this is possible, but the first step is to grow for your own space. Consider the amount of ground and space you have first, then you can plot and plan your garden accordingly. If you space is small, consider researching bio-intensive gardening, which includes special treatment for the soil and strategic, close planting, to enable gardeners to make the most of the space they have. ## Use Alternative Energy Sources Most people don’t immediately think of energy even being needed for gardening, but it does play a factor. Especially for gardeners who live in cooler areas or want to grow year round, you should consider the power sources that are providing light and other atmospheric conditions to your plants. You should always opt for solar power to bring the needed energy to your crops. Not only is [solar power clean and efficient](/solar-power/), but it also is there for you in uncertain times and will always be available if you have to go off the grid. ## Keep Farm Animals for Food and Fertilizer For those who have not raised animals before, this can be the most intimidating part of homesteading. It is important for you to identify what your comfort level is with raising animals to be used for food. Most urban homesteaders raise chickens, and if they have the space, goats which can provide eggs and milk for your family. While some do raise animals for meat, it is not something for all homesteaders. However, if you do decide to, it is usually fairly easy to find a packing or processing house that will help you butcher the animal to easily feed your family. Though you might consider learning this skill yourself for worst case scenarios. The added bonus of farm animals, is their waste can also be used around your garden. Manure from your animals will help your crops grow, without potentially harmful chemicals… not to mention it’s completely free. ## Practice Waste Reduction Waste reduction in your garden helps you create a more sustainable homestead. Most plant waste can be reused in mulch. More commonly, urban homesteaders have composting heaps or bins in which they can also make mulch from their regular household waste. This is another way to create sufficient, and free, supplies for your growing garden. ## Live Simply Living simply is good for everyone around us. Reducing our impact on our planet is especially important and comes naturally with urban homesteading. If we reduce our extravagances, we find it is easier to prepare and provide for ourselves and our families. In the case of disaster, being comfortable in living simply will also make it easier for your family to adjust in any scenario. ## Collect Rainwater Water is a renewable resource, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t run low, or even run out. For those that live in drier climates or warmer temperatures, this is even more important. Collecting rainwater not only provides you with free water, but it also represents the very center of sustainability, the issue that lies at the very core of urban homesteading. In addition, having a water supply for your animals and garden apart from organized water systems and irrigation ditches, prepares you even better if a disaster strikes. ## Be a Good Neighbor In the world, as it is being a kind and generous neighbor not only helps to create goodwill, but it can also increase the variety of your garden and stockpile. Say you grow amazing zucchini, but don’t have a chicken coop; a neighbor who has eggs may be more than willing to trade with you. This gives you more access to a variety of crops and foods that you may not be able to do all on your own. Good neighbors make gardens better and food tastier. Now many preppers practice operational security or OPSEC, and may not want to let neighbors into their gardening practices, but that could be more of a detriment than a benefit when it comes to gardening. Remember, you can still keep your stockpile fairly secret while having a successful homestead. The benefit of its recent popularity is many non-preppers also practice urban homesteading, meaning you can freely grow your garden without any suspicion. ## Do it Yourself Don’t hire anyone to take care of your garden, you don’t need it. If you truly want to be sustainable, you have to be able to do it on your own. That means building what you need too. The knowledge is worth almost as much as the harvest itself will be, especially in an SHTF scenario. Most importantly, pass the knowledge down to your children and make sure they know how to grow and provide food too. [Urban homesteading is popular for a reason](/). Even without a disaster scenario in place, the world is precarious enough that having a sustainable garden today, could be the key that saves families from starvation or malnutrition. For preppers, it becomes a two-fold benefit: not only are you providing food for your family and your stockpile, but you are also arming yourself with a skill that is invaluable in a post-apocalyptic world. And let’s be honest, most of us find gardening kind of fun anyway. A hobby that can save you and your family’s lives? Sounds good to me. ### Defending your Neighborhood URL: https://uspreppers.com/defending-your-neighborhood/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:29:04.000Z Take a minute, sit back in your chair and consider the possibilities that could lead to a collapse of society. Imagine the dominoes needed to fall in order for something of such magnitude to actually happen. Would it be a systemic failure of global economic systems? A virulent disease outbreak wiping away whole communities? Or maybe something completely out of our control, a solar flare lashing out from the sun rendering all electrical systems useless as it engulfs the Earth wrenching society back to the 19th century? While the chances of such sweeping events happening are slim, they are not improbable. Should the worst truly deliver a massive load of SHTF you and your neighbors will be left on your own as the infrastructure we often take for granted falls in upon itself. Who will defend the lives and properties of your neighborhood? It will take the coordination and cooperation of everyone to ensure the safety of all. For a deeper dive, see [community after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/community-after-the-collapse/). ## Where to Begin? Amidst the aftermath of any given disaster, each of us want our friends and loved ones to be safe as they weather the crisis. Being prepared is the key to surviving yet for many thinking about the worst happening (let alone prepping for it) is akin to being labeled a conspiracy theorist. You’d likely be dismissed out of hand if you broached the topic at a neighborhood barbecue. So how do you start getting the neighborhood on board without alienating yourself? ## Start a neighborhood watch Start a neighborhood watch. It’s familiar and respectable minded enough for people to get behind without the self-consciousness of feeling overtly paranoid. This can serve as a first step towards identifying existing access points for vehicles and foot traffic as well as potential weaknesses requiring shoring up or defended during an emergency. People will become accustomed to doing weekly patrols and they will become increasing observant of the surroundings, the initial mental step toward developing a strong situational awareness. Once your neighbors become more involved with the watch it will seed the notion of being prepared in the minds of some creating an opportunity to talk prepping and defense without any attached stigma. The program will attract the interest in like-minded individuals who you can network with and begin advancing neighborhood defense planning. We've also covered [practical prepper home defense](https://uspreppers.com/practical-prepper-home-defense/). ## Map your neighborhood's defenses At this point, the new group of defense-minded neighbors can begin planning further. Start collecting road and terrain maps and Google imagery of your neighborhood and the surrounding areas. These will give you a foundation for conceptual planning. Utilize road maps to assess the primary entrance and exits to the neighborhood proper and gauge effective routes between priority areas (food storage, water resources, secure safe points, and weaponry) your team has assigned. Use terrain, topographical maps of the neighborhood and surrounding area, including adjacent forested lands (available at USGS or local Forest Service and online sources), to determine how the geography can benefit your plans and where vulnerabilities are located. Google satellite imagery provides an effective visual aid for planning as people can recognize their own homes and features of the neighborhood. Use these maps to set lines of defense and assign fall back positions pulling inward encircling vital resources and supplies where final defensive positions will be located. Remember not to overextend your defensive resources by trying to guard to broad an area. Keep it manageable, maybe limiting it to a couple of streets. ## Use the home field advantage As a defender of your own neighborhood, you have an inherent set of advantages. The first of these is the home field advantage. You and your team know the area inside and out, where the vital resources are, the routes in and out and throughout the small area you defend. You have the ability to prepare a solid defense, to set up defensive positions and obstructions to funnel intruders where you want them to go. You control the situation. Check out [home defense strategy](https://uspreppers.com/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/). Remember, now is the time to prepare, not when the disaster is fast on your heels. ### Planning Your Escape URL: https://uspreppers.com/planning-your-escape/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T23:43:40.000Z While sheltering in place is usually the best bet, sometimes the situation calls for a quick way out. But that’s only the beginning. There is more to evacuation, or a plain ole escape than what to take with you, keeping the gas tank full or figuring the quickest way to the interstate. There are steps to take, contingencies to plan for, questions in need of asking and answers to be had. Start with; Where will you go? How will you get there? And what will you do once you arrive? ## Where to escape to? An excellent question. Where are you going? Once you find the shortest route to the interstate where will you go? Given the particulars of the situation, are you trying to outrun a storm? Getting out of a wildfire’s path? Or are you just staying ahead of the zombie hordes? The circumstances will dictate where you go. You’ve got to pick an appropriate destination, right? There’s little gain from picking a place within reach of the very storm you’re trying to avoid. You don’t want to head to the in-laws’ if their house is next on the wildfire evacuation list should the winds shift. And would it make sense to choose a hideaway in an urban center if an infection is turning the populace into rampaging zombies? If you live in an area prone to vicious weather identify evacuation destinations out of the typical storm’s path or is better suited to weathering the weather. Evacuating ahead of a hurricane? Choose a location inland as hurricanes’ severity drops off precipitately once over land. You might still be in the path of the storm but with land zapping its strength it will be easier to deal with. Okay, so you’re not in any danger of experiencing a hurricane but what about tornadoes or flooding from heavy seasonal rains? Both can put you and yours out of a home for weeks or months. Pick a place where you won’t outstay your welcome while the family home is made livable again or a new one is located. Trying to get away from it all? Is the goal simply to remove yourself from society until the worst blows over? Pick an isolated place but a livable one, comfortable enough to house the family for extended periods, with plenty of storage for supplies, sufficiently sturdy to outlast the weather and a respectable area to [grow your own food](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-food-storage-101-the-10-best-items-to-get-you-started/) should the stay become virtually permanent. ### **How will we get there?** Getting to your destination is just as important as knowing where you’re intending to end up. During an evacuation that primary planned route of yours will, in all likelihood, also be everyone else’s primary route. It may also be the official evacuation route identified by the region’s emergency management. Actually, that was one of the purposes of the interstate highway system, to move people, equipment and supplies across the country during catastrophes. While efficient in their own right, one wreck will disrupt the flow of people out of the area. Plan alternate routes to avoid congestion. Consider, outlying surface roads, the old highways the interstates replaced or even forest roads. Should the situation become hopeless, the only option left may be hiking out, so plan for that contingency. Of course, hoofing it in the face of an imminent hurricane is not a viable choice. In these cases, the advisable option is to locate an emergency shelter and wait out the storm. Plan alternate routes to avoid congestion. Consider, outlying surface roads, the old highways the interstates replaced or even forest roads. Should the situation become hopeless, the only option left may be hiking out, so plan for that contingency. Of course, hoofing it in the face of an imminent hurricane is not a viable choice. In these cases, the advisable option is to locate an emergency shelter and wait out the storm. What about the chosen mode of transport? Space for family, supplies and equipment is ideal. But with size comes low gas mileage and if your destination is not just over the next rise then you want the most bang for the buck when it comes to fuel. If you run into roadway congestion, the security of high gas mileage will go a long way all by itself. So will the ability to bypass the disaster price gouging of the last chance gas stations. But economical vehicles lack the rugged versatility of venturing out onto the less than perfect roads, or off them. And therein lies the balancing act, the trick to finding the [right transportation for your needs](https://uspreppers.com/the-family-car-needs-a-bug-out-bag-too/). Then, as if that wasn’t enough to think about, there is the issue of reliability and fixability. The vehicle needs to be reliable to get to where you need to go. But should anything go wrong, the ability to effect repairs with a general set of tools could mean the difference between making your destination before the SHTF and walking the rest of the way. Then, as if that wasn’t enough to think about, there is the issue of reliability and fixability. The vehicle needs to be reliable to get to where you need to go. But should anything go wrong, the ability to effect repairs with a general set of tools could mean the difference between making your destination before the SHTF and walking the rest of the way. ### Are we there yet? Okay, so you’ve picked the appropriate safe haven to wait out the storm or to call home until full effects of the disaster blow over and recovery can start. What to do once you get there? If it’s a matter of waiting out a storm at the relatives’ home or a hotel then rely on the contents of your bug-out bag and stay apprised of the situation until the “all clear” is given to return home. Plan for the possibility that the wait could turn into an extended stay due to severe damage back home. Your 72-hour bug out bag supplies are meant to only last… well those first 3 days and the in-laws or friends can only be imposed upon for so long. Plan for such cases by putting money aside to build up as an emergency fund or hide a credit card away for the sole purpose of keeping a roof over the family’s head until the return home. Bring vital records with you (insurance records, birth certificates, etc) to expedite claims processing. Stay in touch with emergency relief agencies to see what resources are offered. With the family held up in a hotel, a spare room in a relative’s home or out in the wilderness in a small emergency cabin, anxiety and boredom eventually become problematic. The old adage, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” could not be more true. Staying busy will go a long way to preserve everyone’s sanity. If you’re staying with relatives pitch in to share the household chores. Before the hotel room walls begin closing in gather everyone together for regular game time, watch a movie, walk the dog or go for a hike. If the plan is to head to the isolated cabin, stay busy through regular maintenance and clean up activities. Assign everyone a schedule of duties, give them ownership of them as a way of instilling pride in what they do. Plan on bringing a radio or other way to stay apprised of the situation and make that a regular gathering time for the family to get everyone involved. Plan meals and cook together. Should the worst happen and the isolated stay becomes more permanent gather the family together to plan for the long term. Plant a garden, hunt together, plan improvements to the living situation and scout for additional resources as supplies run low. Plan for the worst, hope for the best but never say, “That will never happen.” If you can think of it, there is a chance it will. Familiarize yourself with official evacuation routes, take part in community emergency drills, consult flood and inundation maps for your area to avoid danger zones, make emergency arrangements with friends and relatives ahead of time and offer your home to them should they ever find themselves in need. Planning ahead for any of this is the best strategy and often times the best defense. ### Self Defense for Women and Families URL: https://uspreppers.com/self-defense-for-women-and-families/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T18:03:59.000Z The ultimate defense in any situation is to be trained and [well prepared](/personal-defense-101/). If you are properly prepared to defend yourself, you will not just be able to protect yourself, you will be able to defend your whole family, especially your children, in any disaster scenario. ## **First Prepare Yourself – Women’s Self Defense** As a woman, self-defense becomes more critical. I cannot rely on my size or strength to overtake a potential threat. That doesn’t mean that I’m not strong, or cannot handle myself, but it does mean that I, and other women, need to be more prepared to handle potentially violent situations. Basic self-defense courses are always a great place to start, especially for those who are just beginning. In addition to martial arts and weapons courses, there are many self-defense courses designed specifically to train a woman how to protect herself, and thus her family, in any situation. However, every woman, whether they have the time to take the course or not, should know a few key points to successful self-defense in any situation. ### **Open Your Eyes to Your Surroundings** 1. Is there anyone watching you? Look around at all times, and recognize if anyone is following you or casing you. Early detection to a threat can be key to survival in a post-SHTF scenario, or in any potentially violent situation. 2. Watch people’s hands as you are walking, if they are concealed unnecessarily that might raise a red flag. 3. Don’t look away when you pass a potential threat while out walking. If you gaze down you not only look unthreatening, but you look vulnerable too. Keep your head up and avoid being seen as an easy target. ### **Protect Yourself** 1. If you do end up in an altercation, you must defend yourself. If an assailant is coming after you, be sure you protect your face and head. 2. Try to stay two arm lengths away from any assailant if you can. Staying away at this distance when possible keeps you out of the range of punches and kicks, as well as hopefully keeping any assailant from pinning you down or grabbing you. ### **Use Your Strengths against Their Weaknesses** 1. In self-defense you must do what you must, so don’t be afraid to hit below the belt. A knee to the groin usually stuns an assailant just enough for you to get away safely. 2. Hard parts of your body do damage. Use your elbow to strike a threat in the throat or face. The heel of your hand in an upward motion can also do a fair amount of damage on someone’s nose. 3. A swift kick is also a strong defense tool. Make sure you kick with the bottom of your foot, like if you were trying to kick in a door. You don’t want to kick with the top of your foot, it doesn’t provide as much force and can injure you a lot easier than kicking with the bottom of your foot. **Get Away** 1. You aren’t trying to really hurt someone, you really are just trying to get away safe. Do your best to put a barrier in between you and the assailant, a car, a fence, a wall, anything that can buy you more time for your escape. 2. Yell for help. Honk your horn. Make some noise. You can’t always count on people coming to your aid, but if you are loud out might just scare a potential threat away. 3. Use what you can. Use pepper spray if you have it. Find items around you to throw or use against any potential threat. Create obstacles and barriers in-between you and the assailant if you can to aid in your getaway. ## **Children & Family Self-Defense** In the event that you cannot be there to protect your young ones, you want them to be able to defend themselves to their best ability, which is why self-defense is truly a family affair. The first question you have to answer for yourself and your family is how old should your children be before they are [introduced to self-defense](/self-defense-for-today-and-the-end-of-the-world/). The truth is, this is different for every family. This is a conversation that needs to be seriously discussed before you begin to train your children in self-defense. It should be considered that each child is different, has a different maturity level, and may be prepared at different times in their young lives. That being said, young children, in some parts of the world as soon as they can walk, have been taking karate classes and have become well versed in self-defense, so don’t be afraid to consider children’s self-defense as a part of your overall prepping plan. ### **Martial Arts** Martial Arts is the most common form of self-defense practiced by youth. Instruction usually emphasizes self-defense, rather than aggression and can not only teach discipline but also respect for parents and other authority figures. Students can begin classes as young as 3 and even without a full knowledge of disaster preparation, a young child can pick up skills that could help themprotect themselves in potentially harmful situations. Martial arts are especially beneficial for families, as not only can it provide life-saving information, but classes can provide you with a hobby you can share with your family, while it keeps you in shape too. ### **Firearm Training** Another self-defense tool that the whole family can share is shooting. It’s another great hobby for the whole family, once the children are old enough, and it can save your life in the long run. Take some time to visit your local shooting range and find out what youth and family courses are available. Being able to shoot accurately in a defense situation is invaluable, and something you can share with your children when they are old enough to handle firearms. There are a lot of aspects to being [prepared for TEOTWAWKI](/talking-to-your-kids-about-teotwawki/), but being able to defend yourself is something that can help you no matter what sort of thing happens in this crazy world. When you have a family to protect, whether you are a man or a woman, you must know how to handle yourself and be able to defend against would-be attackers. Preparing with self-defense courses is one way to properly train yourself, as well as give you an opportunity, today, to spend more time with your family, a luxury hard to find in this fast-paced world we live in. Take the time to prepare yourself and your family today. ### DIY Survival Hacks For The Smart Prepper URL: https://uspreppers.com/diy-survival-hacks-for-the-smart-prepper/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:35.000Z There are many great [survival methods and tips](/) out there, most of which are the best way to go in most situations. Nonetheless, you never know when you might get caught in a scenario with limited resources and you need to call on a little ingenuity to make it through. Here are some simple and inexpensive do it yourself survival hacks that can come in handy when supplies are low, or you’re in a pinch. These easy DIY methods are great to have in your back pocket when disaster strikes. **Fire Starters** There are a variety of effective methods for making fire starters, a useful and desirable device in a number of disaster scenarios. One popular method, in which you can create more than one fire starter easily includes an empty tin can and an egg carton. Begin collecting things like candle nubs and broken crayons in the tin can. Once you collect enough, place the tin can in a pot of boiling water on the stove and let it melt. Next fill each container of the egg carton with another flammable material, lint, a cotton ball, sawdust, etc. Then finish by adding melted wax to each compartment. When the wax cools break apart the compartments, and you’ll have a dozen fire starters. As if duct tape didn’t have enough uses, it is also an effective fire starter, especially when combined with a flammable agent such as hand sanitizer (alcohol). Another surprising fire starter in a pinch? Believe it or not, Doritos Corn Chips help fuel a flame and work as an effective agent for starting a raging fire. Many people have fire starter in their yard as well, pine cones and needles, which can also be combined with wax or petroleum jelly, also easily go up in flames. ## HOW TO CREATE LINT FIRE STARTERS Dryer lint is flammable to begin with, but combine it with petroleum jelly and you have a potent little fire starter that is cheap and easy to make. Take a dab of jelly and roll it up with a small clump of lint until it rolls into a ball. You can store these little guys in toilet paper rolls, a container that can also be burned which increases its flammability. Some people also use paraffin wax, rather than petroleum jelly, but either method is highly effective. ### Candles and Light In a pinch, you can make a candle with items directly from your kitchen. A can of Crisco shortening can burn like a candle for up to 30 hours when you insert a wick. A crayon can also be used as a candle, which will burn and give off light for a shorter period of time. One trick to get light in a pinch is to make a soda can oil lamp. Fill an empty soda can about half way with olive oil. Roll up a paper towel and place it in the top hole of the can sticking about 1/3 of the way out. You can then light this side and it will burn like an oil lamp for several hours. To expand light in an area here’s another great trick. If you have a headlamp you can wrap it around a gallon water jug, this will distribute the light to a much greater area. ## HOW TO MAKE A SODA CAN LANTERN You can easily make a lantern out of a soda can that will expand the light in any given area. Simply by cutting open a door in the side of a can and burning a candle on the inside you can create an effective light source in a pinch. The reflective material on the inside of the soda can will spread the light further through your area making a lot out of a just a little light. ### Cookware In a pinch, you can make cookware out of a few simple items. One of the most popular methods is to use a tin can (a large coffee can is best). Similar to the pop can lantern, you can cut a door in the side to allow a place to maintain a cooking fire. With the can turned open top down, you can use the bottom of the can as a cooking surface, using a small candle or manageable fire underneath. ## HOW TO MAKE A SOLAR OVEN You can create a solar oven which can easily heat a meal for you. It takes some patience, but the bonus is there’s no maintenance. First take a cereal box and seal any openings with tape, the oven will heat better if there is less air escaping. Then cut a door in the flat side leaving it attached on one side. Cover the inside with [aluminum foil](/aluminum-foil-the-other-duct-tape/). Place your food inside, prop door open (you can use a straw or pencil for example), and set the oven in the sun. This will work to slowly heat up items food items and provide you warm food and comfort in a time of need. ### Security Many preppers will have security systems in place prior to any disaster scenario, but everyone needs a backup plan in case the grid goes down, or power becomes scarce. One increasing popular method for a security system is using a prepaid cell phone hooked up to a tripwire. If an intruder sets off the alarm you can make a few simple adjustment and hack the cell phone, which will call your phone and alert you of the possible danger to your home. Many people also employ simple booby traps, like trip wires rigged to air horns for example, that can deter or slow down possible intruders. ## HOW TO MAKE A MOUSETRAP SECURITY SYSTEM Set a trip wire security system to alert you to potential intruders. Run your trip wire around the perimeter of your property, or whatever area you are looking to protect. By attaching the wire to a mousetrap that is rigged with an unsnapped glow stick, you can create an early alert system that is near silent. If someone trips the wire, the mousetrap will snap shut, and the glow stick will begin to glow, alerting you to a potential threat encroaching on your property. A smart prepper will have all the resources and supplies stocked away that they need to survive TEOTWAWKI, however having an impressive stockpile is only half of the true battle of prepping. You never know when you could be caught without your supplies and your resources become severely limited. The other half of being prepared is the knowledge you gain by learning new and creative ways to successfully survive. That is the hidden stockpile, the knowledge in your mind. Learn, research and stockpile all the survival information you can, and you’ll be able to call on that resource later when you need it most. Remembering these simple hacks is just one way to become even more prepared for anything that could come your way. ### Practical Prepper Home Defense URL: https://uspreppers.com/practical-prepper-home-defense/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:55:34.000Z Whether the threat is from burglary, home invasion, looting after a natural disaster or a post-apocalyptic attack from scavenging bands of humans or roaming hordes of zombies, defending your home is of paramount importance. Building effective layers of defense between potential outside danger and your family inside is the key to survival. Home defense can be split into two categories, Passive, and Active Defense. ## Passive Defense Passive defense includes the behind the scenes preparations to defend your home as well as [various tactics](/tactical-training-for-beginners/) to deter and thwart the incursion of a threat. Instituting any of the following will add defensive layers to the overall protection of your property but remember the more layers, the more effective the defense. 1. **Security Assessment:** Tour your property to identify areas threats could approach without detection, points of entry and other vulnerable areas. Think like an intruder. Consider requesting a security assessment by your local police department. 2. **Open Space:** This tactic clears the property of places intruders can hide and provides you with a broad view of the immediate area. This is often more applicable to those with larger properties but the urban dweller can clear vegetation close to the home and in front of windows. 3. **Camera Surveillance:** Cameras are in of themselves a deterrent for the casual burglar as they represent a complication the average thief would rather avoid. But as a surveillance tool, cameras allow for remote inspection of the property from a safe vantage point. 4. **Alarm System:** This is a security provision that applies to the non-apocalyptic times when society and law enforcement resources are still functioning. Alarms will deter the casual thief who is after a simple break in, will scare off an intruder once it is tripped and alert police to an unlawful entry. If the system has a battery backup, alarms can also deter looters after a severe natural disaster. 5. **Lights:** Be it a tripped alarm, motion sensing or simple pathway lighting that dispels the dark hiding spaces, intruders will reconsider a well lit home. 6. **Gravel:** A gravel crunches underfoot so laying gravel driveways or other approaches will alert you to an unexpected visitor. 7. **Obstructions:** Thorned vegetation like berry bushes will present a challenge for a would-be intruder to negotiate. Randomly disperse trip hazards around the approach to the house such as river stones, branches and low brush. This may run contrary to advise for open spaces but this vegetation is not thick enough or high enough to give cover to intruders or restrict your line of sight. 8. **Isolate Visitors:** Devise a choke point through which visitors, known and unknown, will have to enter. Or, a more expensive and complex option, creates a isolation area between an outer fence and the front entry to the house. Both methods will slow or stop the approach of someone providing extra time to identify or assess the threat. 9. **Reinforce Entry Points:** Reinforce doors, frames, and hinges with door braces, extra locks and sturdier hardware (secure door jambs and hinges with longer, stronger screws). Reinforce windows with security film that when applied will hold shattered or broken windows together. 10. **Hidden Storage:** Hide or disguise supply caches behind hidden walls, rooms, false cabinetry and false floors. Defensive weapons can be hidden in fake food containers, in hollowed out bed posts or books as can other items of value. 11. **Safe Room:** A safe room can be as solid and secure as a bank vault or as simple as a defendable room for family members should defenses fail. 12. **Hidden Passage:** A hidden passage for escape, to access a safe room or a concealed cache of food or weaponry can confuse and slow intruders. 13. **Create a Plan:** Create plans for a home invasion, designate and plan a route to the safe room or escape routes, plan for contingencies if the primary plans change. Practice those plans with the whole family to ensure everyone knows what to do during an emergency situation. ## Active Defense Active defense involves actual engagement of a threat and the plans for how your household will react should a breach occur. The actions you take will be determined by the situation. The response to a burglary attempt differs from a violent home invasion which will contrast still with home defense after a collapse of society. 1. **Safe Room:** In most situations retreating to the safe room is the best first step. This will gather everyone into one, secure place where defense can be managed, police alerted (if the alarm system did not) and await their arrival. In most cases when societal infrastructure is generally intact, this will be the extent of your response. 2. **Escalation:** Should the situation escalate and the intruder is intent on violence, an [armed defense](/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/) may prove necessary. With the family safely in the safe room, position yourself in a place where you have a view of the door and who comes through it. This will provide time for you to gauge the intruder before they are able to assess the room. You will have time to act. 3. **Post-Collapse Incursion:** If the worst should come to pass, society collapses and your home is the island of security in the wilds then there is the potential for a direct attack by persons intent on taking anything they can. For situations of this caliber all your planning, training and preparations will be called upon for defense. 4. **Defend Access Points:** The vulnerable points identified during your security assessment are vital defense points. Store weaponry at these locations for quick use. 5. **Escape Routes:** Should the fight shift out of your favor, make sure escape routes (primary and alternative) are clear and available for use. Set code words for the family ahead of time for each route and use to tell family members which route to take and which rendezvous point to meet at if someone is separated. ## Home Defense Tips And Techniques ### Strategies For Tactical Training URL: https://uspreppers.com/strategies-for-tactical-training/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Okay, so you’ve finally committed, you’ve bought the guns and ammunition, everything needed for the [defense of your home](https://uspreppers.com/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/). You’ve stockpiled, stored, hidden away and concealed in strategic locations throughout your property the weapons that will keep the family safe and secure no matter the threat that dares to descend upon you. For a deeper dive, see [personal defense 101](https://uspreppers.com/personal-defense-101/). Each member of the family has been taught how to load, shoot and secure each weapon in the arsenal. That’s good. You’ve done well. But now it’s time to ask yourself, “How will they fair during a real combat situation? How will you?” Now, is the time to find out, before it all goes wrong. This is where your training begins. ## What is [Tactical Training](https://uspreppers.com/tactical-training-for-beginners/)? Everyone has their own ideas for what tactical training is. Each prepper has their own regiment they adhere to, their own philosophy to follow. But what is tactical training in a so-called nutshell? It is how you learn to react effectively during combat situations. This is where you practice under stress until your skills become second nature. This is where you train for whatever will go wrong, at the worst possible time for things to go wrong. ### Goals of Training There are as many training philosophies as there are people out there teaching them. But there are universal skills, knowledge and know-how you need to efficiently protect your family, yourself and your property. - **Learn the OODA Loop; Observe the surroundings, Orient yourself to the situation, Decide what to do and Act.** - **Learn to focus amidst chaotic conditions.** - **Defend from various positions.** - **Learn to fight and defend within the confined spaces of a room or house.** - **Effectively react to and remedy weapon malfunctions (gun jams).** - **Rotate practice until skills are as close to second nature as possible.** - **Learn to work as a team and to maintain the safety of that team.** - **Maintain good physical conditioning as a real combat situation will tax you, mind and body, requiring the stamina to out last your opponent.** - **Accept the real thing will not take place in ideal conditions and learn to adapt to unexpected situations.** - **Learn when it is time to retreat and regroup.** ### Finding the Right Instructor As [preppers](https://uspreppers.com/), we want to do it all ourselves. It’s the drive towards self-reliance that set us on the path to begin with, right? But how did we first figure out how to even begin preparing for the worst? How did we know how to pack a reliable bug-out bag or how to preserve and store stockpiles of food? We went out and found the information, read articles on the subject, learned from someone else, someone who knew more than we did. Right? Reading an article on how to can food or filter water is a fine way to learn but when it comes to training for combat, reading an article or two will not cut it. Tactical training is complex, incorporating a multitude of skills and pulling them all together into a cohesive set of knowledge and practice. You need an instructor. But not just any instructor. The prepper movement has spawned a legion of people offering tactical operations training of all sorts and just as the internet has its fair share of questionable sources, so does the vast pool of weekend, tactical instruction schools. These, of course, can be expensive and few of us can actually take a week off of work to attended intensive training but there are alternatives. Online videos provide a more affordable option. When it comes to choosing the right training course, be it in person or online, consider the following before parting with your hard earned money; - **What is the instructor(s)’ background? Are they former military, police, SWAT? How many years? What did they do in the military or law enforcement? Does their actual background match the training they offer? Was their time in the military spent in the motor pool or in combat?** - **Are they willing to provide training or occupational references?** - **Do they hold any instructor certifications or have additional qualifications?** - **When was their last certification? Last year or 10 years ago?** - **What is their (or the course/school’s) safety record?** - **What is the instructor(s)’ mentality?** - **Do you feel comfortable around the instructor or with their teaching style?** - **Is the instructor there to teach or simply collect a paycheck? Do they listen to the students and are they open to your learning needs?** - **Do instructor(s) take part in their own continued education?** - **What do past students have to say about their experiences?** Research the instructor, the school itself and their past. Educate yourself about tactical training and all it entails. Set your own goals and locate a school or instructor who will help you achieve and exceed them. Remember this is the training on which you will rely to defend your family, your life and your home. Make it count. ## Tactical Training Videos ### Personal Defense 101 URL: https://uspreppers.com/personal-defense-101/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z “Okay, you say you’re tired of feeling nervous walking to the corner store at night. Heading out to your car, across that empty parking after dark has become too much. You’re ready to learn how to defend yourself. Consider this your own personal defense tour guide.” Guns For a deeper dive, see [defense mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/6-defense-mistakes-for-all-preppers-to-avoid/). Guns are the personal defense tool of choice for many. They tend to be the first means of protection when the topic of defense comes up in conversation. Handguns, shotguns, rifles, semi-automatic, double barreled pump, military-style, magnum, black powder blunderbuss, the types and styles range far and wide providing a wealth of choices to meet individual and situational needs. Check out [home defense strategy](https://uspreppers.com/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/). We could easily delve into each style of gun, examine in detail every specification leading to an in-depth, situational analysis for which each is uniquely suited. But for the purposes of this guide we will focus exclusively on the individual, personal defense. Now, what style of gun is an effective choice should you find yourself isolated on a deserted street confronting an immediate threat from another intent on violence? It’s doubtful a shotgun or fully loaded AR-15 will be readily at hand. What style of gun is easily carried, is somewhat inconspicuous and can be brought to bear quickly? The simple, concise answer is a handgun. Beyond that the choice of handgun depends on a few considerations; - **Reliability:** There are differences between manufacturers and gun types (revolvers v semi-automatics). Revolvers have fewer moving parts than semi-automatics leaving fewer things to malfunction. - **Fit/Comfort:** Is the gun comfortable to hold and shoot? Weight is a factor. Accuracy will suffer if the gun is too unwieldy. - **Caliber:** Larger calibers pack a bigger punch, cause more damage but have a strong recoil. Smaller calibers have less stopping power but their weaker recoil can increase accuracy after the first shot. - **Carryability:** Do you want a concealable gun or will it be displayed holstered to your hip for all to see? A smaller gun is easier to conceal. Semi-automatics are slimmer (compared to revolvers) and conceal more effectively. - **Capacity:** How many bullets will it hold? A revolver, typically, carries only 6 bullets while semi-automatics can carry 10+ rounds. And semi-automatics reload faster with preloaded magazines. - **Cost:** Balance cost and quality to find the best-suited weapon for you. Revolvers, on average, are less expensive than their semi-automatic counterparts. In the end, the gun chosen will depend on how it works for you personally and the situation you envision using it. ## Martial Arts Martial arts tend to take a back seat in today when we talk personal defense. It makes a more prominent showing when it comes to [self defense](https://uspreppers.com/self-defense-for-today-and-the-end-of-the-world/) for women. Spurred by a strong movement to reduce violence against women, learning to defend oneself is a source of empowerment that can save your life. But both men and women benefit from such training when the need to protect yourself or a loved one arises. Martial art styles reach far and wide ranging from the traditional variants of Kung Fu, Karate and Taekwondo to perhaps the lesser known styles of aikido, Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and Hapkido. Others like, kickboxing, the Brazilian Capoeira and mixed martial arts (MMA) have gained popularity as fitness training programs. These are but a few being taught across the country. When deciding on a style and instructor think about; Your comfort level with the art, the instructor and the overall mentaility of the school. - **Commitment level:** Some styles are more difficult than others requiring more time and commitment to progress though the training. - **Physical limitations:** Body size, weight and age are factors when considering particular styles. - **Effectiveness:** Research styles you’re interested in and gauge their effectiveness as they relate to your goals. If you want to learn how to defend yourself on the street then focus on styles that incorporate that aspect. Check the instructor’s and school credentials. Many schools offer free first lessons to allow a glimpse at what the style is about, the instructor’s teaching style and how students interact with each other and the teacher. ## Alternative Weapons Keeping with the spirit of martial arts think about all those everyday objects you stuff into pockets, toss into the car or come into contact with daily. Many of those can be used as weapons; - **Keys:** A fist with 2-3 keys protruding out between clenched fingers make for a great raking weapon or add punch to a punch. - **Magazine:** A tightly rolled magazine is usable as a baton, punch vulnerable points with the end and parry blows with the broad side. - **Ballpoint Pen:** Held firm wrapped in a fist, the pointed end is an effective stabbing weapon. - **Refillable Coffee Mug:** Today’s on-the-go, coffee mugs are solid pieces of metal, plastic or ceramic. Hold the handle firm and use it like a pair of brass-knuckles. ## Get Trained Whether your personal defense incorporates a gun, a knife or any other type of weapon, learning how to use it is often the deciding factor in a fight. A better-armed person with little training is at a disadvantage against a better trained and lesser armed opponent. This holds true with martial arts. Your body is your weapon and the better trained you the better your chances are for survival. As you train, don’t forget about your most important weapon…your brain. Concentrate on improving your observation and awareness skills. Walk down the street and identify ambush areas, places to make a stand and ways to escape. Whether we want to believe it or not, there are times when beating a quick retreat is the smartest strategy and it’s the wise person who is able to recognize such a situation. In the end, the well trained, rational mind will survive. ## Personal Defense Tips And Tricks ### Tactical Training For Beginners URL: https://uspreppers.com/tactical-training-for-beginners/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z Tactical training, just by the name alone, sounds pretty intense. Military personnel and police officers utilize tactical training, just the mere thought that might scare away beginners. But even if you’re new to the self-defense world, tactical training is just a logical way to [prepare yourself](https://uspreppers.com/tag/safety/) for the potential of disaster. Tactical training is simply defined as any sort of training that is designed around a real-world task. Tactical training is required in our world today by people who are working in real-life situations where there is a risk of serious injury or death, however, it is a must training method for those who want to be prepared and able to defend themselves. Tactical training is often very physical, however, there is a strong psychological component to training for real world situations. You are not just shooting at a paper target, you are mentally putting yourself in situations where you will truly have to defend yourself. This is why tactical training is so imperative to those who want to be prepared for TEOTWAWKI. In a disaster-stricken world, being prepared mentally and physically could be the best assets to you and your family’s survival. ## Tactical Firearm Training One of the most popular forms of civilian tactical training is with the use of firearms. Ranges offer tactical shooting courses that provide you situations that represent more realistic scenarios, rather than just standing at one end of a range and shooting at a stationary target. Classes are often the best course for many, however, if you do have the property, or can find a place where you can lawfully fire the rounds, you may consider setting up tactical training courses of your own. Remember that the element of surprise is a [huge aspect of tactical training](/strategies-for-tactical-training/). If you do set up your own course, you will need a partner who can change the targets and situations to create a unique training experience every time. ### Psychological Aspects of Tactical Training Tactical training requires a level of psychological involvement that is simply not applied in ordinary self-defense training approaches. Of course learning a specific, technical skill for defense is extremely important. However, a technical skill that is only mastered in a controlled environment is only applicable to similar controlled environments, not to situations in the real world. In order to learn a technical skill that will be helpful in any situation, you must be conditioned psychologically as well as physically. With the psychological aspect of tactical training in mind, you will practice your technical skill in a variety of anticipated states, considering factors like stress or exhaustion. Preparing your mind for the possibility of these stressful situations will enable you to perform with greater effectiveness when an actual disaster occurs. ### Hoplology Not all tactical training is physical in nature, and [hoplology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoplology?ref=uspreppers.com) is a great place for many beginners to start. As with most things, research can be a huge asset to a person’s self-defense repertoire. Hoplology is the study of the development of human combative behavior and performance. It is in short, the relationship between different cultures in regards to how and why we fight. Becoming a student of hoplology opens you up to a slightly different tactical approach. Taking the knowledge of why and how we fight into consideration can give you a slight advantage when engaging in combat with a potential assailant. Studying other cultures and fighting techniques can also give you an advantage when approached with any self-defense situation as not only can you anticipate what might be coming, but you can take appropriate action to combat it as well. ### Broad & Inclusive Training No one is safe at all if they only learn how to protect themselves in one type of situation. That is why even if you are focusing on one specific discipline of tactical training you will find that it is both broad and inclusive of a variety of potential scenario. Any good tactical training course will provide you with multiple situations to overcome, preparing you for a variety of both physical and psychological tasks associated with your survival. Yes, you can learn to shoot the same menacing looking targets in different orders each time at the gun range, but this only covers one scenario and is not effective tactical training. True tactical training will also call on more than one level of physical and psychological needs at any given time, to ensure you are well rounded and prepared for any situation. A good tactical training session might even appear chaotic, but they are highly structured to call on multiple skills to test a trainee. If you can use your range of skills to make sense and survive the situation, the chaos melts away, which is exactly what you are hoping to be able to apply to a real life scenario. ### Drills Remember you can help prepare your family with tactical training as well. There is a fine line between preparing and scaring your children, so always consider their age and understanding level in every training scenario. Drills, however, are important and can give you the life savings seconds you need in a disaster scenario. Many families have fire drills for instance, so considering a few potential events and outcomes that your loved ones can practice to increase your chance of survival is a form of tactical training that can keep your whole family safe and better prepared. ### Keys to Good Tactical Training - Avoid highly specialized training classes and events. While it is good to practice in specific ways, broad range course are best for beginners, so you can build a solid skill set. You can go on to more specialized training down the road. - Look for a course with scenario based training as it can help prepare you psychologically, as well as physically. - Hone your instincts. One of the goals of tactical training is to take your actions from being intellectual to instinctual. In high-stress situations, if you can rely on your instincts to help in your defense you have a higher chance of surviving a confrontation. Any few seconds you can spare in mental processing and decision making, due to effective, tactical training could be life-saving. - Self-defense is a lifelong journey. You must adopt it as part of your regular life and commit to continually practice if you want to truly become a master in the art of self-defense and be able to defend yourself not matter what the situation brings. ### Self Defense For Today And The End Of The World URL: https://uspreppers.com/self-defense-for-today-and-the-end-of-the-world/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T05:55:57.000Z Whether a disaster strikes or not, being able to defend yourself is something everyone should strongly consider. In a SHTF scenario, or in everyday life criminals tend to prey on weaker targets, and with a little effort and knowledge, you can ensure that you will never be considered weak. If it is [TEOTWAWKI](/), self-defense becomes even more critical, especially if you have prepared well and have a supply to protect. To properly keep your family safe, the knowledge of self-defense will be critical. There are a variety of different approaches to self-defense and learning multiple ways you can defend yourself and your family is the best way to prepare for potential violent situations. ## Personal Awareness The first key to any self-defense strategy is having good personal awareness. Staying alert and paying attention to your surroundings is integral to any form of defense. However, by paying attention to your situations and behaving accordingly, you can sometimes even avoid the violence or confrontation altogether. Being aware of your surroundings can also include [avoiding more dangerous situations](/8-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-prepping/), such as going out at night or going out alone. The most dangerous thing in an attack can often be to be caught unaware, by practicing personal awareness you can deprive would be attackers of using the element of surprise against you. Using personal awareness can also give you the upper hand. If a potential assailant does not see you, but they are still a threat, you can catch them off guard and turn the tables on any would be criminals. In addition, personal awareness should be practiced when using all other forms of self-defense, as knowing your surroundings will always be essential to effective survival in any situation. ### Martial Arts Of course, everyone is busy and there is no doubt that taking up a martial arts class can be a somewhat daunting commitment, however the worth they provide is immeasurable. Many dojos or studios have once or twice a month course, if you can’t make the time for a weekly class. There are many different types of martial arts, including karate, judo and aikido. While it takes years to become a master martial artist, you will immediately begin to pick up skills that will help you protect yourself and your loved ones in a potentially violent situation. In addition, regular classes help you stay in shape, which improves your likelihood of surviving in many situations. Remember to consider that some martial art schools may include lessons on fighting with weapons, nunchucks, staffs, swords or knives. Skill with weaponry can also be an extremely valuable skill to obtain if you want to become well rounded in self-defense. One of the other benefits of martial arts, is it is cross generational and effective for the young and old, as well as both men and women, and a skill that can keep multiple members of your family prepared and safe. ### Non-lethal Weapons Non-lethal weapons are also an effective way to deter many would-be criminals. The most popular non-lethal options are often Tasers and pepper sprays. Pepper sprays are convenient; they are inexpensive, light weight, and can give you the needed advantage to overtake an assailant or get away unscathed. Pepper spray is also easy to use and does not require any sort of target training. Even in a stressful situation, the spray will work if just pointed in the general direction of the assailant’s eyes. A Taser is a little bit more to carry around with you, but their effect is unmatched by other non-lethal options. Depending on what type of Taser you carry, it might be a good idea to practice to ensure ease of use. If you do have to deploy the Taser, it will likely stop any attacker immediately, giving you the time to get away safely. ### Lethal Weapons (Non-Firearm) There are a long list of items that could be included in the lethal category when you really begin to think about it. Even in a pinch, a pen could be used with lethal force, but on the whole being prepared with real weapons is an important consideration for many people. The more common weapons include knives, brass knuckles, swords, crossbows, slingshots, bow & arrows, and spears. For self-defense purposes, knives are probably the more common. Not only are they effective in combat, but they have a variety of uses in survival situations, making them a key component for a post-SHTF scenario. You won’t find many people in our modern world that are skilled in things like swordplay, but they still are effective defense methods if you are properly trained. One of the benefits of most non-firearm methods, especially if it is TEOTWAWKI, is they are discreet and silent, helping to keep your position hidden in a potential, volatile situation. Since most of these weapons have dual purposes, you will find that items like crossbows will help in a defense situation, or as a hunting device if you’re in survival mode. You must also remember, that whatever weapon you carry takes a certain level of skill, so if possible, you may want to take some basic courses, perhaps in knife fighting or archery. ### Handguns A lot of those who are interested in self-defense, not just preppers, consider a handgun the best possible weapon for protecting one’s self. In the world as it is, that means you probably will want to apply for a concealed weapons permit, to carry a handgun in a discreet location on your person. However, in a post-SHTF scenario, permits will likely hold no meaning. Like other weapons, if you carry a gun any potential attacker could disarm you and use your own weapon against you. In addition, with any firearm, there is the possibility of accidental discharge which could cause unfortunately injuries at just the wrong time. Still, when it comes to deterring an attacker, that handgun will likely be all the protecting you need. However, you must be comfortable using it, carrying it, and be willing to pull the trigger if necessary, which in a lot of situations may be easier said than done. As with any other firearm, you must know how to shoot it, and taking courses and spending time at the range will likely increase the chance of your handgun being effective in a potential threatening scenario. ### Shotguns & Rifles For long range defense, a handgun simply won’t do the job. That is why shotguns and rifles are key to anyone’s defense plan. They are especially effective in rural areas, or for protecting larger property areas. They also serve as hunting tools and protection against potentially dangerous wildlife you may encounter such as bears. For defense of your home, consider a rifle with a good scope to protect at long distances. Ensuring you have a good rifle with [plenty of ammo](/6-defense-mistakes-for-all-preppers-to-avoid/), could be the difference when you are protecting yourself and your family against potential threats of many kinds. Being prepared is more than just having a good stockpile. You have to prepare yourself and properly train yourself, if you truly want to be sufficient in any type of situation the world could throw at you. Taking a few precautions and making some preparations now could be just the decision that saves you and your family’s lives later. ### Home Defense Strategy for TEOTWAWKI URL: https://uspreppers.com/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T05:55:57.000Z Whether you like to admit it or not, defense is a huge key to preparing for TEOTWAWKI. We like to believe that people are inherently good, but when faced with desperate situations, there is no predicting how some people will behave. Especially if you are a prepper, defense becomes even more important, as protecting your supplies and stockpile could be key to you and your [family’s survival](/). Here are some important bases to cover when planning your home defense strategy. ## Your First Line of Defense For centuries, dogs and humans have been partners in survival, and in a SHTF scenario, a guard dog could be a key difference that could save your life and protect your home. Dogs are keen observers and can use their senses to alert you to potential threats, sometimes even before you know they are there. They are loyal and protective of their family, and can often be all that it takes to keep possible predators and thieves away from your home. In addition, they can be needed companions as well as valuable hunting partners. There are many good protection dogs, but some of the most popular breeds include: German Shepherds, Border Collies, American Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers. There are a variety of benefits to each different breed, so research the one that will be best for you. It is also important to properly train your animal for protection. Consult a professional, or attend a training class to learn the proper techniques for Guard Dog training. ### Observation of Your Property One of the most important aspects of defense is being able to see your surrounding and know what is coming your way. If you can see a potential threat early, hopefully before that threat sees you, it will enable you to make the best decisions about your defense strategy. With advanced information, you can determine whether making contact is the best course of action, or whether you need to conceal, hide or possible take up arms and begin to defend with force. If at all possible you need a place where you can obtain a full 360 degrees around your property. You also should identify areas that intruders could see as weak, as well as target areas that potential threats are more likely to come from. Also remember that many potential threats are going to be trying to sneak in and out just steal a few supplies, remember that people could try and take from you, without using force. You must prepare for these stealth attacks as well. Some people employ security cameras to be able to obtain a full view of their property. You should also consider motion sensor lights and security systems, however, you must also make sure you have to backup power to support these if the disaster scenario cuts you off from the grid. That is why a specific vantage point is important, even if you do have high-tech security gear. In addition, you should consider your ability to defend all the way around your home as well. If you do need to use force on a potential attack, you should have clear access to safe areas where you can fire upon intruders if you must. ### Protect and Conceal Unfortunately, most of our home are just not equipped for defense. There are a number of simple ways to breach a home with nothing more than a few simple tools. Most homes are extremely vulnerable to fire. The modern home structure also does not lend itself to firearm defense. It is vulnerable to high-velocity ammunition which can easily penetrate its walls. Therefore in case of an attack, defense proves problematic, as you simply cannot be safe attempting to fire from the windows. Now it would be nice if we all had brick houses and bulletproof observation decks, but the truth is most of us do not. Simple changes, however, can give you a few extra life savings seconds in intruder situations. Even just having really good storm doors can slow down a threat just enough to alert you to their presence. Simple window locks, double pane windows, multiple deadbolts, even erecting a perimeter fence, are all changes you can make now that could provide life-saving time later. Of course, we have to know that we can’t always defend ourselves, and sometimes the best course of action is to hide. Now, most preppers are not cowards by any means, and many are more than capable of defending an attack, but the truth is sometimes the best decision is to conceal yourself and your family. Now, it’s not always possible to have a hidden location, whether it is for yourself or for your supplies, but some preppers are still finding ways to include concealment in their home protection plans. Basements with hidden entrances, for instance, are a good place for stockpiles as well as occasional shelters. Even just a bookcase door or a false wall could deter a potential thief just long enough to save your supply. Large safes are also good, especially for your firearm, and can often be concealed in inconspicuous ways. ### Layered Defense To better wrap your head around your own defense strategy, consider the three layers of defense. The Outer layer would be what you could see right outside your property line. The intermediate layer is anywhere inside you property line while the inner layer refers to anywhere inside your home. Having a plan of action for each layer of defense is an effective way to tackle the sometimes overwhelming idea of home defense. Everyone’s plan will vary, but for example you could have an outer layer plan that included observation of potential threats. Your intermediate layer defense plan may include a fence along your property line or other obstacles, as well as camera or other observational materials. Your guard dog would often be a major line of defense in this layer as well. The important thing is to formulate your own action plan in the event of someone breaching this layer. The inner layer is in your home and thus will likely include the potential of force if someone breaches this level. Layered defense allows you and your family to determine the seriousness of a potential attack in a split second, as you will all know your action plan for each layer of defense. Having a predetermined plan makes it easier to defend your home, especially if you are worn out and hungry, as you likely are if it is TEOTWAWKI. ### Trained Personnel & Firearms Firearms are, of course, an integral part of any home defense strategy. When force is necessary, you cannot be unprepared. Not only should you have a stockpile of weapons and ammunition, but you, and any of your qualified family, needs to be able to shoot. Practicing and taking classes are important otherwise, a gun becomes a much less effective defense tool. Also consider training in martial arts or self-defense courses. In the event that you cannot get to a gun, you may be presented with an opportunity where you can defend yourself by your own hands. Keeping yourself trained in defense is a key aspect of home protection. ### Keep a Low Profile The last thing you want to be is an easy target. Keeping a low profile can be a lifesaving strategy. Most preppers practice OPSEC, or operational security, meaning they do not let people know about their plans or about their stockpile. If you don’t seem like you have anything to take, no one will take from you. ### Escape Plan No matter how much work you put into defending your home, the truth is you must prepare for the possibility that you will have to leave. Make sure you are prepared for such a possibility by creating smaller resource packs you can take with you that contain the necessities for survival. Having these prepared in advance means you can grab them at a moment’s notice. Also consider equipping you and your family with radios. In the case you would have to slip out undetected, [communication with your family](/emergency-communication/), via radio, may save someone life and greatly increase your chance of successful escape. You should also have a predetermined destination everyone in your family knows about, where you can all meet up in case you are split apart. Creating a defense plan can not only keep you safe if we do face TEOTWAWKI, but it can truly just keep your family safe all the time in your daily lives. You can begin making changes and determining your plans now to better protect your home and family today and tomorrow. ### The Top 50 Items To Barter With In Case Of Disaster URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-top-50-items-to-barter-with-in-case-of-disaster/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z It may seem surprising by looking at life in America today, however, it was but only a few decades ago that bartering existed as a common practice that many families relied upon for [survival](/preppers-bartering-guide/). For centuries, it has been key to our sustainability, and in the event of an economic collapse, or other potential catastrophe, bartering will likely return in full force. Check out [guide to bartering](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bartering/). That is why considering bartering and trade when you are creating your stockpile now could help you prepare for what we already know is coming. Here is a list of 50 items you can start collecting today to be much more prepared in any situation. For a deeper dive, see [prepper economy checklist](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-economy-checklist/). ## 1\. Gold & Silver Gold and Silver are, or course, one of the first things many preppers consider when creating a stockpile for a SHTF scenario. Their worth is obvious and they will likely be the easiest items to barter with. It is wise to collect a smaller piece of gold, silver, or even platinum, often in coin, as it make them easier to trade with. You probably wouldn’t want to trade a bar of gold for a loaf of bread, so stockpiling bars might not be as useful as it first seems. If you do want bars consider Valcombi bars; they are perfect as they allow you to break off small pieces from the larger bar. ## 2\. Water Filters/Life Straw Water is one of the key elements of life, and proper filtration systems will be key to everyone’s survival. This makes filters and purifiers a potentially popular item for trade and bartering in a variety of survival or catastrophic situations. Water filter systems, tablets or personal filtrations systems like Life Straws, are not only great for bartering, but, like many of the items on this list, they are also important to have for yourself and your family too. ## 3\. Ammunition Guns are all good and well, but they are no better than a paperweight if you don’t have ammunition for them. That is why ammo is such a popular bartering item. Make sure to collect popular ammo sizes like 9mm, .38, .22, and 12 gauge shotgun shells. You may also consider Tasers, pepper spray and other defense devices as well. ## 4\. Alcohol Let’s not lie to ourselves, in the event of a disaster there is going to be a time when a drink is exactly what you need, and there are many people who are going to feel that way. That’s why in hard times, alcohol provides some of the best barter value out there. You may want to stick with plastic bottles to ease storage and weight concerns and also remember to think about smaller, single shot bottles; these can maximize their trade value at the lowest cost to you. Don’t forget alcohol can be used medicinally too; a person with a toothache would be happy to barter to get a little shot of whiskey. ## 5\. Cigarettes People are addicted to their smokes and they would undoubtedly be a high value trade item in a time of need. This one is a no-brainer, ## 6\. Coffee and Tea Caffeine is something that many of us need to have every day. In a SHTF scenario, not only would many need coffee and tea just to satisfy their cravings, these beverages also provide a little-needed energy that comes in handy in more physically demanding survival situations. It can also help keep you alert, ramping up its trade value even more. ## 7\. Food/MREs Having extra food for trade is probably one of the easiest items to acquire on your bartering list, you simply stockpile a little additional resources whenever you are adding survival foods and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) to your collection. There is never such a thing as too much food in a survival situation. ## 8\. Fuel Any sort of fuel, gas, diesel, propane, or kerosene, could be the source of light and heat for some people. Fuel could even be providing power to others. Propane, for instance is easy to store, and better for trade if you buy the smaller camping tanks, which are easy to store. ## 9\. Clothing When adding clothing to your bartering stockpile, consider the essentials first; underwear and socks are cheap to obtain and a basic need for most of us. They also provide universal sizes to fit a larger selection of people, making them more effective for bartering. Jackets and protective outerwear, such as rubber boots, ponchos, and gloves could also come in handy, or even become even a necessity depending on the disaster or situation. ## 10\. Medical Kits/Band-aids First aid kits and band aids are other items that can carry a lot of barter value. The basic first aid essentials could save someone’s life in a dire situation making medical supplies of nearly any kind a potentially popular bartering item. ## 11\. Medicines/Pain Meds In addition to basic first aid, many people may be in need of medication. Just simple aspirin and Tylenol could be a needed item, but in extremely dire situations, medicines for a variety of pains and illnesses may become impossible to get. Antibiotics, pain medication, asthma treatments, even a roll of Antacid tablets could become an item of high value in a barter situation. ## 12\. Portable Solar Panels People who did not prepare as well as you did for a disaster situation may be looking for alternative sources of power in a variety of SHTF scenarios. That is what makes portable solar panels a great item for barter, as many who did not prepare will be looking for solutions to their power needs in the bartering world. ## 13\. Toilet Paper It doesn’t need to be explained why this is a good bartering item. Toilet paper is just something people will need. Think of other items for hygienic comfort too, feminine products for instance, and even those free moist toilettes from the restaurant could be a desired item in a pinch. ## 14\. Batteries For some people, [batteries may be their only source of power](/batteries/), and to power certain things that are essential, like flashlights, there is nothing else that will do. Batteries have a fairly long shelf life too, making them a little easier to stockpile. ## 15\. Flashlights Light is essential to so many functions, and if the grid is down, people will be looking for any alternative light sources they can find. ## 16\. AM/FM Radios Radios are important, as they could be the only means of communication in a disaster-struck world. Radio are important lifelines of communication no matter what the situation. ## 17\. Walkie-Talkies Walkie-talkies are an easy way to communicate over short range distances, especially in the event that cell towers and connectivity is down. Having the ability to communicate with walkie-talkies could be the difference in certain survival situations making them a much desired item. ## 18\. Chocolate and Sweets People are often in need of comfort in times and need, and chocolate, as well as other sweets and specifically craved foods, could become a high value trade item. ## 19\. Fire Starters Fire starters can help us easily provide light, heat and cooking sources; a valuable thing to be able to have in a survival situation. Fire provides a variety of key comforts and less prepared individuals will be happy to trade to procure any sort of fire starting item. ## 20\. Water Containers Being able to transport water is the next most important thing after purifying it. A water container could be life or death to you in certain situations. ## 21\. Spices Spices have been a popular trade item for hundreds of years and they will likely provide a high barter value. Consider multi-use spices and herbs; a stockpile of salt not only provides food with the flavor people are accustomed to, it can also be used to preserve food. An herb like mint for instance, is not only a sought after flavor it also has numerous medicinal properties. Sugar could also fetch a high price from sweet tooth barterers. ## 22\. Soap and Cleaning Products Soap is a creature comfort that can also help keep us safe and healthy. Not only is it good for our psyche to be and feel clean in an unsure and unsafe situation, soap can help tame the spread of infection, germs and bacteria. Bars of soap are easy to store, but consider antibacterial options and other cleaning products. You can also easily stock pile baking soda and vinegar, they contain a variety of uses including being DIY household cleaners. ## 23\. Toothpaste and Toothbrushes Dental health is a necessity, toothpaste, brushes and floss will be needed and desired items. Since toothbrushes don’t last forever, they will always need to be replaced, making them a commonly needed barter item. ## 24\. Perfume, Cologne, and Deodorant It doesn’t matter what the situation, people do not like to be smelly. Deodorant and other fragrance items will always be an item that can be used in trade. ## 25\. Solar Showers In the absence of running water, one of the greatest luxuries would be a solar shower. They pack up small, making them easy to store, yet they provide a comfort many people would consider worth trading for. We've also covered [trading after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). ## 26\. Garbage Bags Garbage bags can be used for multiple applications, even as shelter in a pinch. Their multi-purpose ability is what makes them a great item to have on hand for trade. ## 27\. Pet Food Pet food will be essential for families with animals and pets. ## 28\. Heirloom Seeds Seeds would be a valuable commodity in many scenarios, as growing your own food could be a necessity in a variety of situations. ## 29\. Duct Tape Everyone knows how versatile duct tape is, with its many uses it will always be a popular and sought after item. ## 30\. Condoms As long as there are humans on this earth, these will be an item we need. ## 31\. Drink Mixes Drink mixes are easy to store and the have generally long shelf lives. Consider single packets in lieu of larger packaging as it will make them easier to trade. ## 32\. Backpacks and Cloth Bags Backpacks are light and easy to store, and useful in a wide array of survival scenarios. ## 33\. Fishing Poles and Gear When you can’t just go down to the store, one of the easiest ways to find some dinner is to go fishing. ## 34\. Multi-tools and Pocket Knives Multi-tools are the best for bartering, because they cover a wide range of uses, meaning they are more universally needed. You can store a lot of multi-tools and pocket knives in a small space, unlike what their full size equivalents would be. ## 35\. Screws, Nuts & Bolts If basic supplies are hard to come by, having a stockpile of things like screws, nuts and bolts for trade will come in handy. ## 36\. Gardening Tools In a variety of different scenarios it is likely we may have to go out and find new ways to feed our families. For many that will mean farming in order to sustain their family. Gardening tools and resources like fertilizers will be highly sought after. ## 37\. Firewood Another no brainer, fire is life and many of us will need firewood to keep us warm or help us cook our food. ## 38\. Tarps Tarps are great temporary covers and shelters, not to mention their various other uses. They will always be a popular trade item. ## 39\. Rope and Bungee cords Everyone knows that rope is an important survival tool, and in a SHTF scenario it is not different. ## 40\. Lotion and Chapstick Dry conditions actually can provide painful situations, making lotion and chapstick necessary items for some people. ## 41\. Sleeping Bags and Blankets People will always need a place to sleep, and in disaster situations they could become quite the commodity. ## 42\. Air Mattresses and Air Pump Much like sleeping bags, but with a higher trade value, air mattresses provide comfort and restful sleep, a priceless benefit in a survival situation. Make sure you have an air pump as well, but consider the power sources, you probably want to invest in one that comes with a manual option, a car power source, or at least something more than just a traditional electric plug. ## 43\. CDs and Musical Instruments In tough times, there must be joy. Music is generally priceless, but in times of hardship instruments and musical sources could gain a pretty penny in trade. ## 44\. Laundry Detergent Keeping our clothes clean is psychologically beneficial, as well as in generally healthier. ## 45\. Soda Soda, much like coffee or tea, provides that caffeine boost that can be a much needed and added benefit in a survival situation. Sodas are also a luxury item, like chocolate, that will bring a higher trade value. ## 46\. Candles Candles are another obvious item, but needed nonetheless. They are also items that eventually burn out, meaning they will be a consistently needed item. ## 47\. Paper, Pens and Pencils Writing is not only a form of communication, it is a way to record history, tell stories, play games, send word, and draw pictures. Their worth is immeasurable. ## 48\. Grooming Supplies Grooming items are important. Like soap, they help us feel a little more human in an uncertain world. Items like hair brushes, shavers, shaving cream, and combs will be highly sought after and useful for trade. ## 49\. Baby Supplies Baby diapers, wipes, formula and food may be a more specialized item to trade, but their value would be huge to a mother or father just looking for some creature comforts for their baby. ## 50\. Books Those things called books that people used before “Google” may actually prove some use if the Internet and electricity is down. Books still hold a vast amount of knowledge that you can’t put a price on. Not to mention their entertainment value. ### Aluminum Foil: The OTHER Duct Tape URL: https://uspreppers.com/aluminum-foil-the-other-duct-tape/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Tucked away in a kitchen drawer or slid atop the refrigerator is a roll of material whose uses can go well beyond its traditional daily function. The very characteristics that make aluminum foil great for cooking are the ones that make it so very useful. For a deeper dive, see [26 survival uses for bandanas](https://uspreppers.com/26-survival-uses-for-bandanas/). ## The OTHER [duct tape](https://uspreppers.com/duct-tape-9-survival-tools-already/) Now, we are all familiar with the typical kitchen duties aluminum foil is assigned to but if you apply a smidgen of imagination those same insulating and reflective attributes that make foil such a [ great cooking material](/survival-cooking-how-to-cook-in-an-emergency/) allow it to be folded, plied and fashioned to take on some fairly nontraditional duties. ### Keeping the Heat - **Cooking Wrap:** We’ve all baked a foil-wrapped potato in the oven but the same technique can be used to cook a range of vegetables and meats placed directly on a grill or hot campfire coals should the situation present itself. - **Makeshift Frying Pan:** Laid flat with edges upturned will work as a frying pan or cooking sheet. Another method is to wrap the edges of a sheet of foil around two sticks and cook your meal suspended between. - **Pot to Boil in:** Aluminum foil can be fashioned into a bowl or cup and set to a source of heat to boil water. The heavier duty the foil, the better as thinner sheets will leak. - **Direct the Heat:** Foil spread out on a frame or smooth surface set next to a campfire will serve two purposes; function as a windscreen for the fire and will reflect the heat and light back towards you. A piece of wood wrapped in foil placed behind a home radiator will serve a similar function. - **Keep the Fire Going:** Should you find yourself stuck in the wilds with limited fire making provisions coals wrapped in foil will stay hot enough to restart a fire later. - **Solar Oven:** With a couple of cardboard boxes, some scrap newspaper, aluminum foil and duct tape you can make an effective solar oven. - **Insulate Windows:** Covering exterior windows will insulation windows to keep the indoors warmer or will reflect sunlight (solar heat) during summer months to keep things cool. ### The Shiny Things - **Fishing Lure:** Fish have an affinity for shiny, flashing things in the water and a piece of foil, fashioned with some imagination will work as a fishing lure. - **Scare the Birds Away:** Hanging or wrapping pieces of foil around and among your garden plants will scare away the birds and other light sensitive critters that have been feasting on your food crops. - **Signal Mirror:** A smooth piece of foil held up on its own or spread across a flat surface will work as a signal mirror to direct rescuers should you find yourself lost or injured in the wilderness. - **Sun box:** Trying to grow potted veggies or herbs on an apartment balcony with limited sunlight? Keeping 3 sides and the bottom of a cardboard box intact, line the inside with aluminum foil and you will have yourself a sun box for potted plants starving for more sunlight. This set up also serves well as a seed incubator. ### Lingering Ideas - **Scissor Sharpening:** Folding a sheet of foil over 5-6 times and cutting it with a frustratingly dull pair of scissors will sharpen them. - **Loose Battery Fix-It:** A folded piece of aluminum foil will fix loose battery connections caused by weakened springs. - **A Custom Pouch:** Layered foil, folded various ways can be fashioned into an effective envelope or pouch to hold small, loose items. - **Scrubber:** A balled up piece of foil works as a great scouring pad for cleaning an oven or scrubbing pots and pans. ### Drug Expiration Dates – How Safe And Effective Is The Life Saving Medication In Your Stockpile? URL: https://uspreppers.com/drug-expiration-dates-how-safe-and-effective-is-the-life-saving-medication-in-your-stockpile/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Patients of all sorts, not just preppers, are concerned about the expiration dates that are provided with over the counter and prescription medications. I mean, we all probably have that ancient aspirin bottle that just sits in our medicine cabinet gathering dust while we wonder if they would still even work. Are they even safe to take? For many, however, they take medications every day, life-saving medications far more complex than that ancient aspirin. In a disaster scenario, will our life-saving medication be safe to take even after they are already out of date? The expiration date itself is sort of a misnomer to begin with. It isn’t really the last day that something can be used, it is just the final day that an item can be purchased, and thus guaranteed by the manufacturer to be fully potent and safe. U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers are required by law to place expiration dates on prescription and over the counter products prior to marketing. The expiration date of a drug is determined by running stability testing under good manufacturing practices as set by the [Food and Drug Administration](http://www.fda.gov/?ref=uspreppers.com). Drug products marketed in the US typically have an expiration that extends from 12 to 60 months from the time of manufacturing. Once the original container is opened, the original expiration date is no longer valid, however stability studies have shown that the actual shelf life may be much longer than initially determined by the expiration date. This was also confirmed by the [American Medical Association](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/drug-expiration-dates-do-they-mean-anything?ref=uspreppers.com) (AMA) who in 2001 concluded that the actual shelf lives of some products are, in fact, longer than the labeled expiration date. The AMA stated the best evidence resides in the [Shelf Life Extension Program](http://www.drugs.com/article/drug-expiration-dates.html?ref=uspreppers.com) (SLEP) which was managed by the FDA for the Department of Defense. Over 3000 lots, representing 122 different drug products, were assessed in the SLEP program. Based on stability data, expiration dates on 88 percent of the medications were extended beyond their original expiration date for an average of 66 months, that’s almost five and a half years. Of these only 18 percent were terminated due to failure. Examples of common drug products that were tested and showed no signs of failures included: amoxicillin (antibiotic), ciprofloxacin (antibiotic), diphenhydramine (allergy relief), and morphine sulfate (pain relief / opioid). The extensions they placed on the shelf life of these drugs ranged from 12 to 184 months. These are promising results for these medications, and an even [more, recent study](http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/08/news/la-heb-expired-drugs-still-work-study-20121008?ref=uspreppers.com) examines the effectiveness of past expiration drugs as well. Researchers at the [California Poison Control System](http://www.calpoison.org/?ref=uspreppers.com), UC San Francisco and UC Irvine tested the effectiveness of eight drugs that had just been sitting around, unopened, in some nearby pharmacies having supposedly gone bad. These drugs were not just a few years past their expiration date, these medications were a full 28 to 40 years past their prime. The eight drugs contained a total of 15 active ingredients. The researchers couldn’t find a standard test for one of them (homatropine), so they focused their analysis on the other 14\. Out of the 14 active ingredients, 12 were still at a high enough concentration – 90% of the amount stated on the label – to qualify as having “acceptable potency.” ## These included: - **Acetaminophen (Pain Relief / Tylenol)** - **Codeine (Pain Relief / Opioid)** - **Hydrocodone (Pain Relief / Opioid)** - **Phenacetin (Analgesic)** - **Caffeine (Stimulant)** - **Chlorpheniramine (Antihistamine / Allergy Relief)** - **Pentobarbital (Barbiturate)** - **Butalbital (Barbiturate)** - **Secobarbital (Barbiturate / Sleep Aid)** - **Phenobarbital (Barbiturate /Controls Seizures /Anti-anxiety)** - **Meprobamate (Tranquilizer /Anti-Anxiety)** - **Methaqualone (Sedative / Muscle Relaxer)** The other two ingredients in the study that missed that 90% effectiveness cutoff point were aspirin and the stimulant amphetamine, though they still proved effective, just to a lesser degree. Not only do expired medications appear to remain generally effective, there are no specific reports linking expired medication to any sort of dangerous toxicity level. So it appears they are safe to take too. Solid dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules, appear to be the most stable medications past their expiration dates. Drugs that exist in solution and ones that require refrigeration, such as Codeine cough syrup, may not be as effective once it becomes out of date. While expired medications are safe to take, the loss of potency can still be a major health concern for certain types of medications. A good example is an EpiPen auto-injector. Epipens are used in life-threatening situations like anaphylaxis shock, therefore loss of potency can be a major health threat. Other medicine of concern include: insulin (diabetes), oral nitroglycerin (Chest Pain), and any vaccinations. These medications prove to lose their potency, which makes them far less effective after they become outdated. In a true medical health emergency, that loss of potency could be the different between life and death for people who rely on these medication to stay alive. If you, or someone in your family will need these types of medications to stay alive, be sure to stay mindful of those expirations dates. Sometimes it may work and be better than nothing, but the danger of medication losing its effectiveness to a life-threatening level is a real concern. Insulin, and some other medications, also run the risk of simply going bad. Insulin is a protein dissolved in water. Like any other protein, it can spoil. Again, the medication wouldn’t make you sick, it just might not work as well. Medications like insulin are kept in the refrigerator, and while they won’t last as long past expiration as other medicines, keeping them stored in a cold place will encourage a longer life past their time. When it comes to stockpiling medication, proper storage may help to extend their potency and effectiveness. Medications remain most stable when stored in a dry, cool space sheltered from light. Keep the prescription bottle caps tightly closed and anything with a manufacturers seal should remain that way if at all possible. Even though it doesn’t appear that the majority of your medication will become unusable over time, it is probably still wise to [keep adding to your supply](/how-to-prep-like-a-mormon/) with new medications regularly. Remember, that even if you know that your Tylenol is still good 10 years after the expiration date, it still might not provide as high a value in a bartering situation as a more potent version. Preparing for [an emergency](/) can definitely be complicated by health concerns. By knowing your medications and how they are effected over time can not only help you prepare, but it could possibly even be the difference between life and death. ### The Essentials of Urban Beekeeping URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-essentials-of-urban-beekeeping/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T13:24:10.000Z The country is witnessing a trend towards sustainability motivated by yearnings of self-reliance. Alongside comes a desire to produce one’s own food in any given living situation. The urban dweller is presented with the most challenges. Is it possible to produce enough food in an apartment or on a postage stamp, city-bound plot of land? While urban gardening has its own bowl full of challenges, imagine all that comes with beekeeping within the city limits. ## What will the neighbors think? Bees get a bad rap. They are the source of panic, known to drive people into a gyrating dance of flailing limbs to thwart the dreaded stinger. Given that, let’s take a moment for clarification, bees are not hornets (or wasps). Hornets (and wasps) are the aggressive of the yellow and black butt species while bees tend toward the docile side of the spectrum, stinging only in rare circumstances. Remember stinging for a bee equals its own demise unlike a hornet or wasp that can sting repeatedly. So there’s going to be a damned good reason for a bee to sting you. Having said that, the only people who should be overly wary are those who have severe allergic reactions to bee stings. Technically, you are allowed to raise bees if city or county ordinances permit the practice. Beyond that, permission from your landlord or property manager, or ewww… your homeowner association, may be required. You might also want to let your immediate neighbors know you are going to start beekeeping if for no other reason than to ensure an allergic someone isn’t nearby. Those [neighbors may actually benefit](/defending-your-neighborhood/) just as you will from keeping bees. If they grow their own food those plants will have all the pollinating activity as they need. You might also offer an occasional jar of fresh honey to smooth out (or perhaps sweeten) lingering anxieties. ### Wading in Now with the legal technicalities and neighbor anxiety smoothing accomplished, what comes next? What’s entailed in the whole beekeeping practice? Are their different species to choose from? What species matter? What’s all included in a hive? How many hives should you start with? Do you need a hive? Yes, yes you do need a hive. That was a silly question but for the beginner wading into the deep end, silly questions are worth asking. ### The Hive The typical home hive has 4 general components beyond which there are optional pieces and versions of these components that you can choose from and decide what works best for your bees. From bottom to top the basic components are; **1\. Bottom board:** This is the hive entrance. It protrudes out from the bottom providing a type of landing pad. The entrance usually has some sort of restricted entry usually by way of a screen. This serves to keep out mice and potential predators or honey thieves. This also helps with hive ventilation. A slatted rack is an option that provides for additional ventilation and further protects the brood chamber above from the elements. **2\. The Supers:** Supers are essentially boxes of different sizes that sit one atop of one another. Their function tends to determine the size. The deep supers are generally used as brood chambers where the queen lays her eggs and the young are reared. Medium or shallow supers are used as honey supers instead of the larger ones due to the weight of the honey and the difficulty of moving a deep super full the stuff. An option associated with these is a queen excluder which sets between the brood chamber and honey super. It allows drones through but keeps the queen out so she can’t lay eggs in the honey. **3\. Frames:** The frames slide down vertically, evenly spaced into the different types of supers and provide the foundation for wax building and honey production. **4\. Top covers:** The inner cover is a two-sided wooden piece with a hole in the top and one in the rimmed side. The flat side of the cover is used during Spring to Fall months and flipped over to the rimmed side to better seal the hive for winter. The outer cover, is a weather resistant cover, usually a metal that slips over the inner cover providing a barrier from the elements. ### Where does the hive go? Hive placement is important as particular factors like the amount of sun, protection from the elements and proximity to water will affect the function and success of your new endeavor. - **Sunshine** gets the bees going in the morning. Placing hives in an area with good, morning sun exposure will warm the hive and its bees readying them for the start of each day. - **Water** is a basic necessity for life including the bees you plan to keep. They also use water for honey production. Maintain a clean source of water near the hive as bees tend to go for the most convenient and if that nearest water is your neighbor’s swimming pool then your dive into urban beekeeping may become marred from the start. Avoid bee related conflicts with neighbors and provide your colony with a decent watering spot. - **Protect** your bees’ hives from the elements such as wind, (avoid winds blowing into the hive), snowdrifts building up in the winter and areas with a tendency to flood after heavy rains. The hives also need to be protected from robbers like ants, skunks, raccoons, mice and opossums. Keeping hives up off the ground will help with ants as does diatomaceous earth. Guarding against or planning to combat parasites and disease is another necessity. Consult with other local beekeepers for further advice on keeping hives safe from harm. ### How many hives should I start with? The number of hives to begin with is really up to you. Consider how much time you envision spending on beekeeping, the space available to you and, of course, how much money you want to spend. The general advice to beginners is to start with two hives. Sometimes a colony will fail and if you only have one then you have nothing else to work with. Having more than one hive will allow you to make comparisons between hives to identify what strategies work best. ### Picking a Species While there are several species beekeepers in North America have to choose from there are a few popular ones that stand out. - **Golden Italian Honeybee** (*Apis mellifera ligustica*): These tend to be the beginners’ choice as they have good comb build up, are good foragers, calm with a lower tendency to swarm but they do rob from other hives and drift between them and can be susceptible to disease. - **Carnolian Honeybee** (*Apis mellifera carnica*): This species builds up quickly in the spring, have gentle demeanor making them easy to work with and are less susceptible to some diseases. They forage more in cold, wet weather than do other breeds and they overwinter well. But they do swarm easily when there is not enough room for expansion. - **Caucasian Honeybee** (*Apis mellifera caucasica*): Originally heralding from the Central Caucasus this breed of honeybee produces a large, hearty colony. As with the carnolians, they forage in cooler temperatures and overwinter well. They have a longer tongue (or proboscis) allowing these bees to access more sources of nectar than others. This species is difficult to calm and stings easily once the hive reaches a heightened state of alarm, is susceptible to nosema (a fungal infection that impairs pollen digestion), tend to rob other hives and are slow to start up in the spring. ### 8 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Prepping URL: https://uspreppers.com/8-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-prepping/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T02:05:50.000Z Everyone makes mistakes; but when it’s a matter of life or death a small mistake can be a costly, sometimes fatal error. It is easy to feel overwhelmed in the world of prepping, especially when you are just getting started, but steering clear of a few common pitfalls will help new and experiencer preppers alike. ## Don’t Prepare for Only One Kind of Event It makes a lot of sense that places that have higher risks of certain events or disasters are prepared for what is likely to happen around them. It is understandable a person in a mountainous area having different supplies than someone who lives in a coastal region, however a true prepper cannot be taken off guard by any situation that is presented to them. Take for example how just last year horrible ice and snow gripped southern cities like Atlanta, creating havoc and leaving thousands of people stranded. Sure this is not a dire, end of the world situation, but it illustrates a powerful point. You need to be prepared for any kind of event, no matter where you live. ### Don’t Prep for a Single Date or Event For most of us, we began prepping as a response to something happening in the outside world. Whether it is a natural disaster, a financial crisis, a massive power outage, or whatever it may be, these events are usually what trigger people to begin considering their own [preparedness](https://uspreppers.com/it-can-be-done-prepping-on-a-budget/). However, there are dangers in keeping your prepping perspective in such a narrow scope. When people begin prepping as a response to a single event you can often find them becoming disillusioned with prepping in general. For instance, if you began prepping for the end of the world in 2012, perhaps you looked at the money you spent as wasteful when the day came and went with no major catastrophe. In fact, in response to other events like Y2K and the end of the Mayan calendar, some people, who are not serious preppers, will either give up, or relinquish their supplies to the highest bidder. That is why as a prepper you cannot prepare for only one single event, you have to be prepared no matter what the situation. ### Don’t Show off Your Prepping Supplies Most preppers already know about practicing operational security, and keep the discussion of their supplies vague, or non-existent if possible. Everyone wants to be a good neighbor and help their fellow man, but no one need to have hordes of folks on your doorstep in a SHTF scenario. Sure you’re proud and it sounds great to say you’ve got food stored up, weapons and ammo and all the supplies you would need to last for years if the grid goes down, but face it… that is just inviting trouble. In desperate times, people, even the people you think you know, can act out of basic need alone. Bragging about your supply or showing off your stockpile only invites an additional risk you and your family cannot afford. What you can do is share your knowledge and expertise with the friends you trust now, and encourage them to build up their own supplies for a worst case scenario. Just remember, to keep your own prepping business to yourself and your own family. ### Don’t Plan to Become a Criminal Most true preppers would never plan to engage in criminal behavior, but in a SHTF scenario you can understand why some people would consider a life of crime. Many of us have sat around with our friend and discussed what we would do if there were no cops if there were no rules. However, in reality, those who truly consider this behavior are not helping themselves or others trying to survive in a different and potentially dangerous world. The truth is, most preppers– the honest ones, have prepared for those planning to make their way by using force. It’s not so easy to take from the survivors, who are already ready and willing to defend their supplies for the good of their own family. Rather than planning to take up your gun and go the criminal way, it makes much more sense to just begin preparing now in a way that will not require force, unless you are forced to defend yourself. ### Don’t Believe Owning a Gun is All You Need Defense is a major aspect of being prepared, but just owning a gun is not all you need. Just because you have a gun, does not mean you know how to shoot it, especially in a high-pressure situation. Guns are an important tool in your goal of preparedness, but you must afford yourself training and acquire the skill to use a gun in a stressful situation. The most important thing is consistency. We lose touch when we are out of practice. Go to the range regularly, set up a schedule so you do not lose your edge. Consider signing up for classes if they offer them, and put yourself in different shooting scenarios; let’s face it, you probably are not going to get attacked by a paper target, so do just practice shooting those. Place yourself in different scenarios and bolster your skills; this training could be the difference that saves your life in a high pressure, survival situation. Don’t forget other forms of defense as well. Training in defensive or martial arts, or just staying in shape in general, could also be a deciding factor in your ability to stay safe and alive in a harmful or violent situation. ### Don’t Think Your Home is Safe Enough The truth is the majority of us just don’t live in defendable structures anymore. Most of us live near cities, or at least very close to organized civilization. If a SHTF scenario happens and violence breaks out as a response, you will very likely not be able to defend your home against what could be an overwhelming determined force. You may consider improving your chance of survival by creating a neighborhood [defense plan](https://uspreppers.com/prepare-and-plan/) with your fellow neighbors, or close by family. It’s also important, if possible, to map out your plan B. If you home becomes compromised or unsafe, you might need an escape plan. Think of where you next step might take you if you cannot defend your home anymore. In this, it is probably best to even have a plan C and plan D, but either way you look at it, you cannot take your home as a safe place for granted. ### Don’t Prep Alone Prepping is most effective when you have a team of people moving toward a common goal. That is why successful preppers often make it a family affair. This way everyone in your family knows how to act in a survival situation. There is no need to scare the kids, but keeping the whole family on the same page about your survival plans makes it much easier to act when a true crisis arises. ### Don’t Become Overwhelmed There are some preppers with spreadsheets and projections, lists and alphabetized inventories and that is great for those who have unlimited time and resources. However, for many seeing that kind of massive collection and organization only scares and overwhelms them, especially as they are just getting started in the world of prepping. That is why starting slow and taking [basic steps](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-food-storage-101-the-10-best-items-to-get-you-started/) is one way to avoid making mistakes because you are overwhelmed. Consider your five basic needs: water, food, emergency essentials, technology needs and economic means. Then start by getting all the supplies you need for one month. It will grow from there. If you don’t have a lot of money don’t worry, anything you are able to acquire now will still be far better than not being prepared at all. Avoiding these basic pitfalls is important for preppers of all levels of experience. However, the most important thing to remember is anything you do now, no matter how small, will help you and your family later. Begin taking steps to today to keep your family safe tomorrow. ### Emergency Food Storage 101: The 10 Best Items To Get You Started! URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-food-storage-101-the-10-best-items-to-get-you-started/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z ## Food Storage ### Prep 101 -Stockpiling Bulk Items If you are new to prepping, this is a great place to start. This prep 101 food storage guide is perfect for those just getting their feet wet, as we focus more on what to get started with as opposed to say, a 5 year supply. At first, just having a solid 30-day stockpile is not only easy but this will give you a better insight on how much or how far you want to go with your stock. Imagine if you were snowed in for a week? Or if a 3-day power outage were to occur? It doesn’t sound to detrimental to your lively hood, but this amount of time is a good allotment to try to prepare for. We've also covered [prepping like a Mormon](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-prep-like-a-mormon/). With [long term food storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/), there’s no immediate need to hoard a year’s worth of food right now – and that would just be a massive headache when the delivery truck arrives – just by simply buying an extra can of tuna or beans when shopping can help your stockpile can grow pretty quickly. This way helps you gauge how and what you need gradually. For a deeper dive, see [prepper food checklist](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-food-checklist/). Here are a few key points to keep in mind when getting started: ### **\* Determine how long you want to be self-sustainable (30 days -90 days – 1 year etc.)** **\* Calculate the amount of food/calories – based** from **the number of family members – for daily usage** **\* How and Where to store your stockpile (types of storage containers)** **\* Meal plan** When it comes to food storage, there are four main categories that sit atop most lists: Rice – Beans – Meat – Veggies/Fruit. These items can be stored easy, contain vital calories and nutrients, and are relatively inexpensive. Stay away from junk food, but make sure to mix it up a little; (eating rice for a week straight simply won’t give you what you need nutritionally wise and could possibly make you sick). And of course, make sure you rotate your stock according to its expiration date – so don’t be afraid to eat from your stockpile from time to time. Check out [a DIY root cellar](https://uspreppers.com/diy-root-cellar/). TEN FOOD ITEMS TO GET YOUR STOCKPILE OFF TO A GOOD START 1. **Canned Fish – Alaskan Salmon (Protein rich – Healthy Fats)** 2. **Beans – Black beans/Lima beans etc. ( Most beans are high in calories/vitamins)** 3. **Rice – Cheap and Long lasting ( High in carbohydrates )** 4. **Canned Fruit & Vegetables ( Obvious reasons for these – keyword** [**“canned”**](https://uspreppers.com/canning-food/) **to ensure longer shelf life)** 5. **Pasta – Inexpensive and light-weight ( High in carbohydrates )** 6. **Peanut Butter – Long shelf-life (Packed with fatty acids/copper/iron)** 7. **Salt – great for flavoring and many uses** 8. **Sugar (white)/Honey – lasts 10+yrs (Flavor and vital calories)** 9. **Bulk Nuts/Trail Mix (Covers many “simple” sugar and multi-vitamin needs)** 10. **Dried Milk – Versatile/good shelf life** ### Storing Your Food Most foods listed above can simply be stored in 5-gallon buckets inside your prepper pantry, and don’t cost much. Moisture is your biggest enemy – try to keep your stock off the floor – pallets can come in handy with this. For more detailed storage tips and tricks, click here. For a deeper dive, see [dehydrated food benefits](https://uspreppers.com/dehydrated-food-benefits/). ## **Freeze-Dried Food Storage** If you find yourself not wanting to put a ton of time and energy into getting a good stockpile of food established via bulk items, freeze dried food storage may be more your style. Not that you can’t do both! You can, but buying pre-packed freeze-dried foods is far more easy, especially when getting started. I found that starting with freeze-dried was less time-consuming but I eventually caught myself moving towards the bulk item stocking (above) more and more, mostly because I was more comfortable in my storing capabilities, and I had a better idea of what exactly my family needed. Related reading: [12 shelf-stable staples to start saving now](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/). TOP 4 [Emergency Food](https://uspreppers.com/one-stop-shop-emergency-food/) Suppliers 1\. Wise Food Storage Kits ( Wide variety of flavors + gluten free packs) Be sure to check out their “Food Supply Calculator”. 2\. Ready Store Storage ( The largest catalog of food types and brands) Prepping food the easiest way – EasyPrep 3\. BuyEmergencyFoods (Best Pricing per Pound) 4\. eFoodsDirect (Everything from Protein shakes to tropical fruit medleys) ### Privacy vs Intelligence Gathering: What You Need To Know! URL: https://uspreppers.com/privacy-vs-intelligence-gathering-what-you-need-to-know-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T04:05:29.000Z The right to privacy and to what extent it is sacrificed in the pursuit of security for the masses is a debate almost as old as the country. The debate is a valid one worth revisiting time to time since the boundaries are continually tested every few decades. Wartime is usually the proving ground for new intrusions against the lines of individual privacy. Many rights were curtailed during World War II but the public supported and understood the reasons given the circumstances facing the world at the time. It was for the greater good. By the 60’s public sentiment challenged these liberties taken against privacy and the government pulled back. War is the impetus behind the current incursion into Americans’ privacy. The War on Terror saw the passage of the Patriot Acts under George W. Bush which extended the “legal” capacities of intelligence agencies to press against (or even break) the privacy boundaries for the sake of gathering data on potential terrorist threats. The debates carried over into the current Congress and Administration, surging on a wave of criticism against recent NSA data mining activities. When all is said and done the essence of the debate is rooted in balancing the weight of individual privacy against the security of the country as a whole. The situation against which the current debate is set is those who wish to do harm upon our country, the terrorists, are utilizing the same networks of communication that every average person uses on a day to day basis. Intelligence agencies argue they need access to various types of data within these means of communication to thwart attacks before they happen. Isn’t it worth allowing this access if the result is stopping the next 9/11 or another Oklahoma City bombing or one more mass shooting? How much individual privacy are we willing to give up in order to improve the accuracy of intelligence data? And is the value of said data worth whittling down a cherished right? This question, in particular, is bolstered by findings that the [recent NSA telephone metadata](https://www.cnn.com/2015/05/07/politics/nsa-telephone-metadata-illegal-court/?ref=uspreppers.com) searches produced little actionable information and realizations the same information could have been acquired through existing channels. #### Now, one side of the debate says, there is no value worth endangering people’s rights. Privacy trumps all fears. End of debate. Another argument reasons if you’re not planning anything nefarious then you have nothing to worry about. The government is not going to be interested in your next family barbecue or if a friend is on the fence about divorcing her husband or what time your next physical is. The mundanity of everyday life, of the typical individual conversation, is not something the government intelligence agencies are going to care about. So why worry? Now, the government might not care about the daily habits of your life but corporations like Google, national department store chains and online retailers, they are interested. There is plenty of anger, fear and protest against government access to information about average people to go around. But where is this same outrage over for-profit corporations monitoring individual habits to market their products? Do you ever find yourself wondering why, after a quick search for freeze-dried food on Amazon or water filter reviews on Google, ads for these products begin following you all over the internet? Or how do you receive reward coupons in the mail from the grocery store for products you usually buy? Is this not slightly disturbing? Sure, it’s a little creepy how these large businesses tailor their marketing directly to you but this can be chalked up to information you gave out voluntarily, right? Yes, aspects of this practice do fall under the category freely given. You signed up for the rewards program. You did willingly shop online logged into a Google or Amazon account. But what about the information that isn’t considered voluntary, information that you don’t expect to be held for later analysis? How often do any of us use debit or credit cards to make everyday purchases? Today’s society uses these thin plastic strips for pretty much every monetary transaction. When a card is swiped at a large department store that information is held and stored along with what items were bought and customer demographics. This data is then mined to provide statisticians the means to predict what you will buy and when you will need it. An astonishing illustration of this is the case of the department store chain, Target, revealing to father his teenage daughter was pregnant before she could tell him. Target had tracked and analyzed the girl’s purchases and concluded she was expecting and assigned her a “pregnancy prediction score”. This was then used to send her coupons for products she would need at various stages of her pregnancy. Target sent these coupons to her home where she lived with her parents, as is the case with most teenagers. Her father opened the mail and, after heated discussions with store management about why his teen daughter was receiving coupons for cribs and maternity clothes, he found out she was actually pregnant. If corporations are so adept at predicting a teen pregnancy, is it not somewhat scary to think about what else they know about you? About your kids… or the family dog? While the thought of the NSA knowing what telephone number you dialed on the 8th of October, 2013 might elicit furious anger, why do we give large corporations a pass when it comes to our most intimate, personal information? It’s an interesting contradiction to say the least. Please don’t take this a dismal of government [surveillance of the public](/practical-prepper-home-defense/). The government can access the same information corporations gather on you with a judge’s order. The point is, should that much personal information even be out there for the taking? These companies have been hacked numerous times opening their customers up to identity theft and financial harm. This should be reason enough to limit what personal financial information corporations are allowed to keep. ## Protecting Yourself Whether you find yourself motivated to guard against government privacy intrusions, corporate intelligence gathering or keeping hackers out of your business, there are a number of steps you can take to limit what personal information is even available. ### Limit social media Be aware of what you share on these sites and who is allowed to view the information you do share. This guards against information tapping by the casual observer. But websites like Facebook and Google live on that data. Consider eliminating social media use and utilize private browser functions. ### Privatize browsing As touched on above, utilize private browser options when searching the internet. Learn how to turn off tracking cookies and remove those that make it through. Become knowledgeable how mobile apps track your activity and make sure you are logged off of website accounts when they’re not in use as they can continue tracking your movements. This will limit some of the omnipresent internet tracking. ### Credit Purchases Limit credit or debit purchases. While this may be nearly impossible in today’s world of online shopping and online bill pay, you can curtail some of what is released out into the worldwide web. Pay with cash at local stores. Avoid reward programs which monitor shopping habits. Granted these programs do have benefits that can save you money, especially if you’re prepping on a budget, so choose wisely. The government can help by enforcing privacy and transparency laws and consumer rights. ### Reigning in Government While there is a need for some secrecy when it comes to national security, there are limits. Continually seeking out that balance between privacy rights and the need for intelligence in an ever-changing, digital world is the biggest challenge. Take part in civil discourse on this topic, elect representatives who share your concerns for transparency but can also find that balanced ground where security is effective and rights are preserved. ### Are Medication Expiration Dates Accurate? URL: https://uspreppers.com/are-medication-expiration-dates-accurate/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z This Article was provided by our friends at – ThePrepperPages.com For a deeper dive, see [emergency med kits for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-med-kits/). ## What Preppers Need to Know About Their Medicine Cache in 2 Minutes. If you’re suspecting the expiration dates stamped on your medications are a ploy to keep you in the chain of perpetual consumption –then you’re spot on. In this post we’ll discuss what expiration dates really mean, why they are stamped on the bottle, and the actual shelf life of common prescription and over the counter medications. ## Expiration Dates The confusion began in 1979, when a newly passed law first required drug manufacturers to stamp expiration dates on their products. It was supposed to be the date which the manufacturer could still guarantee the full potency and safety of the medication. Likely the only regulation the pharmaceutical industry looked forward to implementing, these companies turned the table on the government, and assigned expiration dates that were ridiculously short. Ironically, it was the government to first feel the sting of their genius legislation. ## The Military Solution The mid 80’s saw an unaffordable $2.5 million dollars spent each year by the military to replace [expired medications](https://uspreppers.com/drug-expiration-dates-how-safe-and-effective-is-the-life-saving-medication-in-your-stockpile/). Not being able to cover the expenditure, and suspecting the dates may have been conservatively estimated by the drug companies, representatives from the Air Force Surgeon General’s office met with the FDA to establish a program for independently verifying the validity of expiration dates for more than 100 common medications. Eight months later, the FDA finished their investigation and published their findings: At a minimum, 80% of medications, in 84% of lots tested, retained full potency 18 months after their stamp date. But the FDA acknowledged even these findings were overly conservative, and so in 1987 the Department of Defense was tasked with extending the study for several more decades. ## DoD/FDA Shelf Life Extension Program The program continued on until recently, when its focus shifted to testing products of “military significance” or with “significance to national security.” Today, access to their ongoing findings is limited to users from a “.mil” or “.gov” host. But before the information became inaccessible to many preppers, the study results found their way into the national press. The findings were remarkable: 90% of more than 120 drugs, both over-the-counter and prescription, were perfectly good to use even 15 years after the expiration date. Keep in mind testing was only performed on drugs that had been stored in unopened containers, and housed in a cool dry environment. ## Medications Which Actually Expire Some medications are known to be unstable. The EpiPen is a notorious example. Containing epinephrine, its efficacy fades quickly. Others include Tetracycline, creams like Silver Sulfadiazine, vaccines, and probably injectable insulin. **Take Home Message:** Kept unopened and sealed in their original container, most of your medications should be good for at least a decade… if not two. But since your Liptor is now apparently a National Security issue, finding particular details of the medications you rely on will likely require filing a Freedom of Information Act Request – or pulling a “Snowden.” In absence of those theatrics, my medical opinion is that nearly all of your medications should be good for 10-20 years if properly stored. Check out [the best prepper medical kits](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-prepper-medical-kits/). Additional Information and Resources: [Shelf Life Information Paper](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/drug-expiration-dates-do-they-mean-anything?ref=uspreppers.com) ### Are You Ready For An Epidemic? URL: https://uspreppers.com/are-you-ready-for-an-epidemic/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:46:15.000Z Americans were made painfully aware of the panic, fear, disruption of communities, and lack of planning that occurred when the first American victim brought ebola home in 2014\. There’s no guarantee that you or your loved ones won’t catch a highly communicable disease such as ebola, influenza, or the common cold, but there is much you can do to prevent, or minimize the effects of these diseases. ## Epidemics in history: In 1919 the Spanish Flu spread quickly and uncontrolled. Over the next 4 years, it killed [50 million](http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/1918flupandemic.htm?ref=uspreppers.com) people worldwide, including 675,000 Americans. Victims often fell ill and died within hours. Interestingly, it often killed young, healthy adults. It was the worst global disaster in recorded history. There was no cure for the Spanish Flu. Flu is a respiratory viral infection. Today it kills several thousand people in the United States every year. Flu is very serious for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and medically fragile persons of all ages. Viruses mutate: [vaccines developed](http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/p0115-flu-vaccination.html?ref=uspreppers.com) annually for current flu strains may not work if the virus mutates too much before the next flu season. The 2014-2015 flu season vaccine resulted in only a 23% effectiveness. ### There are many things we can do to protect ourselves from bacterial and viral illness. Knowledge and preparation are your best defense. Handwashing is your first defense. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, lathering well and rubbing the soap on all fingers and around rings. Use a nail brush at least once a day to scrub your cuticles and under your nails. Rinse and dry well. Paper towels are the best if there is sickness in your home. You don’t really need antibacterial soap or gel unless there is a new baby, sick person, or someone with a compromised immune system. An antibacterial gel should be at least 60% alcohol. Use a good amount and rub into the hands and fingers and around jewelry until dry. ## Wash your hands often: - **Before preparing/serving food, setting the table, or emptying the dishwasher.** - **Before and after assisting a sick/disabled person.** - **Before holding an infant: antibacterial gel is convenient. Insist visitors do this!** - **After toileting or changing a baby.** - **After loading the washing machine (dirty clothes are germy clothes).** - **After cleaning house (you just cleaned up dust, fingerprints, pet hair, mouse droppings, food spatters).** - **After playing with and feeding pets.** - **After sneezing or coughing, even if you use a tissue. Use gel if convenient. Tissues must be tossed right after each use; don’t leave germ-filled tissues in your pocket or purse.** - **After shaking hands (use gel, discretely, from your purse or pocket as soon as you can).** - **Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes unnecessarily, as bacteria and viruses can enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Teach children the importance of this too, and no nose picking!** Use disinfectant spray at work and home to clean desk surfaces, phone, and computer and keypads, door and toilet handles, and other hard surfaces that people touch. We can’t eliminate all germs in our homes, but we can keep surfaces that we touch as germ-free as possible. ## How Do We Protect Ourselves During An Outbreak? During an [outbreak of illness](/ebola-vs-pandemic-flu-truly-scarier/), avoid public places as much as possible. Use the antibacterial wipes provided at some stores, or even better, take your own supply. Wipe down your hands first, then the shopping cart handle and area where you put your purse. Use another wipe on your hands when you leave the store. Try to dispose of wipes without touching any other surfaces. You might consider shopping during the least crowded hours and leaving your children at home to limit their exposure. A sneeze can blow a highly infectious mist of infection that can fill a room and contaminate air ventilation systems! Change your home ventilation filters on a regular basis. Wear a medical mask if you are concerned about breathing public air. Masks are not very expensive and can be found on Amazon or at pharmacies. Take your own water bottle instead of using public water fountains. Restaurants usually wipe down tables with a damp cloth which may be loaded with germs; use your own antibacterial wipes on the table before you sit down. The bottoms of purses are loaded with germs; hang it over the back of your chair. Never put your purse on the floor, especially in a public restroom, or you’ll be taking millions of germs home to your family. For a deeper dive, see [emergency med kits for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-med-kits/). It’s very important to stay healthy by getting enough regular sleep, exercise, and eating a healthy diet. Bathe regularly. [Treat cuts and scrapes promptly](/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/). Take care not to become dehydrated, and remember water is your best choice. Your body needs all the help it can get to fight off exposure to infection. Last but not least, don’t go out in public or to work if you are ill. ### Nature’s Top 5 Most Effective Medicines URL: https://uspreppers.com/natures-top-5-effective-medicines/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z The goal of anyone contemplating homesteading is ultimately geared toward achieving a level of self-sufficiency. Whether that goal is realized through growing one’s own food through various gardening strategies or raising backyard poultry or cultivating a homegrown source of power, the motivation is rooted in providing for the family. Providing for the family’s basic needs means ensuring they can eat when they are hungry, that they have safe water for when they are thirsty and power to deliver heat and light when needed. It also means providing for their health and welfare when hurt or ill. [Homesteading, living off the grid](/living-off-grid-mean/) on far-flung tracts of land, in relative isolation, makes a quick trip to the doctor’s office anything but. Traditional medicinal herbs can provide the care and treatment for a range of moderate illnesses and injuries or give comfort until more advanced care can be reached. This article presents some of the most useful herbal medicines to treat a wide range of ailments. While their effectiveness can vary depending on preparation, concentration and form of application, it is advisable to be aware of any drug interactions and consult a physician if pregnant or nursing before using. Check out [whether medication expiration dates matter](https://uspreppers.com/are-medication-expiration-dates-accurate/). ## Sage Sage is a gray-green, soft leafed, hardy perennial with flowers ranging in color from purple to blues, pinks, and white. Its leaves are the useful parts either clipped fresh off the plant, dried or prepared as creams or added to essential oils. Sage is used to alleviate gas, bloating and stomach cramps. The herb can reduce coughing and phlegm and gargling with sage tea can help fight throat infections. The tea has also been shown to improve memory and alertness. Oil infused with sage is good for muscle aches and chapped skin. Coupled with rhubarb in a cream it is [an effective treatment](/preparing-your-own-living-medicine-cabinet-7-herbs-you-should-be-growing-now/) for cold sores. ## St John’s Wort St. John’s wort is a shrub-like perennial with five-petalled, yellow flowers which are the useful portions. This pant has a reputation as a wonder herb that serves a catch all treatment for a full range of ailments. Unfortunately, there is not always enough evidence to verify some of the claims. St. John’s wort has been shown to work as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia associated with mild to moderate depression. Combined with black cohosh, St. John’s can help with menopausal hot flashes. And it will help reduce psoriasis. Used topically, the herb is effective in wound healing. Remember, when taking any herbal treatments, be aware of any drug interactions. ## Lavender A hearty, stemmed shrub growing about two feet tall, Lavender’s stems are leafy with gray-green shoots topped by a spiral of violet to blue flowers which carry an aromatic scent and the oils that are put to various uses. ### Aromatherapy: Used in aromatherapy treatment, lavender helps with anxiety, insomnia and headaches. ### Essential Oil: In the form of oil, lavender can treat skin problems like eczema, acne and canker sores, fungal infections and wound treatment. Infused in a bath, it aids with muscle aches. ## Aloe Vera Aloe, medicine plant for preppers. While most of us are familiar with aloe as an ingredient in hand and body creams many may not necessarily know much of its source. The aloe vera plant itself is a green, thick-skinned, stemless plant of the succulent variety, as opposed to the traditional herbs mentioned so far in this article. Unless you live in one of the warmer climates consider growing aloe plants indoors, in pots. As a succulent, they are 95% water making them intolerant to freezing temperatures and frost. For a deeper dive, see [the 10 best starter herbs for a medicinal garden](https://uspreppers.com/10-best-starter-herbs-medicinal-garden/). Aloe’s uses are predominantly topical. The gel it produces is used to reduce pain and itching of minor burns, rashes, psoriasis, sunburns, dry skin and some evidence shows positive healing and soothing effects for cold and canker sores. The plant also has a history of treating constipation but may cause diarrhea and severe cramping. For this reason, it is no longer recommended for this internal use. ## Lemon Balm Related to mint, Lemon Balm is a green stemmed plant with wrinkled, spade-shaped leaves that typically grow up to two feet high. Rubbing these leaves releases the scented oils that give the plant its name. In its various forms (tea, essential oil, topical cream) it is useful in treating insomnia, reducing stress and anxiety, agitation associated with dementia and mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Lemon balm also helps with upset stomachs and colic in nursing infants. Topically, it has been shown to treat cold sores and prevent their spread. For many of these uses it is combined with other herbs like German chamomile. Additionally, some studies have revealed lemon balm’s antibacterial properties displaying “adequate activity against” listeria and staphylococcus bacteria. ### Duct Tape And 9 Other Survival Tools You Already Own URL: https://uspreppers.com/duct-tape-9-survival-tools-already/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z The advent of the prepper trend running on the heels of a dreaded solar flare, predictions of global economic collapse, or even fears of the zombie apocalypse, has brought along with it a whole assortment of gadgetry designed for every niche duty one can imagine. But what if most of what you need is already sitting on shelves in the garage or stuffed into the kitchen junk drawer? For a deeper dive, see [top survival hacks](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-survival-hacks/). ## 1) [Duct Tape](https://uspreppers.com/aluminum-foil-the-other-duct-tape/) First called duck tape by G.I.s during World War II for its waterproofing qualities, today’s fix-all tape was originally created for the military to make equipment repairs in the field and seal ammunition boxes against the weather. Since the famous gray tape’s entrance into the public consciousness, its functionality has increased eight-fold, at least. The question of its usefulness isn’t one of, “what can it do?” but “what can’t it do?” As a tool for today’s disaster, prepper duct tape is indispensable. A mere sampling of what it can do includes; repairing tears in tent fabric, fixing tent poles to fishing rods, binding broken bones and open wounds, it can be twisted into a rope or wrapped around a leaking radiator hose and will tape pretty much any two things together. ## 2) Aluminum Foil Stuffed into a kitchen drawer or slid atop the refrigerator is another tool whose uses expand well beyond its traditional daily function. The very characteristics that make aluminum foil great for cooking are the ones that make it an effective heat insulator or reflector. The thin material can keep heat in or reflect it away depending on how it’s used. Foil can be molded into various shapes for use as a drinking cup, a container to cook in, twisted into a shiny fishing lure, flattened out to work as a signal mirror, or balled up and used as a scoring pad. ## 3) WD-40 Originally, designated water displacement #40, it was designed to prevent corrosion on nuclear missiles. But just as duct tape did, once it was made available to the public and rebranded as WD-40 the uses for the contents of that familiar yellow and blue spray can grow exponentially. Among the multitude of reasons a couple of cans of WD-40 should find their way into your prepper toolkit are; waterproof camping gear and hiking boots, sprayed on windshields it will prevent ice build up, prevent rust (of course) forming on any given metal tool you will depend on during a disaster and will keep generators and engines running smoothly by removing spark plug build up or solenoid residue. ## 4) Garbage Bags Large, plastic garbage bags are rivaled only by duct tape for the range of uses they have. Cut holes for your head and arms and Voilà! instant rain jacket/poncho/windbreaker. String one up flat with a slight incline to [collect rainwater](/diy-rainwater-collection-guide-for-preppers/) and direct where needed. Combine with duct tape to make a shelter or fill with leaves to form a pillow or even a mattress. Cover your bug-out bag to keep it dry or to wrap up emergency essentials and clothing to keep them dry. In addition, the large 55 gallon variety are extremely packable. Fold them up tight and they will take up virtually no space in your emergency bag, so don’t skimp on how many you stow away. ## 5) Dental Floss Whether or not you heed dentists’ advice and floss each and everyday, there is bound to be a roll of dental floss somewhere in your house. Small and very packable, this average roll of 44 yards (40m) of twine all bound up into its own container has a surprisingly high tinsel strength. Use for fishing line, tying into a small animal snare or to tie sticks and branches together for a garbage bag covered shelter. ## 6) Pencil Sharpener Used for more than putting a point on your disaster journal pencil, some ingenious souls have figured out a few amazing uses for this little tool. Perhaps one of the most mundane items in your home, it can be put to use sharpening tips of arrows or campfire spots all while it creates shavings perfect for fire-making tinder. ## 7) Regional Road Map Yes, that’s right, one of those pain in the butt to fold back up, paper road maps. While smartphone GPS’s have evolved into the go-to tool for locating anything and everything, during a disaster cell phone networks will be overwhelmed and batteries will die. Having a handy road map that does not require signals from satellites or electricity to show you the way will help get you where you need to go. ## 8) Wristwatch Besides telling the time of day or night, a wristwatch can also help you navigate. By pointing the hour (small) hand at the sun and drawing an imaginary line halfway between the hour hand and the 12 you will locate South. Should you find yourself in the southern hemisphere that halfway line will point north. ## 9) Bandana [This is a useful piece of fabric](/26-survival-uses-for-bandanas/) to have packed away. Wrap it around your head or the back of your neck for sun protection or turn it around to cover face and nose to guard against dusty or smokey conditions. A bandana can also bind a wound or to tie a splint, a tourniquet or made into a sling for an injured arm. ## 10) Cellphone Yes, a cellphone, and yes I am contradicting my criticism of smartphones in #7 but despite what I said cellphones do have some benefits in emergency situations. While amidst widespread disasters cell service tends to become overwhelmed but during a personal emergency such as one where you are stranded car bound in a snowstorm or are injured hiking or camping rescuers can locate you through the phone’s GPS or they can narrow a search area by determining what cellphone towers the phone pings off. And if you conserve battery power the phone’s bright, display screen or flashlight can signal rescuers as they close in on your location. ### Urban Homesteading for Urban Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/urban-homesteading-urban-preppers/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T18:03:18.000Z Urban homesteading, suburban backyard homesteading or prepper gardening, the concept is one that comes in cycles. From Victory Gardens that helped families and communities deal with food rationing throughout World War II to the beginnings of the sustainable living movement in the early 2000’s that found its footing during the Great Depression, growing your own food has been a way for everyday people to provide for their families during difficult times. Providing for one’s family during such times is the reason so many turn to disaster prepping. Many of us have yet to afford our solitary home in a country set on rich acreage bordered by abundant wilderness. Instead, we find ourselves in a 3 bedroom, on a postage stamp plot of land in suburbia or a 1 bedroom apartment in the middle of downtown highrises. Now, don’t think of this reality as a limitation but consider it an opportunity to exercise your imagination to [reach homesteading goals](http://www.tenthacrefarm.com/2013/07/how-i-started-homesteading/?ref=uspreppers.com). As with other aspects of prepping, implementing urban or semi-rural homesteading practices is a matter of scale. The concepts are virtually the same, it’s just a process of scaling up or down. Simply put, it comes down to using what available space there is and grow something useful. ## Gardening While having a backyard for gardening is nice, it’s not necessary. If all you have is a balcony or terrace consider flower boxes or pots to grow vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach or beans. For those with yard space you have more choices but start small at first. See what works. Experiment with growing methods and vegetable varieties to identify which ones work best for your family and their needs. Take a [gardening class](http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2011/10/how-to-be-a-suburban-or-urban-homesteader.html?ref=uspreppers.com) or join a community supported agriculture (CSA) association. A CSA is a system where the public buys shares in a local farm and receives fresh produce in return when harvests begin coming in. This allows you to get to know the local farmers who can offer advice on types of food to grow, growing techniques and often how to prepare new varieties of vegetables you may not be familiar with. Once the garden is planned and you’re ready to begin planting, make it a family affair. Get the kids and your spouse involved in the preparation and the whole growing and harvesting process. Delegate responsibilities for watering, weeding and keeping pests away. Start composting, another educational aspect of gardening that can be delegated to family members and will give your kitchen waste (coffee grounds, egg shells, vegetable and fruit scraps) a more beneficial purpose rather than decomposing in a landfill. And composting can be done anywhere. Whatever your living situation is there are ways to compost. Composting containers are limited only by your imagination as there are innumerable ways to build your own. If you don’t consider yourself the most handy person, there are a number of commercially available types as well, with some designed specifically for apartment dwellers. If you are one who does have a yard, consider landscaping with vegetable and fruit plants and herbs like rosemary, lavender, and chamomile instead of traditional, flowering annuals. And don’t forget to learn how to dry and [save the seeds](/seed-saving/) your gardening efforts produce. Seed saving promotes self-sufficiency, it saves money you would have spent on commercial seed packets and it provides the security of knowing exactly where your food comes from, from seed to harvest. ### Beyond the Garden There is more to an urban prepper homesteading venture than producing food. When it comes to prepping one the most important considerations is the long-term storage of [emergency essentials ](/the-preppers-pantry-essentials-of-emergency-food-storage/) for when a disaster befalls your region. Preserving what you produce will go a long way to satisfying your food stockpiling needs. Teach yourself [how to can](/canning-food/) the fruits and veggies you labored to grow. Making preserves from homegrown berries is an easy way to start. Also include in your gardening plan [keeper vegetables](/keeper-vegetables/). These are types of vegetables – mostly winter squashes but they also include onions, potatoes, carrots and some varieties of tomatoes – that you can store for months at a time if certain temperature and humidity requirements are met. Learn how to dry herbs and spices for cooking and medicinal uses. Make your own broth from chicken and turkey bones that you can freeze and use over time. Explore bread making with affordable, bulk bin ingredients. Think about [raising chickens](/urban-homesteader-raising-backyard-chickens-2/). Don’t laugh. People are raising their own chickens, and other fowl like quail, in semi-rural and urban locations. It’s a trend that is spreading remarkably fastand cities are adapting to the demand. Instead of running to the grocery store to purchase mass produced eggs that seem to fluctuate randomly in price these days, you can simply walk out and collect the morning’s eggs from your backyard’s chicken coup. And need I say it…? A flock of chickens will provide your family with plenty of fresh meat whenever it’s needed. In addition, chicken droppings make for excellent fertilizer for your prepper garden. If you’re open to chickens then how about [bee keeping](/the-essentials-of-urban-beekeeping/)? Of course, this is one venture you should consult city ordinances before starting but there are surprising number of localities that allow the practice. The benefit of fresh honey from your own hive goes without saying but keeping bees will improve your garden’s productivity through reliable pollination. And imagine the educational opportunities a bee community in the backyard will provide for your children. Last but not least, Recycle, Reuse, and Repurpose (or upcycle). Start making weekly excursions to the local thrift stores and yard sales for items you can reuse and repurpose for your needs. Add to those secondhand store trips a regular check of online classifieds like Craigslist for anything and everything from plastic buckets for planting containers to old pallets you can use to build a fence around the garden to scrap wood for constructing the chicken coup. You can also find people selling used mason jars and large pots for canning and storage bins you can convert into composters or even plastic barrels that can be used to collect rainwater. While homesteading, not unlike prepping, looked at from afar appears too daunting to even consider, if you start small and take the one step at a time approach, the whole endeavor becomes manageable. No matter where or how you live, achieving sustainability through the practices of homesteading will allow you to meet the same goals you set for keeping your family prepared against the next big disaster. And it’s all done while promoting healthy eating, family bonding and learning new skills useful throughout your lives. ### Yes, you can Prepare on Your Budget URL: https://uspreppers.com/yes-can-prepare-budget/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Prepping cheaply but not on the cheap. Now that’s the trick, isn’t it? Let’s face it, preparing for the worst can be down right expensive. Searching through disaster/doomsday prepper supply stores, it’s difficult not to become disheartened as the costs rack up into the multiple hundreds of dollars. It’s almost enough to make you throw your hands in the air and holler, “That’s it, I can’t afford this stuff!” and decided then and there to give up the goal. But prepping doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of options that will fit into the average person’s budget. It will take some ingenuity, a little strategy but most importantly… patience. For a deeper dive, see [common prepping mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/8-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-prepping/). The entirety of the business of [prepping can truly be overwhelming](/it-can-be-done-prepping-on-a-budget/) with all the different needs for survival pulling you in all directions at once. When you reach this point take a step back and think about what you really need. Focus on those individual emergency essentials that will get you through a disaster. If you shift your perspective from having to buy it all at once to buying one or two things at a time, you will have a stockpile of supplies before you know it. ## How to save and where to buy? Start off light. Put away or spend $5-$10 a paycheck on your emergency stockpile, be it food, water, medical kit items or general equipment or storage supplies. You could do both. Spend $5 each grocery trip on prepper pantry food and put $5 away in an emergency fund each paycheck to save for higher priced items. Save spare change. Find a bottle or a jar, something you can drop spare nickles, pennies and quarters into where they will pile up over a few months. You will be surprised at how fast they adds up. Let’s begin with how to save on food. There are so many ways to save money that only need a bit of imagination and simple strategies. Coupons! Coupons are your friends, Take full advantage of manufacturer and store coupons but keep in mind, even with coupons brand name foods can still cost more than their lesser known counterparts, like store brand items. Make the clearance aisles or shelves a regular stop. Sign up for rewards programs, especially those that offer monthly coupons based on your purchases. Bulk bins are great for buying staples like flour, sugar, salt, rice, oats and grains, drink mixes and pasta. Unfortunately, these days, bulk bins have become trendy and many stores treat these products as specialty items. Avoid these stores and seek out more reasonable suppliers. Also, make checking the “per unit” price a habit. These are usually found in small print, in the lower corner of the prices labels on the grocery shelves. They will help you determine if the deal is as good as it looks. ### Other strategies to consider: - **Shop the dollar stores for such items as generic first aid supplies sewing needles, rope, packaged foods with long shelf-lives, freezer bags and storage containers.** - **Stock up on travel sized toiletries. These tend to sell for about a $1 each and work great for storing in the family’s bug-out bags.** - **End of season clearance shelves and sales. Department stores will significantly discount holiday versions of food wraps, storage containers and the like. Christmas tree decorated cling wrap works as well as the regular stuff.** Repurpose and reuse. Start making a weekly excursion to the local thrift stores and yard sales for items you can reuse and repurpose for your needs. Add to those secondhand store trips a regular check of online classifieds like Craigslist for anything and everything from packaged foods, storage containers, radios to stay in communication, tools, building supplies, spare parts to repair your own equipment and even opportunities to[ barter and trade for other supplies](/preppers-bartering-guide/) your family needs. Instead of purchasing how-to books on gardening or home canning or even how to build a chicken coup for all those emergency chickens you intend to raise look to your local library or even free ebooks that can be read on virtually any device or computer these days. ### A few other stray thoughts that wouldn’t fit anywhere else: - **Reuse coffee cans for storage.** - **Save toilet paper rolls, dryer lint, old birthday cards and even pine cones for tinder to start fires.** - **Plant berry bushes. If you find you’re lacking a green thumb plant blackberries. They will grow like mad no matter how much they’re neglected. A few bushes will produce enough fruit for homemade jam to keep you in stock well into the next growing season.** **The best strategy is to keep it simple.** The most frequent disasters will not involve a global society ending event (although this could still happen and there’s no reason not to prepare for it). They will most likely be a wildfire heading for your home, a tornado cutting a swath through your town, a blizzard that cuts power for days in the middle of winter, a hurricane or an earthquake. Having the ability to drop down the money for the ultimate survival shelter capable of weathering everything thrown its way, bursting at the seams with years of freeze-dried sustenance and all the emergency essentials a family could ever conceive a need for is the dream for any doomsday prepper. But sometimes it’s enough to prepare your family to survive the first 72 hours of a given emergency situation as that is the most critical time between the disaster and when help arrives. ### Are Plastics Unsafe for Long-Term-Food-Storage? URL: https://uspreppers.com/plastics-unsafe-long-term-food-storage/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Take a minute, sit back and think about all those things used throughout any given day that are not made of some sort of plastic. From your the keys you type up daily reports on to the spatula used to flip your egg this morning to the insulated coffee mug on your desk to reusable water bottles to the drink cup your 2-year-old sips apple juice from to the container your lunch comes in, plastic is everywhere. It’s become so ubiquitous it’s difficult to point to something that doesn’t use plastic and, more often than not, we hardly notice using it. It serves the purpose we need it to serve. There. Done. Unfortunately, in recent years the problems with our reliance on plastic as a package, all material have garnered more attention. Caught off guard with the realization that your 2 year old’s juice cup, the beat up and scratched water bottle taken on umpteen hiking trips during college and the salad dressing container used for yesterday’s lunch are leaching unpronounceable chemicals into the food they hold, it’s hard not to feel dumbfounded wondering what else you’ve taken for granted that’s also contaminating your body. ## Give Me the Bad News First Okay, here it is. Plastic’s very usefulness, the ability of it to be molded, shaped and contorted into any shape the human brain can come up with is what makes it less safe than we’d like. The chemical additives that make plastic see-thru, unbreakable, softer or malleable and bendable are the very ones that seep into the foods we eat and even the air we breathe. [Concerns around food storage](/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/) relate to essentially 2 types of chemicals. ### Bisphenol A (BPA) Most of you reading this have heard of BPA. It carved a wide swath through the news media not too long ago pulling along fears of contaminated baby bottles and reusable water bottles. BPA was first made in 1891 and has been an integral component in plastics ever since making plastic cups and bottles transparent and shatterproof. The U.S. manufactures 2.3 billion tons each year. Studies have shown BPA mimics estrogen and interfere with natural female hormones. It can also promote the growth of breast cancer cells and is shown to decrease sperm counts in rats. The chemical leaches out more readily if the container is scratched or is subjected to higher temperatures as with reheating in microwaves or run through a dishwasher. Leaching at higher temperatures occurs at 55 times the rate than that of colder temps. Infants, younger children, and pregnant women are more at risk for exposure due simply to the fact that they use more of these plastic containers than other populations. There is one small bright spot though, your body does break BPA down readily into a recognized waste product that is then purged by natural means. ### Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) DEHP is one of a family of chemicals called phthalates which are used in a whole range of plastic products from various forms of PVC, vinyl floors, laundry detergent fragrances and personal hygiene products. DEHP messes with the endocrine system by mimicking hormones and displacing and interrupting hormone production. As with BPA, DEHP leaches more readily when exposed to higher temperatures but it is also highly soluble in lipids and oils, so it will easily seep into any high fat or oily foods like dairy products, meats, oil-based salad dressing and vegetable oil. An easy way to identify those plastics with BPA or DEHP is to look at the recycling code usually located on the bottom of the container. BPA is associated with #7 which is a catch-all code for plastics that include resins not represented solely by the other six recycling codings. These plastics are used to make such containers as ketchup bottles and the larger 5-gallon water and citrus juice containers. DEHP is associated with #3, the PVC’s. Making it a practice to avoid recycling codes 3 and 7 will go a long way to guarding against consuming these two chemicals. ### Good News (The Alternatives) Looking back on all those products and the containers that house them and recognizing how often you personally use them, frustrated probably understates your current feelings. But now that the bad news is out of the way, it’s time for some viable options for safely meeting your [short and long-term food storage needs](/long-term-food-storage/). Opt for polyethylene and polypropylene containers. These tend to be white or clear, food-grade containers with recycle codes of 2, 4 and 5\. While all plastics will leach, these options are the safest of the plastics and avoid subjecting them to higher temperatures as this will hasten leaching. - **#2 Plastics:** These are the high-density polyethylenes (HDPE) and are usually found as five-gallon buckets. - **#4 Plastics:** The type is the low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Rubbermaid bins are a common example of this type. - **#5 Plastics:** These are the polypropylene (PP) containers common with an airlock or Tupperware-type containers. These can release a mild toxin but again avoid exposing them to high heat and the risk will remain low. Other [food storage](https://uspreppers.com/food-storage-isnt-easy-first-thought/) options include; - **Glass:** Wide mouth canning jars or large Mason-type airlock jars. - **Ceramic containers:** Similar to the air-lock type Mason jars. - **Butcher or Wax Paper, Aluminum Foil:** Unbleached, brown butcher paper, wax paper and aluminum foil are viable alternatives for wrapping food or lining containers such as Rubbermaid-type totes that you may not feel comfortable storing food directly into. - **Silicone Products:** These are a relatively new (yet somewhat expensive) option which have grown out of demand for plastic alternatives. These are sold as lids that will stretch to fit various containers or there is a silicone version of the ziplock freezer bags. ### Bushcraft Survival In The Wilderness URL: https://uspreppers.com/bushcraft-survival-wilderness/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:34.000Z Quick raise of hands, Who has gotten turned around in the forest, out hiking or on a hunting trip? I bet anyone who’s ventured out into the wilderness can testify to a slight tinge of panic that rises from deep down in the belly before finding your bearings again. Most of the time this is the case but every once in a while a couple impulsive wrong turns do get you lost. This happened to me once hiking up the Mogollon Rim in northern Arizona, ponderosa pines clamoring in tight to an already dim and winding trail when I’m caught in a freak snowstorm, in July, in Arizona! Before realizing the extent of the storm, everything was covered in a layer of snow and I’m lost along with the trail. After 20 minutes of backtracking up and down a slope, nothing. I took stock of my daypack (not much more than big fanny pack, to tell the truth), emergency blanket, an energy bar (having already had lunch) and bottle of water. Am I going to have to survive the night up here on that? Luckily, I didn’t have to find out. I eventually found the trail and made it back to the trailhead, wet and cold but not lost in the wild. The question lingered though, could I have survived? Probably, but not very comfortably and I would have been much more confident had I known some viable bushcraft skills. Skills that could carry me through a similar situation but also through a [bug-out](/bug-out-bag-checklist/) scenario or worse, a widespread catastrophic event. ## Basics to Get You Through While there is a vast world of survival skills one can acquire that would keep them alive for, well as long as they would want but for the sake of space (and the sanity of this author) we will narrow the scope down to the basics that will certainly get anyone by in the wilds. ### Shelter Survival realty shows are the rage these days and what’s the first thing the hosts most often do? They [build a shelter](/emergency-and-long-term-shelters-for-preppers-what-to-look-for/). If it’s not the most important skill, at least shelter building is in the top 3 crucial bushcraft skills to know. The essentials of any shelter are to guard, or shelter, against the elements and should not be bigger than necessary as larger shelters are harder to hold in heat. A smaller space, not much larger than your body will warm with body heat alone. Locate the shelter away from potential hazards (runoff areas or dry river beds, near dead trees that could fall or cliffs) While there are numerous types to choose from, consider the following as models to work from and adapt to various conditions. The first is a classic, a tarp or large cloth draped over a line suspended between two trees. If the materials are available, great but if not then employing the same, general A-shape design using natural materials is an alternative. Outline an area about the length of your body and gather branches long enough and sturdy enough to function as a frame. At the head construct a sturdy ‘A’ frame with the tops crossing at the top and stuck firmly into the ground at the base. Place one end of a long branch (one the length of or slightly longer than the outline) in the crux of the crossed tops and the opposite end set into the ground at the foot of the outline. This will act as a ridge pole. Along the perimeter of the designated outline arrange the branches in an ‘A’ shape crossing at the tops with the bottoms pushed into the ground. Repeat this along the length of the outline. With the “ribs” finished then, the frame can be covered with foliage and other forest debris or tree boughs or snow. Of course, these examples are in lieu of natural shelter like a cave or if you’re caught without a tent. An option in the winter – should you be unlucky enough to be stuck out in the wilds during such time of year – is a snow shelter. These can be constructed in the classic igloo manner using stacked blocks of snow or burrowing into a pile of snow or existing drift. These shelters are remarkably useful as they are well insulated and will stay comfortably warm with little more than body heat and a candle. ### Fire Starting If there was a match or lighter and dry kindling always at hand then a section on fire starting would not be necessary but since chaos happens at the least opportune times, in all likelihood you may well find yourself in the dire situation of needing to start a fire without a match. Now, there are a number of increasingly complicated methods for getting a fire going but for our purposes let’s stick with a couple of the simplest. Before employing either of these methods, you will need to gather lightweight, dry material that will ignite with heat or spark. This is your tinder bundle or ball made up of dry grass, the “fuzz” moss found on some trees or dry wood shavings. The first method is the friction plow. This involves laying one piece of wood flat (the fire board) while with a repetitive motion pressing down on the fireboard and pushing (or plowing) away from you. As speed and friction builds, it shaves off dust that will begin to smoke. Transfer this dust onto the tinder bundle blowing lightly to ignite. Another method is the bow drill. This involves making a small, bow and arrow bow. The bow string is looped around a straight, fairly study piece of wood held perpendicular to a fireboard and with a block in your palm pressing down on the top work the bow back and forth “drilling” into the fireboard. And, as with the friction plow, this will build up heat and friction until it begins to smoke which can then light the tinder bundle. ### Navigation The topic of navigation can quickly run away into intricate complexities but here we’re going to stick with locating the cardinal directions without the benefit of a compass. In order to find east and west during a clear day start by sticking a stick into the ground. Mark the shadow cast with a rock or another stick or a scratch in the soil. Wait 15 minutes or so, as the shadow moves away from its original point. Draw a line in the dirt between the original mark and the current shadow. This is your east-west line with west indicated by the original spot and east being the current. South can be found during the day using an analog wrist watch. Start by pointing the hour (small) hand at the sun. Draw an imaginary line halfway between the hour hand and the 12\. This is south. Should you find yourself in the southern hemisphere that halfway line will point north. Navigating at night is as simple as locating the North Star, easy if the sky is clear. Start by locating the Big Dipper. Draw an imaginary line through the two stars that form the outer edge of the cup and follow that line to the brightest star along that path. This will be the North Star. Drop your vision straight down to earth and you will have north. ### How Will You Contribute To A TEOTWAWKI Colony? URL: https://uspreppers.com/will-contribute-teotwawki-colony/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Okay, so the apocalypse has befallen mankind. A global pile of doo doo has hit the fan sending us all back to the bronze – but most likely just the post-industrial – age. Through multiple missteps and more than a couple instances of dumb luck you have survived the last 8 months since the catastrophe on your own, David Brin, Postman-style. You’re smart, your [survival skills](/survival-gear-for-every-prepper/) have helped thus far but how much longer can you last on a day-to-day existence? Humans are social animals and eventually, in order to live rather than simply survive, you will need to find someplace where civilization is scratching at the hardened earth doing its damnedest to take hold. Now finding that post-apocalyptic TEOTWAWKI start-up is all well and good but those struggling souls aren’t going to take in another mouth to feed without gaining something in return. You will need skills to offer, skills that will help prop up a new colony and contribute to its continued survival. For a deeper dive, see [bushcraft skills](https://uspreppers.com/bushcraft-survival-wilderness/). ## What are your skills? Luckily, the worst has not come to pass as yet, giving you plenty of time to consider what you can offer a post-apocalypse society. So take a few minutes, sit back and think about your skills. What knowledge and experience have you garnered over the years since your first job, during all those hunting trips with Dad or Grandpa, in vo-tech classes in high school or college, building that deck over Labor Day weekend last year, the minor in chemistry that sounded interesting but you never thought would come in handy, the summer working vacation spent in Nicaragua building a village irrigation system, or spending all that time perfecting your award winning tomatoes? There are skills you might never have considered worth anything but can be honed into skill set you can brag about later. Related reading: [trading skills after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). ### Build on what you know or start learning now Envision any small town. Picture it as an entity in of itself, isolated and on its own. Look at the base infrastructure, the basic functionality. What are the essentials it depends on to expand, to maintain and repair itself, to grow and prosper? The people who live there, what do they regularly need to function as important elements of that town? Now consider what niche you can insert yourself into. ### Carpentry, Plumbing, Electricians, Construction The foundation of any town or post-apocalyptic colony (if you will) is an actual, physical foundation (or foundations) let’s make that plural for those structures and buildings needed to provide shelter for the people, for the animals that will feed and clothe them, for the means of production that will maintain that food and clothing, and the mechanisms of organization that will keep the colony running efficiently. Electricians provide the ability to distribute power and repair and maintain necessary equipment. Plumbers will distribute water and waste disposal. Construction skills and know-how will provide the essential infrastructure for the new beginnings to grow and flourish. Check out [community after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/community-after-the-collapse/). ### Animal Husbandry and Hunting Domestication of animals was one of the defining roots of the first civilizations. Knowledge of domesticated animals, that provide food and clothing for people, of their care and successful rearing will be essential. Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens all have specific needs and care requirements and knowing those specifics are invaluable. Hunting, as with husbandry, requires a knowledge of animals and their behaviors to track and locate them. And after the kill, these people need the skills to effectively clean and dress the hunted animals, preserve their meat and other parts used for a variety of purposes . ### Growing Food Many of us can grow a crop of squash or tomatoes but someone who has intimate knowledge of tending and care of plants, what their nutrient and soil type needs are, are the people who will produce a reliable, varied harvest year after year to sustain the residents of the burgeoning town. ### Doctors, Nurses, Medics, Dentists and Veterinarians It goes without saying that people and animals will get hurt and sick, and those who live together in close quarters will spread those illnesses. Because of this, people with medical knowledge will be some of the most sought after individuals. This new town will need doctors and nurses to take care of the ill and injured. Veterinarians will secure the health of animals the town depends on. Dentists may not appear high on the list of essential positions but given the serious problems caused by poor oral health, residents will jump at the chance to add a dentist to their population. ### Smithing Skills That’s right, smiths, woodworkers, toolmakers, gunsmiths, metal workers (blacksmiths), who forgot about them? We’ve grown accustomed to running down to the hardware store for a new hammer or a box of screws or to the furniture store for a replacement chair or to the sporting goods store for ammunition. But when the broader means of production that cast the metal, fabricated the pieces parts, married the bullet casing with gun powder and the projectile shut down after the fall of society no one was left to produce the things we took for granted. These are the niches where the smiths will find their places. ### Scientists and Engineers Chemists, physicists, botanists, biologists, geologists, electrical and mechanical engineers have the knowledge and expertise to take the initial infrastructure the town was built on and upgrade it to the next level that will foster continued growth and efficiency. As the town grows the need for reliable water sources become more pressing. Geologists find the water. Mechanical engineers and physicists design and build the system to bring the water to town. Electrical engineers along with physicists construct electrical generators and distribute power throughout the town, including the pumps that send water to individual buildings and homes. Chemists test the water to make sure its safe and designs systems to purify what’s contaminated. Biologists introduce game harvest plans to ensure a viable population of game animals is maintained for future use. Botanists further develop food production through advanced growing techniques and selection of most productive crop strains. We've also covered [home defense strategy](https://uspreppers.com/home-defense-strategy-for-teotwawki/). While the rugged survivalist going it alone in the wilds is the popular vision of the post-apocalyptic world, it’s not one that testifies to long-term survival. Should the end of the world come to pass leaving but a few to persevere, [survival will be embodied within groups of people working together](/defending-your-neighborhood/), united under a mission to rebuild society and secure a place for the generations to come. Developing the knowledge, skills and expertise will ensure your place in that new world. ### What Does Living Off The Grid Mean To You? URL: https://uspreppers.com/living-off-grid-mean/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Over the past few years, the concept of [disaster prepping](/) has changed, evolved if you will. Demographics have broadened to include a diverse mix of people delving into the prepper world. Perhaps, this change was birthed by the mass shift in economic uncertainty brought on by the Great Recession or after hurricanes in the Gulf, tornadoes in the Midwest, harsh North East winters and wildfires in the West people feel more exposed to natural disasters than before, motivating them to prepare to bug out and get off-the-grid. Or maybe, it’s awareness sprung from the bodies of the zombie apocalypse spread by television and movies. Most likely it’s a combination of reasons and reactions along with a movement towards sustainable living that shares many aspects of itself with disaster prepping. Sustainable or green living has motivated a growing population of people to go off the grid, which is seminal goal of any disaster prepper. But as these groups begin to intermingle and explore making such a change in lifestyle, the concept of off-grid living has come to mean something a little different to each person. ## What does Off-Grid really mean? That question has become more loaded these days and the perception of cutting the cords and going off the grid are somewhat different, all depending on the person or group you’re asking. For some, when posed the question, it is a matter of having a source of electricity if the power goes off. These people have a [portable gas-powered generator](/emergency-generators/) or a permanent standby model already hooked up and waiting for an outage. Others view off-grid as producing their own power. These are the ones who have installed solar panels or [wind turbines](/wind-power/) or both on their properties, often with battery storage systems providing power when the weather doesn’t cooperate. The most efficient of these home power arrays will send power back into the grid, rewinding the power meter and getting paid in the process. Other people will take the idea further and become essentially self-sufficient, an island unto to themselves. These individuals are not only off the electrical grid but are also removed from the water supply and sewage [disposal infrastructure](/gray-water-worth-look/). They often live in fairly isolated areas where infrastructure just never reached or if it did they might still sell their excess power back to the grid. They achieve their goals through the embrace of technology that allows them to maintain a similar level of modern convenience that anyone connected to the grid enjoy. Then there are still others who take the concept of off the grid to the farthest point on the spectrum. These individuals take on a traditional, off the land approach. In a Luddite-type tradition they tend to reject technology altogether preferring to live completely off the land, cook with wood for fuel and light their homes with candles or oil lamps. Where do you stand? When someone talks about going off-grid, what images are conjured up in your head. If you’re considering, or are already, off the grid to what are your goals, how far removed are your plans? ### Is Gray Water Worth a Look? URL: https://uspreppers.com/gray-water-worth-look/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z As a prepper busy stockpiling all the emergency essentials as possible, usually on a shoestring of a budget, wondering where your household’s wastewater goes after it swirls down the drain could not be further from your thoughts. But just maybe that waste or gray water is worth some consideration as a resource that would make full use of precious water supplies and [save you money](http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2013/01/28/14-off-grid-projects-to-cut-your-energy-and-water-usage/?ref=uspreppers.com) at the same time. For a deeper dive, see [purifying water for safe use](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). ## What is Gray Water Gray water is any water that comes from sinks, showers, washing machines as opposed to what is termed as “black water” which is water that comes in contact with feces including toilet water and what is used to clean diapers. Black water has to be kept connected to sewage lines or septic tanks. Okay, so now that the gross part is accounted for, what can household gray water be used for? Irrigation is the primary use that motivates people to implement these systems. Irrigating with gray water saves money as you will be reusing what has already come through the tap which also helps conserve water in those areas experiencing their own shortages from reduced rainfall or long-run droughts. Check out [rainwater collection](https://uspreppers.com/rainwater-collection/). ## How safe is gray water? First and foremost, this is not water you can drink. It is waste water from your home associated with cleaning. What you use to clean is dissolved in the gray water. This is the point when you should be looking closer at what you use around your home for cleaning countertops and what’s in the soap you use on your hands, the shower and your clothes. Today’s cleansers, detergents, and hand soaps are none too friendly for plants. Bleach, dyes, salts, soaps with ingredients that leave you tongue-tied and products with borax are toxic to plants. Many laundry detergents are sodium-based, as well. Sodium will keep seeds from sprouting and ruin the structure of clay soils. Consider switching to products with more natural or biodegradable ingredients. Choose phosphate-based detergents as phosphorous is one those [essential nutrients for growing plants](/urban-prepping-gardening-for-small-spaces/). So? Is it safe? Yes, gray water is safe to use watering your lawn, ornamental plants, fruit trees, your vegetable garden, yes. But there is a caveat. Because gray water may well contain bacteria do not use it directly on fruits or vegetables that will be eaten raw (apples, plums, turnips, onions for salads, etc). You can water fruit trees with it but don’t spray or water from the tops of plants. ## What does a system look like? Gray water does tend to have dirt, hair and grease so some filtration may be desired, although you can send it straight out to a storage tank or pipe it out to where irrigation is needed. Including a physical filter, a screen for example, to collect some of the grime is advisable.[ Residential gray water systems](http://www.designweneed.com/whole-house-greywater-system/?ref=uspreppers.com) generally involve redirecting water from sinks, showers and washing machines into a reserve tank where the water will then be used for watering. Another type of system involves a [constructed wetland](https://greywateraction.org/?ref=uspreppers.com). This design incorporates natural filtration of the waste water exiting the house. The water is piped out into a designated area where reed type vegetation is planted in gravel beds, set usually at an incline. The water is filtered through the soil and drains down to a storage tank where the excess is collected for further irrigation use. This system is scalable, determined by the volume of gray water output and the space available. Some people have scaled these systems down to a size workable in apartments using planter boxes for their filtration. Others, with land to use, have constructed [full gray water streams](http://www.milkwood.net/2012/10/16/building-a-simple-biological-diy-greywater-system/?ref=uspreppers.com) running through various levels of filtration zones, landscaped with vegetation and ponds. ## Be aware though… Gray water use can be touch and go depending on where you live. Some states and localities have embraced it while others have outright banned or regulated it to death (having confused gray water with black water) while still others simply haven’t addressed its use and have no standards to refer to. The best way to determine what, if any rules apply to using it around your residence is to check with the local department of public health. For those regions that do allow gray water for irrigation, their standards vary significantly. - **Some, like Arizona and Texas, do require permits if a daily discharge is below 400 gallons.** - **California, New Mexico only ask that your system meets certain standards.** - **Hawaii, Utah, Idaho, Nevada require design and permit approval.** - **All require gray water not to be used or located where it may enter run-off to waterways, including rivers,** lakes, **and coastal waters.** - **Watering is only permitted for drip or flood irrigation. No over the top or spray application because of inhalation dangers and transmission to other properties.** ## Wow, all these rules but what are the benefits? - **With up to 40% of household water use going down the drain as waste water, repurposing gray water for irrigation will reduce your water bill drastically.** - **It reduces the volume of wastewater requiring treatment at public sewage facilities which in turn will reduce costs.** - **Reduces strain on your septic tank.** - **Reduces the drain on natural aquifers often already under strain from overuse.** - **Increases awareness of our personal water usage and encourages the use of nontoxic products.** ### DIY Root Cellar For Long Term Food Storage URL: https://uspreppers.com/diy-root-cellar/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Your prepper garden is all planned for next year, a full range of storable vegetable seeds ordered a month ago are sitting on a shelf in their individual packets but wait, there’s something missing. [Where will you store all those fruits of your labors](/food-storage-isnt-easy-first-thought/)? The plan is to have plenty of fresh squash, onions, carrots and potatoes ready to use through most of the winter months but there’s no basement to speak of and the garage is already taken up with the family’s water stores and the battery bank for the solar array on the roof. Don’t despair. Give yourself some credit for thinking about this now instead of the middle of harvest time next Fall. Because between now and then, you have time to design and build your own root cellar. Be it a well used insulated cooler stuck into a hole in the ground or a fully developed, dedicated space to store those foods, there’s time to figure out which best fits for your needs. For a deeper dive, see [beginning canning](https://uspreppers.com/beginning-canning-for-preppers/). ## The Universals Whatever type, design or scale your future root cellar will take there are few universal elements any root cellar generally needs. We've also covered [long-term food storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/). Size: Base the size of your storage on the garden’s expected yield. You don’t want a huge space if there will only be a couple bags of potatoes with a few butternut squash keeping them company. But incorporate some extra space if the garden expands in the future. Check out [starting a seed bank](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-start-your-own-seed-bank/). Temperature: Temperature is one of the most important elements of produce storage. Lower temperatures keep the processes that lead to rot at bay and prevent potatoes, garlic and the like from spouting. The main contributor to the temperature of space is the soil around the cellar or storage space. Effective Drainage: While root cellar occupants need relatively higher humidity, you most certainly do not want standing water or muddy floors. Work into your design drainage piping or select a location that already has good drainage. Ventilation: Good ventilation will reduce the build up of ethylene, a plant hormone released as a gas which speeds up spoilage, and keeps the flow of cool air circulating through the space. ### The Design The design will vary based on your needs, what your prepper garden will produce, your resources and space available to build the root cellar itself. But, as is the case with most disaster prep efforts, cost is the deciding factor. That is why this design section will give a range of root cellar types, one or two of which should provide you with a viable option wherever you reside on the financial spectrum. ### A Hole in the Ground For thousands of years, from the early years of human civilization storing food in a hole in the ground has been a traditional method for preservation. Now this practice took many forms, from cloth wrapped foods stuck directly into a hole and covered up to ceramic jars, capped and covered in a space under the tile floor of a dwelling. While the particulars differed, the method was the same. [Storing below ground](http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Root%20Cellar&term%5Fmeta[]=Root|typed&term%5Fmeta[]=Cellar|typed&ref=uspreppers.com) was a reliable manner to protect food and preserve it for later use in, what amounted to, a temperature controlled space. Today, we can take a hint from those who came before us… with a few modern adjustments, of course. First, select a location that already drains well. You do not want a spot where drainage from rains or melting snow will accumulate. This is actually a major consideration when choosing your cold storage location, so choose well. Next decided on a sturdy container be it a plastic bin, an insulated cooler or a metal garbage can (preferably new or cleaned very well), there are numerous types of containers that will serve the purpose. Ventilation is a second necessity for most stored produce. This can be achieved by cutting holes on two sides of the container for PVC piping, long enough to protrude above the surface. Cap the tops and drill holes randomly down to a few inches below the top to allow for gasses to escape. This can also be done by topping the pipe with a curved, elbow fitting, anything that will allow for airflow but keep water out. Now, dig a hole appropriately shaped for your container of choice to fit snugly inside leaving enough of the top above ground to allow you to build up a mound of excess soil around it. This will further assist with drainage directing water away from the storage. Some recommend surrounding the immediate area [with straw](https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/store?ref=uspreppers.com) or a layer of dead leaves for insulation purposes. Your root cellar is now ready to use. Partitions can be put into separate produce varieties or form alternate layers separated by dividing layers of straw or sawdust. This same general design can be scaled up as well. Using the same principles but instead of utilizing an existing container you can construct a box out of hardwoods that won’t deteriorate in the soil. Remember to build up a mount for a runoff. Fill the box to within a few inches of the lid and top off with an insulating covering such as burlap or other sturdy, yet breathable, textile. This option will allow a customized storage capacity to better match the yields from [your prepper garden](/climate-change-and-drought-homesteading-in-the-new-normal/). As you determine what your needs are and if those storage capacities are large or you anticipate expanding your garden in the future then your designs need to scale up to a root cellar that can incorporate shelving, one you will actually walk into. Now, before getting too carried away with scaling up, be aware of building codes in your area as the bigger this endeavor gets, the more likely building inspections and permits will be required. But if you keep the structure to the size of the typical tool shed there shouldn’t be a need to go through a permitting process. There are inventive options for creating larger spaces, a number of which come in the form or repurposed containers. People have used connex shipping containers and even (unused) “scratch and dent” discounted septic tanks. For these, a hole is dug, usually with a backhoe or a section is taken out of an existing mound and the container is set inside. The outside is infilled and a framed doorway is built at one end. Cellars of this size have floor drains and larger ventilation piping, often assisted by fans. Other inventive souls have constructed an igloo or beehive-shaped structure out of bags of soil, larger at the base and narrowing towards the top. It incorporated floor drainage, plastered interior walls and wooden shelving inside that also acted as additional, framed support. A doorway was constructed and the entire construction was covered with grass sod. There are a full range of methods to build your own root cellar or cold storage for whatever capacity your prepper garden will produce. Options are customizable to fit individual needs that will work within the constraints of resources and cost. But in the end, the choices and designs are only limited the imagination. ### The OTHER Solar Power URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-other-solar-power/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T19:58:11.000Z When conversations or debates turn to getting *off the grid*, the usual candidates for doing so, [wind](/wind-power/) and solar power, will always make their obligatory appearance. Perhaps geothermal will get some airtime but what seems to be left out of the back and forth, and what probably wouldn’t even be considered unless you find yourself in the middle of a green-living, kumbaya jamboree is the *other* solar power. ## Passive Solar Energy As opposed to active solar energy collected through the use of solar panels, [passive solar energy](https://www.wbdg.org/resources/passive-solar-heating?ref=uspreppers.com) uses the angle of the sun and the orientation of the building (your home) to maximize exposure of the sun and heat the space. This method has been in use since ancient Greece and while modern technology has improved on the concept with the creation of more efficient materials, the basics have remained the same. And that is, determine which direction and angle receive the most sunlight, place most of the structure’s windows in that area and design the interior to optimize airflow. To explain the premise of passive solar, this quote by J.K. Paul provides a succinct description; **\[A passive solar system is designed to\] “*collect, store and distribute thermal energy by natural radiation, conduction and convection through sophisticated design and wise selection of building materials*”** Now, if we take a given passive solar design for a house in the northern hemisphere, the structure would be oriented with the most windows towards the south so they may act as the collectors of that thermal energy mentioned in J.K. Paul’s quote. The energy is absorbed and stored in the interior materials that the sun has heated throughout the day. The denser these materials are, the higher their ability to conduct heat, in which case they do not have to be directly exposed to the sun. Stone, concrete, brick and ceramic tile are some of the best materials for this. Their properties then allow the heat absorbed during the day to slowly radiate out into the house throughout the night. Then during summer months, these same materials will help cool the home if kept shaded with a roof overhang or strategically placed trees that have full foliage during the summer and loose leaves during winter to let in more sunlight. At night, if the home is left open, ceramic tile (for example) will absorb the cooler temperatures and help keep the home cooler during the day. Coupling this with sound insulation will maintain stable internal temperatures throughout most of the home. This heat energy is released by these materials creating convection air currents (along with the sun itself heating the air) within the space. As heat radiates from the floor, for instance, it displaces cooler air moving down from a window creating a cyclical air flow about the interior of the home. These currents can be controlled with strategically placed ventilation that will move warm air about to distribute it into other rooms of the house. Reading through this article so far, it applies more to someone planning to build a new home. What can owners of existing homes do to make their homes passive [solar](/solar-power/) friendly? To answer that question, there are retrofits and advice for anyone doing renovations. Here are steps you can take to improve energy efficiency and take advantage of particular passive solar elements; - **Identify locations of heat leakage and seal the problem areas.** - **Windows tend to be the worst culprits for heat and cooling loss. Replace existing windows with high-efficiency windows. This will make a world of difference for many homes.** - **If possible, increase the size and/or number of windows along the southern exposure side of the home (for those in the northern hemisphere) and reduce the number or size of windows along the north.** - **Build up insulation in existing areas and add insulation to uninsulated walls and ceilings.** - **Replace floors with higher density materials like concrete, brick or ceramic tile.** - **Some of you reading this may be living in homes already built from high thermal mass materials, such as brick homes found through the eastern and Midwest sections of the U.S. These homes can improve their passive heating properties by;** - **Insulating external wall cavities** - **Make internal alterations to improve convection airflow distribution to other parts of the home.** Passive solar energy for the purposes of heating and cooling your home is based on concepts that have been around for thousands of years for good reasons…they work. Beyond the initial costs of materials and design, the actual heating and cooling accrue no additional expense. A home designed and built holding true to these elements is self-sustaining on its own. What better design for an *off the grid* home? Now, all you have to worry about [is electricity](/how-to-store-off-grid-electricity/). But that’s for another article. ### The Keeper Vegetables URL: https://uspreppers.com/keeper-vegetables/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z Food is one of those [emergency essentials](/long-term-food-storage/) preppers jump to and stock up first. Along with stores of water, bins of dry or dehydrated goods and freeze-dried meals fill closets, garages or spare bedrooms making up the typical stockpile of food reserves but have many of you considered stocking away fresh crops from your garden? The immediate response to that is, Why bother? They won’t last more than a couple of weeks. And that’s true for most. The shelf life of garden crops can hardly compare to the years a package of freeze-dried beef stroganoff has. But what if there were varieties of vegetables that would last for months or methods of increasing the longevity of traditional crops you’re already cultivating? ## Keeper Crops Keeper crops are typically vegetables naturally inclined to long-term storage or can be prepared to last much longer than they normally would being stored at room temperature or in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator. The heartiest of the bunch are winter squashes but the list goes on to include potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic and even one particular variety of tomato. Yes, that’s right, there are tomatoes – the berry masquerading as a veggie – that can last upwards of 3 months. ## Winter Squash We’ll begin with the longest lasting of the keeper crops, the squashes. Among the multitude of choices out there the best for long-term storage are the buttercup, Hubbard, and butternut varieties. These three have a reputation for longevity with some people testifying to their butternut and Hubbard squashes still being edible after a year or more. But there’s more to their preparation than simply picking them off the vine and plopping them into a box in the garage. Each of these required curing. Curing is the process of drying out the excess water in the squash which also results in a sweeter taste because it concentrates the sugars and reduces the chance of rot by further hardening the outer skin. First, harvest the squash when the vines begin dying, usually after the first light freeze or when the skin cannot be dented by a fingernail. Do this before any hard freezes as this will reduce their storage life. Leave 2-3 inches of stem on the fruit and choose from those free of blemishes. Squash with blemishes or those torn from the stem will not store as well. Use these up first and store the better quality fruit. Once harvested, lay them out to cure in the sun for 10-14 days either on the ground or another dry spot. If a freeze is expected cover the fruit. Never wash the squash or any vegetables you plan to store but some people suggest lightly wiping them down with a prepared chlorine rinse (1 part chlorine to 6 parts water) to further prevent rot. Finish up by storing your cured squash in a well-ventilated area at a temperature between 50-60 degrees, not unlike the conditions you’d store your stockpile of freeze-dried meals. ## Onions & Garlic While similar in storage preparation onions and garlic may be harvest-ready at different times. The yellowing of their foliage is the signal they are ready to be pulled from the ground. Let them both cure in a cool, dark place for about 2 weeks. A covered porch or garage are good suggestions. Lay them out in a single layer and let them dry. Their stems will begin to brown and their outer skin will tighten as excess water evaporates. Store them in a well-ventilated box, mesh bags or paper grocery bags with randomly punched holes in them will work. Their storage temperature requirements are low, 35-40 degrees which is easier to find during winter months in cooler climates. Warmer temperatures will trigger garlic bulbs to sprout. Potatoes Potatoes have been a staple food for hundreds of years and a great candidate keeper crop. Some varieties tend to store better than others. These include those smallish yellow ones like Yukon Golds and Yellow Fins and Kennebecs which resemble a smaller version of the russet potato. As with other vegetables, potatoes are ready for harvest when their above ground foliage begins to die off. Lay them out for curing in a dark, cool place (50-60 degrees) for about 2 weeks, as you would with garlic and onions. Depending on harvest times these three could all be cured around the same time. Curing will toughen the potatoes’ skins, readying them for storage. Once dried, rub off excess clods of dirt but be careful not to bruise which will reduce storage life. Remember, never wash vegetables you plan to store. Potatoes will also be stored in well-ventilated boxes or burlap bags. Don’t store in too large of piles as the lower ones will bruise. Temperature needs are somewhat more forgiving with potatoes, unlike onions, as they will last several months between 45-50 degrees but longer if kept between 35-40 degrees. ## Carrots Carrots’ storage requirements deviate from their other below ground cousins. They can be left in the ground and harvested when needed if they are covered with a 12-18” layer of mulch (straw or leaves) before the first hard frost. But this also leaves them susceptible to some pests like wireworms or voles. The thing with carrots is they require low temperatures (32-40 degrees) and high humidity (90-95%). This makes them a bit difficult to manage if you live in a warmer climate zone. But for those with colder winters, there’s another technique. Harvest your carrots gently to avoid bruising and lay them out in a box lined with a breathable mesh and cover them in layers of sawdust or moist sand. The sand and sawdust will need changing ever couple of weeks but it will allow for the humidity needs. ## Tomatoes These actually fall into their own variety called Long Keeper tomatoes. They are slow-ripeners, taking 1½ – 3 months to ripen. Some people have reported storing these tomatoes for 4-6 months. As with other candidates for long storage, choose from the unblemished fruits. Pick when they are pale pink in color, before the first frosts. Store them at room temperature in fruit separators (egg cartons for fruit) like those used in apple boxes. This keeps the individual fruit from touching and hastening rot. Long Keeper tomatoes will ripen to a red-orange to medium-red color. When preppers seek out long term food options, their choices are limited to the extent that the nature of their [planning](/prepper-food-checklist/) requires food with a respectable shelf life and preferably without the need for refrigeration, or electricity for that matter. Freeze-dried and dry goods are the staples of any prepper’s pantry and as more people have realized the need to prepare for the worst, the available options have vastly improved. Consider expanding your disaster pantry pallet to include fresh produce. These will supplement the traditional staples, will help you when planning your [seed saving stockpiles](/seed-saving/) and provide you with viable choices for your prepper gardens. ### Food Storage Isn’t As Easy As You First Thought! URL: https://uspreppers.com/food-storage-isnt-easy-first-thought/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:29:04.000Z Long term food storage is not just about having the proper containment to keep foods [safe for longer periods of time](/plastics-unsafe-long-term-food-storage/), but it is also about going through the proper processing and handling to ensure that the food that is stored will retain its viability. When it comes to dehydration and freeze drying, there are some factors that need to be considered to retain the quality and longevity of the food. For a deeper dive, see [a DIY root cellar](https://uspreppers.com/diy-root-cellar/). ## Factors that affect food storage - **Moisture content** - **Microbe presence** - **Nutrient breakdown** - **Rancidity** - **Compromised packaging** - **Compromised internal environment** - **Chemical additives** - **Stability of ingredients** ## Check your ingredients Some of these factors need to be addressed before the foods, or bulk ingredients are even parceled into rations. You need to take a closer look at each ingredient, unfortunately, no matter how stable all the other ingredients are in the product are they are only as good as their weakest link. Make sure you read your labels and make sure your not getting anything with hydrogenated oils or soy, they tend only to have a shelf life of only a few years no matter how they are marketed. ## Source ingredients carefully The next consideration has to do with how companies are sourcing ingredients. Make sure that the companies are using reputable vendors with a solid track record, who also use only natural processes in dehydrating their foods. This includes the minimal use of heat and additive preservatives so that vitamins and minerals within the ingredients are retained. ## Choose stable oils Another concern that we have been in cases where long term stored foods do require oils, either for preparation or preservation. Make sure that the only oils that are ever used are highly stable oils such as Palm or Coconut are being used. In this way, you can be certain that foods will never go rancid, even after the packages have been sealed. This also allows us to guarantee our 25-year shelf life on all products. ## Packaging and oxygen removal The next issue is the packaging of the food as well as how oxygen is eliminated from the product. If possible, the best way is to find food that is individually nitrogen flushed, to remove lingering moisture and microbes before vacuum sealing the products. Look for food kits encased in industrial grade Mylar for the greatest amount of protection, and make sure to get food that is not using the cheap tin foil like material. This will also make sure that you do not have to contend with any outside elements, including vermin, which can infiltrate your food supply. About the Author: James Tolboe is an outdoors enthusiast and an owner at Valley Food Storage. He has a passion for helping everyone become prepared for anything that life may throw at us. For any questions visit his site at [valleyfoodstorage.com!](https://valleyfoodstorage.com/long-term-food-storage/?ref=uspreppers.com) ### Ebola vs Pandemic Flu: Which is Truly Scarier? URL: https://uspreppers.com/ebola-vs-pandemic-flu-truly-scarier/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:34.000Z Epidemic, an outbreak of a deadly disease, it’s the plot of a multitude of post-apocalyptic science fiction movie. It’s the catalyst for the zombie apocalypse craze splashed across TV and the movies. The scenario is one of the most fearful, a microscopic, virtually invisible invader killing everyone it infects. The worst part is, there seems to be nothing capable of stopping the indiscriminate rampage across the population. But that’s all confined to the movies and the demented imagination of genre writers, right? Sure. But then along comes ebola. A hemorrhagic fever, an infection with a high fever that causes its victims to bleed from the inside out. The scourge has found its way out of the African continent spreading into Europe and the U.S. Fears spread on the news faster than the disease itself. What could be scarier than an outbreak of Ebola creeping state to state? How about influenza? ## Yes, that’s right… the FLU While the imagery of Ebola ravaging a victim’s body stirs up primal fears in any who’s seen or heard about the effects, there have only been 4 cases of the disease in the US, having killed but one person within this country’s borders, a person who carried the infection from Liberia. The flu, by comparison, infects millions annually, leaving thousands dead each year. The Spanish Flu pandemic, between the Fall of 1918 and Spring 1919, left the United States with 675,000 dead out of a total population, at the time, of 105 million. Today’s researchers estimate the global loss of life from that pandemic is between 30-50 million souls. Compare these figures to those of Ebola that has, [since 1976 when it was first discovered](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola%5Fvirus%5Fdisease?ref=uspreppers.com), infected 22,100 people and resulted in approximately [8,000 deaths](http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-west-africa/case-counts.html?ref=uspreppers.com). This by no means trivializes the loss of life or the severity of the disease. Ebola is very infectious and with an average mortality rate of 50%, no one should dismiss the threat. The point is, while Ebola is a favorite of cable news more interested in ratings than accuracy, there are worse diseases and the one ranked high on the list is one that is, itself, trivialized. How many times have you heard, “Oh, I just have a touch of the flu,” dismissed as something inconsequential? The truth is, most of the time, that touch is a cold. For a touch of the flu, take the typical cold symptoms of coughing, aching, headache, fatigue and ratchet them up about four notches then throw in a 100+ fever and let simmer for about a week. A touch of the flu will put the majority down for the better part of 5 days. A bout of the illness is a truly miserable experience, leaving at the end little doubt what it was that had a hold of you. Unfortunately, for the elderly, younger children and those with weak immune systems, the ordeal can be significantly worse leading to complications like pneumonia. Thousands die in the US each year from the illness itself or those complications. Now if one were to ask the average person off the street, “Given a choice, what would you rather have, the flu or ebola?” Is there any doubt every one of those people would choose the flu? The reason most likely resides in the death rate between these two diseases. With ebola’s average chance of survival ranking in 50-50 range (technically between 30-70% depending on the quality of care), who wouldn’t choose the flu with it’s piddly 1.4 deaths per 100,000 persons. But the real concern is when the perspective is zoomed out to the population as a whole, this is where the fear of influenza takes the lead. ## All comes down to how it spreads - **While Ebola is overall much nastier than even the worst bout of the flu, the way the flu spreads puts Ebola in its place. Let’s do another comparison;** - **Ebola has an incubation period of 2-21 days, but it is not contagious until symptoms appear and those symptoms are severe, the person will know they are sick, and those around them will keep their distance. These symptoms come on fast making it unlikely a person would be capable of moving about all that far.** - **Influenza, on the other hand, becomes contagious one day before symptoms show up (some studies suggest up to 4 days before) and remains so for 5-7 more days.** - **Ebola can only spread through direct contact with bodily fluids (blood, urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, and semen) or contact with those fluids deposited on surfaces.** - **Flu is an airborne, respiratory disease capable of infecting others up to 6 feet away. Imagine how many people are within 6 feet of someone who coughs or sneezes in an elevator or subway car. It can also be spread by touching surfaces like doorknobs and countertops then from hand to face.** - **Additionally, symptomatic people who think they only have a bad cold will push themselves to go about their regular days’ activities spreading the flu virus even further.** It’s influenza’s ease and mode of transmission that makes that 1.4% mortality more significant. The infection rate translates to many more infected people, which in turn increases the number of high-risk people becoming infected, who are more susceptible to the dire complications that the flu brings on. This is where percentages can be deceiving. That 1.4% represents translates to thousands of people when it is part of a population of millions who are infected annually. And contrary to some speculation on cable news shows there is little, if any, the chance of Ebola becoming airborne. To date, there is no evidence of a bloodborne disease like Ebola (or HIV or hepatitis) transforming into a respiratory disease like influenza. Now consider a pandemic influenza bug. This is a novel (or new) virus that we humans have not been exposed to before, unlike the strains of season flu seen during the Fall and Winter months. The 1918 Spanish Flu was one of these novel viruses. It ravaged people of all ages, not just the typical high-risk populations. And with the higher mortality rate (2.5%-3%) of these pandemic strains, taken along with its ease of transmission the severity of such an outbreak is not difficult to imagine. The 20th and early 21st centuries witnessed four more influenza pandemics, the most recent occurred during the 2009-2010 flu season, none of which reached the severity of the 1918 event. ## What happens with a repeat of 1918? Once a new influenza virus is confirmed and spreading, international (WHO) and national health agencies (CDC in the U.S.) will be put on alert. In the United States, these alerts and preparations will spread to the individual states and local health departments and hospitals who will activate their response plans. Vaccine and antiviral medication suppliers will be tapped for supply and production estimates. When vaccines become available, the quantities may be relatively small. In this case, they will be prioritized for high-risk people (the elderly, young children and people with poor immune systems), those who work or live with high-risk individuals and health care workers who will be on the front lines of treating the ill. As vaccine production increases they will be made available to the general public. Now, should the worst develop with an outbreak spreading with voracity across the country the national, state and local agencies will scale up their responses. As hospitals fill to capacity, alternate treatment centers will open, anti-viral medications will be made widely available while supplies last. Mass vaccination clinics will open (once vaccines are available), strategically placed in communities to effectively serve as many people as possible. Many local health departments use their annual flu season clinics as emergency exercises to practice for just such events. Should these efforts and supplies become overwhelmed and state resources hit capacity, requests may go out to the national government to activate the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). The SNS, coordinated by the CDC, is a reserve of large quantities of medications and [medical supplies](/emergency-med-kits/) that are quickly delivered to any state in the country, where they are needed. ## Okay, that’s great but what about me? While it’s all well and good knowing government agencies have their plans and procedures for a fast spreading, outbreak of the flu, what is the average family or individual supposed to do? The best advice is the same advice you should follow to avoid getting sick every flu season. Cover your cough and wash your hands often. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers because few people actually wash their hands with warm water and soap for the prescribed 20 seconds. Limit contact with other people. Wear a surgical or another type of mask that covers your mouth and nose if you feel comfortable doing so. Create a family plan. This can simply be an addition to your family’s general [emergency plan](/prepare-and-plan/) that should include enough food and supplies for two weeks, appropriate medical supplies to treat a sick family member (thermometers, facemasks, tissues, over-the-counter cold/flu medications, prescription meds, anti-virals, fever reducers). Coordinate these plans with your neighbors, identify someone who can care for your children if you get sick. Be aware of children’s school plans and explore work from home options with employers. And stay apprised of where vaccination clinics will be, once supplies are available. So what’s the broad-brushed takeaway from all this? A blunt answer is, don’t get swept away by the hype. Put things into perspective, as what was hopefully done in this article. Ebola is scary as hell, yes. But diseases like influenza, which are hardly given a second thought today, are the ones we should worry about. And not just from an imminent, new pandemic strain but from the typical, seasonal virus as well. The CDC, last week officially declared influenza has reached epidemic levels this year due to the deaths of 15 children across the country and significant jumps in reported cases. Do you have family members over 65 or under 7? Do you live or work in a daycare or with the elderly? If you can answer, yes, to either of those questions, protect your family, protect yourself and get vaccinated. ### Urban Homesteader: Raising Backyard Chickens URL: https://uspreppers.com/urban-homesteader-raising-backyard-chickens-2/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z Until I relocated to a small city in rural California I never even conceived of people raising chickens for themselves. Moving boxes into my little house that first day, I remember hearing the rustling of ruffled feathers and warbling coos of a chicken coop out of sight behind my neighbor’s hedges. I think the first chicken I ever handled was the one that strayed into my backyard (which I’m quite impressed I caught without injury to the hen in question or myself) and returned to very appreciative *parents* next door. Soon it wasn’t out of place to see a multicolored chicken run across any given residential street on my way to the grocery store. People living in semi-rural and urban locations are raising their own chickens and building their own coops. It’s a trend that is spreading remarkably fast and cities are adapting to the demand. Instead of running to the market for mass produced eggs that seem to fluctuate randomly in price these days, you can simply walk out and collect the morning’s eggs from your backyard’s chicken coup. ## Benefits (what do you get out of it) The benefits of urban or backyard chicken raising are simple. You and your family will benefit from fresh eggs and meat (if you don’t become too attached your feathered friends). If you have also ventured into gardening, chicken dropping make for great fertilizer. Then there is the educational element for the kids. A flock of chickens will provide for a number of ready-made science project topics with the laboratory right there in the backyard. And chickens are quiet! According to [one chicken raising blogger,](http://liferearranged.com/2014/02/16-things-to-know-before-you-have-urban-chickens/?ref=uspreppers.com) her neighbors had no idea she was raising chickens until one leaped a six foot fence and wandered in through an open kitchen door. Of course, roosters are a completely different story and they are not necessary to have unless you plan on actually breeding chicks. ## What does it take to build your own chicken coop? ## Housing (Free range or Coup Living) One of the first decisions to make is whether your flock will be free range or will you provide them with comfortable condo living space? Free range is the trend in healthy, happy chicken products as we’d all much rather envision our grocery store chickens’ lives being spent roaming around a grassy field rather then stuffed into shoebox sized cages piled one on top of another. But when it comes to a group of chickens pecking their way around your backyard that idyllic free ranging vision may find itself challenged when they dig up potted plants and garden veggies for roosting and adorn patios and outdoor furniture with chicken poo. Don’t feel bad if free ranging is something neither you or your yard can handle. It doesn’t mean your flock can’t have some nice digs they can call home. For a chicken coop, first decide on a cool and dry location. You want it shaded from the sun with decent drainage against rainstorms and snow melt. Next, the flock’s new home needs to be big enough. The rule of thumb is 10sqft per bird. Design the coop with an enclosed roosting area, usually off the ground, a ramp leading down to a run area with latching doors, all framed and enclosed with hard-wire mesh, not chicken wire. The hard-wire mesh will keep predators like raccoons, snakes and raptors out. Construct the enclosed roosting area and nesting boxes with slide out, droppings trays for easier cleaning. Some suggest making the entire coop large enough for a person to step inside to clean all areas. Even though you spent the time, effort and money to construct a grand coop for your new flock, let them out to roam the backyard from time to time to scratch about and hunt for bugs. ### [Find The Perfect Pre-Built Chicken Coop!](http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=chicken%20coops&linkCode=ur2&tag=usp08-20&linkId=7XZ5GFM63XCBWJL2&ref=uspreppers.com) ### Their Needs (Yes, the chickens!) Food and water, chickens eat and drink a lot so it is important they have plenty of clean, cool, poop-free water and nutritious food. Cracked corn and grains do not make up a well rounded diet for a chicken. Today’s pampered, backyard fowl have dietary needs that change with each life stage much like other household animals you keep. In case you were not aware, chickens live on average 8-10 years. Provide them with a dust bath area. Dust baths are essentially a chicken’s daily shower and help them control parasites like lice and mites, something you will also need to check them for at set intervals. Chicken raising enthusiasts find sand works quite well for these bath areas. Speaking of parasite control and general health of your flock, plan for dealing with sick or injured birds by keeping a stocked first aid kit close at hand and arranging for a standby isolation area for those in need of attention. You will also have to learn how to trim wings. It sounds much worse than it actually is, which turns out to be no more traumatic for the hen than it is for a dog or cat having their claws trimmed. ### Some Stray Pieces of Advice - Seek out only reputable breeders for your new brood as opposed to those sold at auctions - Choose chicken breeds that are accustomed to the climate in which you live and have the temperament and adaptations for the type of rearing environment they will call home. This backyard chicken raising expert has compiled a list of breeds to get you started. - Don’t be surprised when egg laying tapers off during winter months. This is a natural trend brought on by fewer daylight hours at that time of year. Installing a light in the coop can counter some of that seasonal drop in egg production. - Egg production will also drop off somewhat with age beginning around five years of age. - Home raised chicken eggs do not require immediate refrigeration. Eggs have a natural coating that covers and fills the shells pores preventing spoilage. But this only holds true if this coating is not rubbed or washed off. Some chicken raising homesteaders are known to keep unwashed eggs out on the counter for up to a week but you have to be the ultimate judge as to what you are comfortable with. - Your chickens will imprint on family members, following you around the yard and do enjoy cuddling with the kids and the family dog. ### More Chicken Supplies! ### Ammunition vs Gold URL: https://uspreppers.com/ammunition-vs-gold/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Gold, gold, gold… that lustrous beauty of all the [precious metals](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/), the one whose allure has defined wealth for centuries and has driven men and women to the ends of the earth with hopes of uncovering even the smallest of nuggets, it now serves as the perceived foundation for an economy birthed from the ashes of the old. [Gold](/gold/), accompanied by [silver](https://uspreppers.com/silver/) and platinum, are the can’t go wrong investments for those thinking ahead towards an inevitable calamity. Precious metals are safe. Their value is secure. Whether formed into ingots, coins or part and parcel pieces of jewelry their role as a viable currency is a historical constant. Right? For a deeper dive, see [life after ammo](https://uspreppers.com/life-after-ammo/). ## Does this hold true today? The fiscal security of gold, as opposed to national currencies, has been drilled into preppers’ heads since the need to prepare for mass disasters rose from the fears of Cold War nuclear annihilation. The yellow metal was what would be relied upon after everything settled. But, today, gold has a challenger, and that challenge has arrived in the form of pragmatism. Gold’s value is essentially rooted in the market. Gold, or anything else for that matter, has value only because people have assigned a value to it. Gold, in of itself, has little intrinsic, or inherent value. That is beyond the metal’s ascribed, monetary worth, it’s practical applications are minimal. Herein lies the challenge and ammunition is its embodiment. In recent years, ammunition has emerged as the commodity to take on gold. Ammunition has value beyond it’s market value, which has increased of late as demand has grown. The first thought that comes to mind for many is ammunition’s value as a means of protection in a post-disaster era. While valid, protection of life and property is but one example of ammunition’s much broader worth. Unlike its precious metal counterpart, ammunition acts as a provider of food through hunting. And that food can then be used to provide sustenance to one’s family. Surplus food can serve as a trade commodity in a barter economy, which will most likely form during the transition period after a widespread disaster. The ammunition, itself, is a trade good as people will need to replenish their supplies over time. Check out [the top 50 items to barter with](https://uspreppers.com/the-top-50-items-to-barter-with-in-case-of-disaster/). ## Gold versus Practicality Now, ammunition’s usefulness cannot be understated; it also stands as an embodiment of a wider movement of pragmatism in the world of [disaster preparation](/). This is where the argument against precious metal investment widens and it begins with a realization that, “I can’t eat gold.” In a bartering economy, people are going to focus on goods and services that they can trade for other goods and services they require. Gold won’t feed a family of four. It won’t mend worn sweaters when the temperature begins to drop. The metal won’t build a fence to keep deer out of a garden, and it won’t filter water when the first weeks’ supplies run low. But people will trade food for helping hands to build a sturdy fence, and they will barter sewing services in exchange for filtering a few gallons of water. As with most people in this country, money is limited, and the investments they make are expected to bring worthy returns. Consider the return on an initial investment in gold in today’s market. Demand for the precious metals has increased as concerns of economic collapse are borne on the winds of each successive financial storm. As a result, gold is selling (at the time of this publication) for $1176 per ounce. Think about that number, then contemplate the amount of food, water and other supplies and equipment for survival and trade that $1176 could buy. Now, consider the value that family of four would place on what those stockpiles of supplies will provide compared to the same dollar amount of any given precious metal. While gold may still provide a foundation for a post-disaster economy, the real need is to survive until that time comes about. A severe, widespread disaster that causes a national economic collapse will require years to recover. The transitional period [after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/) and before a sustainable recovery will be the time when preparations are tested. This is when those pragmatic decisions to stockpile useful commodities will pay for themselves when the value of those initial investments are realized. ### Government Disaster Response & What’s Left to You URL: https://uspreppers.com/government-disaster-response-whats-left/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z So much of what we see in the media are bungled government responses to disasters. Look no further than Hurricane Katrina to instill an utter lack of confidence in the government to supply any support to the public during a disaster. Ronald Reagan’s famous nine most terrifying words quote, “I’m from the government. I’m here to help,” couldn’t have rung truer after that disaster. Then add to it bureaucratic wrangling over emergency relief funds as Hurricane Irene bore down on the Atlantic seaboard and after the EF5 tornado that ravaged Joplin, Missouri then what faith was left swiftly evaporates. With only criticisms and failures making headlines there’s little wonder why the[ prepper movement](/) began. But how many people are aware of all the gears set into churning motion at various levels of government when a disaster strikes? ## Gears of Government’s Response All disaster response, be it a hurricane in the Gulf or an earthquake in California, is local. The local city, county or state activates their response plans and open their Incident Command (IC) center where all response, communications, and resources are consolidated under one central unit to deal effectively with a given disaster. Born out of a series of chaotic and devastating California wildfire in the 1970’s, the Incident Command System (ICS) is the universal model for all emergency response operations and functions as a subset of the overall National Incident Management System (NIMS). The system has operated effectively through any given emergency from Midwestern floods to the wildfires that savage the western US annually to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Everything comes through the incident command center to send rescue personnel where they are needed, to manage evacuations, coordinate with hospitals taking in the injured or ill and to open overflow facilities if needed, to receive and direct resources to where they are required, to open evacuation centers and to effectively communicate with partner organizations (like the Red Cross) and the media to help inform the public of what is happening and where to go for help. The response is widespread and complex, but there are limits to what the government and its partners are capable. And that which is left is where personal preparation comes in and where those preparations can help with the overall response. ### What is Left to You - **In the event of evacuations, be ready with a** [**bug out bag**](/bug-out-bags/) **for each member of the family with accommodations for any specific needs** - **Have a [family emergency plan](https://uspreppers.com/creating-your-own-family-emergency-plan/) that addresses what to do when separated. Include contact information and meeting places. Familiarize yourself with your children’s school plans to coordinate with them and know where your children will be.** - **Consider the unique needs of family members including regular medications, special needs for elderly, young children or infants, dietary needs and mobility constraints, to name but a few. Should you find managing for these special needs is beyond your abilities, government response plans do have contingencies built in to render assistance.** - **Plan for what to do with family pets because most emergency shelters will be unable to take them in however some local governments will have worked out agreements with veterinarians and kennels to take in the four-legged loved ones.** - **If you have livestock, plan for what to do with them. Some government assistance may be available depending on where you live. Check with your local emergency manager to determine what is already included in local plans.** - **In preparation for a wildfire, create a defensible buffer zone around your home to reduce the risk of it catching fire. Remove dead vegetation and dry leaves, trim trees, relocated wood piles and remove or trim flammable shrubbery out to about 30 feet.** - **Ensure you have access to public information (radio or the internet or phone) to stay apprised of changes in the situation, where treatment and vaccination clinics are located and when the all-clear is given.** - **If sheltering in place, be sure your emergency power is wired correctly and does not interfere with repair efforts. Some generators tied into a home’s wiring can cause feedback into power lines and cause injury to repair personnel if installed incorrectly.** - **Be sure you can stay apprised of current developments in the event evacuation is necessary and you are not caught in the middle of serious conditions (shifts in a fires course or rapid approach of flood waters, etc.)** Disaster response is complex and complicated involving a great many moving, intertwined parts. Will there be mistakes? Yes. Nothing ever operates perfectly, and this is why learning from those mistakes is essential. This is why response plans are created, and disaster drills are run, so those problem areas and limitations can be identified and remedied before a real disaster strikes. As a prepper, knowing where those government response limitations are, will help you adjust [your planning](/creating-a-disaster-preparedness-kit-for-your-family/) accordingly. ### Karma Smacks Putin but what about the Rest of U.S.? URL: https://uspreppers.com/karma-smacks-putin-rest-u-s/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T04:05:29.000Z Those with an attentive ear to the tracks listening for the approach of the next economic crisis, the financial rumblings from Russia are growing loud enough for most to hear. With the devaluation of the ruble (down 50% against the Dollar this year), the drop in oil prices (not good for an economy dependent on it) and western countries’ imposed sanctions for [Putin’s actions in the Ukraine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annexation%5Fof%5FCrimea%5Fby%5Fthe%5FRussian%5FFederation?ref=uspreppers.com), it is tempting to cheer, to conclude Russia and its heavy-handed president had this coming. But as we all know, today’s world is interlinked. Countries are networked together in a larger global economy. And with the benefits such connectivity brings, it also sends waves back out to everyone when financial failures hit just one. We witnessed this in the Great Recession. That was then and this is Russia, now. ## How can Russian problems hurt us in the U.S.? A good question. Since Russia’s entrance into the World Trade Organization 3 years ago, economic trade with them has amounted to only 0.1%, meaning we don’t do a whole lot of business with them. U.S. stocks have been rattled somewhat in the last few days that could stunt economic activity if the trend continues. But those slim ties don’t add up to a wealth of concern. Besides, that’s the big stuff. The average family seems to have been spared any negative effects and with all honesty, there’s been more to smile about lately. Over the last few months, U.S. consumers’ wallets have thoroughly enjoyed the lower gas prices. There’s a bit more money in our pockets allowing us to stock some away or spend a little extra on holiday festivities. Where’s the doom and gloom? Well, there’s the kicker. As the saying goes, it’s always calm before the storm and that storm is only waiting for the right conditions to descend. While the U.S. has weathered the threat of a Greek bankruptcy and current recessions and downturns in Japan and China, Russia’s problems could become… scary. Should the global economic dominoes line up in the right order… if the Russian central bank and other corporate entities begin defaulting on loans, loans provided and held by European banks, banks that are already mopping up from various other crises, that would lead to profound complications and topple the first dominoes. They would tumble across Europe and continue straight across the Pond to the U.S. What would those developments mean for US preppers? How would we prepare for the tumbling dominoes here? The first step is already taken; the threat is recognized. The second, third and all after that [will help prepare you](/the-preppers-pantry-essentials-of-emergency-food-storage/) for however far the economy may fall. ## Run of the mill Recession to Economic Collapse While no one feels any recession is something to brush off, it is better than the alternatives. If you’re anticipating a downturn or recession or even a depression, there are a few strategies to weigh, each with their benefits. During the last recession, debt was a significant issue. People’s lives were beaten up due to mountains of debt. For this reason, consider paying down yours before the crisis hits. You will owe less and have fewer demands placed on your money when the time comes for belt tightening. Another route is to start an emergency fund. Begin putting money aside to create a cushion for yourself. This will ensure there is money on hand to keep the heat and lights on, to [buy food](/long-term-food-storage/) and to get your family by until things start turning around. Now, if you foresee a broader economic collapse paying down debt or building up an emergency fund isn’t worth the resources. Viewed against the disaster of a full economic collapse, paying down a credit card is hardly a concern. Preparing for these circumstances, resources are best directed towards building your stockpiles of food and [water](/family-water-storage-guide/), ensuring your home is equipped to exist off the grid and your family has all they need to survive sheltered in place. Concerns of economic collapse drive a desire to ensure for financial security on the other end when the new economy forms. Precious metals (gold, silver and platinum) hold their value was making them viable currencies for what eventually emerges. However, during the collapse and for a significant period after, a transitional economy known as a [barter economy](/preppers-bartering-guide/) will most likely take shape. People will trade for goods and services they require to survive. Consider pooling together a selection of these tradable commodities and skills beforehand; - **Extra food supplies** - **Hunting and food preservation skills** - **Food seeds and collection skills** - **Knowledge to build and maintain water collection and filtration systems** - **First aid/medical supplies and treatment skills** - **Knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural medicines** - **Batteries** - **Propane** - **Toiletries** - **Ammunition and ammunition production knowledge** - **Learn to distill alcohol and brew beer** - **Candle making** - **Carpentry** - **Radio repair** Any combination of these will make you and your family valued members of a barter community and will ensure a place for you all as the country repairs itself. While we can’t always predict global events accurately, preparing for the worst will ensure you can weather the moderate storms and emerge ahead of the game. ### Is there a One-Stop Shop for Emergency Food? URL: https://uspreppers.com/one-stop-shop-emergency-food/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z As preppers, we tend to set our own path, do our own thing and when it comes to our stockpile of sustenance, finding what we need rarely follows a straight route. The search for food that will *last* is a challenge. But be honest, we like that way, because when everything is eventually located those piles of supplies serve as a testament to our self-reliance. Having said that, though, and if we let our pride take a backseat for a minute, wouldn’t it be worthwhile if there was a one-stop shop for all those necessities? ## Wishful thinking? Maybe not. Wise Food Storage just might be the place. This company has amassed a broad range of emergency food choices and packaging options that make the search for long term food a bit easier. Browsing the website the choices are quickly apparent. The company’s focus is on freeze-dried foods that start from individual entree packets (typically used for camping) and end with buckets of full meals. For the prepper seeking to customize their stockpiles Wise Food sells freeze-dried meats (various styles of beef and chicken), vegetables (corn, peas, broccoli, green beans along with a variety of sauces), fruits (bananas, strawberries, peaches and apples along with yogurt and pudding) and dairy in the form of whey milk, offered in volume allowing you to cook the way you want, in the portions you choose. And keeping up with times there are glutton-free choices as well. Check out [MREs and freeze-dried food](https://uspreppers.com/mres-freeze-dried-food/). Adding to the variety of preparedness foods, the available packaging options will cut down the search time for food even further. Bundled together in standard #10 cans, each of the above choices are sold in prepackaged supplies from the minimum 72-hour emergency *Grab & Go* packs to supplies for a week, a month (or three or six) all the way up to a year’s worth of meals for multiple people that will last upwards of 25 years. Just remember temperature is the main factor for [long term food storage](/long-term-food-storage/) and storing these supplies between 50-60 degrees will ensure their longevity. For a deeper dive, see [a guide to civilian MREs](https://uspreppers.com/civilian-mres-guide/). ## More Than Just Emergency Foods! But there’s more to these foodstuffs than stocking them away for an emergency. Freeze-dried meals are sold individually or in smaller combo packs for campers and hunters to take along on any outdoor trip. From apple-cinnamon cereal to chicken Alfredo and beef lasagna there’s a full range to keep you well-nourished even out in the isolated wilds. Other times when these packs have proven their value (instances that I would not have considered) come from the testimonials. One customer spoke of a time when the power went out and had to eat all their food before it spoiled but, unfortunately, their budget would allow the family to buy more. They ended up living on their two-week supply of freeze-dried meals until their next paycheck. Another fell on hard financial times and with a special needs child, who had nutrition levels to maintain, turned to their supplies of Wise Food meals to live off of until their situation is improved. Further support for Wise Food’s website as the one-stop shop for emergency essentials is their selection of non-food emergency supplies. From fully equipped emergency bug-out kits \[with food and water packs, portable stove (with fuel pellets), cups, utensils, flashlight, emergency blanket and even playing cards all in their own backpack\] to water filters to emergency stoves and fuel pellets to multi-person survival kits to packets of food and herb seeds they seem to have most of what’s needed for survival. Whether it’s easing your search for general long-term food supplies to add to a [growing emergency stockpile](/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/) or something to eat on the next hunting trip, the Wise Food website is a worthwhile stop, if for no other reason but to peruse the choices. Don’t forget to check out and print out the USPreppers Food Storage Checklist to help plan for the needs of everyone in your family. ### Floods, Wildfires And Government Squabbling… OH MY! URL: https://uspreppers.com/planes-trains-and-government-squabbling/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T22:26:25.000Z Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, Californian earthquakes, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, for many of us those disasters seem far away, so far away it is difficult to imagine such disasters happening close to home. While a great many of us live where the threat of hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis are virtually nonexistent, we do have to contend with our fair share of hazards. From floods to wildfires to severe winter storms to tornadoes, emergency situations arise that can pull the plug on the infrastructure on which many are depending on. Power grids are disrupted, water mains freeze and burst, regular food delivery stop and communication systems become overwhelmed, all of which could leave families to survive on their own for days and with economic uncertainties and government squabbling over emergency response funding many would need to sustain themselves for even longer. Despite all this, being prepared with a few essentials will reduce the stress of managing your family’s needs during such disasters. ## Prepper Essentials: The Basics Now whether the situation is one that requires sheltering in place or outright evacuation, the basic emergency essentials are virtually the same. Everything comes down to food, water, and shelter and once those are met you and your family can ride out most any situation. Each situation can present its own particular challenges which seem overwhelming, but by stepping back and thinking of them, simply, as two different scenarios they become manageable. As the ability to weather any disaster rests on those three emergency essentials of food, water, and shelter, you only need to plan to maintain them for either a sheltering in place scenario (staying home) or an evacuation scenario (bugging out/going mobile). ## Sheltering in Place Sheltering at home is easy, it’s where you feel comfortable and secure, right? Compared to the anxiety of uprooting the family and heading out on the road, yes, [sheltering at home](/emergency-shelters/) is both preferable and easier on everyone. But lets not play down the challenges, though. Staying put still requires a supply of food, maintaining reliable access to safe water, keeping your home and everyone inside protected from the goings on outside. Under this scenario, there are more options for supplies and storage and no worrying over such pesky concerns as how much can you carry around on your back (we’ll get to that later). Sheltering in place offers the ability to store shelves of home-canned and dry goods, to keep and maintain electricity with a home generator (fueled by gas, wind or solar), to utilize a supply of stored fuel for cooking, and maintain a sustainable supply of water stored in a variety of containers and even collected from rain water. ## Bugging Out or Going Mobile Floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, in the event of those disasters that make the option of remaining at home inadvisable or downright insane, you and your family will need to head out but that does not mean you will leave unprepared. This option emphasizes minimalism, for when you have to leave home only the essentials can be taken, and often those essentials are limited to what you can carry on your back. This is where the bug out bag comes into your family’s disaster planning. The [bug out bag ](/bug-out-bags/)is a backpack – preferably a quality hiking pack that will ride comfortably on your back for long periods of time (should that be necessary) – packed with the three essentials to disaster survival; food, water and shelter along with one more item, a ready-made, emergency medical kit tailored to yours and your family’s needs. Packed with enough supplies to last at least 3 days, a bug out bag should contain water, a[ water filter for longer periods](/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/), food high in carbohydrates and protein, a tent, sleeping bag and practical clothing to get you through fluctuating weather conditions. A bug out bag can also be kept tucked away in your vehicle in the event you’re stranded away from home in an emergency. Remember weight is one of the most important considerations. Pack only what you need but be pragmatic. The bug out bag is the most limited manner of going mobile. If that is all you’re able to take then you grab it and go. However, in many instances evacuating in the family vehicle is an option. This allows for additional supplies a backpack simply cannot handle. While still sticking to the same emergency essentials and being aware of weight and available space a vehicle allows for packing away a larger, sturdier tent, more supplies of water, food and medical supplies, along with additional [cooking supplies](/survival-cooking-for-preppers/) and fuel. All these items can be prepacked and ready to go at a moment’s notice. ## Prepare For Where You Live The last and perhaps the most practical approach for your personal[ emergency planning](/creating-a-disaster-preparedness-kit-for-your-family/) is to prepare for where you live. In the western US plan for wildfires, winter storms and the occasional earthquake. If you make your home in the Midwest plan for tornadoes, floods and storms. Along the east coast prepare for hurricanes, ice storms and floods (and even the occasional earthquake). While it’s been shown that preparations for any given disaster are virtually the same, keeping those hazards most likely to occur in your area in mind will allow you to customize your family’s preparations and make them as effective as possible. Even with local, state and federal emergency responses, delays and a multitude of obstacles will surely guarantee you and your family will be left on your own for extended periods of time after the immediate dangers pass. Your ability to stay safe and sustain yourselves with the emergency essentials is directly related to how effectively you’ve planned for such situations. And that is US Preppers’ mission, to help ordinary people plan and prepare for that next disaster. ### Preppers Economy Checklist URL: https://uspreppers.com/preppers-economy-checklist/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Financial security during and after a disaster resides just beyond sustainable survival on anyone’s list of concerns. Once you’re confident you and your family have​[ stocked enough supplies and resources](https://uspreppers.com/creating-a-disaster-preparedness-kit-for-your-family/) to survive for a time on your own, the next issue to address is how to plan for when community, or society as a whole, begins to repair itself. For a deeper dive, see [preparing your money the prepper way](https://uspreppers.com/prepare-your-money-the-prepper-way/). How will you fit into and work within the new economy? Many suggest precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) as basis for financial security. This is good advice for when society stabilizes itself again. In the meantime, your neighbors and your community will be looking for the basics to rebuild their lives. Remember, you cannot eat gold. After a disaster, regional or widespread, the inner workings of the economy will, temporarily, come to depend on a bartering system where people trade supplies and skills for those things they need but are unable to provide on their own. Check out [trading after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). You and your family should prepare for the changing needs and priorities of a community and a society on the rebound. There’s lots of different opinions as to what items will be [best for preppers to barter](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-bartering-guide/) after a societal collapse, where a bartering economy may be the only viable one left for the trading of goods and services. With that said, consider this list as a starting point as you begin to prepare for and acquire goods for bartering. ## Money & Banking - Keep $1,000 or more in emergency cash in a secure, fireproof location - Hold cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for barter and change - Save 3–6 months of living expenses in an accessible account - Keep physical copies of account numbers, contacts, and recent statements - Keep a checkbook and know how to access funds without power or internet - Set aside silver dimes and quarters as a low-denomination metal hedge ## Barter Goods & Trade Stock - Accumulate silver coins and fractional gold as portable, recognizable value - Stock ammunition (if you own firearms) as a high-demand trade good - Keep small bottles of alcohol, coffee, and tobacco as classic barter items - Store stabilized gasoline and propane as fuel to trade or use - Buy heirloom, non-GMO seeds that can be grown and traded - Stockpile batteries, matches, hygiene items, and tools as trade stock - Learn a barterable skill: medical care, carpentry, repair, or food preservation - Build a trusted local network of neighbors and like-minded preppers - Document your assets, debts, and inventory so you know your position ### Medical Kit Checklist URL: https://uspreppers.com/medical-kit-checklist/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Around the house we have our regular daily medications, ibuprofen or aspirin for that backache or joint that’s been acting up, cough syrup for the all-to-frequent cold the kids bring home from school, the occasional band-aids for the same rambunctious children and those much-depended-on antihistamine for that particular time of year. For a deeper dive, see [emergency med kits for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-med-kits/). We always know right where everything is when we need them, stuffed into an overflowing medicine cabinet or in a hallway closet or a kitchen cabinet, they’re there when the need arises. But will we know where they are [when a disaster hits](https://uspreppers.com/prepare-and-plan/)? Will they be remembered when your family is given 8 minutes to pack up and evacuate because the winds have changed and the wildfires are sweeping down into the valley. Check out [the best prepper medical kits](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-prepper-medical-kits/). Preppers know if those daily meds and [first aid](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/) supplies are already packed in your family’s emergency medical kit stuffed securely into a [designated bug-out bag](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bags/). There peace of mind knowing everything you need is ready to go but first you need to decide what all goes into that precious medical kit. **NOTE:** Most importantly, your mind is the best tool in any survival or emergency situation, so above all else, make sure to acquire the proper CPR, medical and/or first responder training! You could have the most well-stocked preppers medical supply kit in the world, but you won’t be much good to anyone and put yourself and your family at risk if you lack the proper medical training. ## Medications - Prescription medications — a 30-day supply with a written list of dosages - Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin for pain and fever - Antihistamine (diphenhydramine) for allergic reactions - Anti-diarrheal (loperamide) and antacid for stomach issues - Electrolyte powder packets for dehydration and heat illness - Antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream for wounds and rashes - Epinephrine auto-injector if anyone in your household is prescribed one ## Wound Care & Trauma - Assorted adhesive bandages and butterfly closures - Sterile gauze pads (4x4) and roller gauze in multiple sizes - Medical tape and an elastic bandage (ACE wrap) - Antiseptic wipes and povidone-iodine for cleaning wounds - Trauma shears, tweezers, and safety pins - Tourniquet (CAT or similar) with hemostatic gauze for severe bleeding - Chest seal for penetrating injuries - Instant cold packs and a hot pack - Irrigation syringe for flushing dirt and debris from wounds - SAM splint for immobilizing fractures ## Tools & References - Nitrile gloves — multiple pairs to prevent cross-contamination - Digital thermometer - CPR face shield or pocket mask - First aid manual or laminated quick-reference card - Notepad and pen to record vitals and medications given ### Bug Out Bag Checklist URL: https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bag-checklist/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z While the other checklists you’ve found here on [US Preppers](https://uspreppers.com/) have been geared more towards sheltering-in-place, this one is specifically tailored to your needs in the event staying put is not in your best interests. Check out [our 72-hour bug out bag essentials](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bags/). Many of the essentials of [food](https://uspreppers.com/tag/sustenance/) and [water](https://uspreppers.com/tag/sustenance/) are the same when it comes to daily requirements, but weight and space now enter into your list of priorities. [Dehydrated](https://uspreppers.com/dehydrated-food-benefits/) and freeze-dried foods will dominate your supplies and a portable [water filter](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/) to will become your best friend. Seated next to these are a suitable shelter and a variety of survival gear designed to meet your basic needs away from home. This checklist’s focus is on the bug-out bag, a backpack or duffel bag or even a suitcase, that is packed a ready to go when an emergency hits. For a deeper dive, see [pocket-sized bug out supplies](https://uspreppers.com/9-bug-out-supplies-for-your-purse-or-pocket/). However, if you have the means for, say, a bug-out vehicle making the weight and space issue of a single pack less of a priority, an additional wish list of supplies and gear is included below the [bug-out bag basics](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bags/). We've also covered [the complete bug out bag checklist](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/). Related reading: [a mini bug out bag for a kid's school backpack](https://uspreppers.com/making-a-mini-bug-out-bag-for-your-kids-school-backpack/). For a deeper dive, see [full bug out bag guide](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bug-out-bags/). Check out [common bug out bag mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-bug-out-mistakes-to-avoid/). ## Water, Food & Fire - 2 liters of water per person per day (3-day minimum), in durable bottles or a hydration bladder - Portable water filter (Sawyer Mini or Lifestraw) plus purification tablets as backup - Steel canteen or pot that can safely boil water over a fire - 3-day supply of high-calorie, no-cook food: energy bars, nuts, jerky, and trail mix - Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals that only need boiling water - Compact mess kit with spork and a small can opener - Three fire-starting methods: ferro rod, stormproof matches, and a butane lighter - Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly as all-weather tinder ## Shelter, Clothing & Light - Emergency bivvy or two space blankets for warmth and signaling - Lightweight tarp plus 50 feet of paracord for a quick shelter - Sleeping bag or wool blanket rated for your region's coldest season - Rain poncho that doubles as a ground cloth - Extra socks (2–3 pairs, wool) and spare underwear in a dry bag - Insulating layer, gloves, and a knit cap for cold-weather evacuation - Sturdy, broken-in boots you can walk miles in - Headlamp with spare batteries, plus a backup glow stick ## Tools, Comms & Documents - Multi-tool (Leatherman or similar) and a fixed-blade knife - Folding saw for firewood and shelter building - Map of your region, a compass, and a pre-loaded GPS unit - Hand-crank or solar NOAA weather radio - Power bank and charging cables for your phone - Whistle and signal mirror for rescue signaling - Small roll of duct tape and a sewing kit for field repairs - Waterproof pouch with copies of IDs, insurance, deeds, and $200 in small bills ### Water Checklist URL: https://uspreppers.com/water-checklist/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Water, above all else, is the most vital of the emergency essentials. A relatively healthy person can go upwards of 8 weeks without food but that same person, not subjected to weather extremes or above average physical exertion, will last only 3 to 5 days without water. For a deeper dive, see [how to store water safely](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-water-safely/). Most of us grew up with that standard 8 glasses of water each day drummed into our ears but times have changed (and so have medical findings). The Institute of Medicine found the most efficient way to stave off dehydration is to “drink when you’re thirsty”. While this is excellent advice, it does present a problem for those of us [preparing for emergencies](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/). Check out [water purification methods](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). We need specific quantities, numbers to add and multiply together. Thankfully, the IOM also provided recommended amounts. The average person should have a general fluid intake of about 110 ounces (13 cups/3 liters) of water daily, slightly less for women and a little more for men. Keep in mind, while 80% of your intake comes from fluids, 20% comes from foods like fruits and vegetables. ## Storing Water - Store 1 gallon of water per person per day, with a 2-week minimum supply - Use food-grade, BPA-free containers or 55-gallon drums dedicated to water - Treat stored tap water with 2 drops of unscented household bleach per gallon - Label every container with the fill date and rotate the supply every 6 months - Keep a WaterBOB bathtub liner (holds up to 100 gallons) for last-minute filling - Know how to drain your water heater to access 40–80 gallons in an emergency - Store extra water for pets, cooking, and hygiene, not just drinking ## Purifying & Collecting - Gravity filter (Berkey or similar) for daily household drinking water - Portable squeeze filter (Sawyer or Lifestraw) for each go-bag - Iodine or chlorine dioxide tablets as a backup purification method - Boil cloudy or suspect water for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet) - Install rain barrels with downspout diverters for off-grid collection - Keep plastic sheeting and tarps for condensation and rain catchment - Map nearby natural water sources (rivers, lakes, springs) before you need them - Know contamination risks and keep collection points away from runoff and septic - Keep a bucket and unscented bleach for disinfecting containers in the field ### Prepper Food Checklist URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepper-food-checklist/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z As many of you know, water is the most important emergency essential but food finishes at a very close second. The average person can last, at most, 8 weeks without food as long as they have water. But who wants to? And in an emergency situation how could you possibly function without regular, albeit rationed, meals? Now the selection of food types and preservation methods are broad, it is best to simmer it down to how many calories do we need each day. For the average, moderately active person between the ages of 14-40, 2,000-2,800 calories a daily is sufficient. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 45-65% of those calories (about 130 grams) be carbohydrates with 10% (but not more than 35%) as protein.​ Carbohydrates can be found in grains (wheat, oats, rice), beans and starchy vegetables (potatoes, yams, peas, corn) and fruits. Sources of protein also include beans and vegetables like peas but are also found in nuts and any source of meat. Keep these varieties in mind for your own [pantries and storage.](https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-pantry-essentials-of-emergency-food-storage/) **This [food storage](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-food-storage-101-the-10-best-items-to-get-you-started/) checklist contains the minimum recommended requirements for one adult to maintain for one year.** For a deeper dive, see [12 long-life staples to stock](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/). ## Long-Term Staples - Rice — about 50 pounds per person per year for a calorie backbone - Dried beans and lentils — roughly 30 pounds per person per year - Wheat berries or all-purpose flour plus baking powder for bread - Rolled oats for breakfasts and baking - Pasta and noodles for fast, filling meals - Cooking oil (vegetable or olive) — at least 2 gallons stored - Salt, sugar, and honey for preservation and calories - Powdered milk and shelf-stable canned milk - Canned vegetables, fruits, and meats or fish for variety and nutrition - Peanut butter and other nut butters for dense, ready-to-eat calories - Spices, bouillon cubes, and vinegar to keep meals palatable ## Storage & Cooking - Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for long-term dry-goods storage - Food-grade buckets with gamma-seal lids to keep out pests and moisture - Vacuum sealer and bags for repackaging bulk items - Two manual can openers (one will get lost) - Date everything and rotate using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system - Store food in a cool, dark, dry place that stays below 70°F - Camp stove with propane or butane fuel and spare canisters - Cast-iron skillet and a large pot that work over open flame - Manual grain mill for turning stored wheat into flour - Rocket stove or solar oven as a no-fuel cooking backup ### Emergency Generators URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-generators/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:35.000Z “We’ve all been through a power outage. The TV shuts off in the middle of a favorite show. The lights blink off and an eerie quiet greets you from out of the darkness. No monotonous hum from the refrigerator, no rush of air through heating vents. Those everyday sounds shunted into the background become deafening in their silence and worrisome in their absence.” It’s that very absence of sound that should cause you concerned. No rush of air through your home’s air ducts means there isn’t any heat for your family. No hum from the refrigerator means all that food inside will remain edible for only a few more hours. It’s at those moments that you kick yourself for not buying the emergency generator you saw on sale just last week. In the short-term, a power failure is an inconvenience. In the longer term, food begins to spoil, the cold from outside makes its way indoors and doing anything after the sun goes down is next to impossible without light. This a problem that needs fixing and to do so means thinking ahead. Time your home gets its very own backup generator. ## Basic Emergency Generators – Types The two main types of generators are portable and permanent, standby styles. If you want to produce electricity for a few lights, and perhaps a furnace and a refrigerator, you can manage with a portable, less expensive model. However, if your needs are greater — for instance a well pump, a freezer or air conditioning — you will need a standby generator, which automatically turns on when the power goes off. ### Size Matters Whichever type you decide to use, you will need to match its size to your home’s power requirements. If the generator is too small for your usage, not only will it break down sooner, but it can ruin appliances that use more current than a smaller model can deliver. Sizes are measured in kilowatts (1kW = 1,000 watts). A 5-kilowatt portable generator should provide electricity for a refrigerator , furnace fan, a few lights and a laptop. To calculate the size you need, refer to your appliances’ specifications label. To find its wattage, add the amounts together, and double the total to allow for the surge some appliances, like refrigerators or air conditioners, caused when they cycle on. Also, be sure the generator you choose will deliver the 120 volts a typical home’s circuitry requires. A too high of voltage, or output variation during heavy load times can cause some appliances and electronics to run hot. That will determine your minimum wattage during an emergency. ### Generator Fuels Permanent, standby generators tend to run on existing fuel lines, either propane or natural gas while portables predominantly run on gasoline. But portables can run on a wider variety, including natural or propane gas, and diesel or biodiesel. Your choice of fuel will depend on the use you require from the generator, as well as what is most available in your locality. ### Gasoline Less expensive models use gasoline, which itself is cheaper and more readily available than diesel or propane. The disadvantages are that gasoline-powered models operate at a higher RPMs, which shortens their lifespan and makes them extremely noisy. Storage is another issue — you cannot store the fuel in closed areas for safety reasons. Gasoline also has a shelf life of about six months, so you cannot really keep large amounts in case of emergency. ### Propane Propane generators have considerable advantages over gasoline by way of their longevity and cleaner operation. The propane comes in filled cylinders, which are easily connected and switched out for full ones. A 45-gallon cylinder tank can, depending on the generator itself, power an 8-kilowatt model, providing electricity for several appliances for 24 hours. The disadvantage is propane is the most costly of the liquid fuel options but it does not have a limited shelf life like gasoline and diesel. ### Diesel Diesel models tend to be available as permanent, standby types versus them being found as portables. They are more efficient and will last longer than their gasoline-powered counterparts, if they are properly maintained. Diesel models also operate much quieter and they run at a lower RPM speed, prolonging the life of the generator. However, diesel generators are significantly more expensive than other types, and can be harder to find. Storing diesel, as with gasoline, is problematic as it is prone to degradation due to algae growth. ### Solar and Wind-powered Photovoltaic portables can run and portables can run, while not the traditional type of generator considered when thinking of emergency power, are viable alternatives to fuel-based models. Both systems are designed to produce electricity (solar during daylight hours and if there is wind, the wind turbine will produce) which is stored in batteries and converted to AC power for your home use. Detailed information about these alternative power sources is available in our [Solar](/solar-power/) and [Wind Power](/wind-power/) Guides. ### Components Fuel-powered generators consist of an engine, an alternator that converts energy from the engine into electricity, plus an output/control panel housing circuit breakers, outlets and switches, all held together by a frame. Diesel and gasoline-powered generators also have a fuel tank. Engines can be air cooled or liquid cooled, the air-cooled ones are cheaper, and better quality generators have overhead valves (OHV) — these run smoother and quieter, and produce less emission. ### Connecting Smaller portable generators that produce enough power for a few appliances can be connected with extension cords. Make sure you use a heavy-duty cord that will not cause excessive drop in voltage, especially if they are connected to larger appliances like refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. A poor-quality cord is dangerous as it can overheat becoming a fire hazard. A potentially safer alternative is a transfer switch. A transfer switch is a special electrical panel that is installed as a subpanel off the main circuit-breaker panel. This way, even with a portable generator, you can provide electricity for entire circuits in the house, not just individual appliances. This option does require an electrician to install. ### Don’t Wait Planning for power failures makes a lot of sense, especially as experts predict increasing problems with electrical grid reliability in future, especially with the threat of natural disasters and potential terror attack. Once you determine which type will work for your home, you can get your backup generator ready now without waiting until after the next emergency. Not only will you Wind Power, but a backup generator will ensure your self-sufficiency when the worst happens. ### Bug Out Shelter: Build, Buy, and Design Emergency Shelters URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-shelters/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “When it comes to preparing for an emergency, having enough food, water and, by all means, the appropriate shelter will provide your family with safety and peace of mind during the worst of times.” Depending on whether your plans call for sheltering in one place or bugging-out, there are a wealth of [options for any prepper](/the-uspreppers-emergency-essentials-what-every-prepper-needs-to-know/) to buy, build or designed their perfect shelter to survive any given disaster. For a deeper dive, see [long-term shelters](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-and-long-term-shelters-for-preppers-what-to-look-for/). Sheltering in place is the most convenient option for anyone. Usually, this means staying at home with a full stockpile of essentials in a comfortable and familiar place, which goes a long way to maintaining the family’s moral. Check out [emergency generators](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-generators/). But many people seek out alternate emergency shelters, and at the options of improved security, isolation or just a place where they can disappear until the worst is over. For those preppers the choices are limited only by their imaginations… and their wallets but that discussion can wait for another time. ## Emergency Shelters For those seeking the ultimate in survival, the experts have gone far beyond simple tents and shacks in the backyard. Today’s shelters have everything you need to survive for a week or a year. These shelters include indoor plumbing, electricity, and solar powered appliances. We've also covered [emergency lighting](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-lighting/). ### ISBUs (Intermodal Steel Building Units) ISBU’s are modified shipping containers; the large metal connexes used on shipping barges to store cargo. These gained notoriety after hurricane Katrina as sturdy alternatives to FEMA trailers for people left homeless after that disaster. They offer the ultimate in protection from fire, wind, flood and are now sought after as permanent housing for people rebuilding after tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes. What is better suited as a disaster shelter than a large, ready-to-use box of reinforced steel? With a price tag in the $900 range, these structures are not only physically rugged but also affordable. ISBUs come in standard sizes (think 18 wheelers) and can accommodate the average family of five comfortably. If you want to upgrade your amenities, there are companies that build shelters for preppers exclusively, and will trick out your home with breaker panels, vinyl floor coverings, hidden compartments for storing arms, phone hookups and fully functioning bathrooms. The average cost of these customized units run between $17k and $25k. ### Building Underground Sheltering underground is the disappearing option for those who want to simply be out of sight, out of mind. Underground shelters are made from framed wood, reinforced concrete, and hard plastics. You can build these yourself, purchase prefabricated units and stick them in the ground or contract companies that specialize in designing and constructing such shelters. Prices for these range as far and wide as do the options you have to choose from. After reading about cargo containers, you may be tempted to use an ISBU for an underground shelter. They seem like a great choice but these units were just not designed for that purpose. Unfortunately, acid from soil and constant exposure to moisture can cause a below ground shipping container to corrode, warp and buckle causing a potentially dangerous situation. ## DIY Shelters Many preppers find it more advantageous to go the do-it-yourself route when it comes to emergency shelter plans. There are several steps that you must take to ensure the safety of your bunker. First, for an underground shelter, make sure it is far enough under the ground to protect you from whatever may come. Make sure to build your shelter outside of flood plains or away from areas like New Orleans, where high water tables make underground shelters infeasible. Make sure your bunker avoids preexisting fuel and electrical lines, which can pose a danger to your structure and your safety. Ensure for proper ventilation and design it with multiple exits should one become blocked by various means. Building above ground presents fewer concerns or constraints than underground. You have more freedom for design, space and building materials. If you desire the isolation underground shelters offer, then finding “an out of the way” piece of property would provide the security isolation provides. The market for above ground shelters is wide with build kits, prefab and specialized contractors available. ### Bug-Out Campers and Trailers Should [bugging-out](/making-a-mini-bug-out-bag-for-your-kids-school-backpack/) be your plan of choice, then campers or trailers are the second best option to sheltering in place. Similar to RVs, these campers and trailers offer both a means of shelter and escape. These can start out as the typical travel trailer or camper and used as a base which is then converted to into a self-contained survival RV. Another is the “stealth trailer” approach which begins with the purchase of a cargo trailer and the prepper builds up the interior to their needs. On the outside, it looks like a plain box trailer but the inside is fitted with all the accouterments the family needs to survive. When searching for a candidate RV consider its durability and ease of conversion. There are several modifications you will need to make. First, treat the undercarriage and chassis to prevent rust. Sealing off the roof will prevent leaks and help your shelter to withstand heavy rains and moisture. Insulate your shelter to help keep out the elements. This simple DIY shelter will cost between $2,500 and $7,000 for the camper itself and about $500 for the improvements. ### Cargo Van Campers The cargo van conversion option takes its inspiration from the traditional campers’ favorite, the VW bus. Start by locating an average cargo van and with a few modifications, and you will have a fully mobile shelter on wheels. The vehicle’s exterior looks like any other run of the mill work truck but inside, it is customized to include a kitchenette, bunk beds, portable toilet and cooler for food storage. Seats can be made to fold down to make it easy to store household goods, supplies, and food. These campers are spacious enough to accommodate your family and keep them safe for weeks until you reach safety. ### Bug Out Tents Bug-out tents vary by design, size and material they’re constructed with but you’re preparing for a disaster that sends you away from home, the choice will be based on how you are traveling. Are you hoofing it on your own two legs with a pack strapped to your back or will you have a vehicle to load up with supplies? bugging-out range from asimple tarp hung over a rope attached to two trees and staked at the corner, to a one person bivouac tent. To 2-4 person dome tents with room to stand up in. Most pack tents these days employ lightweight poles and fabrics strong enough to handle moderate weather conditions. Bugging-out with a vehicle allows for larger, more durable tents with decent square footage. These are the treated, canvas (or other durable material) hunting tents with separate rooms that can sleep upwards of 10 people and even accommodate a wood burning stove. Tents such as these also have design features specifically for bugging-out and housing multiple people for extended periods of time. With a detachable inner-nest feature, these tents offer an added layer of protection from the elements should you find yourself stranded in harsh terrain. Their sturdy frames allow for set up in the rain without causing damage or leakage to the inside of the structure. Made from two layers of Cordura reinforced cone and heavy nylon, these tents are built to take a beating. Their modified feature allows them to extend out to 86 square feet of living space to accommodate more people and supplies. Today’s shelter markets have grown to such an extent that whatever the prepper in you can dream up is either already for sale or can be built. Whether your disaster plans call for sheltering in place, or [ bugging out ](/bug-out-bags/) there are innumerable choices designed to keep you and your family safe and secure. Remember when the time to decide comes, be sure your choice is durable and appropriate enough for the region for where you will be seeking shelter. ### Choosing a Good Portable Water Filter URL: https://uspreppers.com/choosing-a-good-portable-water-filter/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z There is plenty to think about when you are preparing for the worst. It can overwhelm the mind trying to plan for every contingency, which is then compounded when the specter of evacuation or bugging-out rears its head, when your family’s survival depends solely on what they can carry. For a deeper dive, see [the best portable water filter systems](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/). In that situation, what will be your priorities? For some people, the first thing is keeping their family fed. Others will focus on locating shelter while some make guns and ammunition and the security they provide their first concern. All of these and many others are important but one concern dwarfs them all… Water. ## Finding Water On The Go Sheltering in place, at home where your whole stockpile of supplies is within easy reach, is one thing but when everything needed for survival has to fit into a single bag strapped to your back, strategies change. Bugging-out means provisions, especially water, are limited to only what is packable. It means those supplies will need replenishing from alternative sources that probably will not meet the definition of safe or clean. But that does not mean they cannot be used. Maintaining your family’s supply of water on the go depends on your ability to make those less than perfect sources usable. And how is that done? Why with an effective, efficient and fully portable water filter, of course. We've also covered [the types of water filters](https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/). ## Treating For Drinking Approach any outside water source with suspicion. Natural sources like rivers, springs and lakes may seem untainted but in all likelihood there is some critter swimming around in it that will wreak havoc on your digestive system or a palette of chemicals that can ravage everything else. Assume any source has some impurities and rely on your toolkit of water treatments. You can purify or treat water in any number of ways. Boiling is the one tried and true approach to rid your water of bacteria or parasites that will make you sick but it cannot remove chemicals or suspended solids. Boiling also uses up fuel set aside for cooking and leaves you waiting for the water to cool before it is drinkable. Remember, there will not be any ice cubes after TEOTWAWKI. Iodine and bleach are other options that kill off the bugs but won’t remove other contaminants. Filtration, on the other hand, will remove biological, chemical and suspended contaminants. On top of all that it will provided you with better-tasting water, which will go a long way to boosting the family’s moral in the midst of a stressful situation. ### Choosing The Best Portable Water Filter There are many reliable commercial filters designed specifically for backpacking and camping that remove bacteria, parasites, chemicals and suspended solids (the stuff that makes the water cloudy). Some of the most popular types combine both ceramic and charcoal filters. The ceramic portion employs sub-micron sized pores, small enough to block suspended solids, parasites like cryptosporidium and giardia and some bacteria but not viruses which are just too small. Water is forced through the pores, either with a hand pump or a gravity-fed method, and then through an activated charcoal layer. The charcoal will attract and filter out other chemicals like chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene. Check out [water purification methods](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). ### Before deciding on any one filter, consider a few important qualities: - **Pore size:** Most outdoor suppliers carry ceramic filters with pores ranging between 0.2 and 0.4 microns which is consider adequate for contaminant removal needs in North America. This pore size is sufficient since parasites and most bacteria are 0.5 microns or larger. To address viruses, which are too small for ceramic filters to block, a purifier may be an included option. Purifiers are devices or chemicals that are rated to destroy 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and parasites (or protozoa). - **Speed:** Gravity fed filters have a range of ½ to 1 liter per minute while hand lever or pump styles will produce at least 1 liter per minute of filtered water, which is considered fast for commercially available portable filters. This is, of course, dependent on the size of the filter itself and how fast you can manually pump through the device. Money is always a factor in any purchase. In the survival world, the old adage you get what you pay for is appropriate. This does not mean you need to spend a fortune on a filter but it is advisable to weigh cost against quality. Remember, this is the device your family will depend on for drinking water during an evacuation emergency so it will need to be rugged and reliable because there might not be a department store around to replace your faulty water filter when you need it the most. ### Long Term Food Storage URL: https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “Forecasters are calling it the storm of the century, predicting four feet of snow, sustained winds of up to 35 miles per hour. Authorities are warning residents to stay off the roads and remain in their homes for the next 72 hours but advise people to prepare for longer as the storm is expected to block roadways and disrupt power and communications, severely restricting emergency responders and repair crews.” It’s announcements like that one that make you feel all warm inside knowing you and your family have plenty of essential emergency supplies stored away for such an event. You’re so well prepared, you wave off those 72 hours as nothing. As a prepper you throw your head back and laugh at the prospect of being stuck in your home for a week or more, in fact as a prepper you welcome it. Wait… what?? You’re not prepared? You don’t have any emergency food or other essential supplies stored away for the long term? Well, something has got to be done about that! Related reading: [stocking your prepper pantry](https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-pantry-essentials-of-emergency-food-storage/). Okay, now settle down. Sit back. Relax. No need to panic. That blizzard isn’t really barreling down on your town…. not yet anyway. You have time. And you have help. Lucky for you, you’ve happened upon US Preppers Long Term Food Storage 101. ## The Basics Of Long Term Storage For Preppers Now planning for your family’s meals for a week or more when twice a week grocery runs have become commonplace can prove a daunting project, but that same job is easily manageable if you break it down and follow these simple steps. ## My Prepper Food Storage Budget That’s right. Actually write “long-term food storage budget” at the top of the piece of paper in front of you. Make it official. Most of us have a general idea of how much we spend weekly or monthly on groceries. We at least know how much we have to spend after all those household bills are accounted for. Check out [building a root cellar](https://uspreppers.com/diy-root-cellar/). But for our purposes we need to prepare some solid numbers. Go through your finances and figure out what your average grocery bill is for a given week. You might be surprised. And more than likely you will find places where you can save money. Now, ask yourself where a little extra can go towards essential emergency supplies This might be difficult since so many of us these days live paycheck to paycheck but it can be as simple as buying an extra can of tuna, jar of peanut butter or bag of rice. This may not sound like much but over time your long-term supplies will pile up making it well worth the effort. ## Where does it all go & how long can I keep it? Once you’ve decided on a budget and figured out how much you can spend each week or month on your prepper supplies, the next step is to find a place to store it. Make it a cool, dry space, out of the way but also easy to access. If you settled on the ‘one extra can each week’ method then this shouldn’t be too difficult. Find a space in a cabinet or shelf where those extra items can be placed away from the regular everyday use items. Even a box or a plastic bin in a closet would work, as long as you can get at it with ease. Remember these essential goods are for you and your family during tough times, so no dipping into your supply unless other circumstances arise like the loss of a job or other financial disruptions, which count as personal emergencies in of themselves. ## How long can this stuff last? Well, this depends on the packaging itself and how it is stored. Store bought cans, for example, last longer than the date on the lid, in many cases, years longer. Although, a good rule of thumb is to rotate out high-acid foods like tomatoes as they react more with their containers affecting the nutritional value. Only buy cans in good condition. When on a budget, it is tempting to pick from the discounted “dinged and dented” bin but dented cans can leak or expose the contents to the air and spoiling the contents inside. While canned vegetables come made for storing long-term, other packaging is not. Flour, sugar, rice, dehydrated foods and nuts (preferably still in shells) can last for months, even years if stored in airtight, plastic containers or ziplock-type bags to keep them fresh and protected from environmental effects such as humidity. All these supplies will last longer if your preppers pantry is in a place that is dry with stable temperatures below 85 degrees. These requirements keep your choices for a storage area fairly broad. Other than a garage or attic, anywhere from under beds to under a cloth covered table to an empty corner in a bedroom closet to the home office will work. Make it a evening project for the whole family to find the best places in your home for your preppers pantry. And plan for future space as your stores grow. ## What do I really need? First, buy and store only what will be used. We tend to be creatures of habit, so don’t stray too far from your family’s usual diet. Begin prepping with a list of nonperishable and long lasting items that you know won’t offend the family’s pallet. Start with the staples; flour, sugar, salt, pepper, canned meat and vegetables, [dehydrated](/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/) and [freeze dried goods](/mres-freeze-dried-food/), oatmeal, soups and other items like canned or powdered milk, which have great shelf lives. We've also covered [twelve shelf-stable staples](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/). Questionable items such as those could benefit from a taste test, or even a short trial run, to see how palatable or tolerable those options are. While the types of survival goods are important, ensuring everyone can maintain a healthy caloric intake is vital, especially when planning for the long-term. As preppers we think beyond the basics. So don’t forget that you’ll need plates and utensils to eat with and [a way to cook](/survival-cooking-how-to-cook-in-an-emergency/). Consider including charcoal or propane barbeque or extra wood for a fire and don’t forget that hand-held can opener. Now, this guide focused heavily on sheltering in place, staying put at home where all your emergency essentials are in easy reach. However, as preppers we know the situation could change in the blink of an eye, and may call for bugging-out, the primary consideration will then shift to weight and mobility. Dehydrated goods and freeze dried meals such as camp dinners or even MRE’s will replace heavy canned meats and vegetables. You can find helpful planning information for surviving on the move in our 72 Hours Bug-out Bag [Guide](/preppers-guide-to-bug-out-bags/) and checklist. For a deeper dive, see [canning your own food](https://uspreppers.com/canning-food/). ### Why Wind Power Is Best For Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/why-wind-power-is-best-for-preppers/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Wind Energy 101 For a deeper dive, see [solar power for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/solar-power/). Harnessing the power of the wind is one of the most advantageous steps that a prepper can take when designing a home energy system. [Wind energy](/wind-power/) is one of the fastest growing elements of the alternative energy movement. What this means for the preparedness expert is that the cost of installing and maintaining this type of system is steadily declining and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Quality prepper wind generators can now be found for a fraction of the cost of a decade ago and these newer models are sturdier and able to produce more energy from the wind that they harness. While wind is free and endless in supply, turning this natural resource into energy can be complex and expensive. Wind energy needs to be thoroughly researched by anyone who is looking to install a system to meet his or her energy needs. The landscape is littered with abandoned installations that were driven by good intentions rather than facts and deep research. ## Types of Prepper Wind Generators While there are many do-it-yourself instructions online for wind energy kits, the serious prepper will want to purchase a turbine from a manufacturer and have it professionally installed. This method will save on maintenance and replacement costs over the long run. Here are descriptions of the different types of wind-electric systems that are available. ### Off-Grid These[ battery based ](/batteries/)systems are ideal for those homes that are not connected to the grid. They are also useful for homes in areas where there is governmental or corporate resistance to tying personal energy systems to the grid. These types of systems dictate that homeowners must live within the limits of the capacity of their system and battery size. Tied to the Grid These are the most expensive types of systems to install but they provide the user with more options. Users are able to utilize the grid and to send their extra energy back into the grid for a further reduction in their energy costs. If the grid fails, the owner is able to continue to use their system within its limitations in the same manner as an off-grid user. ### Tied to the Grid without a Battery This type of system may be less attractive to many preppers as it relies on the grid for operation. However, homeowners that are seeking an environmentally friendly and cost-effective system may opt for this model. In areas that rarely see power outages, this type of system is perfect as it eliminates the need for expensive batteries. In addition to the cost, batteries require maintenance and will reduce the efficiency of the system. These types of systems utilize the power of the turbine most effectively. ### Direct Drive Without Battery This type of system is usually reserved for pumping water. They can be used for heating if larger turbines are employed. These systems are great for irrigating large plots of land. The type of model that is selected and height of the tower must be based on the location of the home and the average amount of wind that is produced. Most manufacturers list peak production of energy, while most consumers are seeking a steady flow of energy. For this reason it is important to ask manufacturers if a model is designed to meet the specific needs of the home. A warranty of at least 5 years is most desirable when purchasing a small wind turbine and tower. It will also help to find other consumers of the product. This way, you can ask other purchasers important questions that the manufacturers may be reluctant to answer. ### Prepper Water Purification: Methods and Filter Systems for Families URL: https://uspreppers.com/water-filter-systems-options-and-methods-for-the-whole-family/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z One of the most critical aspects of survival is finding and maintaining a source of potable water. Without water, your chances of survival become significantly limited. Even a healthy adult will survive for only 3 days without water. However, survival is not guaranteed even with a constant supply of water if the source is not clean. For a deeper dive, see [the family water storage guide](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/). Many harmful microorganisms and pathogens find their way into a water source. Once ingested, unclean water could cause a number of health problems, ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to dehydration and poisoning. Our planet is no longer as clean as it used to be, and very few water sources can provide clean, potable water. The best (and usually only) solution during an emergency is finding an effective method of purifying [drinking water](https://uspreppers.com/drinking-water-for-preppers-the-essential-emergency-supply/) using water filter systems that remove pollutants and other harmful substances. ## Choosing the Right Water Filter Systems Fortunately, there is a wide range of technologies available specifically designed to treat water and make it safe to use. Some of the most common types of [water filtration systems](/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/) include: We've also covered [the types of water filters](https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/). ### Charcoal Adsorption Filtration systems that use activated carbon are effective for removing organic contaminants, including harmful toxins. When water passes through the activated carbon filters, molecules of contaminants adhere to the carbon granules, producing clean drinking water. Charcoal adsorption systems are excellent for removing odor, eliminating microorganisms and chlorine, and improving taste. Although effective, these systems are often used as a secondary purification method. Check out [boiling, bleach and distillation](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). ### Distillation Distillation is a process that uses condensation to collect clean drinking water and eliminate contaminants. Although there are commercial water distilling systems available, simple, DIY versions are easy to build. A distilling system simply needs a container to boil water, a pot cover to trap condensation and a cup or container to collect the clean water. It does require fuel or a source of heat energy but a solar-powered distiller can help solve this issue. ### Reverse Osmosis There are portable filtration systems that use the process of reverse osmosis or RO for purifying drinking water. The process involves pushing the water through a semi-permeable membrane to filter the contaminants. Portable RO systems use hand-operated pumps to create pressure, thus eliminating the need to use electricity or heat energy. An advantage to this type of system is that it not only removes pathogens and other contaminants, but also it can even turn seawater into drinking water. ### UV Purification UV (ultraviolet) light prevents the growth and reproduction of microbes, rendering them less harmful. Short-wavelength UV light ranging from 100 to 280 nm is often the most effective for this purpose. While effective, UV water purification works best with clear water, so pre-filtering is often recommended when using this system. ### Solar Disinfection Solar disinfection or SODIS is a simple, inexpensive option that eliminates microorganisms in the water by killing them. The system is simple – a transparent PET bottle is partially filled with water and shaken to oxygenate it. The container is then filled with water, capped and exposed to the sun for a minimum of six hours. The heat combined with UV rays can disinfect the water and make it safe to use. Ideally, the container should be placed on a metal sheet that will catch the sun’s rays and maximize the effects of disinfection. Solar disinfection works well with readily available PET bottles in locations where there is enough sunlight. Although it does not require a lot of resources, it does require enough time and exposure to sunlight to be effective. ### Ceramic Filters Ceramic filters are excellent for survival situations because they do not require power to run and are quite inexpensive. All they need is solid ground and water. Ceramic filters have tiny pores that physically filter contaminants, leaving only clean water to use. Simply fill the top portion with water and let gravity do the work. Some ceramic filters are treated with non-leaching silver, which works to kill bacteria and prevent algae and mold growth. Some models may also contain activated carbon to help reduce the amount of metallic and organic pollutants. The filter can often treat several thousand gallons of water before requiring a replacement. Filter systems of this type are usually made of stainless steel or plastic, so they can be carried around in a backpack in case there is a need to go mobile. ### Chemical Disinfection Adding bleach to drinking water is also a feasible option. Plain, scent-free bleach can kill most microorganisms and make water safe to drink. For effective treatment, add about 1/8 tsp. of bleach to 1 gallon of water. The water will have a very slight taste and smell of chlorine but it will be potable. ## If All Else Fails… Do not be afraid to go back to the basics. In case of problems with water filter systems, you can always rely on boiling water to make it potable. This safe and effective water treatment method kills microorganisms and gets rid of common pathogens. If the water contains large debris such as leaves and twigs, use a filter to keep the water as clear as possible before boiling. Let the water boil for about one minute, then allow it to cool before drinking. Oxygenate water to improve the taste by pouring and re-pouring it using two containers. Life Straw Water Filter Another option that every member of the family should have during emergencies when everyone has to be ready to pack up and go is the LifeStraw. A LifeStraw is a [portable water filter](https://uspreppers.com/choosing-a-good-portable-water-filter/) that resembles a straw or tube. It is designed for individual use and can be packed in one’s pocket. One tube can filter as much as 1,000 liters of water, enough to allow one person to enjoy safe drinking water for about a year. ### Generating Electricity Off The Grid URL: https://uspreppers.com/generating-electricity-off-the-grid/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z The concept of living off the grid is becoming more popular as consumers become better educated about renewable energy sources. “Off the grid” is a term that describes a home that is powered without the use of the power grids maintained by utility companies. Contrary to popular imagery, off-grid homes are not necessarily rural, are not all log cabins and do not all feature chickens and goats in the back yard. Off-grid homes come in all shapes, sizes and styles and can be located anywhere from the mountains to cities. Options for off-grid solutions for energy come in a larger variety than ever before and are often affordable for the average consumer. For a deeper dive, see [storing off-grid electricity](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-off-grid-electricity/). ## Off-grid Energy Advantages While it is true that start-up costs for producing energy off-grid can be somewhat concerning, one of the biggest off-grid energy advantages is the immediate reduction in energy costs. The utility bills consumers loathe to pay every month shrink considerably, or disappear entirely, depending upon the method of energy production being used. Most consumers choosing to go off-grid also appreciate the fact that renewable energy is very good for the environment, something that rising concerns about climate change and humanity’s destruction of natural resources has called attention to. A third advantage is the reduced risk of weather-related power loss. Most consumers are familiar with the hassles inherent with downed power lines and weather-induced power loss. When generating power off-grid, large storms and cold weather become less of a concern in terms of maintaining power. ## Different Approaches to Generating Electricity Most people think of[ solar power](/solar-power/) when they think about renewable energy. Solar panels collect energy from the sun and consumers use a converter to transfer that [energy to batteries](/batteries/), where it can be used to power much of a home’s appliances, heating and lights. Solar energy is a particularly viable option for power production in areas that receive a lot of sunlight, such as the southwest United States. Solar panel installation can be costly at the outset but in some parts of the country, consumers who install them are eligible to receive compensation from utility companies or their states. Solar power is not practical in every part of the world, however. Because the power is collected from direct sunlight, places that are typically overcast or have shorter daylight hours may not be the best locations for heavy reliance on solar power. Many consumers that use solar power, as a result, also use other methods for generating electricity. [Wind Turbines](/wind-power/) are another option gaining popularity among private consumers. While not every home is in an ideal location for using wind turbines, many homes are located on property lots large enough to accommodate them and many consumers find that a combination of wind turbines and solar powers provide them with more than enough power. Individuals that live near streams might be interested in microhydro power. This system uses a combination of water flow and vertical drop to create an ongoing source of energy. This option produces a nearly infinite supply of energy but is obviously only available to consumers that live near a flowing water source. Finally, geothermal energy offers off-grid energy advantages for consumers that want to combine energy production for maximum use. Geothermal energy production is more accurately described as moving heat, rather than generating it. Heat and energy are interchangeable terms and the earth itself produces both in spades. Geothermal uses water-filled, closed loops of high density polyethylene pipes to move heat (energy) from the earth to the home. Set up and maintenance vary from location to location and home to home, but this type of energy can be used to both heat and cool a home, as well as be harnessed for powering appliances. Most consumers find that a combination of [off-grid energy](/the-uspreppers-guide-to-generating-alternative-electricity/) works best for keeping their carbon footprint small and their energy needs well addressed. ### The USPreppers Guide To Generating Alternative Electricity URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-uspreppers-guide-to-generating-alternative-electricity/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Finding alternative sources of energy to fossil fuel is a good and necessary evil in today’s energy crisis. Today, most of the world is [generating electricity](https://uspreppers.com/generating-electricity-off-the-grid/) using fossil fuel — a non-renewable source of energy. It is projected that by 2050, about one-third of the world’s energy will need to come from renewable alternative sources. Renewable sources include wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and hydroelectric. For a deeper dive, see [wind power for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/wind-power/). ## Why Renewable Sources of Energy Fossil fuels have been generating electricity and powering our world for the last couple hundred years. We have become increasingly dependent on the resource. Unfortunately, however, this energy source is hazardous to the environment. Air pollution, declining human health and ravaged animal habitats are all negative of the gasses that burning fossil fuel releases into the atmosphere. Rising prices in the Middle East (the main world supplier) and being a non-renewable energy source further compounds the problem. Alternatives must be utilized. ### Alternative #1: [Solar Power](https://uspreppers.com/solar-power/) Solar energy is one of the best sources of renewable energy available. This is particularly true from an environmental point of view. Solar energy derives from the sun, so it is clear to see why it is a renewable and unending source of energy. Admittedly, setting up a proper solar panel system to capitalize on this resource can be expensive. However, the savings over the long term ensures that the system pays for itself in spades. A properly installed solar energy system will last for many years. ### Alternative #2: Wind Energy Using wind as a source of energy goes back before fossil fuel, and of course, some of our modern day alternatives. Windmills were used by our hunting and gathering ancestors to power water pumps and grind grain. Wind, like solar energy is renewable and is in many ways a great substitute for fossil fuel as the hazardous effects are virtually non-existent. However, wind-powered energy sources have more drawbacks than solar powered ones. For starters, not everywhere is windy enough to allow for the erection of wind turbines that will generate enough energy to generate heat and electricity. Once an area is found suitable for a wind farm, the cost of setting up one is exorbitant. Still, there is hope, as the more facilities are built, the cheaper it gets to build a wind farm. ### Alternative #3: Biomass Fuel Biomass is one of the most popular alternative resources used in generating electricity. Biomass fuel is created largely from plant-based material. These include dried vegetation, wood, aquatic plants and crop residue. In recent years, biomass as an alternative energy source is second in use only to hydrothermal energy. Naturally, wood, especially wood from trees, is the most popular biomass energy source, as it has been used for years to provide energy and heat and is still used in many homes today. ### Alternative #4: Hydrothermal Energy The most popularly used of all the alternative energy sources, hydrothermal energy, comes from the heat the earth generates from its core. When that heat rises to the surface, it is then contained and converted into an energy-generating source. Although it is a renewable energy source, not all geothermal sites are able to produce electricity generating energy. In fact, these can be rare. In addition, there are some environmental concerns when using geothermal energy sources. This is because hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide are emitted at some sites. Still, great progress is being made and geothermal energy is still one of the best sources used to heat and cool homes. The benefits of producing these forms of alternative energy far outweigh the drawbacks. It is important to be able to channel these kinds of energy sources should there be a disaster and traditional sources and supply lines are not available. ### Prepper Food Storage: Essentials for Your Emergency Pantry URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-pantry-essentials-of-emergency-food-storage/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:46:15.000Z If you are concerned about surviving a disaster, you need to prepare your supply of emergency essentials. Water is the first priority, at least one gallon per person per day. FEMA recommends keeping a minimum of two weeks supply for each person in your family on hand at all times. Add a [portable water filtration system](/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/) to your supply kit and you are ready. Your second priority is, of course, an emergency kit with first aid supplies, flashlights, and crank or battery radio. Then, it is time to plan your prepper’s pantry. Check out [dehydrated food benefits](https://uspreppers.com/dehydrated-food-benefits/). ## Planning Your Emergency Food Supply You first need to decide the kind of food you want in your [emergency pantry](/long-term-food-storage/), perhaps designing a menu that can be rolled over every two weeks for a long period of time. Be sure to include family favorites and comfort food, but the main consideration has to be nutrition. In addition, there might be issues around allergies and other health conditions. We've also covered [12 shelf-stable staples worth saving](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage-12-items-you-should-be-saving-now/). You need a balance of dairy, meat, legumes, grains, vegetables and fruit. Also important are staples such as cooking oil, spices, salt, vinegar, baking powder and baking soda. A supply of high energy snack foods is good to have for the kinds of intense activity that often accompanies emergencies. Whether you are preparing food for a month or a year, think in terms of a minimum of 2,000 calories per day for adults and 1,500 for children. Make sure the calories are not coming from sugar as found in desserts and sweetened drinks. Prepared foods and even recipes are usually measured in terms of servings. Be careful to check out the size of one of these servings as it might not be nearly adequate for an active adult. For a deeper dive, see [prepper food checklist](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-food-checklist/). Your next decision is about the method of preparation and packaging of fresh or cooked food. The list could include soups, stews, and pasta dishes besides the usual meat and fruits. The common methods are: Freeze drying food when it is flash frozen and placed in a vacuum process which changes the ice to a gas For a deeper dive, see [canning foods](https://uspreppers.com/canning-food/). ## Dehydrating food by applying heat Your emergency food needs to be kept free of moisture. You will find dried food in large #10 cans or in foil pouches. Dry staples such as flour and rice, canned liquid such as vegetable or fruit juice and other low moisture foods such as coffee should all be kept in sealed cans, moisture proof bags or PETE bottles with oxygen absorbers. ## Sourcing the Emergency Food ### Every prepper has tough decisions to make about collecting the food to fill the emergency pantry: - **Budget** - **Length of time to plan for** - **Quality of food** You can buy everything in one order from companies specializing in emergency food. Many of them now offer food with lower sodium and trans fats. They usually have plenty of variety and ship in nice neat packages that are easy to store. ### However, it is important to do serious comparison shopping, checking each supplier carefully for: - **Actual serving size** - **Nutritional value** - **Variety of food in package** - **Cost per unit** - **Shelf life** - **Durability of packaging** An alternative to shopping is preparing your own food. Many preppers use [dehydrators](/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/) to dry out fresh fruit, vegetables and meats. Then, they know the quality of the food and can accommodate any particular allergies or preferences. There are also foil pouches and sealers available for home use. However, before you decide to do it yourself, be warned that preparing your own food for an extended period of time is a labor intensive job. It also might not be any cheaper than buying in bulk. You can also plan a combination of DIY and purchasing from one of the many suppliers with online shops or local warehouses. ## Storing Emergency Food Supply Many preppers have difficulty storing a large supply of emergency food. It is probably wise for you to look around your house or other suitable space you have available before deciding you are going to purchase a year’s supply of food for your family of four. Remember that your water supply has priority so first make sure there is room for those containers. Related reading: [whether plastics are safe for food storage](https://uspreppers.com/plastics-unsafe-long-term-food-storage/). ### The key cautions for long term food storage are: - Moisture can be minimized if the storage area is kept dry and containers are placed on pallets so they are off the floor - Temperature should be no higher than 75 degrees F and lower, if possible - Light needs to be kept away from cooking oil and any products stored in PETE bottles - Insect damage can be reduced by using foil pouches and PETE bottles with oxygen absorbers If you live in a traditional suburban or rural house, you will probably be able to designate space as your [prepper pantry](/long-term-food-storage/). However, life in a high rise condo might force you to become more creative. Explore those spaces behind furniture, under the bed, or on the top shelf of the clothes closet. Unfortunately, the more scattered the supply, the more difficult it is to keep track of your inventory and to control temperature and light. Although many suppliers will tell you their food products have a shelf life of 25 years, check carefully into their claims. Such a guarantee can be compromised if there is a variety of food that is packaged together and there are different kinds of packaging in the supply. Products that can last more than 30 years if properly packaged are wheat, white rice, dry beans and grains. However, dry products which still retain a certain moisture content or oils such as barley, whole wheat flour, meat, nuts and brown rice are not meant for longer term storage. It is clear there are many options available to you in preparing your emergency pantry. Do your research carefully and make decisions that are best for your own situation. There is enough stress in any disaster situation without having your family concerned about emergency essentials, especially food. ### The Preppers Gold Buying Guide URL: https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-gold-buying-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Buying gold is a prudent investment for securing your finances for future unrest, and this precious metal has a long history as a stable currency that is resistant to losing value due to market fluctuations. Purchasing gold is possible without spending large sums of money, and the following article details how preppers can get started with buying gold as a valuable financial survival strategy. Check out [why preppers hold gold](https://uspreppers.com/gold/). ## History of Gold as Stable Currency The use of gold as currency dates back to the Middle Ages. Countries throughout Europe began adopting standard currencies depending on the one found to lose the least value over time. That commodity was invariably gold ingots, gold coins and similar items crafted from gold. This practice became the first precursor to the gold standard. Today, the gold standard is a method for calculating the value of paper currencies against a fixed amount of gold. Until recently, the US dollar was one of the better-known currencies that’s traditionally been measured against the gold standard. However, as the dollar continues to devalue, gold remains stable. The two main advantages of the gold standard has included safeguards against excessive inflation and limits on governments’ ability to increase the money supply by printing more currency. For a deeper dive, see [ammunition vs. gold](https://uspreppers.com/ammunition-vs-gold/). During economic recessions and other times of financial instability, the value of many paper currencies can drop to noticeable degrees. The same losses can occur with various forms of stocks and bonds. For individuals who want to build a stable, secure financial future these losses can be frightening. Prepper’s who Invest in gold can safeguard against losses during economic upheval. Prime opportunities to buy gold are everywhere, because its value increases steadily even as the value of paper currencies continue to decline. ## How to Purchase Gold for Less The price of gold is measured as a fixed amount per ounce, making most standard size gold bars quite expensive. Buying gold coins from specific types of vendors is an excellent choice in many cases. Some of the most common sellers include mints and established [precious metals](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/) dealers. These coins typically come in simple plastic protective cases rather than fancy presentation cases, which is an advantage because these vendors will not mark up the prices as high. Spending the most on the gold itself is the best choice, and the vendors with the highest mark-ups tend to be post offices and higher end gold wholesalers. Smaller gold bullion bars are also less expensive than standard size gold bars. The dealers’ markup is also usually the same or even a bit less than that of gold coins. Gold dealers’ mark-up is defined as the difference between the wholesale prices they paid for each coin or bar and the retail price they assign to the gold. Markup can vary noticeably from one gold seller to the next, so buyers are encouraged to research the current gold value per ounce and compare it to the markup before making final purchase decisions. ## Buying Gold From Reputable Dealers To narrow down a search for a reputable gold dealer, the best criteria concern prices and number of years each dealer has been in business. Some of the best gold dealers take the time to research current values per ounce and give fair prices. Knowledgeable dealers also keep watch on the markets and are able to gauge when the value of gold is projected to increase in the near future. These dealers can then make educated recommendations about the best timing for buying gold at ideal prices. The most reputable gold dealers also have accreditation with an organization such as the Better Business Bureau, along with comprehensive websites. Ideally, one of these gold dealers has both a brick-and-mortar shop and an online store for ordering gold coins or bars. Each dealer also needs to have plenty of good published reviews as well as any accessible past complaints from buyers. The best gold sellers have taken the time to educate themselves on market conditions and can then educate you, the buyer about the best options for adding gold to your prepper portfolio. A high quality gold dealer will also be able to tell each buyer the current COMEX value of gold by the ounce, which is updated by the minute. Working with the best dealer will get every buyer the best gold returns. ### Survival Gear For Every Prepper URL: https://uspreppers.com/survival-gear-for-every-prepper/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z When preparing for an emergency such as a natural disaster, you need to do everything possible to stay alive. In addition to having food and water, you need several [survival tools](/essential-survival-gear/). The best survival equipment is durable and well made. Below are some items you often need in dire circumstances. Check out [survival hacks that make your gear go further](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-survival-hacks/). ## Water Filter Tablets Drinkable [water is essential](/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/) if you want to survive. For purifying water, you need iodine or chlorine tablets. The pills dissolve in the water making it drinkable. ## Multi-tool A multi-tool is more advanced than the Swiss Army knife. Depending on the type of tool you purchase, you have numerous options. Most multi-tools come with pliers, Philips head screwdriver, flat screwdriver, bottle and can opener, saw blades, pokers, and serrated knives. ## Survival Knife A survival knife is also a multi-tool. These knives usually have long blades with serrated edges and a hollow handle. The handle contains a small survival kit inside. Items vary, but usually there are matches, a compass, and fishhooks and a line for angling. ### Flares A flare is a great way to catch the attention of a ship, helicopter or airplane when you are stranded. These signal flares come in a wide range of options. The most expensive type is a laser flare that costs a few hundred dollars. Laser flares are visible during the day and at night for up to 30 miles. ### Mirror A mirror is a useful tool that reflects various sources of light such as a flashlight or a headlight. The better quality signal mirrors are made from non-breakable materials. Some even come with nylon ties so you can keep the signal minor on your backpack. ### First Aid Kit Everyone should have a [first aid kit](/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/) available to tend to wounds and injuries. A well-stocked first aid kit contains disinfectant, alcohol, eyewash, antibacterial cream, Band-Aids, bandages, gauze, tweezers, sutures, needles, burn ointment, hydrocortisone cream, antihistamine, and pain reliever. Depending on your location, a snakebite kit can be added. A small first aid manual is also helpful. ### Flashlights When there is no electricity, you need flashlights for seeing. Make certain to have extra batteries available. Another option is a lantern. These are battery-operated or use propane or kerosene. Candles also help. ### Fire Starter Kit A fire provides warmth, a flame to cook food and boil water, light and a sense of security. It’s best to put your fire starter in a waterproof box. The kit should contain waterproof matches, a few lighters, a flint, and a magnifying glass. ### Radio A radio lets you know what is going on around you. You should have one battery-operated radio with an extra supply of batteries, and a crank-operated radio. ### Compass Although a compass is old school, it still works for helping you to pinpoint the direction you should take. GPS devices are more accurate, but you need a charged battery for continuous use. ### USB Solar Charger A portable solar charger uses the sunlight to generate power. For anything with a USB connection, such as a GPS device or LED flashlight, you can use the charger. ### Sleeping Bag There should be enough sleeping bags for every person. Having blankets available also helps to keep people warm or to use as ground cover. The[ best survival equipment ](/essential-survival-gear/)depends on your individual situation. A power outage due to a storm requires different equipment than if you want to survive a devastating hurricane, tornado or flood. If you are stranded in the wilderness or just in a state park, then another type of survival gear is needed. In all cases, you need to buy the best survival tools you can afford. For a deeper dive, see [the complete bug out bag checklist](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/). ### Survival Cooking: How To Cook In An Emergency URL: https://uspreppers.com/survival-cooking-how-to-cook-in-an-emergency/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z When the grid goes down, satisfying hunger is going to become a priority. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people in the Western world are used to a certain amount of comfort when it comes to food. While there are a fair number of would-be preppers who have a freezer full of venison ready to go, it’s far more important to plan for a worst-case scenario than for a cozy catastrophe. If you’re making plans for things going wrong, you’ve got to take the time to figure out how you are going to keep yourself and your family alive. For most, that is going to start with how to [cook in an emergency](/survival-cooking-for-preppers/). ## Heat and Food When considering the specifics of how you would cook in the wild, it’s important to remember two basic necessities – heat and food. The former is going to be your method of cooking, while the latter is your basic survival necessity. You can, in fact, subsist without cooking in the wild – it just requires a great deal of effort. If you are lucky – or prepared – enough to be in an area with an abundant amount of easily accessible plant matter, you might not have to worry about heat. If your emergency is of the short-term variety, you might even be able to soldier on with a few[ MREs](/mres-freeze-dried-food/) on hand. You should not, however, depend on this sort of situation. For a deeper dive, see [cooking with aluminum foil](https://uspreppers.com/aluminum-foil-the-other-duct-tape/). In most survival situations, you will need to find a reasonable source of heat to cook your food. If you’ve been raised on microwaves, you might be surprised to know that you actually need a fairly stable set-up to be able to cook your food adequately. Simply carrying around candles isn’t going to cut it – you’re going to need a real fire, or at least something that can provide the same level of heat needed to cook your food to a safe temperature. ## The Basic Campfire In an absolute, take-no-prisoners emergency, your best method of cooking food is going to be with the classic campfire. A staple of human survival since humans began cooking their food, it’s hard to argue against this simple but effective method of cooking. Unfortunately, it’s also time and labor intensive. Assume, at least for a moment, that you have a method of starting a fire. You’ve got a fire starter, a lighter or you know how to use two sticks – great, that’s where you start. If you want to cook food, though, you are going to need a tremendous amount of heat – and that means your fire is going to have to burn hot, and it’s going to have to burn long. As counter-intuitive as it seems, a campfire isn’t necessarily the best method for cooking raw meat. If you managed to get out of the house with canned goods or hotdogs, you should be fine. Cooking something substantial, like deer, might be a bit more difficult. You’re going to want to cook any meat for significantly longer than on your barbecue, but you’ll have to watch it closely as there’s a fine line between safety and a charred mess. ## Dutch Oven Cooking A Dutch oven is essentially a lidded cast-iron pot. There’s nothing fancy about it, but it can greatly increase your ability to cook meat and vegetables quickly without requiring you to build a better fire. If you can dig a simple trench and keep your flames out of the wind, a Dutch oven can quickly become your ticket to eating well during any situation. A good Dutch oven is easy to find, and you can add a small model to your bug out bag with relative ease. Emergency cooking at its finest will require this particular item, so make sure that you take care of it and keep it clean. Add a little water, some meat and a few vegetables and you can make a survival stew that will keep your necessary calorie count up so you can make it through the night. ## Your Friend, Sterno Sterno is a prepper’s best friend. It’s a portable source of heat, far easier to cart around than any other type of fuel. It keeps well, survives if it gets wet and will allow you to cook your food if you’re on the go. Unfortunately, it also has a rather low heat point – so you’re going to need a lot of it. Sterno, however, is important for survival cooking in those situations where a regular fire isn’t quite going to work. If you can get your Sterno fire started, any simple metal surface can be used to heat up food. It will take some time, but it will also take remarkably little effort. Sterno fuel containers are available in most camping/outdoors supply stores. Survival cooking is simply a matter of having food and heat available. Building a fire is a good way to start, but having something in which to safely cook your food is better. Keep things simple, and you’ll rarely go wrong – real problems start when you try to make things too complex. If you want to prepare for the worst, your best bet is always to make things as easy on yourself as possible by ensuring that you have the basics at hand, ready to grab and use should the need arise. ### Solar Power Solutions For Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/solar-power-solutions-for-preppers/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Among preppers, solar power has not been a primary concern. This is unfortunate because many of the possible scenarios that you are preparing for will ultimately require [solar solutions](/solar-power/) if you are going to survive in the long term. Your supplies will not last forever. You cannot count on society starting up again soon enough to renew deliveries of oil, coal and other traditional resources for power. For a deeper dive, see [storing off-grid electricity](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-off-grid-electricity/). ## Why Go Solar After a Disaster? Too many people content themselves with visions of camping for the long term after civilization crumbles or a massive disaster cuts them loose from government oversight for weeks or even months. This is not such a bad idea if you are single male with no group goals. Most preppers, though, are not those kinds of people. They have families that they want to protect. You may even have formed a cooperative group that intends to stand strong together when TEOTWAWKI finally arrives. [Solar energy](/generating-electricity-off-the-grid/) is ideal for this kind of endeavor. If you want to create a village in which your children will be safe after a catastrophe and you can tend to the injured and the ill, then you will need to have a long-term source of energy. The energy that solar power provides can light interior rooms and support equipment such as radios so that you do not have to waste a precious and dwindling supply of [batteries](https://uspreppers.com/batteries/). You can also use this source of power to heat or cool air, cook food and boil water. While you might be figuring on simply using firewood to do these things, this solution is not always possible or safe. In many environments, firewood may become difficult to find. Furthermore, some potential scenarios would preclude fire because you would not want to advertize your position. ## When Will Solar Power for Preppers Work Best? Solar power is ideal for a number of situations but not for every event that might require you to turn to your [prepping supplies](/tag/gear/). Civil unrest, which threatens more every day as society becomes more and more fractured, is an excellent example of such a scenario. You can use solar power to make food, heat rooms and boil your water when you do not want others to know where you are. The same goes for situations resulting from epidemics. To survive a destructive outbreak, you will need to remain isolated from wanderers. Nevertheless, this is not a recommendation to rely entirely on the sun. Some scenarios will require you simply to make do with non-renewable sources of power. For example, any event, which puts a lot of dust in the atmosphere, will limit the value of solar power. ## Solar Equipment Since you are not counting on things holding together, putting photovoltaic panels on your roof may not be much of a solution. Instead, you need portable equipment and you need the know how to create your own solar solutions in the wild. One easy way to ease your dependence on burning wood is to cook your food with a solar oven. You can find great quality solar ovens online but in a pinch, you can also make crude solar oven with little more than a cardboard box and aluminum foil. Heating water or air with the power of the sun is a little more complicated. You might want to check out available products or watch some of the DIY videos we have provided to help you make a functional and reliable device to better fit your needs. The Sun is a tool that you do not have to pack or store. Be ready to take advantage of it so that you possess a little more space for essentials in your bug-out bag. ### Seed Saving DIY Guide URL: https://uspreppers.com/seed-saving-diy-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z [Seed saving](https://uspreppers.com/seed-saving/) may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you prepare for a future disaster. To tell the truth, it probably should not be the first thing on your list either. However, after you prepare your bug out bag and have some sort of escape plan in place, it is time to start thinking about medium-term and long-term survival. For a deeper dive, see [how to start your own seed bank](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-start-your-own-seed-bank/). ## Preparing a Survival Garden Your survival garden definitely qualifies as a means of long-term endurance in almost any foreseeable future. Modern civilization depends on a very complicated and heavily layered system of agriculture, which brings a variety of food from far away to your supermarket. You cannot count on this system surviving even a moderate challenge in the form of civil unrest, catastrophic war or an epidemic. The only people that survive in the long haul will be those who know how to grow their own food. ## Why Save Seeds? Even if you have a garden now, you may really be much more dependent on others than you think. A lot of what you use to cultivate your garden may come from the store. Do you buy your seeds? You will not be able to do this when society falls apart and the delivery trucks stop coming to your neighborhood. That is why you need to learn how to save seeds now. You may not have the resources or the time to learn this critical skill after your real problems have already started. ## How to Save Your Seeds After TEOTWAWKI There is nothing revolutionary about seed saving. It is the traditional way of maintaining gardens and farms from year to year. It is quite natural. However, in the last few decades, this age-old custom has given way to the practice of purchasing seeds from commercial seed companies. This will all have to change when the ties that bind society together weaken and snap. You will need to start your survival garden right away actually. If you have been buying commercial seeds, you cannot count on saving their seeds after a disaster. Many of these seeds have been hybridized or otherwise altered. Many do not produce seeds or they do not produce adequate seeds. Your first step, therefore, is to acquire heirloom or open-pollinated seeds and plant your garden with them this year. These heirloom seeds are acquired from businesses that are still offering traditional seeds to the public. Such seeds are the descendants of plants that have been grown throughout the ages. You can make them a part of your garden right now and be ready to start saving your own seeds.You cannot just grab some seeds right before you harvest your food and put them in a bag for later. Seeds have to be gathered at the right time for each plant and preserved in distinct ways. You also have to remember to take seeds from your best plants each year or season. As time goes by, you will be able to get better results from your garden this way as you encourage the future plants to take on better features, such as greater size or improved taste. Check out [plant prepping for food security](https://uspreppers.com/plant-prepping/). As an example, consider carrot seeds. Carrots will be an important staple for many survival gardens because these roots are loaded with nutrition. However, carrots are also biennial plants. They come to flower during their second year.As soon as the carrots flower, the seed heads will begin to dry. Once they have turned brown, cut them off and put them in a bag before shaking them up a little. The seeds should come loose. Save these seeds in a labeled bag until you are ready to plant again. Legumes are not exciting. A lot of people turn their heads at peas and beans. These plants, however, are similarly loaded with nutrition, especially protein. You can use the same method of removing the seeds. In fact, the seeds from these plants are much larger and easier to harvest. Your survival garden will also need some variety. Even in hard times it is important to set aside opportunities for leisure and pleasure. Diversifying your food supply is a perfect way to do this. Tomatoes have important nutrition value but they are also excellent plants for adding flavor to a meal. Saving seeds from tomatoes, though, is a little more complicated. You have to let the seeds ferment before you store them or they will be essentially useless. There are many ways to do this but the easiest method will be the best for you until you are a little more adept at seed saving.Select some of the healthiest-looking tomatoes in your garden. Slice them in half. Scoop out the seeds, along with the jelly-like flesh around them. Put this all into a cup with a few tablespoons of water. Cover the cup with a lid that has holes in it. This will allow air to enter and cause fermentation. Leave the cup in the sun for a few days. Use a sieve to filter out the seeds and dry them. Wait until they are completely dry to store them for the long-term. You will learn more about this process as you do it. Look up the methods for saving other seeds. The sooner you get started, the more prosperous your survival garden will be when the time comes and you really need it. ### Prepper Emergency Lighting: The Best Options URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepper-emergency-lighting-the-best-options/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Our power grid is not as invulnerable as it may seem. A massive storm, civil unrest, an EMP, a solar flare, a terrorist attack – these and other incidences could knock the power out for weeks, months or even longer. Thankfully, there are alternatives to conventional power that can provide you with the light you need in an emergency. These are listed below for your reference. ## Solar Panels Solar panels are, in many ways, the ideal form of [emergency lighting](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-lighting/) as they cannot only light up the home but also run important electric appliances. These panels are available in various types and sizes and can be connected to solar batteries that [store power](/batteries/) for when it is needed. If you opt to generate your own power using solar panels, be sure an expert that knows how to install not only the panels but also the wiring installs the system. Additionally, the company that installs your panels should also connect your solar batteries to the panels for power storage. ## Solar Lighting If you do not have the funds needed to install [solar panels](/solar-power/) on your roof, then outdoor solar lighting can be a good alternative. These lights can be purchased at a reasonable price online and are very easy to install. Simply leave the solar lights out during the day (be sure they are placed in an area that gets plenty of sunlight) and then bring them in at night. They should last the whole night long if they have been charged properly; what is more, many solar powered lights give off a lot of light. ## Lanterns Lanterns may be old fashioned but they are certainly a good source of light. Popular options include oil powered lanterns, propane lanterns and kerosene lanterns. The latter two get so hot that in some cases they can be used to cook food; however, be aware that you will need proper ventilation to use either a kerosene or propane lantern. Additionally, it is never safe to leave any lantern on when asleep, as they can pose a fire hazard. ## Battery Operated Lighting Battery-powered lighting is not the best long-term emergency lighting option even if you buy a large quantity of batteries. The reason for this is that some battery operated lights use up batteries quite quickly and these can be next to impossible to replace in an emergency. Even so, battery operated lighting is quite affordable and can be a good option for short-term power loss. Tap lights are one convenient form of battery powered lighting. Some of these can run for 100 hours or even longer on three triple A batteries. If you opt to buy these, be sure they are bright and have LED bulbs. Flashlights are perhaps the most common form of battery operated lighting and are highly recommended for any prepper. While they do not provide enough power to light up a large area of the home, they are versatile and thus perfect for situations when you may not be able to stay in your home after a natural or man-made disaster. Tactical flashlights with 200 to 300 lumens are ideal, as these can be used not only to give light but also blind a would-be attacker. ## Candles Candles are perhaps the least sophisticated form of emergency lighting; however, you should always have some on hand for emergencies. Candles can be used indoors or outdoors, are easy to light and do not require the sun, batteries or fuel. They come in handy for short-term power loss and some can burn for a long time. Thick candles with a wide base are recommended, as they are less likely to tip over and accidentally catch things on fire. Candles in a jar are ideal as the wax stays in the jar and significantly extends the candle’s life span. Having emergency lighting on hand can mean the difference between life and death (or at least serious injury). In fact, you should have more than one of the lighting forms mentioned above so you have something to fall back on in case one form of lighting cannot be used. Consider the above-mentioned options and pick the ones that best suit your needs and budget. ### Prepare Your Money The Prepper Way URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepare-your-money-the-prepper-way/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z The first few months of 2014 brought a record toll of severe storms, floods and tornadoes across the USA, causing ruined homes and communities, and billions of dollars worth of damage. You may be fortunate enough to have your home still standing now, but as nobody knows where disaster will strike next, it is prudent to plan for the effects of a catastrophe on your finances. One strategy worth considering is to [buy precious metals](/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/) as a hedge against disaster. Check out [buying platinum](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-buying-platinum/). ## Potential Disasters Of course, dreadful as natural calamities are, for the economy and for individual lives, they are far from being the only potential disasters on the horizon. The global impact of surging food prices is becoming increasingly apparent and is even affecting the big mainstream food companies, whose revenues suffer because consumers cannot afford as much food. No matter how much money is printed by the Fed, prices of the most essential items — food and energy — continue to explode. Meanwhile, internationally, both debt and money supply in Asia are actually outpacing those in the US, while European loan growth is at an all-time low. In other words, there is evidence everywhere of inflation explosion and economic decay. Nobody can be confident that there will not be another global financial meltdown, which will certainly be far worse than the last — so it only makes sense to be prepared financially. ## How to Be Prepared If you are concerned about what is happening in the world — the threat of[ economic collapse](/trading-after-the-collapse/), environmental disaster, or political catastrophe — your first question, apart from how to survive physically, may be how to protect your wealth. One thing is clear — that at times of natural disaster, or major economic collapse, traditional paper-based financial assets always suffer a downturn, whereas the price of precious metals rises dramatically. Therefore, the real question is, how to buy precious metals in order to be prepared for the worst case scenario. ## A Bartering Economy The first thing to be clear about as a prepper is that you should concentrate on physical metals, as ETFs and mining stocks are likely to be as worthless in a crisis as any other paper assets. However, although your first instinct may be to go for gold, gold may not in fact be the best precious metal to stockpile, or certainly not in big denominations. In a situation of financial collapse, you may need to survive in a [bartering economy](/preppers-bartering-guide/), so your metals must be suitable for bartering. We've also covered [gold buying guide](https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-gold-buying-guide/). For example, if there is a market in which precious metals can be traded for basic foodstuffs like vegetables, eggs and bread, a 1-ounce Gold Eagle coin won’t be much use — you need smaller denominations, such as one-tenth ounce Gold Eagles, which are lightweight and [ideal for bartering](/the-top-50-items-to-barter-with-in-case-of-disaster/). However, the most popular bartering currency for preppers is junk silver — that is, pre-1965 quarters and dimes, with 90% silver content. These are easily divisible, so perfect for purchasing everyday items — and what is more, you get better value for your money than you do by purchasing gold. For a deeper dive, see [how to buy silver](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-silver-the-preppers-way/). ## Wealth Preservation The other reason to buy precious metals in preparation for catastrophe is to preserve your wealth. If you still have extra money to invest, after taking care of your basic survival supplies and building up your barter currency, it would then make sense to buy some larger denominations, so that in the event of a dollar collapse, you can transition easily to another currency. Again, a mixture of gold and [silver](/silver/) is ideal — gold for its lower volatility and silver for its greater profit potential. Many preppers also buy palladium for its many technological applications, which would be valuable in a post-disaster society. ## Do it Now It’s clear that nobody knows when disaster will strike, so the time to buy precious metals is now, while they are still easy to obtain. You do, of course, need to ensure you get your priorities right, and have food, water and shelter sorted out first — without these, precious metals won’t be of much use. However, there’s no doubt that the more gold and silver you can manage to build up, the more you increase your chances both of surviving, and of protecting your wealth for the future. ### Prepare And Plan URL: https://uspreppers.com/prepare-and-plan/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:46:15.000Z It is next to impossible to be completely prepared for all emergencies, but that is no reason for not trying to be prepared at all. If you are reading this then you are at least thinking about being prepared for something! Many of the steps necessary to prepare yourself involve some expense; but not all. [Emergency preparedness](/) is achieved one step at a time. So not let fear of cost, the fear of not being able to do everything or any other kind of fear stop you from doing what you can today, tomorrow and the next. Remember one step at a time. For a deeper dive, see [creating your own family emergency plan](https://uspreppers.com/creating-your-own-family-emergency-plan/). ## Home Inventory Do you have an inventory of everything in your home? If you do, do you know where it is? How long has it been since it was updated? Home inventories are needed for insurance claims as well as police reports. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you think you have, doing a home inventory can be as simple as making a video. Go through you home, garage, sheds and outside of your home and video what is there. Open drawers, closets, especially those items of value that are not seen when you walk into a room. Take a couple of minutes to video the items in the dining room hutch; your kids collection of baseballs cards; that fur coat or tuxedo that are in the back of the closet; your collection of dolls or CD’s, etc. If your home were to be destroyed by fire would you be able to remember everything you owned? The same can be done with photos. As long as you have something to show the insurance company or the police. Check out [the medical kit checklist](https://uspreppers.com/medical-kit-checklist/). Important papers are worth making copies of and putting with your inventory. Copies of insurance policies for cars, home, life, medical, as well as bank account numbers, addresses and phone numbers of family members. With computers now it is easy to scan and make a file of all these items. Consider who and what you would need if you lost your home due to fire or flood? Put your home inventories, photos and important papers in a file and make copies of all of them on a CD, send them to others that you trust, put them in a safe deposit box, etc, so you have a copy or two outside of your home. CD’s are an excellent way to protect your cherished photos as well. Back up your files on CD’s so you have them in at least one other place. CD’s fit very nicely into 72 hr backpacks. We've also covered [where beginners should start](https://uspreppers.com/prepping-for-beginners-where-you-should-start/). ## Emergency Supplies - **Fire extinguishers, at least one for each level of your home.** - **Smoke detectors-these are an absolute must in every home. They should be installed close to bedrooms and on each level near the stairs. If you are in need of one and can’t afford it, call your local fire department and they will bring one and install it for you.** - **Candles and matches, also make sure you have something fireproof under your candles.** - **First aid kits may be hard to find when you need it the most.** - **Flashlights and batteries. If you are storing flashlights remember to remove the batteries so they don’t corrode and ruin the flashlights. In hot** areas **you might want to put your batteries in a separate container of their own since heat and humidity can cause them to leak. There are also flashlights that ‘wind up’ so batteries are not needed.** - **Cash. When the power goes out in a community often times businesses can’t or won’t take ATM or credit cards.** - **Battery-powered or hand crank** **radio,this will allow you to keep informed with what may be happening in your area.** - **Collapsible ladder-needed if you have second-floor bedrooms.** ## Family Disaster Plan ### Every able-bodied family member should know and understand: - **How to locate and turn off the water main; gas main; and electrical main to your house. If you don’t know how you can** **call your water, gas or electrical companies and they can tell help you.** - **How to dial 911- AND know when and WHERE to call. be careful teaching this to children. If a 911 call comes** **from your house, they will call you back or come to your house to see if there is an emergency.** - **How to evacuate the house quickly and where to meet together outside the house. If there is not predetermined place to meet it just adds to the chaos of the emergency.** - **How to contact family or friends when an emergency does occur.** - **Practice fire and emergency evacuation drills on a scheduled basis. Ask children what they remember. It is suggested that you change your batteries in the smoke detectors when the time changes, at least once a year. Make sure your fire extinguisher is in working order…remember it may have to be recharged.** ### Here are some tips for various emergencies when preparing with your family disaster drills: ### Fires: - **Stay low to the** ground-smoke **rises** - **Touch door before** opening-if **it is hot don’t open it** ### Tornadoes: - **Seek shelter in basement or in a small interior room with no windows, such as a closet** or a sma**ll hallway with all doors closed.** - **Keep away from outside walls and windows.** - **If you are out in the open, lie down flat in a ditch or low spot.** ### Hurricanes: - **Know where high ground is so you can evacuate when suggested by your local authorities.** - **seek shelter in** basement **or in a small interior room with no windows, such as a closet or a small hallway with all doors closed.** - **Keep away from outside walls and windows.** ### Earthquakes: - **Seek immediate shelter under a heavy desk or table, brace yourself inside a door frame** or if possible **go outside.** - **Walking or running during an earthquake is sometimes very difficult depending on how strong the quake is.** ### Off-Grid Power For Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/off-grid-power-for-preppers/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T22:06:15.000Z One fact of modern life is that almost everyone is dependent on the convenience of electricity and tied to the grid. It is probably safe to say that most people do not even think of the grid while going about the activities of daily life. It is expected that lights will come on when a switch is flipped and the refrigerator humming in the kitchen will keep the food supply fresh and ready to eat. Along with the convenience, however, comes the electric bill and government regulation. A growing number of people are no longer satisfied to pay the bill, including whatever the government wants to add on in order to pay for other people’s convenience. ## Living off the Grid Adding to their dissatisfaction is the fear of the grid failing, and with it, their entire way of life. Quite a few people have decided to do something about it. They have found ways to reduce their dependence on electricity and not only [prepare](https://uspreppers.com/tag/shelter-power/) for an emergency, but lower their energy bills as well. Still others have taken steps to do without electricity and be free from the energy companies altogether. The latter class of people has become known as “preppers,” who are preparing for a disaster situation, or preppers who are living completely “off the grid.” ## Essential Prepper Technology Since living without electricity not as easy as it sounds, prepper technology is necessary to find solutions for basic needs. As anyone would suppose, food refrigeration would be one of the first considerations. Several options are available from which off grid homesteaders may choose, depending on their expertise and their budgets. One way to keep food cool is by using [solar power](/solar-power/) and evaporation to cool the refrigerator box. It works by creating electricity from the power of the sun through solar panels and then using the energy the same way a traditional refrigerator uses electricity. Some refrigerators can be connected directly to a solar panel. Although a solar refrigerator can be expensive, it is possible to convert a regular refrigerator into one that is solar powered. Anyone who owns an RV or boat may be familiar with refrigerators that use propane or gas as a source of energy and does not have any moving parts. This may not be the best option unless one has a natural gas well on the property. Otherwise, a refrigerator of this type can burn lots of gas, making it impractical to use long term, especially if a disaster causes a fuel shortage. Aside from keeping food cold, [drying food](/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/) is an excellent preservation method. It costs practically nothing to sustain the process after the initial purchase of equipment. Most food can be dried and takes up very little space when finished curing. For a deeper dive, see [wind power for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/wind-power/). ## Battery Banks for Energy Many preppers use[ battery banks](/batteries/) for their sustainable energy needs. The kind to use is mostly a matter of choice and budget. Golf cart batteries are exceptionally durable and last up to five years. They will function well even if undercharged. L16 batteries made for commercial floor scrubbers last for five to eight years, but are very heavy. A 6-volt battery produces about 350 to 400 amps. Sealed lead-acid batteries need no maintenance except for proper charging. They also do not produce gasses while charging that need to be vented. Preppers may have battery banks that include all types of batteries. ## Advantage of Planning It would be hard to imagine prepper technology that did not include a [battery operated radio](/emergency-communication/) to keep abreast of news and stay alert to conditions including weather and special announcements. Having alternate energy sources and basic hand tools that use no fuel readily available is advantageous, and everyone should have at least some sort of plan. Whether one is [preparing for](/essential-survival-gear/) a natural or manmade disaster or just wanting to save on energy costs, making the right choices in the kinds of prepper technology to use will give any individual or family a distinct advantage in saving money, saving lives and providing comfort for all. ### How To Store Water Safely URL: https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-water-safely/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z When it comes to family [home water storage](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/), safety is key. It is so important that the storage containers for your [drinking water](https://uspreppers.com/drinking-water-for-preppers-the-essential-emergency-supply/) supply are the bestavailable. Not every container is durable and safe for the long term, so you have to know what to look for before buying. This helpful guide will provideyou with the best family water storage information. ## Types of Containers For Safe Water Storage There are containers made of different materials, and some are more suitable than others for storing a long term supply. When it comes to drinking water, safety and cleanliness are paramount. Take the time to find a container that best suits your needs and will provide you with peace of mind. ### Glass Containers Glass can be a good option, but be aware that there are glass products designed to hold chemicals, and these are not considered safe for food and water. Obviously glass can break easily, and it can also crack if the temperature reaches freezing. The best kind of glass for food and water storage is borosilicate glass. It can withstand a range of temperatures and is more resistant to breakage. One of the problems with glass containers is that they are limited in size. For a water supply that can last, you will want to go big. That takes us to the next type of material, which will offer more size options. ### Plastic Containers Plastic is highly durable, and there are a variety of sizes available for plastic storage containers today. You will want to be storing gallons of water for those long- term scenarios, and even for emergencies, as it is the most precious resource for survival. Choose a brand new plastic container that is food safe. It is not advisable to reuse plastic jugs or bottles, because there can be residue and contaminants left behind, even after washing. A food grade plastic container will be clearly labeled as such, and you will want to make sure that it has the triangular recycling symbol on it, and the number 1, 2, 4, or 5. Your best option is a container marked 2, because that indicates that it is made of High-density Polyethylene plastic, the most durable type made today. It is food safe, and so durable that it will last for decades. ### Stainless Steel Containers A stainless steel tank is ideal for [collecting rainwater](https://uspreppers.com/rainwater-collection/). Rainwater can be made safe for cooking and drinking through boiling or other purification processes, making it an affordable option. Stainless steel offers durability, and the tank will hold up well through all kinds of conditions. For a deeper dive, see [purifying stored water before drinking](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). ## Collecting Rainwater [Rainwater collection](https://uspreppers.com/diy-rainwater-collection-guide-for-preppers/) is a budget friendly option, and it just makes sense to do. As mentioned, you can opt for a stainless steel tank, and there are also a variety of plastic jugs and barrels that are designed specifically for this purpose. Depending on the weather conditions, it may not take very long to fill up a tank and prepare it for safe storage. ## How and Where to Store Water Containers How and where you store your water containers will have an impact on the quality of the water. In order to be safe for drinking, you will need to keep plastic barrels and jugs in a cool, dark area, such as a basement. This is because plastic can leach chemicals into the water when left in the sun and exposed to high temperatures. Keep some bottled water on hand for short-term emergency situations, such as power and water outages. Such an event could occur at almost anytime, and water main breaks certainly aren’t uncommon. Have these bottles stored in a cool and dark place. Wherever you decide is best for your family home water storage, be sure that it is a spot that is easily accessible, and out of direct sunlight at all times. Check out [types of water filters](https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/). ### How To Store Off Grid Electricity URL: https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-off-grid-electricity/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:35.000Z Going “[off the grid](/generating-electricity-off-the-grid/)” means more than simply getting some or even all of your power from the sun and/or wind. It means having a means to store this power so that it can be used when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing. Thankfully, there are a wide range of battery energy storage system options available on the market, with some affordable models costing less than $100 per battery. Even so, those who have a limited budget and/or a large family (which would require the purchase of a number of batteries) may be tempted to wonder if the expense of buying and maintaining an electricity storage system is really worth it. Following are some points that outline why such a system is not just a good idea but also a necessity. Thankfully, there are a wide range of battery energy storage system options available on the market, with some affordable models costing less than $100 per battery. Even so, those who have a limited budget and/or a large family (which would require the purchase of a number of batteries) may be tempted to wonder if the expense of buying and maintaining an electricity storage system is really worth it. Following are some points that outline why such a system is not just a good idea but also a necessity. ## Why a Battery Energy Storage System is a Must The United States is a first world country and electric blackouts are not nearly as common here as they are in Asia or Africa. Even so, it is important to be aware that you can easily lose power with little or no warning. A freak storm, for instance, can cause a blackout for a few days or even a week, as can a malfunctioning or broken part at an electricity plant. It is also important to be aware that there are much more serious potential threats to our power grid system. An EMP, for instance, could knock out electricity in the entire country in a matter of seconds. Solar flares can also wreak havoc on the electric grid; what is more, the odds of such a flare hitting earth are much higher than many people realize. In fact, a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee noted less than a year ago that the likelihood of a severe geomagnetic event damaging the electric grid currently stands at 100%. A terrorist attack could also cause significant damage to the grid. Given the fact that electricity is a must for essential home appliances (i.e. refrigerator, stove, and certain types of medical equipment), a [battery system](/batteries/) can save you a lot of money, hassle and even prevent you from getting sick. In the event of a long-term power blackout, having an electric battery storage system can mean the difference between life and death. ## Is it Really Your Job? Some would question whether providing electricity for their family is really their job. Such individuals often place a great deal of faith in the state and federal government, counting on these institutions to restore power in a timely manner, regardless of what the problem is. Unfortunately, this faith is often misplaced. In the event of a freak storm that knocks out power for millions of people, it could take days or even up to a week (or longer) for power to be restored in your area. In the event of an EMP, solar flare or terrorist attack, you could be without power for well over a year. The reason for this is the fact that the components that electric companies rely on to provide power are not made in the United States but overseas. These components are custom made on request; there is no ready-made stock to order from should a power outage occur. Even if parts were ordered right away, it would take anywhere from 12 to 18 months for them to arrive in the United States. Given the above-mentioned facts, two things are very clear. First, it is all too easy for the electricity to go off when you least expect it. Second, the government may not be able to bail you out as quickly and/or as effectively as you would like. Given these facts, it is clear that having you own electricity storage system is the only way in which you are guaranteed to [have the power you need](/solar-power/), when you need it. ### How To Buy Precious Metals: A Must For Every Prepper URL: https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T23:29:04.000Z Prepping for survival means being prepared for absolutely everything. It does of course include the basic essentials, like [food](/long-term-food-storage/), shelter and water, but must include financial preparedness too. Anyone who takes prepping seriously should know how to buy precious metals for use in emergencies, in order to be ready for any eventuality. Check out [preparing your money](https://uspreppers.com/prepare-your-money-the-prepper-way/). ## Why gold and silver belong in your preps There are several reasons why gold and silver should form part of your survival strategy. Of course, nobody knows what form the disasters for which we are preparing will take, but whether it’s a financial meltdown, nuclear fallout, or a natural catastrophe, there is at least the possibility that banks will not be functioning, and paper assets and currencies will have zero value. In this scenario, it will be essential to have at least some of your financial assets in tangible form, whereby you can physically possess them and access them when needed. We've also covered [the prepper's guide to buying platinum](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-buying-platinum/). Apart from tangibility, however, few commodities have the potential to provide such a consistent and stable medium of exchange as precious metals. There is always a lot of argument about what commodities are most suitable for barter in a situation of currency meltdown, but of course, it depends on local conditions, and on which commodities are plentiful or scarce in that specific situation. Some commodities, such as guns, may work well in some situations, but gold and silver are always popular, and likely to be accepted as payment by virtually everyone. Related reading: [the prepper's gold buying guide](https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-gold-buying-guide/). The main reason for this is the fact that gold and silver have maintained such a consistent value in the long term. Although most people quote the value fluctuations of an ounce of gold and silver in dollars, this value is actually irrelevant. Their value really lies in what they will buy, and an ounce of gold or silver buys more or less the same in 2014 as it did in 1914\. This makes them likely to be accepted as a medium of exchange in most situations. ## Choosing the right form Once you have worked out the reasons why you would need them, and the circumstances under which you would use them, it is much easier to understand how to buy precious metals for a survival scenario. For instance, obviously, one of your first considerations must be to buy them in convenient sizes. If you are inexperienced, you need to start by educating yourself about precious metals, the forms they come in, and how to buy them without being cheated. Many people recommend silver as being preferable to gold for prepping purposes, as, dollar for dollar, you get more silver for your money. If you want to have some gold, you should avoid buying ingots, which are easy to counterfeit, and focus on coins — American Eagles are a good buy, as they come in a range of sizes — 1 ounce, ½,1/4 and 1/10 ounce. Although you may need some 1-ounce coins for larger purchases, obviously, for day-to-day bartering, the smaller the coins the better. For a deeper dive, see [how to buy silver the prepper's way](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-silver-the-preppers-way/). [For silver](/silver/), the most popular purchase for survival purposes is junk silver — that is, US silver coins minted before 1965, containing 90% silver. Dealers typically sell these in bags of $1,000, $500 and $250 face value, or they can be purchased in rolls, making them an easy and affordable investment. They are ideal for emergencies, as they can be traded individually. ## Find a reputable dealer However you buy precious metals, it is essential to find a reputable dealer. Dental laboratories and independent jewelers usually have accounts with gold suppliers, and will usually provide you with recommendations, or you can use the US Mint Dealer Locator. You should never use online auction sites — if you find dealers directly on the Internet, you must always check them out with the Better Business Bureau and other rating agencies. In today’s global economy, the primary contingency we have to prepare for is the loss of confidence. Whatever type of disaster strikes, any kind of exchange medium in which confidence has been lost, will be worthless. Knowing how to buy precious metals will give you a currency that has proved throughout history to retain confidence more than any other. ### Finding The Best Prepper Medical Kits URL: https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-prepper-medical-kits/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Being prepared for a disaster means thinking of all potential scenarios. For the best prepper medical supplies are essential. Finding the best prepper medical kits or making your own should be one of the first things you focus on as you make your emergency plan. For a deeper dive, see [emergency med kits for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-med-kits/). ## Why You Need a Med Kit No matter what SHTF scenario you think might happen, chances are high that someone will be injured at some point. If you don’t have medical help nearby, you’ll need to deal with the situation yourself. Even a simple splinter can kill you if not taken care of properly. It’s a good idea to have two medical kits. One should be for your home and contain a wide range of supplies for all types of medical emergencies. The other should be small, with just the essentials, for your bug out bag. This eliminates the need to sort through your things if you need to leave your safe house. Many people add a third kit to their car. Even if you don’t need the [medical kit](https://uspreppers.com/medical-kit-checklist/) for a disaster situation, you may end up needing it in your everyday life. Accidents happen and it’s best to be prepared. ## DIY vs. Purchased Medical Kits You can purchase the best prepper supplies and make your own medical kit, but it is usually more cost effective to buy a basic or even a complete kit to begin with. This will come with everything you need to stay healthy in a survival situation. You can add other items, if necessary to round out the kit. ## What to Look for in a Prepper Medical Kit The best prepper medical kits will contain supplies to cover a range of possible emergency situations. Keep in mind that even minor injuries can be deadly in a disaster situation where there is no hospital available. Any [first aid](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/) kit worth its salt will contain the basics for wound management, such as medical tape, gauze and several sizes of bandages. However, if you are facing a bad situation, you’ll want a little more than that. **Here are some essentials that should be in every prepper’s medical kit.** - **Antiseptics: An antiseptic gel like Neosporin or a bottle of iodine is necessary in a good medical kit. When you can’t depend on outside help, you really need to stay on top of infections. Cleaning wounds properly is very important.** - **Imodium: When hygiene is poor, stomach upsets are not uncommon. Imodium will stop diarrhea and prevent you from becoming dehydrated.** - **Re-hydration salts: A simple powder that can be mixed into water, re-hydration salts are designed to give much-needed nutrients and keep you hydrated if you are ill.** - **Dental repair kit: A toothache can make it difficult to get anything done and it is best if you are able to repair it yourself. A dental kit takes up virtually no room in your first aid kit and is very useful.** - **Pain relievers and fever reducers: If you are injured, pain relief may be necessary. Many pain relievers double as fever reducers and can come in handy if you fall ill or develop an infection. The kit should include a thermometer to check temperature.** Advanced First aid manual: Even if you have taken a first aid course, having an advanced manual available is a good idea in case you or someone else run into an injury or illness that is unfamiliar. Ideally, the best prepper medical kits will contain everything you need to prevent minor injuries from getting worse and stopping major injuries from killing you. Choose the best kit for your needs and supplement with medicines and other items if need be. ### Finding The Best Portable Water Filter Systems URL: https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:46:15.000Z The Boy Scout motto to “Be Prepared” applies to everyone, especially when it comes to ensuring an adequate supply of clean and safe drinking water. Whether you are out camping and need extra water for drinking, or in more serious situations such as being lost hiking or having to deal with natural or manmade disasters, having access to portable survival water filter systems can be a life-saver. You may be surrounded by water, but not have a safe drop to drink unless you are equipped with a system for purifying water. ## Drinking Water Dangers All water of questionable quality should be considered unsafe to drink, use for food preparation or even for washing. Outdoor water sources, no matter how clean they look, can have high concentrations of microorganisms and even be contaminated with chemicals. When a disaster or emergency hits a community water supply system, the water being delivered can be compromised and contaminated. **Drinking water problems and health concerns include:** - B**ad tastes and odors** - **Turbidity or unusual color** - **Pathogenic strains of E-coil bacteria that can be deadly** - **Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis pathogens that cause diarrhea** - **Organisms that cause cholera and Salmonella, although less common, are still a potential hazard** - **Pathogenic viruses may be present** - **Larvae of flukes could be present and potentially result in life-threatening cysts in the liver or brain** - **Heavy metals and toxic chemicals which can cause dysentery and hepatitis** ## Low-Tech Approaches to Treating Water In emergencies, when no other water is available, there are simple steps which can be taken to improve the quality and safety of the water, including: Straining the water, by pouring it through a coffee filter, towel, clean sock or cloth to remove larger particles and sediment Boiling the water for at least one full minute if you are able to while on the move Using bleach or purification tablets; about 16 drops of bleach per gallon should be stirred in and let stand for about 30 minutes should be sufficient, or by following the instructions associated with your purification tablets. Distilling the water by boiling the contaminated water and collecting the condensate in a separate container. None of these approaches are perfect however and to increase the safety of the water, a combination of your choice of these methods should be used. An even better approach is to be prepared with a [portable water filter](https://uspreppers.com/choosing-a-good-portable-water-filter/) products for purifying water that simplify the whole process and almost guarantee safe drinking water. ## Portable Survival Water Filter Systems Every prepper with a Boy Scout attitude has a portable [water purification](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/) kit available, just in case it is needed. There are many different kits and filters on the market, so it is smart to do advance research before making a purchase. You need to choose a water filtering system that will work best for you and your family. ### Here are some tips to consider for your situation: - **Water treatment tablets are inexpensive and easiest to use; these iodine tablets can simply be added to water to make it safe to drink in about 30 minutes** - **Personal water filter straws are easy to transport and use by anyone; a filter in the straw removes impurities and clean water can be drunk directly from the straw or collected into another container** - **Microfiltration systems, especially those with dual filters, provide good tasting water and, important to hikers, are easy to pack** - **Water purification bottles are popular; be sure to stock up on replacement filters to ensure a continuing source of safe water** - **A portable water purifier filter is a pump based filter, hand operated, lightweight and small, yet capable of a high volume of clean drinkable water** Portable [water filters](https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/) are an excellent solution wherever and whenever you need a safe water supply. They are essential equipment for hikers, outdoor survivalists and preppers concerned about the safety of their families. Having the capability for purifying water is a first priority in surviving emergency situations. ### Emergency And Long Term Shelters For Preppers: What To Look For URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-and-long-term-shelters-for-preppers-what-to-look-for/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:35.000Z Shelter is one of the three [key elements of surviva](/emergency-shelters/)l. Without it, you will not last long in a world that is incredibly hostile to human life. If you are considering a worst-case scenario, you should make sure to check your shelter options for both bug-out situations and for long-term survival. ## Things To Consider Before you consider your shelter, you should try to figure out your survival time frame. Far too many preppers think that the key to finding a safe place is the ability to defend one’s self from human predators. In real-world survival situations, though, your true enemies are going to be exposure, thirst and hunger. As such, the best shelters for preppers are going to help to keep you safe in the winter, dry in the rainy season and out of the way of the elements. A solid construction that can keep you out of nature’s grips is worth more than any number of booby-traps or tactical planning. If you want to take preparation seriously, look at the way that people live throughout the world. Outside of so-called “first world” civilizations, people look for ways to take advantage of the land upon which they live. Places that are prone to flooding might build houses on stilts, whereas desert communities tend to build homes out of materials that reflect sunlight during the day and retain heat at night. As an individual looking to be self-sufficient, your goal should be to follow this example. The more that you can rely on nature, the better you can protect yourself. ## Bug Out Shelters Some shelters are quite suitable for short-term survival, while others are better for permanent habitation. The former shelter should be your “bug out” option – the place where you stop until things blow over or the place where you go on the way to a permanent new location. A good bug out shelter should provide you with shelter, a degree of safety and the ability to be abandoned at a moment’s notice – all qualities that can be provided by anything from a sturdily built tree house to a survival-rated tent. If you are looking for a new long-term home, though, you’ve got to be a bit more meticulous. ## Bunkers The most popular long-term products on the market are underground shelters and pre-fab shelters made from shipping containers. Both are easily defensible, of course, but only the former provides adequate elemental protection. A properly constructed bunker (such as the bomb shelters from the Cold War) will keep out almost any kind of weather – but at the cost of keeping you underground. You lose the ability to depend on things like sunlight, unfortunately making you more reliant on generators and other power sources for daily life. ## Long-Term Shelter If you’re looking for long-term safety, you’re better off having a cabin built in the woods – preferably in a temperate area in which you can grow a garden, hunt game and fish. This is the kind of place that should be your ultimate goal – isolated, yes, but in such a way that you can still allow yourself the luxury of depending on nature. While there are many threats that might cause you to going into prepper mode, it is important that you remember that nature is far more likely to bounce back than any human-made structure. ## Needs v.s. Wants If you wish to find the best shelter for preppers, try to take a moment and look at what you would reasonably need to survive. Balance your need for [food](/long-term-food-storage/), [water](/family-water-storage-guide/) and shelter with any thoughts of safety from attack – doing so will almost certainly allow you to create an existence that should be a bit more comfortable. Prepping for tomorrow means not just maintaining healthy paranoia or thinking about the short-term – it means taking the time to assess how you want to live in the future. ### Drinking Water For Preppers: The Essential Emergency Supply URL: https://uspreppers.com/drinking-water-for-preppers-the-essential-emergency-supply/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z You may not think about water very often. You may not even like drinking it. It is, however, the very stuff of life. It makes up the majority of your body weight and is necessary for a variety of bodily functions. People who are serious about surviving emergencies should think hard about a supply of drinking water. Not only should they consider water when they make plans, they should also consider the need for pure water and the different ways to ensure a supply of it. For a deeper dive, see [the family water storage guide](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/). We've also covered [water purification methods](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). ## Drinking Water and Your Health There is a lot of talk these days about the need to be ready for a variety of emergencies. The Fukushima disaster and[ Hurricane Katrina](/government-disaster-response-whats-left/) are two excellent examples of situations in which people are simply on their own for a period with no recourse to government. Trying to survive without water for very long is futile and dangerous. You can only live a few days without water if you remain still and are not sweating or breathing hard. Without it, you will be incapable of carrying out many basic tasks after a short while. Your blood pressure and other vital signs rely on an adequate supply of water in your blood. ## Why Should You Care? If you are investigating this topic, then you probably understand the need to stockpile in general. However, you may not have considered how your water supply may be compromised in a variety of unexpected situations. Many people prepare a 72-hour bag with water but never think about that particular resource beyond the first three days. On the other hand, they may plan to reside near a river or well after society takes a hit. The problem with this thinking is the assumption of a pure water supply. Even if you plan ahead, you cannot ensure yourself of a water supply to last very long. Many rivers are too contaminated today for your stomach to handle drinking the water. Furthermore, any number of situations could result in a previously pure drinking water supply, such as a well in which you have trusted for years, becoming contaminated. - **Fallout or other hazardous waste in the air could taint your water.** - **Major changes to local geography could muddy waters and bring them and your insides into contact with previously unacquainted bacteria.The cause of the disaster could be a foreign attack on the water supply itself.** - **You may come to need an unknown source of water and do not want to risk being poisoned.** **Purifying Water** - **There are many ways to purify water, but there are just three that may be useful for you to know in an extended emergency.** ### Boil the Water You will only need a container and a fire for this solution to work. All bacteria will be killed off by thoroughly boiling water. This means that you need to do more than just observe a few bubbles rising to the surface of the heated water. Boil for 15 minutes. The drawback is that you will then need to cool the water in order to drink it. ### Use Purification Tablets You can buy these in a store. Purification tablets are the most common. However, you will eventually run out and have to rely on another method. This approach to purifying water will also result in bad-tasting water. ### Purifying Water DIY This is not a perfect method but to may be used in emergencies. Make a cone out of bark. Fill it with alternating layers of sand, charcoal, gravel and even grass. This will help remove particulates and even bacteria to a limited extent. Always make sure that you have enough water to get safely away in times of emergency. However, you should also plan on setting up somewhere and purifying Check out [the best portable water filter systems](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/). ### DIY Rainwater Collection Guide For Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/diy-rainwater-collection-guide-for-preppers/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Prepping for possible water shortages is something that many of us should be doing today. Water is the most essential key to survival, and without a [supply ](/family-water-storage-guide/)of fresh drinking water, one cannot make it for very long. Rainwater harvesting is one of the most practical and basic ways to build up a decent amount of water for storage. Perhaps the best part is that the water is free, and once the collection system has been set up, it takes little effort to supply your own viable water source. ## Why Rainwater? If you want to store up a large volume of water, it would be quite costly to do, since you would need to pay for it. You could buy bottled purified water, but it would mean purchasing many gallons to achieve a decent long-term supply. By using rainwater, you are taking advantage of a natural resource. Once you have made your [rainwater collection](https://uspreppers.com/rainwater-collection/) system with the right equipment, you will be able to use it repeatedly. You won’t have to be worried about running out of your water supply, because it will replenish itself when it rains or snows. ## Effective Methods for Collecting Rainwater You may want to begin by filling up smaller jugs, so that you have a ready supply for cooking and drinking in 5-gallon containers. These containers are the type that bottling companies use to deliver spring water to paying customers. You often see these jugs on coolers in businesses, waiting rooms, and even in homes. You can buy them pre-filled, or you can fill them yourself right from your tap. This ensures a decent supply that will be suitable for short term needs, as the jugs can be stored in a basement, garage, or other dry, dark, and cool area. When it comes to long-term needs, you want to use effective rainwater collection methods to build up your stockpile. The most common and perhaps simplest method is using a tank to catch runoff from the roof. When it rains, an abundant supply of water comes running down from rooftops, into gutters, and then out of spouts and onto the ground. By catching and collecting it, you are actually helping to reduce runoff pollution from storm water that seeps into the ground. The water that you collect will obviously not be suitable for drinking right away, so you need to take some steps to get it there. Your tank will need a filter at the point where rainwater enters from the spout. This will collect most dirt and debris. Once you have your tank set up to collect, your system will be running on autopilot. As it rains, your tanks will fill up, and as you use the supply, it will go down, then refill when it rains again, and so on. If you have branches or trees hanging over your roof, you may want to clear them away to reduce the amount of debris that will enter the supply. Although much, if not all, will be filtered out before hitting the tank, it is a helpful step to take to get the cleanest supply possible to make the process run smoother. You can also allow rain to fall for several minutes before opening access to your tank, just so that any existing debris is washed off first. You will want to clean out your gutters regularly. Another option is to use a clean surface for collection, such as a large tarp, or buckets. With a tarp, you need to get a bit craftier, using stakes to raise the corners of the tarp off the ground and create an inverted area in the center for collection. You could then bottle the water up, and boil it when you are ready to use it. This is a more labor and time-intensive method, but it does work. ### Equipment Checklist: - **Large, durable collection tank or barrels** - **PVC Piping** - **Hose for overflow line** - **Filter, cut to size for the top of the tank** - **Tarp, stakes, and empty jugs for bottling** The most essential piece of equipment needed for rainwater harvesting is a sturdy, safe collection tank or large barrel. You will have to install an overflow line, using a piece of hose or piping. Fit a filter to the top of the tank, where the spout connects to the barrel. You can use PVC piping to connect several barrels, simply by drilling and cutting holes, and then using a plumbing seal to prevent leaks. For a deeper dive, see [purifying rainwater for drinking](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). As you can see, it does not cost very much to get your rainwater collection system up and running. Once you have it installed and have tested it out to ensure that everything flows smoothly, you will be able to build up a fast supply of potable water. You can have peace of mind knowing that your family will be prepared with water for years to come. ### Creating A Disaster Preparedness Kit For Your Family URL: https://uspreppers.com/creating-a-disaster-preparedness-kit-for-your-family/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z Being prepared in an emergency is essential to survival and can mean the difference between life and death. Every family will benefit from having a solid disaster preparedness plan in place that will help you to make the right decisions in an emergency. Check out [a family emergency plan](https://uspreppers.com/creating-your-own-family-emergency-plan/). ## Prepare in Advance There are as many disaster preparedness plans as there are families. The specifics of your plan will be unique to your family, but the key is to have a plan prepared in advance and practice it before you need it. Each member of the family should know where to locate the [disaster supplies](/essential-survival-gear/) and where to meet should the family get separated. We've also covered [emergency shelter options](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-shelters/). Map out escape routes from your home and ensure that everyone knows them. This is especially important if you have small children in your family who may not be able to find their own means of escape in an emergency. Discuss the do’s and don’ts of emergency survival. Some children may hide from firefighters and rescue personnel in an emergency. For small children, it helps to show them pictures of firefighters in uniform and explain how to get help from first responders if necessary. ## Involve Everyone As a first step, delegate tasks to family members to carry out in case of emergency or an unexpected evacuation. Designate one person to carry the food supplies, another to gather up pets and yet another to prepare the car to evacuate. By delegating these tasks before an actual emergency, you can save time and ensure that no detail is missed. For a deeper dive, see [the complete bug out bag checklist](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/). It also helps to designate locations that will make adequate evacuation sites. If you are planning on evacuating to a public place or relative’s home, map out the route and any alternate routes in advance. ## Create a Disaster Supply Kit There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to stocking emergency essentials. Most people consider earthquakes and hurricanes disasters, but few realize that blizzards, blackouts and floods can also leave you stranded without necessary supplies and emergency assistance. There are several must-have items for every disaster supply kit. They include: ### Water Figure in one gallon of water per person per day and stock three days of water for each person, more for sick, elderly or nursing family members. In summer temperatures or hot climates, stock two gallons each. [Purchase water storage containers](/family-water-storage-guide/) and water purification tablets from a disaster supply retailer. This will allow you to store water safely for drinking and sanitation, and purify any water you find from natural sources such as lakes and wells. ### Food Purchase a three-day supply of food for each person in the family. You can find meals ready to eat (MRE) and other non-perishable food items at disaster supply stores. A supply of nuts, jerky, crackers and other shelf-stable foods is a good addition to your food supply. ### Batteries These are essential for powering flashlights, radios and other small devices. ### Other essential elements for your survival kit include: - **Solar powered radio** - **First Aid Kit** - **Whistle (to signal to first responders)** - **Paper towels, moist towelettes, and toothbrushes** - **Blankets** - **Hand-held can openers** - **Toolbox** - **Medications** - **Baby supplies** - **Dust masks** - **Cell phone and charger** This list includes only a few of the necessary items for your disaster supplies kit. Based on your geographic location, you may choose other supplies. For instance, some people stock guns and ammo, while others stock a supply of dry clothing and sunscreen. After the basics of food and water are covered, you can customize your kit to your needs. The key to make sure you have everything you need for survival until help arrives. Developing a disaster preparedness plan is the first step in ensuring your safety in an emergency. Share this plan with your entire family and practice it to make sure everyone gets out alive. Designate tasks for each family member in case of an emergency evacuation to make sure all bases are covered. ### Civilian MRE vs. Military MRE: Which Should You Choose? URL: https://uspreppers.com/civilian-or-military-mres-you-choose/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z MRE stands for “Meals Ready To Eat,” and is the name for a prepackaged, lightweight and nutritious meal that is provided to military troops during war. [MREs](https://uspreppers.com/mres-freeze-dried-food/) are also available to the civilian population, and some individuals like to have MREs on hand for achieving preparedness in case of times of natural disaster or civilian unrest. In our current times, an increasing amount of individuals feel it is wise to prepare for such events, and having a supply of MREs is a simple step that many preppers and survivalists can take. For a deeper dive, see [dehydrated food benefits](https://uspreppers.com/dehydrated-food-benefits/). There are some differences between [civilian MREs](https://uspreppers.com/civilian-mres-guide/) and military MREs. Some individuals or organizations resell military issued MREs. This isn’t exactly approved of in any legitimate manner, but it still goes on. However, there are organizations producing MREs for civilian use, and this option may be more appropriate for civilian buyers. There are some pros and cons to civilian and military MREs: ## Civilian MREs Civilian MREs sometimes have the tendency to be fresher. The civilian MREs can also be flatter and wider, and can be packed easily into bug out bags. Civilian MREs tend to be more expensive, and sometimes are missing parts, like the flameless heaters. There is also not as much variety available on the market, and they are sometimes not labeled, so users don’t know what to expect in their meal. Check out [long-term food storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/). ## Military MREs Military MREs are the real deal. Some individuals put a lot of weight on the quality of the genuine issue, and this makes sense. Military MREs are cheaper, especially when purchased on eBay. They provide a greater variety and you know exactly what you are getting. The military package tends to hold up better over time and under stress. The military MREs contain all the special add-ons, like utensils, heaters, side dishes and condiments. However, military MREs can be more difficult to find, and if you are buying from an unknown party, it can be impossible to be sure that they have been stored properly before purchasing. We've also covered [one-stop shop for emergency food](https://uspreppers.com/one-stop-shop-emergency-food/). If you are interested in purchasing military MREs, you can do so at gun shows, at surplus stores or through eBay. Surplus stores tend to charge the most, and eBay consistently provides the best deals. There are certain precautions that should be taken when purchasing through eBay. Of course, be sure the seller has positive feedback. Be certain the auction lists the guaranteed fresh date, or “re-inspection” date. Also you want to see the case letter and/or menu numbers so you have knowledge about what type of meal is inside. And try to find out how the MREs have been stored. At 50 degrees F an MRE can last 5 years. At 120 degrees Fairheight, an MRE will last 1 month. ## Things To Consider If you would rather purchase civilian MREs, there are more options available to you. Buying by the case is far more cost effective than purchasing individual meals. A simple google search will reveal many of the options available to you. Be certain the place you are buying from lists exactly what you are getting in the package. Remember that all extras may not be included, and then you will be forced to purchase them separately. Also, check the calorie count of the MREs, to make certain they are equal to the military MRE calorie count. Civilian meals ready to eat are not exactly the same as military meals ready to eat, and any seller making this claim is lying. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be dissatisfied with your civilian MRE, but don’t expect it to be the same as the military issues. MREs have evolved throughout history, and our current modern food preservation methods allow for an amazing amount of nutritional value to be packed into a light and condensed package. MREs are a smart item to have in every prepper or survivalist’s storage. In our time of political, economic, environmental and cultural upheaval it is wise to practice a certain level of preparedness for unexpected situations. MREs nutritiousness and ability to be stored for extended periods of time make them a great addition to preparedness packages. Unlike some other food items, they will not have to be routinely replaced. If you are careful about choosing a source of MREs and keep these facts about them in mind, you should have no problem stocking your own survival kit with meals ready to eat. ### Choosing The Right Backup Generator For Your Needs URL: https://uspreppers.com/choosing-the-right-backup-generator-for-your-needs/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, your power flicks off during a raging storm outside. Scared, you scrambled for something to help you see just a bit in the dark. Having a [backup generator](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-generators/) equipped in your home is ideal for keeping electricity on during storms and times of power outages. By being prepared with a backup generator, electricity for your home will be readily available for you and your family. Many generators claim they fit your needs, but not all of them are the best generators for emergencies. You need to understand the differences between them and educate yourself about what to look for in your generator. For a deeper dive, see [batteries](https://uspreppers.com/batteries/). ## Portable or Permanent Generator…? One of the first things you need to consider is whether you want a portable or permanent backup generator installed in your home. A permanent backup generator stays outside of your home and is always available on standby, should something happen to your electricity. These types of generators run off of gas or propane and generate enough electricity for re-powering your home once it loses power. The generator uses what is known as a transfer switch to transfer your electricity to a new power line to restore the electricity in your home. A portable generator is different from a permanent one. This option is much more affordable for the average family and powers your most important and necessary items during an outage. These generators are compact in size and come on wheels so that you can move them around as needed. They run on gas and start once you turn them on. Unlike permanent generators, they do not kick on automatically or restore power to your whole home. Check out [storing off-grid electricity](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-off-grid-electricity/). ## Consideration When Purchasing You should consider some things when you are purchasing your generator. One of the first things to consider is the quality of the product. Whether you choose a permanent or portable one, you need to know that you can depend on it in situations where you need electricity. The generator should hold up under normal wear and tear and start with ease for you. Each generator should be durable and the knobs, wheels, hoses, and other components should be securely fitted to the unit. Another thing to consider when purchasing your generator is what you need to power. Since a portable generator can only power so many items, you should determine what your most vital items are. Electricity for your air conditioning unit is needed, depending on where you live. In addition to your air conditioning, you may determine that you need electricity for your refrigerator. Consider how much each piece of needed equipment uses and keep this in mind when choosing your generator. Lastly, consider how much you can afford to spend on a generator and whether or not you want it to work automatically when you are not home. A portable generator will not kick on when you are not home; however, a permanent one will. ## Never Fear the Dark Again Choosing the best generator for emergencies is dependent upon what your needs are, how much you can afford, and what the generator can power for your home. Keeping your power on or powering up your important items during an outage is important to keep your family safe. Storms can present you with a scary situation and once you install your generator, you will have electricity for your home. The best generators for emergencies will keep your family safe, allow you to see during a storm, and help you protect your valuables. Never sit in the dark without power again and rely on another backup source to provide your home with the power you need. ### Canning Foods URL: https://uspreppers.com/canning-food/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:46:15.000Z *“* ***Many of us can remember back when our mothers or grandmothers turned the kitchen into a steam-filled sauna boiling jars of green beans, peaches or crushed berry jams in huge pots for days, preserving all that the summer garden produced for the winter months to come.”*** Home canning food is a lost seasonal art these days when the local grocery store is well stocked year round with anything and everything we need. But for the average prepper, canning remains a trusted and rewarding method for stocking a long term food supply. The goal for any prepper is to maintain a sufficient store of safe and nutritious emergency essentials for his or her family when a disaster occurs. Canning at home is one of the best approaches to long term food storage and is an ideal way to stock a respectable supply of healthy emergency goods. ## Why Canning Food Is Vital For Preppers It is an economical and safe method of preserving quality goods for long term storage at home. Not only does it provide an economical alternative to store bought supplies but it can be healthier option. Commercially processed canned goods add sugar, salt and other preservatives, not to mention pesticides and other chemicals used in their initial production. Canning what your family grew every season was an annual tradition, perhaps lost in recent years, but it’s something that preppers are bringing back into the family fold. The process itself provides a shared sense of accomplishment as everyone takes part in the growing, prepping and preserving, culminating in the enjoyment of eating the garden fresh delecacies you’ve produced yourselves. ## Prepper Canning Methods There are two main methods used. Each method requires its own particular piece of equipment but will ultimately depend on what type of food you plan to can. If fruits, jams or pickles are on the menu then a standard wide pot for boiling is all you need. But if you’re planning to preserve vegetables or meats then you will need a pressure canner given the higher temperatures required for safely processing those treats. Most pots sold these days are designed to hold seven quart jars. Low-acid foods (pH above 4.6) such as vegetables (including tomatoes), meats, poultry and seafood require higher temperatures (240-250 degrees F) reached only through pressurized methods using a pressure cooker. This is to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulium, the bacterium that produces the botulism toxin. High acid foods like fruits and pickles can be safely canned in a boiling water bath canner. Given its ease and the lower initial costs, most preppers start with this method then move on to pressure canning to expand the range of goods they want to preserve. ## Preppers Basic Canning Supplies **The Basic equipment is inexpensive and readily available. Tools needed include:** - **Jars and two-piece lids (a seal and a ring to hold it in place)** - **A large pot with a lid and rack for a boiling water canner for high acid fruits and jams OR a pressure cooker for low acid meats and vegetables** - **Measuring spoons and cups** - **Tongs, a jar lifter and a funnel** ## Procedure for Boiling Water Canning ### Procedures for water bath methods are straightforward: 1. **Ensure jars, lids and screw-on bands are in good condition; discard jars that have nicks, cracks or sharp edges, and discard bands that show signs of rust or are dented; new lids are required every time to ensure a good seal.** 2. **Wash and rinse jars, lids and bands; put hot water into jars to preheat them until needed; sterilize jars if the recipe calls for it.** 3. **Fill the canner with water so that it will be about 2 inches above the filled jars.** 4. **Preheat the water to simmering.** 5. **Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.** 6. **Fill the hot jars with prepared recipe to the level recommended.** 7. **Use a spatula to work out air bubbles from the jar.** 8. **Wipe the edge of the jar with a clean damp cloth, apply the lid and tighten the band snugly but do not over tighten.** 9. **Use the jar lifter to place jars into the canner.** 10. **Add more water if needed to cover the jars about 2 inches** **Cover the pot with lid and boil vigorously initially and then gently for the time recommended by the recipe, listening for the distinctive twang as the air is sucked out and the lids are sealed tight.** 11. **Remove canner from heat and remove its lid.** 12. **Remove jars vertically and place on cooling racks away from a draft to cool undisturbed for 8-10 hours.** 13. **When cool, test the seal by pressing on the lid; there should be no give.** 14. **Label and store in a cool dry place.** ## Procedure for Pressure Canning ### This process requires a careful check of equipment before use in addition to specific preparation steps: **Clean, inspect and assemble the pressure cooker according to manufacturer instructions.** 1. **Prepare jars, lids and screw-on bands the same as for the boiling water method.** 2. **Add water to the pressure canner according to instructions and preheat the water.** 3. **Prepare recipies according to directions provided .** 4. **Fill hot jars to recommended levels, usually one inch for vegetables and meats, and one inch for fruits.** 5. **Work out air bubbles with a spatula, and clean the sealing edge with a cloth.** 6. **Use the jar lifter to position jars into the canner.** 7. **Follow directions to vent air from the canner and then place the pressure regulator on the vent pipe.** 8. **Heat the to the desired pressure and begin the process time.** 9. **At the end of recommended time, remove from heat and let cool on its own.** 10. **When pressure has been completely reduced, remove the regulator and allow time for additional cooling.** 11. **Open the pressure canner and remove jars vertically.** 12. **Let jars cool on racks undisturbed for 8-12 hours before pushing down on the lids to check for a proper seal.** 13. **Label and store in a cool dry place.** Learning how to prepare and preserve your own essential emergency supplies with canning food techniques is a skill that every prepper will appreciate. Accompanied by a feeling of self-reliance for doing it all yourself, the reduced costs will allow you to stock your [long-term preppers pantry ](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/)quicker with goods your family will thoroughly enjoy. ### Canning Essentials URL: https://uspreppers.com/canning-essentials/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Preserving food through a home canning process is a time-honored tradition especially popular before every household had refrigerators and frozen food was readily available. The popularity of home canning was started around 1860 when a New York tinsmith named John L. Mason invented a glass jar with a reusable metal lid and threaded lip, now referred to as the Mason jar. For a deeper dive, see [beginning canning for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/beginning-canning-for-preppers/). Food preservation through canning has continued through the generations as there is a satisfaction in having the whole family involved in picking and preparing your own fruits and vegetables to enjoy later in the year. Special pressure cookers even allow canning of fish and meats. ## Understanding the Science Of Canning Nothing beats the taste of fresh local foods, and the best way to safely preserve those flavors is by home canning. The process is simple, involving the application of heat to food that is contained in a closed glass jar to interrupt the natural decay of the food. All foods and the air around them contain different microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, mold as well as enzymes. Canning allows control of these factors to prevent food from spoiling. The canning approach depends on the acid levels of the food. Some foods like fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and pickles using added vinegar are high acid foods. Low acids foods include meats and other vegetables. High acid foods require heat processing to 212 F, and low acid foods need to be heat treated at 240 F to inhibit spoilage. The simplest home canning approach is water bath canning. Jars filled with acidic foods such as berries, tomatoes, or cucumbers in vinegar are covered with lids, and boiled in an open pot of water until a seal is formed under the lid. The heat from boiling forces air out of the jar, creating a vacuum. The acidic environment and lack of oxygen prevents harmful bacteria from forming. A more advanced canning technique is pressure canning, used for low acid foods. The pressure cooker is a specially designed pressure system that prevents steam from escaping, increasing the temperature in the canner to the necessary level. Pressure canning allows preservation of a wide range of foods. Safe canning requires the right amount of heat for the right length of time, proper preparation of foods being canned, and precise salt/sugar and acidity levels. Grandmother’s treasured recipes and approaches may work well. However, to ensure safety and best preservation of foods, it is best to use canning recipes that have been tested by food scientists. Basic Canning Equipment Check out [canning foods](https://uspreppers.com/canning-food/). It is easy to set up a home canning system. The basic equipment is inexpensive and readily available. Tools needed include: - **Jars and two-piece lids** - **A large pot to prepare the food** - **A deep pot with a lid and rack for high acid foods, or a pressure cooker for low acid foods** - **Measuring spoons and cups** - **Tongs, a jar** lifter **and funnel** - **Steps in the Canning Process** The process for canning is not difficult. Start with collecting the best and freshest foods for preserving. Then follow these steps: - **Review the recipe to ensure all ingredients and tools are available** - **Fill the canning pot with water and bring it to a boil; follow manufacturer’s instructions to prepare a pressure cooker** - **Clean and sterilize jars in simmering water** - **Place lids in hot water until needed** - **Prepare the ingredients and fill the jars** - **Wipe the rims and screw on the lids** - **Boil the jars for the necessary time** - **Remove and cool undisturbed for 24 hours** Involving children in the canning process will produce life-long memories for them. Preserving food using the canning method ensures high quality and flavorful meals, saving money and helping build up the[ family food stores.](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-food-checklist/) The family who invests time in home canning has food in reserve for winter treats and is prepared for emergency situations. ### How To Buy Silver, The Prepper’s Way URL: https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-silver-the-preppers-way/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z As a precious metal, [silver offers many benefits ](https://uspreppers.com/silver/)to any family on a budget. Whether you want to invest in silver to protect your financial future during an economic disaster, civil unrest, or for the zombie apocalypse, silver is a good choice for anyone preparing for his survival. ## The Value of Silver For thousands of years, silver has been a revered metal. It has many advantages such as a high monetary value. For investors, silver is a good hedge against inflation and deflation. During economic downturns, as the stock market and bond prices decrease, the prices of [precious metals](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/) usually increase in value. For a deeper dive, see [trading after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). The price of silver continues to rise because it is used in many industries. These companies need and use silver to remain in business. For example, silver is used for dental work, medical devices and equipment. Silver is also in short supply, and as the demand for it continues to rise, its value and price increase. Traditionally, silver and other precious metals don’t fluctuate in value or have extreme price changes as the dollar or the stock market does. Silver is more stable and offers fewer risks and less volatility than other forms of investments. This stability helps to make silver a good long-term investment. Another important benefit of silver is that for centuries many nations viewed the metal as currency. Today, silver is still thought of and used as money. One of the best things about silver is that it is a liquid asset. This means the silver can quickly and easily be converted to cash. ## The Options for Buying Silver For most people who want to invest in silver, the easiest path is to buy stocks of silver mining companies or silver refineries. Another option is investing in mutual funds that deal exclusively with silver stocks, silver bullion or silver coins. However, for families preparing for their financial future during times of unrest, the best choice is to buy physical silver in the form of bullion. There are three types of silver bullion——bars, rounds, and coins. Silver bars are more common than rounds and coins. Silver bullion bars are traditionally very heavy, and the main disadvantage is having a place to store the silver in a secure place. However, today, refineries create silver bars in a variety of weights and sizes, thus making it a more practical investment in preparation for unrest. These smaller bullion bars are lightweight and portable. The standard sizes are 1 oz., 5 oz., 10 oz., 1 kilo, and 100 oz. silver bars. Silver rounds are mostly available in a 1 oz. size, although 2 oz. rounds are also available. Bars and rounds are the same thing but have different shapes. These two types of bullion are produced in large quantities. Silver coins, on the other hand, are minted in smaller amounts and are scarcer. This makes them more expensive to purchase than bars or rounds of the same weight and purity. Silver coins also have the national value of being a collectible. This also adds to the price of the underlying silver content. The most popular coins are the American Silver Eagle and the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. Buying silver jewelry is another good option because jewelry is easy to transport for exchange into cash. You can also wear silver jewelry. However, the aesthetic appeal of the jewelry, the design and craftsmanship, all add to the price. ## How to Buy Silver For families with limited funds, silver bullion bars or rounds are the best choice. They give you the best return on your money. With bars and rounds, you only pay for the silver content, and the dealer’s commission. After deciding on the weight of the silver bullion bars or rounds you want to buy, you also have to consider your budget. Buying larger quantities at one time reduces your cost per ounce of silver. The best way to buy silver is from a metal dealer. There are numerous dealers available, many of which sell online. The most important thing is to find a reputable dealer with a long history in the business and a good rating by the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations of metal dealers. Ultimately, it is your job to do the research to find the best dealer for your needs. With an online metal dealer, you place your order and pay for it. Within a few business days, you receive your silver in the mail. Some dealers may offer free shipping, and this helps to cut down on the overall cost. However, you will want to buy insurance to protect your purchase in case it is lost or stolen. Buying online is a simple process and you can always speak with a customer service representative if you have questions. Buying online is safe and secure if you work with reputable metal dealers. Buying silver in preparation for a variety of scenarios is a smart move. Owning silver bullion bars, rounds, coins or jewelry offers many advantages. You can store the silver in a home safe, but also easily carry the metal with you and use it as money. ### Prepper’s Guide To Bug Out Bags URL: https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bug-out-bags/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Ever wondered what happens when people need to get out of their house NOW due to fire, flood, hurricanes, etc? They run around trying to figure out what to take with them? Often there is NO time to grab valuables, clothes, etc. It is difficult to decide what to take on a moments notice. Imagine how you and or your family would feel to have nothing to carry away. If decisions are made beforehand and worked on as a family, then everyone can have input into what basic things go into their own 72-hour kit. These kits are for those times when there is no time to decide. Check out [the 72-hour bug out bag essentials](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bags/). Backpacks are suggested for 72-hour kits because they can be carried by most people, even children, and you can buy them relatively cheaply especially right before school starts. Each person should have their own backpack. If you have small children who are unable to carry a backpack, you may want to get a larger backpack for an adult and include the child’s things in with the adults. They don’t have to be fancy or any special kind. Just large enough to put in some basic items. Perhaps stay away from the cute ones with stuffed animals sticking out from them or wings that are attached. These are for emergency use so they need to be plain and simple. For a deeper dive, see [the bug out bag checklist](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bag-checklist/). These 72 hour kits are a good way for people and parents to be ready when the unexpected happens. They should be kept near an exit door where they can be quickly grabbed as you are heading out. Along with this preparation of the kits plan on having a fire drill or emergency escape drill for you and your family. Give a sample emergency and practice getting out of different rooms, grabbing the 72 hour kits and go to a predetermined spot in your yard away from the house. We've also covered [the complete bug out bag checklist](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/). Know where to meet so everyone can be accounted for in the panic of an emergency. This prepares you and your family to know what to do. Some of you may just need a little guidance to make these. Once you get thinking about various things you will be able to come up with your own ideas as well. Think about basic things each individual will need. This can be a great family activity with children and or grandparents living in the home. As parents you can help your children to decide that putting in their favorite giant stuffed giraffe into the backpack may not be such a good idea. It shouldn’t be frightening if we have a plan and 72 hours kits to help during those first hours and days after the unexpected happens. Related reading: [the top bug out mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-bug-out-mistakes-to-avoid/). ## Food: Plan for 9 meals, 3 meals for 3 days. This is food that will sustain life not fill stomachs. Think small, easy open, eat out of the can items. Beenie Weenies, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned chicken, deviled ham products, canned beans, etc. There are many items available these days that are ready to eat in small containers. Tuna salad and crackers; Chicken salad and crackers; packed fruit like raisins, banana chips, Yogurt covered fruit, etc. Don’t forget a can opener if the cans aren’t flip top. Only pack those foods will be eaten. Packing tuna when no one likes it is a waste of space. Might want to have some hard candies or mints. ## Water: One gallon per person is recommended….However, it would be difficult to carry that much water for 3 days inside your pack. A suggestion is to buy or fill a 2-liter bottle with water and put it in the backpack first then pack food around it. ## Medicines: Seven days of RX medicine is recommended, if possible. These need to be rotated at least once a year. Each year when a RX is written by the Dr, replace the old with new medicine. Keep in original bottle so Pharmacy and RX # can be readily identified. ## Light Source: Flashlights with extra batteries, glow sticks that glow when bent. ## Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, feminine products, diapers, contact solution, and old pair of glasses to be worn if contacts and or glasses are lost or broken. ## Shelter Or Coverings: Ponchos, all purpose tarp, or silver ‘blankets’ that hold in body heat. ## Clothes: One change of lightweight clothing would be nice but not essential. Infants may be an exception especially if they are in diapers. These can be tied with rope to the outside of the pack. The following items can be dispersed throughout packs of family members or in an extra pack: - **Extra keys for house and car- you may not have time to find your car keys to move it in** case **of a fire. A key to the different doors of the house will give you a way back in another door** - **Extra cell phone charger** - **First aid kit with extra bandages** - **Important papers: Phone numbers of family, insurance companies, copies of birth certificates, copies of residency papers, a printed copy of your bank statement with account numbers, etc. You can even make a CD of all the photos and important files you have on your computer. Place all these inside a gallon ziplock bag to keep dry.** - **Once a year take the opportunity to have a practice drill so everyone grabs their backpacks, meets at the family meeting place and have a picnic with the year old items then refill it with fresh ones. Place new information in your zip lock bag with a new CD of photos, changed accounts, etc. Some people, especially children will need to have their clothes replaced with a larger size!** ### Prepper’s Guide To Bartering URL: https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bartering/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z Many centuries before a money system came into being, people bartered for items they needed. The barter system is simply exchanging goods and services for other people’s services and goods with no money involved. In ancient times, there was no other way to obtain certain items except by trading with another person. As people began to settle down in areas where it was easy to grow crops and raise animals for food, they developed different skills, such as weaving or pottery making. The best of their handmade items were used to barter with others. Goods such as blankets, furs, tobacco and tools were important trade items. Flour, salt and dried foods were also valuable. In fact, in ancient Rome, the Roman soldiers were paid in salt and the amount they took home reflected how much work they did or the quality of their service, which is where the phrase “worth your salt” came from. Even after a monetary system was developed, bartering continued, and is still alive and well today. For a deeper dive, see [the top 50 items to barter with](https://uspreppers.com/the-top-50-items-to-barter-with-in-case-of-disaster/). A major drawback for the barter system of old was the difficulty of determining the value of an object or service as people became more sophisticated and goods and services more complex. At present, this is not a real problem, since most people have a working knowledge of what things cost, or should cost, related to our money system. The bottom line, though, is that any item is worth what someone will pay—or barter—for it. People still use the ancient system and during a slowdown in the economy, it becomes more prevalent. This is also true in areas where a disaster has taken place, and the normal avenues of obtaining necessities are temporarily closed. People who are continually preparing for manmade or natural disasters—commonly known as preppers—will find it beneficial to learn all they can about [the present day barter system](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bartering/) and how to make it work for them should the need ever arise. While seasoned preppers generally know the system well, those new to the lifestyle will enjoy the following tips and suggestions. Check out [trading after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). ## Bartering For Preppers In order to barter or trade, you must, naturally, have something to trade. Preppers first stockpile whatever they think they will need for their own families during a time of crisis. After that, they stock up on items they believe will be useful to other people who may want to trade for things they have. Any item can actually be used as currency to get something else you need, so long as someone else wants what you have. Food may be number one on most people’s list, especially if poor conditions persist indefinitely. It would be good to have a supply of some of the following items: ### Food: - **Salt, sugar – Both are flavorings for food, of course, but they are also preservatives.** - **Canned foods naturally come to mind. The kind with pull-top lids would be good, too.** - **Ground coffee. It may not seem necessary, but someone will want it. Also, a variety of tea.** - **Almost any kind of non-perishable food would be welcome if grocery store shelves are empty.** ### Supplies: - **First aid supplies.** - **Flashlights, batteries, candles, waterproof matches.** - **Personal items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet tissue, feminine products and diapers.** - **Hand tools, cleaning supplies.** - **Water filters and purifiers.** Whatever people normally use on a daily basis can be bartered. Warm clothes, boots, gloves and blankets are important as well. Bartering or trading small items would be done on an “even-up” basis. While you may not get a major item for a few batteries or candles, it still depends on how much someone wants what you have. ### Caution: Although [bartering for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-bartering-guide/) means trading goods without money, you need to treat and guard your supplies just as you treat your actual money at present. Try to form alliances with your friends and neighbors and reach out to other communities. Safety in numbers will still prevail. It is better to meet people in group swaps and set up a system of how to barter. Do not meet someone alone and show a car full of items to swap. Do not swap in your home and show your stockpile. There will always be unscrupulous people, thieves and scammers about, and that will be worse after a disaster or economic collapse. If you are unable to stockpile goods to barter, perhaps you have a skill that will be needed and you can trade your expertise for goods. Skills such as medical knowledge, carpentry, mechanical ability and knowledge of using herbs for medicine will all be needed after a disaster, as society recovers or rebuilds. ### Prepper’s Guide To Buying Platinum URL: https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-buying-platinum/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z Hedging the act of securing economic security for future uncertainty is an essential principle of the banking industry and one of the smart practices for preppers around the world. While economic security ranks far below[ food](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/), [water](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/), safety and energy on the priority list, investing in [precious metals](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/) such as platinum, gold and [silver](https://uspreppers.com/silver/) is an important strategy that could help families and communities recover from a disaster and set their future on the road to stability. For a deeper dive, see [why platinum matters to preppers](https://uspreppers.com/platinum/). In this guide, we review some of the key steps that you need to take while attempting to purchase precious metals. Most people choose to invest in gold and silver, but platinum is a far more precious investment for two reasons: Over 80% of the world’s platinum supply comes from South Africa, and a natural or man-made disaster would only cause the value of the metal to appreciate. Platinum has significant industrial application and remains a good investment that can be used to generate a steady flow of cash before a crisis hits. A Guide to Buying Platinum In the following sections, we will learn how to buy, test and store platinum. ## What to Buy: Platinum is available for purchase as coinage or as bullion——the only two choices you should consider. The limited supply of platinum has generated a significant number of companies that deal in platinum equities that are tied into the stability of the global commodities market. A crash in the automobile industry——the world’s largest consumer of industrial platinum——could lead to a catastrophic crash in platinum prices. However, the physical metal is one of the most secure long-term investments that can help you recover from large financial losses. The first step, therefore, is to ensure that you purchase the physical commodity and avoid any market-dependent financial instruments such as derivatives or funds that are worth nothing when markets fail. ## Where to Buy: You may purchase platinum from investment banks and registered commodity traders who deal in precious metals. When you choose to buy platinum bars, it is important to remember that all bars will be engraved with the symbol of the issuing bank, the purity, weight, and industry hallmark symbols. The purest form of platinum will be marked with 0.9995, 99.95 or 999,5 to indicate 99.95% purity. Avoid traders who charge you significantly higher prices for fake “100% pure” platinum. When choosing an investment bank or trader, it is crucial to ensure that you ask for their trading permit and license to sell the metal. ### Check your Product: As a prepper, you know that checking any product that you buy is essential to protecting yourself from scams. Platinum coins are only manufactured in the United States by the Federal Mint and are issued as American Eagle coins that feature Lady Liberty on one side and a bald eagle against the rays of the sun on the other. These coins are available as one-ounce, quarter-ounce and tenth-ounce platinum coins. Bullion is available as 10-troy ounce bars or 1-kilogram bars. Once you have verified the appearance of a coin or bar, a scratch test is essential. ### Testing Platinum: Unlike silver, platinum is a hard metal that does not scratch under a fingernail. Silver bars that have been disguised to look like platinum cannot pass the scratch test. Perform the scratch test on all sides of the bar or coin until you are sure of the quality. However, the definitive test is to check for the density of platinum with a water displacement test. At 21.45 grams per cubic centimeter, platinum is denser than white gold or silver. ### Storing Platinum: Platinum does not corrode easily and may be stored in safes, preparatory underground shelters and most bunkers. During a crisis, it is important to secure all precious metals and coinage in a relatively moisture-free environment. Since you will probably use coins to barter for produce, keep your coins in an easily accessible safe while storing bullion in a vault or relatively inaccessible location. Bullion is useful as a long-term investment or as a means of generating cash in order to ensure that you are well supplied during a crisis. Wealth preservation may not be the highest priority for preppers, but it is important to ensure that a stockpile of precious metals such as platinum keeps you financially stable in the aftermath of a disaster. In the event that the disaster passes, buying platinum bullion or coins ensures that you have a reasonable stockpile that may be used to quickly resupply your stores and keep you safe before the next crisis hits. ### Trading After The Collapse URL: https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:34.000Z Before the monetary system was standardized by modern society regarding cash for goods, the majority of cultures across the globe were [utilizing the barter system](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-bartering-guide/), where goods were traded for goods. This went on until the dawn of the industrial revolution. It was in the mid to late 19th century when most families made the switch from being producers and became consumers. For anyone who has never bartered before, the concept is easy to grasp. The barter system is simply an exchange of goods and/or services between 2 people. It worked like this. If you were in need of a gunsmith to repair a broken gun, and if you had something the gunsmith needed that he believed worthy of payment for his services, then the trade was made. Today we use money to make this type of transaction. The question arises, “How would we pay for this kind of service today if we had no government backed currency in the future?” If you believe this could never happen, then you need to take a quick look back into history. After being defeated in WWI, Germany went through a hard economic collapse. This caused the hyperinflation of their paper ‘mark’ (German currency). In a time such as that, it might have taken a whole wheelbarrow full of paper money to purchase everyday necessities like bread and milk. When our current monetary systems ceases to function properly, then we too will have to fall back on the old bartering system of trade, or we will not be able to get the necessary supplies we need. It doesn’t matter exactly how you think our modern society is going to collapse, the most important thing is to have an understanding of bartering. As long as groups of people exist, there will always be a system of supply and demand. People need certain goods and services, and can obtain them through the offering of their own personal goods and services. Now that you have an idea of just how important bartering can be, I’ll examine what items make the best trading items once a society collapses. Any item can be exchanged in a barter. Actually, many of the things we simply toss out in the garbage today could be quite valuable under the barter system. Here are some examples of what type of items I believe would be very valuable for trading in a barter situation: ## Essentials: **Food & Water –** These two rank right up at the top of the essentials for staying alive after an economic collapse. They will always and forever be in demand. Renewable food sources like livestock and crops are excellent bartering tools, especially if you can produce more than you consume. **Hunting, Trapping, and Camping Supplies –** All types of gear needed for living out away from cities and suburbs will make good bartering tools. The number of things you can add to the ‘supply’ list that would be great for bartering is endless. A good tip I would give someone, is to visit a large sporting goods store. Have a look around and see what’s on sale. Keep your mindset from the perspective of bartering for survival and see what items you would choose. Come at it from the perspective of trying to survive when you have absolutely nothing. You might surprise yourself as to your choices. **Medical Supplies –** These will be a premium trade item the minute they become unavailable and are not being produced. Medications and [first-aid products](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-med-kits/) will be extremely valuable. If you have the skills to grow a herb garden, then you will have a much-desired talent and be in demand. You can stockpile herbal medicines and remedies and be like a rich person today. ## Comforts: **Hygienic Supplies –** Staying clean in a bartering environment is another thing that will become more important than ever. Infection and disease could spread very rapidly. If you can make soap, you have risen in importance. Anything hygienic, like a stockpile of toilet paper or tooth paste, will put you in the bartering seat. **Tobacco & Alcohol Products –** These vices have existed as part of our society and culture for as long as history has been recorded. Both of these items are renewable as well, as long as you have the knowledge and the materials for growing the crops, and for making alcohol out of them. There are also many other vices, but I don’t believe stocking up on them would help so much, especially the illegal ones. No sense risking legal prosecution. **Energy –** If there is any way that you can produce some type of energy, you will be in great demand. A lot of things will be abandoned in times like this, but in a time like this people will be looking to hold onto whatever little devices they can. A generator will require lots of fuel. However, if [you can build solar panels](https://uspreppers.com/solar-power/), water turbines, or [wind turbines](https://uspreppers.com/wind-power/), then you can live like a rich person. ## Alternative Currencies: **Ammunition –** Our world today is drenched with firearms and weapons of all kinds. It could easily range into the billions in number. The one thing necessary to firearms and weapons, is ammo. When ammo is no longer being mass produced it will be an extremely precious commodity. **Salt –** History has been influenced heavily by salt. Salt has been a driving force in many decisions, made by many cultures, as to where to go and why to live in a certain place. The availability of salt is always a real necessity. Soldiers used to be paid in salt back in ancient Roman days. That is why today you hear the phrase ‘Not worth his weight in salt’. If you have access to large salt quantities, then you can survive in times like economic collapse. **Gems –** The large majority of gems are very lightweight, and could maybe turn up a deal or two, or maybe spice up any deal you had going already. **Precious Metals –** I really don’t feel like precious metals would be all that strong of a bartering tool. They are heavy to carry and have no value that is widespread among the masses in this type of situation. There has to be a specific need, but I don’t feel like there would be anyone after them like the ones mentioned above. ### Here are a few good tips for when you are bartering to get goods and/or services: **Keep Your Poker Face On –** Never let the other person you’re bartering with know that you are desperate for anything. If they sense this, then they will feel like they are in power, and will raise the stakes on you immediately. You should begin by asking them what it is ‘they’ are looking for. After you know this, then the bartering from your end will be much easier. Even if you don’t have what they said they needed, don’t give up. Offer other things they might be interested in. Just don’t let them turn the tables and put you into a weaker bargaining position. **Never Show All Your Items At Once –** You can always add to the pot, but you can never take out. So start slow, adding only when necessary to maintain your bartering partner’s interest. Adding an item is attractive to the trade partner, but taking away makes it less desirable. When you begin your bartering session, start off slowly, putting the lesser value items up first. This can save you a lot down the road. Another thing this does is shield you from getting your best items stolen, in case the other person is a bit shady and has bad intentions. If they are unaware of your best items, then you will still have them, even if you’re robbed. Be careful who you choose to barter with. Always be alert, keep your guard up, and watch for signals of those who would cheat you or harm you. I would recommend that you never deal in weapons trading period. Maybe if you totally have faith and trust in someone, but otherwise, I would steer clear of that. They could turn your own weapon against you. Lastly, I recommend that everybody develop a skill set that would protect them in a bartering situation. Which skill doesn’t matter, as long as it is something that would help you in times like economic downfall and the collapse of society. This type of survival is not thought of by a lot of people, but should it happen, they would be searching out the ones who did. It is the prepper’s who will inherit the earth in a time such as this. ### Rainwater Collection: A Prepping Essential URL: https://uspreppers.com/rainwater-collection/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:46:15.000Z “ **As many people are rediscovering the benefits of harvesting the rain, emergency preppers have known for some time the practice is an essential part of any home disaster preparedness plan.**“ [Rainwater collection](https://uspreppers.com/diy-rainwater-collection-guide-for-preppers/) or harvesting has a long history. The practice provided water for irrigation, met the needs of livestock and served as source of drinking water for people throughout time. It became such a benefit that evidence from the prehistoric record shows people adapted their housing to more effectively capture rainwater during times of drought. Check out [gray water](https://uspreppers.com/gray-water-worth-look/). While the practice faded as we became dependent on our community infrastructure, the sustainable and [preparedness living](https://uspreppers.com/) trends have prodded a resurgence. Individuals are adding collection equipment to their own homes in increasing numbers just as people did in the past. There are even some cities, like Tucson, Arizona and Seattle, Washington, that require rainwater collection systems included in new home developments. ## Rainwater Collection – A Prepping Essential Flooding, due to overflowing rivers and hurricanes, contaminates and overruns water treatment and supply infrastructure. Earthquakes disrupt the very water delivery systems we all depend on. Droughts reduce and restrict available resources. Collected, stored and [filtered rainwater](https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/) can replenish your drinking water stockpiles when depleted. Before and during a disaster it can be diverted for watering gardens or crops when resources are low to maintain food supplies. And in the event of long-term recovery when infrastructure is severely compromised rainwater is a valued commodity for bartering for supplies your family might need. Related reading: [purifying collected rainwater before you drink it](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). ## What is Rainwater Harvesting? Rainwater harvesting simply means collecting rainwater and storing it for future use. From laundry to sanitation to crop watering to drinking – when filtered properly – rainwater has a multitude of uses that would otherwise deplete precious purified supplies needed for drinking and cooking. Just as varied as its uses, so are the manners of harvesting. The method can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose to make it, with numerous options tailored to your budget. ### While methods range widely three components remain consistent for each one. Every system will require; ### A Catchment Area For most people, the catchment area is your roof. The best roofing materials for harvesting are aluminum or uncoated stainless steel. Other roof surfaces, such as asphalt or those with metallic coatings, could contaminate the rainwater. The amount you’re able to capture largely depends on the size and slope of the roof. The typical roof can average 600 gallons for every inch of rainfall. ### A Means of Distribution The distribution system, again, can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Basically, it is any means by which the rainwater is diverted to a storage tank or cistern. Often, gutters or downspouts are the first set of distribution channels, directly catching the runoff from the roof. These can be easily altered to direct the water to a tank under the roof, or diverted to a central holding area you’ve designed. Installing screens to reduce the amount of debris entering your storage tanks is advisable. We've also covered [how to store water safely](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-water-safely/). ### A Storage Tank Rainwater is diverted from wooden barrels to large 30-50 gallon plastic drums. These can be affixed with a means of draining the water for whatever use you intend for it. Install a faucet at the bottom to attach a hose for watering crops or additional piping to divert the contents into a filtration system and store for use in drinking or cooking. Again, the options are broad, allowing you to tailor them to your individual needs. ### The Options For those building their own systems, the supplies are easy to find at any home improvement or DIY store. Many people will opt for collection system kits, available from an ever-growing market of suppliers, with virtually everything needed to install your very own rain collector. There are companies offering intricate systems that include complete catchment systems with separate filter chambers, above-ground and below-ground tanks and even back-up generators. Other customization varieties include 60-gallon rain barrels made of recycled materials, diverter kits which improve capture when rainfall is heavy, removable filters, connector kits that link barrels together increasing storage potential, and barrels with pre-installed spigots of different capacities for the mechanically challenged. For a deeper dive, see [storing water for your family](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/). ### Don’t be caught off guard! Some states and cities require permits for rainwater collection and greywater use. For the individual, this process is often simple and is meant solely to protect groundwater from contamination. Remember, the time to start your rainwater harvesting system is well before a disaster brings your local infrastructure to a halt. There are simple techniques you can use now to ensure for a reliable water supply during difficult times. Even in the absence of a sudden disaster, climate changes crop up slowly. The effects of drought are not often felt until they well underway. Take advantage of the resurgence of the age old practice of rainwater harvesting and build a system designed to meet your household’s immediate and future needs. ### Wind Power For Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/wind-power/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T04:00:58.000Z “**The electrical grid and infrastructure in the US reliably delivers power to millions of people daily yet its age and susceptibility to damage from severe weather, floods, poor maintenance and even potential terrorist attack are enough reason for some people to create a backup plan for their own power needs. While solar power has grown rapidly in recent years, becoming more affordable, its own particular set of limitations give way to wind power’s strengths.**“ Why Wind Power? Both wind and [solar power](https://uspreppers.com/solar-power/) are free sources of electricity once you have the equipment to capture and process it. Both systems on their own are capable of putting a sizable dent in your energy bill. And both systems are limited in their own ways. Power production with solar panels drops to zero at night, in the shade and on cloudy days. Wind turbines have minimum wind speed requirements to produce power, which are improving as efficiency increases with new technology. But a hybrid system employing both solar and wind power one’s weakness is the other’s strength. Your solar panels will produce power during calm, windless conditions and the wind generator will take over power production at night or on cloudy days when solar output is nil. ## Turning Wind into Electricity Wind energy is not a modern concept. Windmills have been used for thousands of years as the mechanical source of power to grind grains into flour and to draw water up from wells. Today, the windmill has evolved into a turbine to generate electricity. The turbine produces electricity when wind interacts with the blades attached to a rotor begin to spin and in turn, rotates a shaft connected to a generator. The types, designs and complexity range wildly today but those are the essential components to [turn wind into electricity.](https://uspreppers.com/why-wind-power-is-best-for-preppers/) ## Is Wind Power Right for You? While renewable power and the independence it promises is the dream of every prepper or anyone preparing their household against a disaster, the source you choose needs to [match the region](https://windexchange.energy.gov/?ref=uspreppers.com) where you live. A region with low average wind-speed or urban centers may not be conducive for a wind turbine set high on a tower. However, if home is along the coast, down along a windswept valley or somewhere in wide open rural plains wind power would definitely be for you. And if that area where you call home also enjoys days upon days of clear, sunny skies then coupling solar and wind together into one hybrid system will take full advantage of everything that environment has to offer. ### The How-to’s of Wind Power There several considerations to take into account when planning your wind power system. Begin by determining if your area is suited for generating power from wind. Over the last few years, as this alternative form of energy production has gained favor, wind maps of the US have been developed. These are an excellent starting point to see how your area rates. In high-wind, well-studied regions there are large scale maps that show rating down to the community level. The Department of Energy suggests a minimum 10mph average wind-speed. If favorable for wind power then next check into local regulations and codes for setting up a turbine. Urban areas and neighborhoods may have restrictions for this type of construction. Once your home is identified as a viable location for installing your own system begin shopping around for the type of turbine you want. Be sure to factor into the costs, along with the [30% federal tax credit](https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit?ref=uspreppers.com) and other local and state incentives offered. There are 2 basic types available on today’s market, a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. Horizontal are the traditional windmill style, which are also the most popular and tested design. Vertical axis generators come in a wide variety of designs, some proven and many not so well tested. When deciding on a style go with the well tested, established designs and manufacturers. Having said that, there are innovations on their way to markets in the near future with designs adapted for more populated areas to take advantage of, for instance, the man-made wind-channels between high-rise buildings in large cities. Most turbines will be set atop a tower. This allows them to reach high enough to benefit from the higher wind speeds which increase in strength the further they are above the ground. Roof mounted generators do not sit high enough to make them efficient. Consider purchasing a tower that can be lowered to the ground for maintenance rather than one that requires you to climb for repairs. And remember to ensure your investment against damage. Some homeowner’s policies will now ensure residential, renewable energy equipment. While there are a great many commercially produced generators available, money always comes into play and if the markets have yet to offer something in your range of affordability consider, if graced with the appropriate engineering skills, constructing your own. People have come up with ingenious designs of their own with a range of output potential. If the heart of a true prepper beats faster at the thought of doing it yourself, there a large number of people who have done this very thing and published their results and instructional designs online. Begin your research here, with the USPreppers list of resources. Planning for disasters, let alone for the complete collapse of TEOTWAWKI, is daunting requiring significant time and expense and piling on the costs of a full alternative power system could drive anyone to throw their hands up in the air with exasperation. But consider this, if you make a concerted effort to make you home energy efficient, reduce the electricity used and save up to wind power system solar-wind power system, it could actually become a money making an investment. By improving your household’s overall energy consumption and installing a renewable energy system you could end up producing more electricity than you use and sell the difference back to the utility companies. If that is not motivation enough, what is? ### Bartering Items: What to Trade After a Disaster (Prepper Guide) URL: https://uspreppers.com/preppers-bartering-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “Bartering, for many, conjures up images from post-apocalyptic movies where throngs of people gather, masses of hands waving in the air offering up their last bits of whatever they have left to trade for the simplest of life’s essentials, an auctioneer standing elevated above the desperation, the sole authority over who is worthy.” Okay, somewhat extreme but maybe not all that far-fetched should the right dominoes fall in the correct order. Only a few short years ago threat of a full economic collapse seemed more credible than many people would otherwise have thought. We've also covered [prepper economy checklist](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-economy-checklist/). Some feel the danger has passed while others pay heed to their feeling of foreboding. These are the ones who have, and continue building up, a stockpile of goods and skills valuable for when the economy falls back [on bartering](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/) as a crutch after the imminent collapse. Check out [preparing your money the prepper way](https://uspreppers.com/prepare-your-money-the-prepper-way/). But, is an economic collapse the only time bartering will be relied on? After widespread disasters when people are left to their own devices as recovery funds and materials work their way through drawn out processes, a system of community bartering can bridge the gap until full recovery necessities arrive. Not too long ago, after the Eastern Seaboard’s hurricane Sandy and the Gulf Coast’s hurricane Katrina the materials and services for recovery took months to reach communities in need with some areas lingering still in a perpetual state of disaster recovery. Bartering with your neighbors and the surrounding community, for example, trading carpentry or electrical skills for food, is a sure way to survive until resources arrive. ## Bartering for Preppers Understanding the need to prepare for bartering is one thing but figuring out what to store for trade is another. Start with the vital emergency essentials you will need yourself. It’s a safe bet those are items other people will need as well. Then move out from there asking yourself what skills and long-term needs will surface as yours and other people’s stockpiles begin dwindling. Below is a list of such items to get you off to a good start. For a deeper dive, see [gold for bartering](https://uspreppers.com/gold/). ### Food Food is one the three [survival essentials](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/). Stockpiling non-perishable foods overtime, learning how to preserve seeds and grow your own food will keep you and your family alive but can also be a valuable resource for bartering. Hunting, and the knowledge to prepare and preserve meat, is a way to supplement your food stores and provide bartering supplies. Animal husbandry, the know-how to keep animals healthy and happy and process their meat, milk or fur is an invaluable skill for long-term post-disaster situations. ### Water Water, along with food and shelter, is another of the survival essentials. Building up a large stockpile of water is, of course, important for your family’s survival but it is also a tradable commodity. A[ water capture and filtration system ](https://uspreppers.com/rainwater-collection/)will not only supplement your own supply but will produce quantities to set aside for bartering. Additionally, skills for building and repairing such water systems are, in of themselves, tradable for your family’s other needs. ### First Aid, Herbal Medicines and Antibiotics A well-stocked [first aid kit is essential](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-prepper-medical-kits/) for any injury or illness that should arise but those supplies and the skills to use them effectively are valuable in a barter economy. Learning about medicinal herbs and alternative treatments will prove essential when, and if, traditional supplies run out. ### Ammunition Ammunition for hunting and protection will become [invaluable](https://uspreppers.com/ammunition-vs-gold/) the longer the post-disaster situation lasts, as food diminishes, ammo supplies are used up and as desperation increases. Storage, of course, is advisable for initial planning but take steps to prepare for what happens when supplies run out. Teach your family how to make ammunition and other weaponry, like crafting arrows for bows. ### Alcohol, Coffee and Cigarettes Vices and habits will not go away after a disaster. Most likely their demand will only grow as they do amidst stressful times. These simple items may be great bartering items to satisfy those desires. Related reading: [the top 50 items to barter with](https://uspreppers.com/the-top-50-items-to-barter-with-in-case-of-disaster/). ### Batteries This alternative to flowing electricity is another storable commodity sure to be in high demand. Propane canisters in various sizes are inexpensive and a good item to store away as a fuel source for anything from lighting to heat to cooking. ### Toilet Paper & Toiletries These items may seem somewhat unnecessary for survival but a little comfort goes a long way to keeping people’s sanity intact so items that will provide a semblance of convenience or relief will be valuable bartering material. ### Candles Everyone needs light. Candles will provide for that need once the electricity and batteries run out. Also learning to make candles from animal fat or beeswax is a great way to inexpensively stock up on this emergency essential. ### Unique Skills Unique skills, those not normally associated with survival or recovery situations can prove useful in a bartering system. Learn how to be a masseuse, make music, tell stories, repair bicycles, brew beer, build a set of stairs or rewire a radio. Your unique skills are going to be needed, and will allow you to meet your own needs in a bartering society. Self-sufficiency is the [goal of any prepper](https://uspreppers.com/) but there are times after a disaster and during extended recoveries, possibly devolving into TEOTWAWKI, when reconnecting with the larger community outside becomes necessary to pool resources to survive and recover overall. Learning the skills and stockpiling the items of demand for a potential barter system will benefit both your own family and those others participating throughout your community. ### Platinum URL: https://uspreppers.com/platinum/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “When considering currency or precious metals anyone’s first thoughts leap to gold then to silver and coins made from each. But who, honestly, thinks of platinum?” As a prepper, you may just want to start. As precious metals go, this late comer is more valuable than [gold](https://uspreppers.com/gold/) and is more immediately useful in a situation when monetary alternatives push aside traditional currencies. For a deeper dive, see [the prepper's guide to buying platinum](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-buying-platinum/). ## What Is Platinum? Platinum is a latecomer to the family of precious metals. Gold [and silver](https://uspreppers.com/silver/) were in use as currency before people even knew how to write. The two were admired for their beauty as well as for their economic value. Their usefulness continues to this day evolving beyond traditional uses to become vital for today’s modern, electronic applications. Europeans did not discover platinum until just a few centuries ago. Ignored, initially, as just an inferior kind of silver, it was not until the 19th century when industrial interests began to see the newcomer’s unique qualities as electrical conductors and valued for their corrosion resistance. For most of the metal’s history since then, it has retained a higher value than gold. Its price was eclipsed by gold for only a few years during the surge in gold prices that ended in 2011\. Platinum has since regained its strength. ## What Good Is Platinum for Prepper’s? First, platinum is more valuable per ounce than gold. As portability tends to be a major issue during any event that calls upon your survivalist skills, a smaller amount will bring more than the same amount of gold. It will give you more bang for your buck should the time come when paper currencies are laid aside. Second, consider this, approximately one-third of all this particular metal mined each year is used in automobile catalytic converters. Gold, on the other hand, is an element used widely to make critical connections in computers and mobile devices. Which is more accessible? ### How to Start Buying Platinum While the name of this metal may seem arcane, it is surprisingly easy to find and buy. Just as many nations currently produce gold and silver coins as legal tender each year, a large contingent of these same countries also mint platinum coins. For example, the US makes Platinum Eagles in the same range of sizes as the more common Gold Eagles as does Canada and China. The type you choose should probably depend on the part of the world you will be living when unrest sets in for any reason. Buying coins, though, may not be the ideal option. Coins generally cost more than spot price. In a post-ordered society, you cannot necessarily expect a market to support the additional value assigned to these coins for their design. Instead, preppers may prefer access to raw chunks of this precious metal. A number of companies online offer help in buying bars. These are not the big, kilogram bars that first come to mind. Those are incredibly expensive and useless in any period of unrest. Instead, consider buying the one-tenth ounce bars offered by these companies. They adhere closely to spot price and are easy to pack. As good as gold may become an outdated sentiment for preppers if things begin heading in the wrong direction. As good as platinum will become the phrase of choice, a more accurate declaration [after TEOTWAWKI](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). Make sure your wealth is protected in this form before your preparations are finalized. ### Best Silver for Preppers: Bars, Coins, and Flatware for Barter URL: https://uspreppers.com/silver/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “Preparedness strategy revolves around investment against future disaster. Energy, money, and time are invested against emergencies in the near or distant future, from economic collapse to the fall of society in some form.” Stockpiling supplies and forming [survival strategies ](https://uspreppers.com/planes-trains-and-government-squabbling/)for various disasters provides your family with a sense of confidence and security. However, deciding what supplies to invest in is a challenging. An excellent investment for the future, whether disaster strikes or not, is silver. ## Choosing Precious Metals Investors without an eye to future disaster will point to paper investments as the most advantageous, whether in actual dollars or in stocks, mutual funds, or CDs. Should society collapse, however, the funds in digital accounts and certificates in a portfolio become worthless. The dollar is only useful in trade as long as “society” agrees it has value. Precious metals, on the other hand, have a proven historical track record for maintaining their value. Gold and silver are worthwhile in times of plenty and hardship. When confidence in the economic systems falter, the value of these metals rises even more. Check out [platinum for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/platinum/). ### Silver vs Gold Gold is pushed as the investment of choice among preppers, television commercials, and popular fiction, but silver deserves its own serious consideration. Gold’s greater value does mean a lighter and smaller amount will be worth more than the equivalent in its counterpart, but in terms of barter, this is not necessarily an advantage. Smaller amounts in silver will be far more practical [to trade for food and other necessities](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bartering/). It is also easier to obtain in various forms. The greater the numbers of industrial applications means that it is more prevalent and versatile in function. We've also covered [gold buying guide](https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-gold-buying-guide/). ### Options for Buying Silver **There are four basic options for investors:** - **buying certificates of ownership** - **purchasing stock in companies that mine the metal** - **derivatives** - **buying in a variety of physical forms** The latter is the only form suitable for preppers purposes. There are various forms this type of investment can take. The first is collecting items made of or containing the precious metal, such as flatware or jewelry. Items of sterling silver, which are usually stamped with the letters ‘SS’ or the number 92.5 for the percentage of its weight, are the safest bet for collecting silver objects. Both [precious metals can also be purchased](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/) in bars, which are easier to store but less convenient to use. Tenth ounce bars strike a happy medium between the two, particularly with silver. Mint coins are tempting to new and less experienced preppers, but their cost may outweigh their value in the metal itself. The most worthwhile means of investing is generally considered the form that sounds least valuable, junk silver. This refers to coins with silver content but no particular value to collectors. Their main worth is in their metal content rather than condition or rarity of the coin, so their cost is low and they are easy to come by. For a deeper dive, see [how to buy silver the prepper's way](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-silver-the-preppers-way/). Once the decision to invest is made, preppers should be aware of several considerations. The Internet offers good prices and is a convenient source of coins, rounds, and 1/10th ounce bars, but buyers should take care to choose reputable dealers. And finally, deciding how much to personally invest needs to be made wisely. This will vary among preppers. Trying to keep a healthy balance between necessities and the means to barter for more is vital to proper prepper planning. The best reasons to invest in silver coins are their practical use for bartering, their value both in good times and bad and how simple they are to obtain. Related reading: [trading after the collapse](https://uspreppers.com/trading-after-the-collapse/). ### Gold for Bartering URL: https://uspreppers.com/gold/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “Given the unpredictable nature of a globally intertwined economy, the uncertainty caused by wars, political gridlock and fluctuating financial markets, buying gold is seen as an anchor for a prepper’s family financial stability.” Preppers who have paid attention to the political changes, both at home and abroad, have come to realize now is the best time to prepare for any potential economic instability. Just as it is important to maintain a reliable [stockpile of food](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-food-storage-101-the-10-best-items-to-get-you-started/) and water and a solid roof over your head, so is access to a currency capable of maintaining its value. Check out [the prepper's gold buying guide](https://uspreppers.com/the-preppers-gold-buying-guide/). ## Gold History Gold is considered one of the safest currency investments throughout history, proving its reliability time after time. Not only has it withstood countless changes in global currencies and economic crashes over time but it has survived as a virtual universal currency, in of itself. As silver has slowly begun to lose its worth within the last few decades, gold has continued to maintain a substantial amount of worth by comparison. ### [Buying Precious Metals](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-buy-precious-metals-a-must-for-every-prepper/): The Basics Preppers who are not familiar with the process of investing in or buying precious metals are encouraged to spend some time researching and learning about the various methods available. Three of the most popular choices involve investment in bullion bars, coins, and Exchange Trade Funds or ETFs. ETFs, allow individuals to gain access to the financial worth of gold without having to actually keep a physical supply of bars or coins. However, many prepper’s prefer buying coins and bars instead because its physical presence (in its various forms) may prove far more reliable as a form of currency by comparison to what is represented by exchange traded funds. In the event of a market crash, there is always the concern that exchange traded funds will quickly lose their value. As such, even if an individual is interested in the use of ETFs, maintaining a personal supply of coins and bars is recommended. For a deeper dive, see [ammunition vs. gold](https://uspreppers.com/ammunition-vs-gold/). ### Buying Gold Online Acknowledging the importance of buying gold, it is pertinent that [preppers](https://uspreppers.com/) should utilize caution when purchasing from unreliable dealers. It is in a person’s best interest to consult the numerous reliable and trustworthy resources available that can direct interested prepper’s to reputable online vendors. If you are willing to spend time researching the available options, it should not be difficult to find a reputable online dealer. Call on the prepper community for referrals to reputable dealers, ask about positive experiences and what businesses/dealers to avoid. ### Coins vs Bars Coins offer portability over their heavier, bullion cousins. Their value is easier to measure and their smaller size allows for more practical use when trading for items you need. Trying to trade using a bar for a few loaves of bread or parts for your wind turbine would prove difficult. This is the real benefit of coins. Their value is easier to assess by both parties trading ensuring fair transaction take place. Ultimately, [buying precious metals](https://uspreppers.com/prepare-your-money-the-prepper-way/) in any of its forms is a highly recommended course of action for any disaster prepper who is seeking financial peace of mind. Maintaining this type of financial security and freedom is essential should the need to travel or purchase any additional necessities arises as the time for recovery extends beyond what was planned. Moreover, in consideration of the increasing demand for gold, now is truly one of the best times to buy while it is still readily available. ### Prepper Emergency Communications: Radios, CB, and Satellite Phones URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-communication/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z ## During disasters, traditional telephone, mobile phone and internet services are quickly overwhelmed rendering their systems virtually useless. And if power goes out, these systems will falter along with everything else that operates on electricity. Satellite phones will most often work but are expensive options. You and your family will need alternatives. Citizens Band (CB), yes it still exists, is one option. It has good coverage, 1-15 miles, (depending on the size of the antennae), with home-based versions to more mobile options for vehicles or hand-held walkie-talkies available. Check out [communicate when the grid goes down](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-communicate-in-shtf/). UHF hand-helds for staying in contact with family members over short distances are another option. Yet, when all else fails and the only need is to attract the attention of rescuers then go with a flashlight with signaling function or beacon, a whistle or signal mirror. At the very least, keep a transistor radio on hand. If you cannot reach out due to [emergency communication](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-communication-radio/) issues, there will be radio alerts telling you where to go to find help. ## How an [Emergency Radio](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-radio-frequencies/) Can Make a Difference Emergency radios can shorten the duration of your isolation from society after a disaster by allowing you to get back in contact with authorities quickly. These devices can help you to maintain communications with members of your family and other loved ones. They will also allow you to contact others to coordinate rescue efforts or supply assistance during the early recovery period. ## The Best Radio for Emergency Communications Cell phones are down, systems are overwhelmed, even emergency responders can’t get through to 911 to find out where to go next. If police and fire department communications are swamped, how can you possibly communicate with family members during an emergency? How will you hear about vital news about the disaster in progress? The short answer is radio, the tried and true mode of information delivery and communication for over 70 years. And luckily for the average prepper, a few improvements have been made over the years in the areas of portability, power and transmission range. Here we will explore various options available to you ranging from stationary, home-based units to portables to include in [72 hour bug-out bags](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bags/). ## Emergency Communication Options: ### CB Radio CB (or citizens band) radio, popularized in the late 1960’s and throughout the 70’s, is an effective and affordable means to maintain communication with your family and the outside world during a disaster. CB radios are found for sale secondhand at garage sales, flea markets and on various places online. Buying new is also affordable with vehicle units ranging from $30-$100 and fixed base stations ranging from just over $100 to $350\. CB enjoys an effective coverage area of 1-15 miles depending on the size of your antenna and some weather conditions. ### HAM Radio Ham, or amateur radio requires a license and operates on the wide RF spectrum allowing the operator to connect with virtually anyone around the world, even into space. Handy, if you happen to know anyone orbiting the Earth. As with CB, ham radios are available, new and used, in base station and portable models at various, prices ranging from $65 to $400 and upwards to $1500\. They can and should be practiced with now and then before any disasters to maintain the unit and your personal operating knowledge. ### GMRS/FRS/Walkie-Talkie Radios These are the non-CB, UHF family of two-way radios. They are typically of the hand-held, walkie-talkie variety with a range of 1-2 miles depending on the terrain of the area you are in. GMRS do require a license in the US but FRS (Family Radio Service) and traditional walkie-talkies are free for anyone to use. Some of these are available as combination units with GPS, AM/FM radio and NOAA Weather Radio receiving capabilities. ### Emergency Solar Radios This is a one-way device, allowing you to receive transmissions in the FM/AM range and NOAA Weather Radio. Often these radios are powered by both solar and batteries. They are reliable for anyone to stay abreast of the news and information about the emergency. Solar is really going to be the way to go if access to power or batteries is limited. For a deeper dive, see [keep your radios powered](https://uspreppers.com/batteries/). ### Hand Crank Radios Solar is a great option but sometimes the weather does not cooperate and they can drain quicker than you’d prefer. Obviously, nighttime usage is limited unless you have an effective way for storing power collected during the day. For these reasons, some specifically designed “emergency radios” are available with hand cranks for generating a temporary charge for your radio. Emergency radio communications need to be at the top of your list when preparing for any event. Find the radio that suits your needs and put it in your bug-out bag. ### A Note About Batteries One extremely important point to bear in mind when choosing a communications system (or systems) is that all of the above-mentioned options require electricity. Be sure you plan for their supplies either through power generators or with batteries. If possible choose devices that use the same battery types so you only need to stockpile the one size. Remember, a disaster can last for weeks, months or longer, so think long-term when choosing a communications system and make sure it is durable enough for your needs. ## Making a Communications Plan All the preparation in the world is for nothing, if you don’t have a plan. This holds true for every other aspect of your disaster prep, so why think any differently when it comes to emergency communications? On any given day your family is apart from one another. An emergency will occur at any given moment and most likely that moment will be when everyone is separated. An emergency communications plan and realistic contingencies will provide measures to bring your family together. ## Your plan should involve these basics: - **Easy access to emergency contact information.** - **Keep immediate family members’ work/cell/home numbers written down and stored somewhere safe.** - **Highlight emergency contact numbers in your cell phone.** - **Identify an out-of-town contact to leave messages with (long distance calls may go** - **through when local area calls will not).** - **Instruct all family members in texting as these may get around phone disruptions.** - **If unable to get home, identify a secondary safe place to meet.** - **Keep charged two-way radios in family members’ car(s) in the event cell phone systems are overwhelmed.** Communicating effectively in times of emergency will reduce stress and allow resources to be spent on survival preparations. Consider the options carefully and choose the communication system or systems that best suit your needs. You and those you love will be glad you did when the worst comes to pass. ### Emergency Lighting URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-lighting/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “**The tent is set up, hunger grumbles in your stomach, dusk is sliding away into night and all your exhausted body wants is a warm meal and a light to eat it by. A fumbling hand deep in your bag turns to irritation and then panic. How could you forget that? You remembered everything else but that one thing. The last glow of sun descends out of sight and darkness lays draped over it all. You sit hunched in the black, no light, not even a match to illuminate your way or** **spark a fire for a hot dinner, just a cold tent, a sleeping bag and a long wait for day’s light.**” Is this not the case? How many times has this happened to you? Everything packed, you remembered all that you need. A certain welling of pride fills your ego at how well you’ve planned. Yet not until the day fades do you realize what was forgotten, was what was needed the most at that particular moment. A flashlight. A headlamp. A lantern. A damn candle, if nothing else! We’ve all done it, and there’s nothing wrong at all admitting to it. Nothing wrong with it, unless you don’t learn from that forgetfulness. Lighting should now be on the top of the all important list of [emergency essentials](https://uspreppers.com/tag/gear/), well after water, food and shelter. And don’t neglect the [batteries](https://uspreppers.com/batteries/). ## Types Of [Emergency Lighting](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-emergency-lighting-the-best-options/) ### Candles Candles, the simplest forms of light. They’re what Mom reached for first when you were young and a thunderstorm blacked out the entire neighborhood. There’s no need for batteries or worrying over a burnt out bulb. If there’s a way to light the wick, the problem goes away with a single flickering flame.They do have their weaknesses, though. A good number of them are needed to illuminate a room and if they fall or contact flammable objects then a whole other set of problems arise. And their use after an [earthquake](https://uspreppers.com/earthquakes-prepping-to-survive-the-aftermath-part-i/) is highly discouraged due to the potential of ruptured natural gas lines in and around your home. While candles are no the most effective form of emergency lighting, they work when all else doesn’t. ### Battery-powered When all is said and done battery-powered lighting is the first thing most of us will reach for, a flashlight, headlamp or camp lantern stored for convenience in a drawer, closet or garage. Hopefully, those emergency essentials or replaced recently. What is more frustrating in the middle of a blackout than dead flashlight batteries? With changes in battery tech, battery-powered lighting has changed to utilized each new upgrade. From flashlights that use every type of battery, AAA to D, to headlamps powered by small, disc-shaped button-cell batteries to the multitude of rechargeables, it essentially comes down to personal choice. What will serve your needs best? Keep in mind, though, when deciding on battery-powered lighting equipment keep battery types consistent and simple. Other types don’t use the traditional pop in, pop out batteries.These are the internal rechargeable type, where you plug in the whole unit (camp lantern or spotlight) to charge the specifically designed battery housed within. For a deeper dive, see [solar power for preppers](https://uspreppers.com/solar-power/). Other designs like outlet charged batteries and nightlights are well suited to sudden blackout situations. These batteries and lights plug into wall outlets and charge while electricity is still flowing but once power is interrupted, the nightlight will kick on automatically and shine brightly. The outlet-charged battery will hold the previous charge and allow you to power any important appliances. ### Gas Powered Another great off grid power system is a gas powered lamp or lantern. This type of lamp should not be used inside your home due to carbon monoxide risks but it makes for a great outdoor light source. These types of lanterns typically run off propane with connections for standard sized propane bottles. ### Wind Energy When we talk wind energy, we don’t necessarily mean the large, monolith turbines mounted 50 feet above the ground. No, for the purpose of temporary, limited power use there are small wind generators about the size of a model airplane that set atop a secured pole and produce enough power to run a few small devices. But if you have an alternate energy system already in place utilizing [wind](https://uspreppers.com/wind-power/) and/or [solar energy](https://uspreppers.com/the-other-solar-power/), then your electrical needs are already in place should the grid falter. ### Solar Energy Solar powered lighting typically comes in the form of individual units with small solar panels built into them. They are equipped with a light sensor and automatically turn on when darkness falls. Many people utilize these already outside their homes to illumination walkways and porches. Alternatively, as with wind power, there are small solar-power kits available on the market that will produce sufficient electricity to operate a limited number of devices, including low power household lights. ## Don’t Be Left in the Dark When any one of us begin putting together our disaster response plans it’s the essentials of food, water, and shelter that take priority. These are the ones we concentrate on [stockpiling](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-prep-like-a-mormon/) with the focus of a laser but watch out for the resulting tunnel vision. There are other essentials that are so often forgotten until they are needed. Emergency lighting is one of those, along with communications and batteries to supply much needed (if only temporary) electrical power. But remember, choose the types and designs that will work best of you in the situations you expect to find yourself. Don’t be left in the dark when the lights go out. ### Solar Power For Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/solar-power/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “While the US energy infrastructure is expansive, reliably delivering power to millions of people on a daily basis, its age and susceptibility to damage from severe weather, earthquakes, floods, and even potential terrorist attack are enough incentive for individuals to plan for alternative sources of energy.” Why Solar? The fastest growing and increasingly affordable alternative source in recent years is [solar power](https://uspreppers.com/solar-power-solutions-for-preppers/), energy production through roof-mounted photovoltaic systems. And why wouldn’t it? [Solar energy](https://uspreppers.com/the-uspreppers-guide-to-generating-alternative-electricity/) is clean, free and available for personal use on virtually any given day. We've also covered [solar beyond photovoltaics](https://uspreppers.com/the-other-solar-power/). Almost any disaster situation could trigger some manner of power grid failure. The country’s creaking power infrastructure is based on decades-old technology, and is put under additional strain by ever increasing public demands — breakdowns can be widespread as they were in 2003 when [8 states and parts of Canada lost power](http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/2003-blackout-five-years-later/?ref=uspreppers.com) for as long as 2 days in some areas. In the event of another power grid failure due to age, natural causes or human acts would it not be comforting to know your home was prepared beforehand with a solar power system? Check out [off-grid power](https://uspreppers.com/off-grid-power-for-preppers/). ## Solar System Basics For most preppers, the dream is a huge solar-powered system for a completely self-sufficient home but for many of us that dream is simply not practical and even less affordable. However, it is quite possible to set up a smaller solar power system capable of meeting your family’s [emergency electricity needs](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-generators/), allowing everyone to survive in some semblance of comfortably. A modest system can power fans, a radio, a small TV and even a refrigerator. System components include solar panels, a mounting apparatus, a charge controller, batteries and a power inverter. The solar panels absorb energy, which is sent to the battery system for storage (or to the home’s electrical panel), and the charge controller, which connects to the batteries and regulates the amount of electricity transferred into them. This process generates DC power, which is converted by the inverter to AC power for running the appliances. For a deeper dive, see [storing off-grid electricity](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-store-off-grid-electricity/). ## Planning Your Survival Solar System Plan your system according to meet your estimated emergency power needs. The number of batteries will depend on how many panels you use and maintain sufficient amp-hours to run the inverter at the level required to power your appliances. Two types of batteries that work best for solar power storage are golf cart types and deep cycle industrial batteries. Golf cart batteries will work for smaller power systems while the deep cycle type will last longer through many discharge cycles but cost more. Whichever type you decided on keep spare batteries on hand. Do not use car batteries as they were not designed for this type of use. The panels, themselves, need to produce enough power to replenish the batteries, which will be at least 5 hours per day in sunny climates — more for cloudy days. The average solar panel on today’s market produces about 200 watts. More efficient monocrystalline panels will have a somewhat higher output. The average household in the US uses approximately 903 kilowatt-hours each month which is about 30kWh per day. This, of course, varies depending on the seasons, air-conditioning use, efficiency of [appliances](https://uspreppers.com/power-down-household-appliances-you-can-re-create-off-the-grid/) and how many are used. You can gauge your household’s energy use by checking with your energy company for usage history. This is the easiest way, otherwise, you would need to calculate the electrical use of each appliance in your home individually. The household usage history can then be used in consultation with your solar power dealer to determine the size of array needed for your home. ### Doing it Yourself Most preppers want to do for themselves and setting up your home’s solar panel system is no different. While most installations are performed these days by professional, licensed dealers, there is a significant amount the DIYer can do themselves. There are solar kits available that will make a significant dent in your energy bill now and produce enough power for disaster mode when your electricity use is rationed. ### Choosing The Right Solar Array Before choosing a system kit figure out your average daily and monthly kilowatt hour (KwH) usage. As mentioned earlier, your utility company will have these numbers. Identify where you can save electricity around your home. Address air gaps and leaks where warm or cold air escapes or enters. Institute family rules to turn off appliances, lights and other electronic equipment when not in use and remember standby mode still uses electricity. This, of course, will reduce your household’s energy consumption in the long run and increases efficiency during disasters. Then perform a solar site survey to determine the best location for the array, either on your home’s roof or on the ground, where it will have optimal sun exposure during any given day. For North America, the general rule is a south facing array, tilted at an angle appropriate for your area’s latitude. Take that information (average household usage and survey results) and begin shopping around for dealers and manufacturers for prices, factoring in the current 30% federal tax credit and other state and city tax rebates and incentives. ### Compare Before You Buy Compare the differences between polycrystalline and the more efficient monocrystalline panels, their rated outputs (panels average 200 watts, more with higher efficiency panels) and weigh their costs. Today’s solar panels are built to last on the order of 30 years, so be sure the mounts you choose to attach them to are durable, able to withstand the elements. Consider incorporating micro-inverters – inverters convert DC from the panels to AC for home use – which give each panel an inverter rather than one main inverter for the whole array. Micro-inverters will allow panels to continue producing power even if some parts of the array are in shade which is not the case with single inverter systems. When installing the panels, themselves, check their alignment continuously as you’re attaching them to their mounts. Small errors can culminate into larger efficiency problems. Be extremely cautious when wiring the panel! This is considered high voltage work and it is advisable to treat the wiring as if it is “hot” even though it is not yet connected to the grid or electrical panel and be sure everything is grounded in the end. If you are at all wary of your own electrical wiring ability consider hiring a local electrician for this phase. Once finished, have your city or county code inspector sign off on the installation. After that, you’re ready to go… turn it on! While solar power for preppers is not about maintaining all the modern conveniences during an emergency situation, it is about keeping the survival essentials powered up. The motivation for the prepper is to retain electrical power when the grid fails but installing a solar power system today will save you and you family money now on what seems to be ever increasing energy costs. After gaining a foothold in the energy self-sufficiency game considering taking another step and add wind power to your overall emergency energy plan. [Save money](https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit?ref=uspreppers.com) now while preparing for whatever may be in store for the future. ### Emergency Med Kits For Preppers URL: https://uspreppers.com/emergency-med-kits/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “One of the first rules of survival in an extreme emergency is self-reliance. As a society, we are dependent on doctors and hospitals to provide treatment when our medical needs go beyond our own abilities to care for ourselves.” After a severe storm, earthquake, a large-scale disease outbreak, or even a terrorist attack, those same medical services will become quickly overwhelmed. You and your family will need to rely on yourselves for general medical care. One vital component for becoming self-reliant in such situations is to have a comprehensive medical kit on hand. For a deeper dive, see [treating blisters, burns, and wounds](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-1-blisters-burns-nasty-wounds/). Now, the size and scope of the medical kit depends on whether you are planning for [sheltering in place or going mobile](https://uspreppers.com/emergency-shelters/). If you’re staying put, then a kit with a full stock of supplies is appropriate. But if you’re bugging out, then your supply will be limited to the basics supplemented by your family’s specific medical needs. Kits for both circumstances are available from online retail outlets, and at some department stores. Large home emergency med kits are quite expensive while backpack kits are more affordable given their size and contents. However, if you are not in a rush, building a custom medical kit is another option that won’t break the bank. These kits can be gradually built up over time, as your budget allows. And, they offer the freedom of planning for your specific needs. There is no reason to purchase what you will never use. The [best prepper medical kits](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-prepper-medical-kits/) are modified to fit the particular circumstances of each families’ unique needs, put together piece-by-piece in the same way you build an emergency food supply over time. ## Determine Your Emergency Med Kit Needs While there is no way to predict exactly what emergency or disaster you and your family will confront, there are basic supplies we all need to survive. Just as water, food and shelter include universally similar components so is the case with a comprehensive medical kit. ### First Aid First and foremost, your kit needs first aid supplies to treat general injuries, from cuts, scrapes, and bug bites, to stabilizing a broken bone. For these purposes, your first aid supplies should include: bandages and band-aids, gauze, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, ace bandages, splints, antiseptic and burn ointments, hydrogen peroxide, ice packs, and pain relievers. For the medical kit that goes with your bug-out bag, include sunscreen, ointment for [bug bites](https://uspreppers.com/first-aid-for-preppers-part-4-stings-bites-stomach-bugs/), a tick spoon for removing ticks from you and your pets, (yes, they need to be planned for, too) and hydrocortisone for poison ivy attacks. These are supplies you can gather together individually or buy online, at most medical supply stores, outdoor outfitters, and some department stores. While these kits make a great starting point, serious preppers will want to own these kits in duplicate or even triplicate. This way, you can have one kit for your home, one for your car and one left stocked away in reserve. ### Beyond First Aid There are several situations that may arise during any given disaster, as medical services overflow capacities and the potential for a long-term recovery increases, you may be called upon to care for illnesses and injuries that go beyond general first aid. Various types of disasters bring about disruptions of electrical and water supplies. Without an alternate source of power, food refrigeration and preservation becomes an issue increasing the risk of food-borne illnesses. As clean water supplies dwindle, outside sources of questionable quality have to be considered. Drinking improperly [purified water](https://uspreppers.com/water-filter-systems-options-and-methods-for-the-whole-family/) can lead to illnesses as well. Both food and waterborne illnesses often result in digestive tract problems (gastrointestinal illness) causing bouts of diarrhea, nausea, and cramps that can last up to a week. Your medical kit needs anti-diarrheal medications plenty of fluids with some containing electrolytes. Young children and the elderly especially need to stay hydrated. Care and maintenance of ongoing conditions specific to your family will need to be addressed. Stocking up on over-the-counter and prescription medications is advisable. Pharmacies may well be closed or overwhelmed as part of a disease outbreak. Your son or daughter will still need their asthma medication or inhaler, your husband will still need his diabetes meds. You may need a stock of epinephrine auto-injectors (or EpiPens) in case of a severe allergic reaction. Disasters rarely happen at convenient times and seasonal illnesses won’t be hampered by an earthquake or the outbreak of a different disease. The flu will spread just like it does every year and family members will come down with body aches, a fever and chills. They will all need their rest, their temperatures taken, fluids and chicken soup. And, of course, contact lenses will run out of cleaner and you will be stuck with the spare pair of eyeglasses if you have them. And if not, an extra pair safely stored away in case of such an event will continue to provide the gift of sight to help get you through until everything returns to a semblance of normal. ### Educate Yourself Between now and the next mass disaster or societal collapse, consider broadening your medical knowledge. Enroll in a Red Cross 1st Aid and CPR course, moving up to more advanced first responder courses later on. Get family members involved so they can care for you if you’re the one injured or ill. Research online how to treat and care for various injuries and illnesses. Print out and keep [our medical kit checklist](https://uspreppers.com/medical-kit-checklist/) as a reference manual. With each new piece added to your kit, from CPR rescue mask to finger splints to wound dressings, learn how to use each one so you are familiar with everything you have when the time comes. ### The USPreppers 72 Hour Bug-Out Bag Essentials URL: https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bags/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “**A wildfire crests the ridge above your neighborhood as the call to evacuate comes. You have 20 minutes to grab your essentials and go.**““**The tropical storm offshore has built into a category four hurricane overnight with landfall expected sometime in the next 5 hours. You have two hours to gather all that is precious to you and leave.**“ Hearing such news most people would scramble, grasping for anything of supposed value without thinking clearly about what is truly essential to survive until the disaster passes. For a deeper dive, see [the complete bug out bag checklist](https://uspreppers.com/complete-bug-out-bag-checklist/). A prepper, someone who thought about what to do ahead of time and [prepared for such emergencies](https://uspreppers.com/), would simply grab their bug-out backpacks and hand them out to their family members, each bag already full with enough [survival gear](https://uspreppers.com/essential-survival-gear/) to last At least 72 hours. Check out [our full guide to bug out bags](https://uspreppers.com/preppers-guide-to-bug-out-bags/). Everyone would calmly gather into the family car and head out just as they had planned and practice many times before. This bag is not meant as long term survival gear. Its purpose is to get you and your family through the first three critical days after a disaster. Its job is to help each person survive until they can reach solid ground where they can take a deep breath and think about what to do next. But before that, there are four emergency essentials every bug-out bag has to have inside. ## Bug-Out Bag Must-Haves ### • Water A healthy person can survive at most 8 weeks on an empty stomach but that person can’t last much longer than 3 days without water even less if they find themselves on the move. Everyone is supposed to drink about two to three liters a day, not accounting for cooking or personal hygiene needs. As water weighs about 2 pounds per liter that would account for 12-18lbs of your total for backpack’s weight. If that is too much then consider 1 liter per day and pack a quality [water filter](https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/) to replenish your supply from rivers or streams. ### • Food The average person can technically last weeks without food, but honestly, who wants to? Food is the fuel that keeps you thinking and moving especially during a stressful, emergency situation. On average, a moderately active person between the ages of 14-40 needs 2,000-2,800 calories a daily with most of that coming in the form of carbohydrates. These are the real sources of energy for the body. So stock up on [dehydrated](https://uspreppers.com/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/) fruits and [freeze-dried](https://uspreppers.com/mres-freeze-dried-food/) meals containing grains (wheat, oats, rice), beans and starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, corn) and consider nuts for protein. These are lightweight foods perfect for keeping your bug-out bag at a manageable weight. When everything comes apart, you will need some high carb items to push you through to the other side of those first three days. ### • Shelter Pack a tent and something to sleep in, preferably a sleeping bag. Sleeping out under the stars leaves you vulnerable to the elements, insects and other creepy crawlies in search of something warm to curl up with. A mobile home in a bag isn’t necessary but consider what the weather typically has in store for any given season and plan accordingly. Quality tents and sleeping bags these days are affordable and pack up into small spaces suitable for your [bug-out bag](https://uspreppers.com/bugging-out-in-moms-grocery-getter/). They will get you through those first three days or longer until you find something better or the situation stabilizes. We've also covered [bug out mistakes to avoid](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-bug-out-mistakes-to-avoid/). ### • Medical Equipment You could fill a book writing lists of the kinds of first aid supplies that you should have. Because everyone has their own specific needs, consider making your own medical kit or purchasing a ready-made one you can customize with your particulars needs. Having said that, there are some basic supplies every kit should include; bandages, gauze and sterile dressings, disinfectant, antibiotic and burn ointments, a cold pack, a roll of medical tape, pain relievers, nonlatex gloves and a first aid booklet. If you can get through 72 hours, you should be able to locate real medical help for any more significant problems. Remember, this is the basic equipment and supplies any bug-out bag should have. Other than what was mentioned above, include clothes appropriate for your region, comfortable yet sturdy footwear, a multi-tool to address any repairs that arise and even some form of protection just in case. When a disaster occurs or should even TEOTWAWKI come, the more prepared you and your family are, the better your chances will be for surviving those first three critical days. // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // < !\[CDATA\[ // \]\]> ### Essential Survival Gear URL: https://uspreppers.com/essential-survival-gear/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z “In an emergency, the right set of tools can literally mean the difference between life and death.” Without proper, reliable and durable equipment the basic tasks of finding or building shelter, cooking food, locating safe water, guarding against extreme weather, signaling for help, or even defending yourself will become an ongoing struggle, compounding an already stressful situation. When it comes to survival, preparedness is key with no room for procrastination. Gathering together the most [essential survival gear](https://uspreppers.com/tag/gear/) and equipment for your individual/family needs will help protect and ensure overall safety and security, and provide a sense of comfort amidst an uncertain environment. For a deeper dive, see [family preparedness kit](https://uspreppers.com/creating-a-disaster-preparedness-kit-for-your-family/). ## Backpack Your backpack or essential [survival gear](https://uspreppers.com/survival-gear-for-every-prepper/) should be lightweight, durable and waterproof. Look for a bag that is spacious and has several smaller compartments that will hold different items. The pack should fit correctly with most of the load resting comfortably on your hips, is contoured to your back and has adjustable shoulder straps to ensure proper weight distribution. Check out [survival tools you already own](https://uspreppers.com/duct-tape-9-survival-tools-already/). Backpacks are not a one-size-fits-all product. There are a great many options for a variety of body types, including bags specifically designed for women. Retailers that will assist each member of your family in finding the pack with the best fit. Consider a dry run. Take the family on a weekend pack trip, one where a moderate hike is required to get to your destination and thoroughly test the backpacks for comfort. ## Shelter Resting alongside water and food, shelter is one of the most essential pieces of survival equipment. If evacuation is required and if hotels are full, there are no friends or family to stay with and if shelters are unavailable or at capacity you will need to provide your family with shelter. The best option is a tent. As with backpacks, there are a bewildering number of options, choose from large, 12 person, canvas hunting tents to lightweight, 1 or 2 person, backpack tents with just enough room to lay down inside to everything in between. Choose what will best work for your family and your evacuation plan. ## Water Purification Kit Whether you’re sheltering in place or bugging-out your supply of water is finite. Eventually, it will need replenishing. This means turning to less than perfect sources like rivers, ponds, reservoirs and lakes. These alternatives might seem clean and safe, but, on the side of caution, and assume all outside water sources have some type of contaminant. Boiling and iodine or chlorine tablets are tried and true methods of purifying water for drinking but there are a large variety of water filters (both for the home and portable uses) that will meet virtually all your family’s needs. While home filters can prove pricey, [portable filters](https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/) designed for backpacking and camping are affordable, lightweight, durable and can remove the majority of contaminants found in North American waters. ## Food and Cooking Ranking a very close second to water and just above shelter, food is essential for any emergency where resources become limited. You need food to maintain your health and energy during stressful times. If sheltering in place is an option then whatever types of food you’ve stockpiled will be available but if bugging-out is necessary then lightweight, dehydrated food and freeze-dried packable meals are best. Dehydrated foods are acceptable for short-term evacuations but nothing helps boost moral than a warm meal. And to serve a hot meal you need fuel and [something to cook that food](https://uspreppers.com/survival-cooking-for-preppers/) in. Luckily, the backpacking, camping and hunting markets are flush with a broad selection of equipment at a range of prices. These products will be lightweight, packable and designed specifically for the needs of anyone surviving during an emergency. ## First Aid Kit A well equipped [emergency medical kit](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-prepper-medical-kits/) will include rolls of gauze, adhesive strips, antiseptics for treating wounds and preventing infection, topical anti-inflammatory creams for common skin rashes, and an assortment of medications for pain, inflammation, infection, nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal (stomach) problems. Also include sufficient prescription medications your family members regularly need to last two to three months. Pack other supplies such as contact lenses, eyeglasses, hearing aids, syringes, epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) for severe allergic reactions, blood pressure and/or glucose level monitors. Bring items such as face/gas masks, silk sutures, blood stoppers and transfusion bags (if trained to use them). You may consult with your family doctor about a supply of broad-spectrum antibiotics in case of bacterial infections. ### Clothing In an emergency when you are likely to be exposed to the elements, the proper clothing will keep you warm, comfortable and alive. ### Think in terms of layers… Layers of clothing rather than bulky jackets or sweaters will save space and provide you with a broader choice for changing weather conditions. Combining a short sleeve undershirt, a long sleeve outerwear, a fleece pullover and a rain jacket that crumples up into its own small bag will allow most anyone to brave a range of conditions, short of hunkering outside during a hurricane or a blizzard. Again, choose wisely and don’t skimp on quality as this is the clothing you may have to depend on for some time. ### Shoes Select shoes that will protect your feet from the elements, keep them warm and dry, and allow you to walk, run, jog and jump, if necessary. For survival situations, the best equipment for your feet are a pair of good, well broken in hiking boots made from quality materials. Look for excellent cushioning, arch and ankle support, solid lacing, thick soles and deep treads. Boots should provide a snug and comfortable fit when worn with thick socks with little movement to minimize blisters. We've also covered [survival hacks](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-survival-hacks/). ### Source of Heat and Light All to often, the little, yet essential things are forgotten. Matches or lighters are remembered only when the camp stove is out and ready to light. Flashlights are only missed when dusk descends and the tent isn’t even set up. Pack these things away in your emergency backpack now where they will be when needed. Matches, lighters, flints and instant fire-starters, are small and very light. There’s no reason not to prepare for any eventuality and pack each type. “Strike-anywhere” matches are reliable as long as they do not get wet. Store all matches, even waterproof matches, in plastic, resealable bags along with an emery-board to strike against. Butane lighters, the kind found at any convenience store, are probably the best choice given their packability, simplicity and long-lasting fuel. Magnesium flint fire-starters are inexpensive and round out a reliable trio of fire starting tools ready for virtually any environment. Portable lighting from standard flashlights to headlamps to backpack lanterns, the market is broad. While tempting to seek out the latest, rugged, unbreakable model available, sometimes the simplest is the best choice. Flashlights and camp lanterns today are small, wrapped in sturdy aluminum bodies with efficient, bright LED bulbs. When deciding on battery-powered lighting equipment keep battery types consistent and simple. If carrying loads of replacement batteries is unappealing consider hand-crack or solar-powered lamps or a low-tech alternative to electric lighting… aluminum housed, candle lanterns designed for backpacking and camping. Whatever your decision, once again remember to choose reliable equipment that will work when needed. ### Communication Equipment During disasters, traditional telephones, mobile phones and internet services are quickly overwhelmed rendering their systems virtually useless. And if the power goes out, these systems will falter along with everything else that operates on electricity. Satellite phones will most often work but are expensive options. You and your family will need alternatives. Citizens Band (CB), yes it still exists, is one option. It has good coverage, 1-15 miles, (depending on the size of the antennae), with home-based versions to more mobile options for vehicles or hand-held walkie-talkies available. UHF handhelds for staying in contact with family members over short distances are another option. Yet, when all else fails and the only need is to attract the attention of rescuers then go with a flashlight with signaling function or beacon, a whistle or signal mirror. At the very least, keep a transistor radio on hand. Even if you cannot communicate with emergency services, there will be radio alerts telling you where to go to find help. ### Location Guide Whether you intend to head out of town to find safe haven or simply moving to another location, you need to know how to get around once you arrive. GPS is useful but in a disaster situation when communication lines become disrupted, physical maps and compasses are your most reliable navigation tools. Buy a waterproof maps or print out on thin sheets of plastic or other waterproof material. Have two or three compasses on hand in the event one is lost or broken. Familiarize yourself with your environment. A map will show you where you are but it will not tell you what types of risks you are facing. ### Cordage, Rope, String & Duct Tape You will always need a length of rope or cord to tie something down, hang something up and lash something together. Include string and fishing line as well. And duct tape… well that goes without saying, a million and one uses and still growing. ### More Essential Survival Gear Options For Protection Invest in a good survival knife, the kind that is strong enough to cut through small branches, rope, leather. Survival knives serve many functions. They can cut, puncture, slice and – if and when necessary – protect you from bodily harm. ### Other survival tools worth considering are; - **A multi-tool that will handle locks and screwdrivers** - **A sheet of tarpaulin for shelter or covering** - **A pair of binoculars for scouting** - **A hunting rifle and ammunition for fast, efficient hunting** - **A hatchet or a machete for cutting trees and dense overgrowth** - **Night vision goggles for viewing the environment in total darkness** ### Types of Water Filters URL: https://uspreppers.com/types-of-water-filters/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z “When a disaster strikes, whether it be a flood, hurricane or even an earthquake, the water supply systems we often take for granted are frequently one of the first pieces of our community’s infrastructure to be compromised and contaminated.” Hazards of Contamination For a deeper dive, see [the best portable water filter systems](https://uspreppers.com/finding-the-best-portable-water-filter-systems/). There is always a concern about providing clean drinking water for your family. Exploring the variety of survival filtration systems for your home is one step towards ensuring a [safe water supply](https://uspreppers.com/water-filter-systems-options-and-methods-for-the-whole-family/) when sheltering in place is the best option. When emergencies occur and the local authorities issue “boil water” advisories, you know there are serious problems with the regular supply. These cannot be ignored or discounted, as they represent a serious public health concern. ## Contaminated water can: - **Have an unpleasant odor or taste** - **Exhibit an unusual color** - **Contain sediment** - **Harbor deadly pathogenic strains of E coli bacteria** - **May contain cryptosporidium and giardia that result in parasitic infections causing severe diarrhea and nausea** - **Include viruses and fluke larvae** - **Contain dangerous toxic chemicals or heavy metals that can cause digestive problems and nervous system disorders.** ## Preppers Guide To Water Filters All water of questionable quality should be treated before it is used for drinking, cooking or personal hygiene. When preparing your family for emergencies and prolonged recoveries, your water supply will take up considerable space, since disaster preparedness experts recommend a daily allowance of one gallon per person in your household. In addition to stockpiling an adequate supply, many preppers include equipment for water treatment in their [emergency supplies](https://uspreppers.com/tag/gear/). ### There are some effective, low tech approaches to dealing with contaminated municipal sources, including: - **Straining through a coffee filter, clean cloth or paper towel to remove sediment** - **Boiling for at least a full minute if you have the means** - **Using about 16 drops of unscented bleach per gallon to disinfect the water** - **Distilling by boiling and capturing what condenses out as it cools.** None of these approaches are fool proof. Employing a combination is the best method. Boiling and chlorination will help kill microorganisms, and distillation will help remove other contaminants. While effective, the process is time-consuming and will use up precious supplies of propane (or other fuel) that should be saved for cooking. The alternative is to have a water filtration system at the ready. ## Filtration Systems There are a number of different filtration systems that are commercially available for surviving at home. They offer an efficient way to provide a long-lasting supply of safe drinking water for your entire family in any situation. Information about various systems is available online, and should be researched before deciding on one that fits your needs. Your choice will, of course, depend on budget, available space and the level of protection desired. ### Carbon Filters For removing contaminants, the EPA considers solid carbon block filters to be one the best. They are capable of removing sediments, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, can reduces levels of lead and many harmless compounds that effect color and taste. Carbon filters will not remove hard-water materials like magnesium and calcium, or nitrates and are not capable of eliminating microbial contaminants. Specialized filters are available that will remove heavy metals. ### UV Filters Ultraviolet filters use ultraviolet radiation to kill pathogens but do not remove suspended solids or other contaminants. These systems are typically used in conjunction with others to effectively clean your water. UV filters are capable of deactivating cryptosporidium spores which are resistant to some decontamination treatments like chlorine. Check out [water purification methods](https://uspreppers.com/prepper-water-purification/). ### Ceramic Filters Ceramic filters employ extremely small porous screening (down to the sub-micron size) which filter out microbes (including some bacteria) and suspended solids. Unfortunately, they are not effective for removing pesticides, fertilizers or petroleum-based contaminants. Gravity operated systems are available that do not rely on water pressure or electricity to operate. Meeting your family’s needs during any given emergency is the key to survival. Maintaining an adequate supply of safe water is the first priority for any prepper. Employing a home filtration system for a sheltering in place situation that combines two or more of these methods will ensure your family has plenty clean drinking water to weather virtually any disaster. ### Family Water Storage Guide URL: https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:56:03.000Z “Water is the most essential requirement of our body’s needs. How much water do you and your family need for a typical day?” It’s not easy putting a number to that question. Instead, think about how often you turn on the faucet in the kitchen to fill a pot for cooking, or how long do you stand under the shower trying to wake up each morning? How many times is the toilet flushed during a given day? Now, think about what it would be like going to the kitchen sink, turning it on and nothing comes pouring out, not even a sputter. No water to drink or wash with, none to boil the pasta planned for that night’s dinner. What do you do now? If you thought about this scenario and prepared for it, you would go out and uncork the emergency supply of water you’ve stored away. But for those who didn’t plan for the day when water stops running, then a seed of panic may start sprouting there in the pit of the stomach; worrying about what disaster caused this and wondering how long it will last. Fortunately, that day has yet to arrive and it’s a guide like this that will prepare you for when it does. ## Collecting Your Family Water Storage Emergency Supply The easiest approach to jump-starting your emergency supply is to purchase commercially bottled water from your local grocery store. Standard bottle sizes are often sold in bulk, making their storage easy and secure. Emergency supplies in the form of commercial bottled water will last indefinitely, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as long as they are stored unopened, with seals intact, away from heat and sunlight. Manufacturers give their products a 2 year shelf life, after which the taste may change. A good rule of thumb is to replace unused stock every one to two years. For preppers who decide to go the DIY route, stockpiling water in their own containers must use food-grade storage containers. These come in a wide variety of sizes anywhere from liter bottles to 5 gallon jugs often used at water dispensing machines to 55 gallon barrels. Other plastic or cardboard containers are not designed for long term storage of liquids. Do not reuse plastic milk cartons or fruit juice bottles as milk proteins and fruit sugars cannot be adequately cleaned to prevent bacterial growth. Glass containers are useful as they are easy to clean, are nonporous unlike plastic containers and will not leach anything into the liquid they hold but there is the risk of breakage. [Appropriate containers](https://uspreppers.com/plastics-unsafe-long-term-food-storage/) must be washed with dishwashing soap and rinsed thoroughly before use. Fill with regular tap water, and add a few drops of unscented chlorine bleach (16 drops per gallon) to prevent growth of microorganisms, and then tightly close the cap. Be sure not to contaminate the inside of the cap with fingers before sealing. Store in a dark, cool (but not freezing) location and replace every 6 months. ## How Much is Enough? Water, above all else, is the most vital of the emergency essentials. A relatively healthy person can go upwards of 8 weeks without food but that same person, not subjected to weather extremes or above average physical exertion, will last only 3 to 5 days without water. Every prepper will have to decide how long they want their emergency supply to last and plan accordingly. The first step is figuring out how much each member of your family needs each day during an emergency. Most of us grew up with that standard 8 glasses of water a day drummed into our ears but times have changed (and so have medical findings). The Institute of Medicine found the most efficient way to stave of dehydration is to “drink when you’re thirsty”. While this is excellent advice, it does present a problem for those of us preparing for emergencies. We need specific quantities, numbers to add and multiply together. Thankfully, the IOM also provided recommended amounts. The average person should have a general fluid intake of about 110 ounces (13 cups/3 liters) daily, slightly less for women and a little more for men. Keep in mind, while 80% of your intake comes from fluids, 20% comes from foods like fruits and vegetables. When sanitary and cooking needs are added in, planning for one gallon per person is a valid measure. Keep in mind these are baseline requirements. Those in hotter environments or persons who are ill, elderly or are nursing mothers, they will need more Using those numbers and determining how much space there is for storage you will have to estimate how long your supplies will last. The American Red Cross and FEMA advise storing away a 2 week supply. But if space is limited a 3 day supply is recommended. While practicality often wins in the end stockpiling away as much as possible is the best advice, whether it’ll be a couple of weeks to a couple of months, recovery and infrastructure repairs often take longer than anticipated. The more water you can store the better equipped your family will be to survive. ### Rationing During Emergencies Your family water storage is so critical to survival that even during emergencies experts agree that rationing is not a recommended approach. Instead, thirst should be the guide. Following the gallon per person, per day guide will ensure each family member’s needs are met. In prolonged emergencies when stockpiles are depleted, seek out other possible sources for drinking before considering rationing. ### For example, use water from: - **Melted ice cubes** - **From the hot water tank (turn off electricity or gas first and refill the tank before turning it on again)** - **Contained within the pipes in the house, as long as broken water or sewage lines have not contaminated this source.** - **Left in the kettle** - **Collected from recent rains** - **From rivers and streams or also from ponds, lakes and natural springs but avoid water with floating materials, odors or is dark in color.** Remember these alternative water sources’ quality can be questionable, so be sure to purify it before drinking. Strain the water to remove impurities, boil it, or add bleach to kill bacteria. Combining these methods will further reduce the risk of ingesting contaminants. Purification tablets can also be used. FEMA advises you do not use water from toilet flush tanks or bowls, radiators, swimming pools or spas (cleaning chemicals are too concentrated for drinking), waterbeds or flood waters. Planning ahead and [preparing for emergency situations](https://uspreppers.com/essential-survival-gear/) is necessary to protect the health and safety of family members. Given water’s role as the most vital emergency essential, stockpiling sufficient clean, safe water is the first priority. Carefully following these storage guidelines will ensure adequate and reliable supplies of water are available when your family needs them the most. ### Survival Cooking: How-To URL: https://uspreppers.com/survival-cooking-for-preppers/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T04:25:34.000Z “Disasters can happen virtually anywhere at anytime and their effects are often felt well beyond the immediate area that they strike. The Question becomes how do you cook on a gas or electric stove without gas or electricity? Quick answer is, you don’t.” Floods, tornadoes and earthquakes among many others disasters can disrupt power grids and [water supplies](https://uspreppers.com/family-water-storage-guide/) over an entire region. Even a local gas line break or power failure would leave the appliances we rely on daily useless. Now if you and your family are avid preppers or campers this is no big deal – aside from the disaster running rampant outside, of course – because that same knowledge acquired through roughing it out in the woods or practicing your long-term survival skills will be what you call upon to keep bellies full of well cooked food in an emergency. But if that camper or prepper in you has yet to develop don’t worry because this guide to survival cooking will prepare you for keeping your family well nourished when the next emergency descends on your community. This is all you need to know about prepper’s survival cooking and creating meals for your family successfully. ## Survival Cooking For Preppers In the disaster preparedness game there are two essential situations [prepper’s plan](https://uspreppers.com/prepare-and-plan/) for, sheltering in place and bugging-out. While the needs for both evacuation and staying put at home are the same, the emergency equipment will differ thus making the checklist for survival cooking for preppers vital. The differences are in the form of weight and space. Should you find yourself bugging-in, the only problem cooking with that trusty cast-iron skillet might be whether you’ve used enough oil or not to season it. But it’s safe to assume you would regret strapping that same 7 pound behemoth to your bug-out-bag and lugging it around for days. While weight and space are the two primary factors, don’t forsake durability and quality for the simple reason, this is the equipment you will depend on and that essential equipment needs to work. The lesson is to plan appropriately for both emergency situations. Typically, emergency, survival cooking supplies are geared toward [bugging-out](https://uspreppers.com/bug-out-bags/), and are not dissimilar to what you’d take camping. Generally, this survival gear will include stainless steel cookware, a camp stove or portable grill, a can opener, bottle opener, canteen, bottled water, portable water filter, matches, batteries, cooking utensils, propane or other fuel, tin foil, plastic bags, and non-perishable food products. While you’ll need to purchase some of these essential items separately, many of them are found grouped together in survival cooking kits. Once again you will want to evaluate potential buys for durability and quality. Also consider the pros and cons of battery versus manually operated equipment. For example, if you choose a battery-powered can opener back it up with a simple manual version that folds up and fits on a key chain or in your bug out bag. Before you make any buying decisions, check online reviews for survival cooking kits and any emergency equipment you’re considering. People who have used the equipment camping or in disaster situations before are the best source for insight into the reliability of certain products. You might find that a product—when used in survival cooking mode—has functions you’d never thought of before. ## Preparation and Cooking Tips Purchasing emergency cooking gear is a good first step but you also need to equip yourself with the know-how necessary to get through a stressful time. The following tips will ensure you can handle survival cooking like a pro. ### 1\. Maintain a Good Food Supply Dry mixes, canned meats and vegetables, crackers, canned fruit, powdered milk, rice, pasta, oil, peanut butter, jelly, dehydrated and other foods that don’t require refrigeration or special preparation are best for preppers. Make sure the items you stockpile in [your long term food storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/) are not only high in nutrition and calories, but that they’re also foods your family enjoys. Don’t forget to take any special dietary requirements or allergies into consideration. ### 2\. Stock Up On Water Besides having enough water for daily hydration and hygiene purposes, and a portable filter to purify water on the move it’s important to have enough water for survival cooking. Especially if you decided on freeze-dried foods for your bug-out bag. ### 3\. Practice the first-in first-out method Checking expiration dates and consuming food accordingly is essential in an emergency for good health. If you’re at home when disaster strikes, eat perishable items from your garden, pantry, and refrigerator first. You can then move on to your freezer and non-perishable staples. ### 4\. Store Food Properly Sealing food in airtight containers and store them for the long term in a dry, dark, and cool area will increase their shelf life. However, you should always check for signs of spoilage prior to cooking. Maintain your emergency food stockpile through a rotation system using food before it goes bad and replacing it with fresh supplies. ### 5\. Cook Survival Food the Right Way Cooking over a fireplace indoors is fine, but you should use a camp stove or charcoal grill outdoors. If you’re heating food in a can, make sure you open the can first and remove any labels. Also, be sure to extinguish flames properly and only warm food with appropriate devices. ### 6\. Ration Emergency Food Appropriately Rationing food may become a reality. If it becomes necessary keep activity levels to a minimum to reserve your energy and ensure certain children and pregnant women receive adequate nourishment during a survival situation. As long as you eat one well-balanced meal a day and drink enough water, your family’s basic needs will be met. Consider stockpiling protein supplements, vitamins, and minerals to help maintain your health over the long term. Ultimately, maintaining health and preparing regular meals amidst a stressful, survival situation can be tough but comfort is found in the knowledge that you have prepared. Besides not knowing when you’ll have access to power, food, or fresh water again, you’ll find the task a lot harder if you don’t have a reliable set of survival cooking supplies. Prepare now so your family’s dietary needs are take care of in the event of a disaster. ### Freeze Dried MREs: How Freeze-Dried Food Compares to MREs URL: https://uspreppers.com/mres-freeze-dried-food/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “When it comes to stocking an emergency pantry, what is the single, overriding question you ask about each new addition? Holding that can of beans or bag of rice or rope of cured sausage in your hand, the question in the forefront of your mind is, “How long will this last?” When it comes to longevity, canned and dehydrated foods are your best friends. But cans are heavy and bulky [when it comes time to bug-out](https://uspreppers.com/top-5-bug-out-mistakes-to-avoid/). And, no matter who you are, dried apples and bananas are tolerable for only so long, as far as your taste buds and digestive system are concerned. Eventually the time will come when your body craves a real meal and that is when Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and freeze-dried food become treasures worth more than gold to an experienced prepper. For a deeper dive, see [civilian MRE guide](https://uspreppers.com/civilian-mres-guide/). ## Why MREs & Freeze-dried food? There are a number of reasons to seriously consider these prepackaged emergency foods but when all is said and done, it boils down to just two, packability and high returns. This means they are lightweight enough that a week’s worth or more of meals will fit into a bug-out-bag with room to spare. A box of 24 MRE meals can slide easily into a closet shelf. A month’s worth of freeze-dried food for one person or a week’s worth for three can be stored in a 5 gallon bucket. Check out [dehydrated food benefits](https://uspreppers.com/dehydrated-food-benefits/). Between these two options you can stock away months worth of these easy to prepare emergency essentials that sufficiently meet your family’s nutritional needs during a disaster into a space the size of a hallway closet. ## MREs vs Freeze-dried So what are the differences? There a several but let’s start with a simple side by side comparison. MREs are fully self-contained meals in a single pouch. Typically each package contains a main course, a side dish, some type of bread or cracker, a dessert, some candy, and a drink mix. With each meal containing an average of 1,250 calories (half the recommended daily intake) they will keep your family healthy enough to weather the stresses of any emergency or disaster situation. Individually packaged, freeze-dried survival foods tend to only be single entrees. One package may have beef stroganoff or cajun chicken with rice with no side dish or desert. They are also sold in large portions for multiple people. And just as with consuming other types of emergency foods, you would have to calculate daily caloric intakes. MREs do not require any cooking. All their contents can be eaten as is, right out of the package. But if your body desires a warm meal, authentic MREs – those made only for the US military – include a flameless, water activated, emergency ration heater to heat your food. Freeze-dried foods are prepared by boiling water in a pot, over a flame (or camp stove) which is poured into the pouch and left to “cook” for a set amount of time before eating. ## What’s on the menu? Left over from the early days when they first made their appearance, MREs have gotten a bad rap in the general public’s consciousness. Horror stories place their quality a step below cardboard, barely edible “food” choked down for the sole purpose of putting something in a soldier’s stomach. Set those urban myths aside because MRE’s of late have a full menu of 24 different meals changed yearly, ranging anywhere from Mexican-style chicken stew to lemon pepper tuna to sloppy joes. Freeze-dried foods have enjoyed a healthy surge in demand over the last couple of decades from preppers and those yearning to get outdoors. Backpackers campers and prepper’s have driven business in the camp/survival food industry to the point that there is a wealth of menu options available commercially from breakfast dishes to gourmet-style dinners. ### How long they last? Long term shelf life is the question on so many minds. Will they still be edible after a decade stuffed into the hall closet? The determining factor in many cases is temperature. In the case of MREs, the optimal storage temperature is 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit giving them a shelf life of 4-5 years. Claims for freeze-dried foods vary greatly with temperature and packaging as the factors for long-term shelf life. Individual pouches are rated for 5-10 years while the industry standard #10 cans last upwards of 25 years. When it comes to storage, follow the tried and true method as with other [long-term food](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/) in your emergency pantry, store in cool, dry places out of direct sunlight. ### How and Where to Buy There are several different places to look for quality MREs. The first thing to be aware of is the US government restricted the resale of [military MREs](https://uspreppers.com/civilian-or-military-mres-you-choose/) to the public which has created a few areas of concern when it comes to their purchase. As demand for prepper foods has grown, online sources have followed suit. Because of this, expired or fake MREs are often passed off as genuine military products. It is important to pay close attention to the details. If photos are available, make sure they clearly show the case with packaged dates, as well as the type of meals. The same with auction websites, ask sellers for details and clear photographs before making an offer. Given the uncertainty, the best place to find genuine military MREs just might be your local Army supply store or check out our recommended MRE and Freeze dried food suppliers. We've also covered [dehydrating food yourself](https://uspreppers.com/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/). Since meals ready to eat are a great option for hunters, campers, prepper’s, and many other folks in need of bulking up emergency food for the long term, there are now some quality civilian brands available today. It is easier to find these types of MREs online from legitimate sources where you can buy with confidence. Those seeking to fill their stockpile of emergency food with freeze-dried foods have their choice of suppliers. There are several established companies online retailers that offer a full range of menu items and prices. Products include individual entree packets to bulk cases to stocked 72-hour kits with enough food for three people to 30-day supply kits and all the way up to a full years supply of this emergency essential. The market for these ready to eat and freeze-dried meals have grown with the demand for lightweight, packable foods for camping, hunting and backpacking. Now preppers and others seeking to build up a stockpile of emergency survival food to live off of for 3 days or 3 months can take advantage of a huge market ready to supply you with anything and everything you need. ### Seed Saving URL: https://uspreppers.com/seed-saving/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z “What better way to know exactly where your family’s long-term emergency food comes from is there than [seed saving](https://uspreppers.com/seed-saving-guide/)? Through seed collection and saving, you are able to control the means of your own food production.” ## How To Seed Your Own “[Seed Bank](https://uspreppers.com/how-to-start-your-own-seed-bank/)” The concept is nothing new. People have collected and stored their own seeds from a number of given sources for hundreds of years to continue productive crop lines, to prepare for crop failures, to even protecting against environmental calamity by way of large scale “doomsday seed banks”. Governments, non-profit foundations and commercial agriculture have come together, creating seed banks in various locations around the world where over 10,000 seed samples from over 2,000 cultivators for more than 300 plant species are preserved and stored for times of emergency. ## What Does Seed Saving Do For Prepper’s? While the scale and purpose for stockpiling and saving seeds vary, on a personal level storing away essential emergency supplies like a seed bank, if for no other reason, ensures the quality and safety of your family’s food. By collecting and preserving seeds from crops grown in your garden or from a trusted supplier you will know precisely where your food comes from. Any prepper can ensure the quality and safety of that food through your own production techniques and, given the prices of commercially available seed these days, you will save yourself money each year. And should widespread disaster befall us all, you will have built a cache of quality seeds ensuring a continued long term supply of food and a valuable bartering product if the need arises. ## Why Wait? Get Started Now Start collecting and preserving those survival seeds for the next gardening season. Before making any giant leaps do some research. Identify the crops that grow well in your region during what seasons. Through seasonal crop rotation there are techniques that will allow you to maintain a productive survival garden most of the year. But first you will need seed. Natural food stores’ produce is a good source. There are also a number of online seed bank suppliers to choose from. Many of whom offer resources to help plan and develop a survival seed bank and garden. ### **As you get going keep these tips in mind:** - **Plan to save only non-GMO, non-hybridized and open-pollinated seeds for your survival garden; or buy heirloom seeds from trusted sources and save the seeds from the fruit/vegetables they produce.** - **Choose seeds carefully, saving seeds from fruits and vegetables you like to eat, but also be aware what it takes to grow them.** - **Choose seed for your bank that produce a large variety of seeds to increase the chance of viable and reliable crop production should the worst happen.** - **Start your garden and develop your gardening skills now, well in advance of when the need for survival is crucial.** - **Explore optimal organic gardening techniques like raised beds, vertical gardening, coverings, companion planting and even beneficial insects which reduce work and maintenance requirements.** - **Construct greenhouses or protective enclosures to allow four season harvesting in even the harshest of climates.** ## How To Choose And Preserve Those Precious Seeds? By now you’re probably asking, “How do I actually go about picking and preserving the survival seeds?” Start by approaching some seed-saving friends for tips on how to get started. If that isn’t a resource available to you seek out some of the excellent commercial sources available. Explore survival garden sites on the web to identify reputable heirloom open-pollinated seed suppliers. You can choose from seeds themselves or purchase ready-made seed banks which are prepackaged and all set for long term storage. Be sure to choose seeds that are appropriate to your region. Pineapples tend not to grow well in Wisconsin. Self-pollinating seeds such as beans, peas, tomatoes, lettuce, endive and chicory are the best to buy. There are few worries about cross-pollination or hybridization. Other seeds will require more attention to ensure they continue to produce. Corn, cucumber, radish and spinach need intervention to prevent cross-pollination. Biennial vegetables like carrots, cabbage and beets require a two year commitment to save their seeds. Saving seeds harvested from produce you’ve purchased or grown yourself, the general process for their preservation is to first, clean away any residue from the fruit (or vegetable) and soil. Then lay them out to dry, usually spread out on a clean paper towel. The drying may take a few days, after which they can be stored in ziplock-type bags and stored in a cool dry place. This process will vary depending on the type of seed and where it was harvested from. To maximize the long-term-storage life of seeds other factors you will want to avoid are exposure to particular environmental conditions. Glass or metal storage containers, sealed correctly are the best. These will provide a barrier to moisture, light and pests. Proper storage of preparedness seeds will assure you have a [reliable survival food supply](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/) stored on your shelves, ready to go into action when an emergency strikes. ### Dehydrated Food Benefits URL: https://uspreppers.com/dehydrated-food-benefits/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T21:50:10.000Z **“Wherever you live, emergencies and disasters happen. Be it a tornado, winter storm, wildfire, flooding, a disease outbreak, an economic collapse or even an act of terrorism, it only makes sense for you and your family to be prepared with a stockpile of dehydrated food.”** A disaster can leave you without gas and electricity rendering those modern conveniences like refrigerators and stoves useless. How many foods come to mind that do not need to be, kept cold or whose “unused portions” should be refrigerated? It’s a tough one to answer given how much we depend on those two common, household conveniences. But there is one type of food that can provide the daily calories and nutrients we all need, does not need to be rotated out and can last up to 25 years… [dehydrated foods](https://uspreppers.com/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/), the ultimate preppers emergency pantry essential. For a deeper dive, see [MREs and freeze-dried food](https://uspreppers.com/mres-freeze-dried-food/). ## Why Dehydrated Foods? The most important purpose of an emergency food supply is that it be edible when it is needed. The food you store away must have a long term shelf life, should meet the daily caloric load for an average person (\~2,500) ; it should not require complicated preparation. Dehydrated foods meet all these criteria and have provided people with their dietary needs for over 14,000 years. Dehydrating reduces the growth of yeasts, mold and bacteria and if stored properly they will last more than two decades. Their inherent packability means you can store more away for an emergency in less space than other foods and in the event of evacuation, dehydrated foods are the best choice for your bug-out bag. Stored alongside ample supplies of water, canned vegetables and meats, dehydrated foods are a core ingredient to any [prepper’s long term food supply](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/). ## Advantages of Dehydrated Foods Dehydrated foods should be central to all long-term food preparedness planning because: - **They can be eaten as is, without cooking or extra water.** - **Dehydrated food will plump up and increase in volume with water when cooking.** - **Reduced weight and size make long-term storage more convenient and bugging out a heck of a lot easier.** - **Nutrients are preserved since dehydration takes place at low temperatures** - **Dehydrated foods taste remarkably similar to the original ingredient.** - **Dried foods do not contain preservatives or additives.** Best of all, you can prepare dehydrated foods yourself. You can save money by stocking up when your favorite ingredients are in season and at their best prices. You also have complete control of the quality and can choose exactly what you know your family will enjoy. ## DIY Food Dehydration Traditionally, food was dried by way of evaporation, smoking or set out in the sun, air or wind to dry. Today electric food dehydrators make the job so much easier by speeding up the process with more consistent results. **Here are some basic tips to help you purchase the right dehydrator:** - **Choose a vertical dehydrator if you plan to dry only a few or a single type of food.** - **Horizontal dehydrators are best for drying large amounts of different kinds of food at the same time.** - **Ensure the unit has a fan for more efficient and even drying.** - **Dehydrators should have adjustable temperature settings to choose the appropriate drying temperature for different foods.** The unit should include the necessary trays and accessories for drying a variety of foods. There are specific instructions to dehydrate different types of food. Study the information that comes with your unit, and read up on techniques and tips online. When dehydrating meats, for example, there are different methods for ham, chicken and beef and precooking these items is often recommended to prevent food-borne illnesses like salmonella. You can better preserve the taste of many fruits and vegetables if you blanch them first and then cut them into similarly sized pieces to dehydrate evenly. ## Buying Dehydrated Foods If dehydrating your own food is too time consuming or you want to quickly build up your emergency food stocks, consider buying dehydrated food. Begin with searching your local store’s bulk bin section for dried fruits. There are also a number of online stores and vendors like [Valley Food Storage](https://valleyfoodstorage.com/?ref=uspreppers.com) who stock a variety of high quality Dehydrated emergency foods. ### In addition, consider the following: Calculate how much dehydrated food is required to meet each person’s daily caloric intake for a given amount of time. Prepare for a minimum of 3 days. - **Ensure the food purchased is good and nutritious, not just fillers.** - **Start with the staples then consider other varieties later.** - **Focus on foods that do not contain preservatives, dyes or other additives as this can effect the drying process and shelf life.** - **Select foods that are low in cholesterol, trans fat and sodium.** - **When choosing foods for your preppers pantry keep your family’s particular tastes in mind.** Take the time to research what should be included in your emergency food storage or check out the printable USPreppers checklists. In a disaster of any kind, it is especially important to look after the physical health and well being of all adults and children. Dehydrated foods offer the most durable and nutritious options for your family to weather virtually any emergency situation. ### Best Foods to Dehydrate: A DIY Guide for Long-Term Storage URL: https://uspreppers.com/diy-dehydrated-foods-guide/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T18:45:57.000Z **Preparing [dehydrated food](https://uspreppers.com/dehydrated-food-benefits/) is a skill easily mastered by every prepper.** For a deeper dive, see [8 food preservation techniques](https://uspreppers.com/8-food-preservation-techniques-you-need-to-know-now/). One of the best ways to preserve food for long term storage is dehydration. Foods stored in preparation for emergencies typically include a good selection of dried fruits and vegetables as well as beef, ham or even venison. Check out [long-term food storage](https://uspreppers.com/long-term-food-storage/). ## Benefits of Dehydrating Food Dehydration is a safe, affordable and effective way for preserving the flavor and value of foods. When moisture is removed from food, yeast, bacteria and mold cannot grow. The process has minimal effect on the nutritional content of foods. Home dehydration systems only reduce the nutritional content of foods by 3 to 5%, compared to about 60 to 80% loss of nutritional value with home canning. Vitamins A and C, fiber, carbohydrates, magnesium, potassium, sodium and selenium are not changed or depleted by dehydration. The result of the drying process is food loaded in nutrients that can be stored for long periods. ## Preppers also appreciate other benefits provided by dehydrated food: - **Dried foods are “super foods”, providing more nutrition and flavor per pound than fresh foods** - **Dehydration is inexpensive** - **Dehydrated foods are lightweight, long lasting and can be eaten without additional preparation** - **Dried foods are easy to store, taking up little space** - **No preservatives or added ingredients are required** ## Dehydration Equipment There are various options from time-consuming solar dryers to costly conventional ovens. However, the most efficient investment is a home food dehydrator that can prepare larger volumes of dried food with consistent results. Follow these tips when making a purchase. - **A vertical dehydrator is best for just a few foods** - **A horizontal dehumidifier is best for large amounts and different kinds of foods** - **A fan on the unit promotes efficient and even drying** - **Adjustable temperature settings are important for drying different foods** - **Different trays and accessories are appropriate for different foods** - **Additional supplies include a sharp knife, a spatula, heavy-bottomed saucepans, a blender and a strainer. Other helpful items to have on hand include a cherry pitter, an apple corer, a bean French, and a salad spinner. Specialty tools depend on the foods being processed.** ## Best Foods to Dehydrate There is almost no limit to the foods that can be dehydrated. Fruits, vegetables, and meats are all good candidates. Apples and tomatoes are popular, with beef and venison being popular meats to dehydrate. Properly prepared and stored, dehydrated foods can last 5-15 years. The easiest foods to dehydrate are green leafy vegetables and herbs. They dry quickly and provide flavor and important minerals to the diet. Fruits and vegetables will require more preparation and drying time. Most have to be sliced into small pieces for thorough dehydration. Meats and fish are challenging, requiring cooking before dehydration to kill harmful bacteria, as the temperature in dehydrators is not high enough to destroy them. We've also covered [cooking in an emergency](https://uspreppers.com/survival-cooking-how-to-cook-in-an-emergency/). Plan how much food will be dehydrated remembering that 80% of moisture is removed from fruits and up to 90% removed from vegetables. This means that the dried weight of foods is much less than the fresh foods. For example, 20 pounds of fresh apples result in about 2 pounds of dried fruit, and 20 pounds of fresh carrots yields about 1 ¾ pounds of dried food. ## How to Dehydrate Fruits and Vegetables - **Be sure to read all manufacturer instructions regarding the proper use of the dehydrator and the guidelines for food preparation** - **Wash and dry fresh food to reduce bacteria** - **Blanch crunchy foods to preserve taste and texture** - **Peel and core as required, and slice into even slices** - **Cut corn off the cob rather than drying the entire cob** - **Lay sliced items in the tray in a single even layer; drying the same food makes it easier to control drying times** - **Dry larger items at 130-135°F for 6-12 hours, and smaller items for 3-10 hours; smaller vegetables contain less water and will dry faster** - **Check for texture during drying; different foods will feel different when sufficiently dried; for example, beets, peppers, pears, and pineapples will feel leathery, and apples, peaches, and strawberries will feel pliable; refer to dehydrator** - **equipment instructions for specific information** - **Store in airtight containers in dry, dark places** ## How to Dehydrate Meats - **To prevent food poisoning, precook all meats before dehydration to kill any potentially dangerous bacteria. Be sure to follow instructions provided with the dehumidifier to ensure safe processing.** - **Cut meat into small uniform slices; ham should be cut in 1 inch wide slices like bacon; beef can be cut into long ¼ inch wide strips; chicken can be pulled apart** - **Place meat strips evenly on a tray so they do not overlap** - **Dry the meat at 145-155°F for about 6 hours** - **During the drying process, use paper towels to remove oil and fat that rise to the surface of ham and beef slices** - **Check the meat every few hours until it is completely dry; the process is not precise; pieces should snap but not crack when bent** - **Store dried meats in airtight containers in a dry dark location at room temperature** Learning how to dehydrate foods will increase the prepper’s capacity to prepare nutritious and tasty foods. Being able to control the preserving process and the choice of foods provides the flexibility to create a cost effective food store.Dehydrated food offers a nutritious and durable option for sustenance in emergencies.