PREP Staying Ahead Of The Shortages: What To Stock Up On For The Coming Year

packyderms_wife

packyderms_wife

Neither here nor there.
psychgirl said:
It may sound frivolous, but I still say stocking basic toiletries and maybe a little makeup or chapstick is s good idea. Even in the worst of times people, especially women, can make a miserable day feel better just by fixing up a bit.
Soap, shampoos, plus basic “feel goods”.
Click to expand...

Puttin on makeup makes me miserable.
 
TXYellowBird

TXYellowBird

Membership Revoked
To the OP, everything. I, we, believe it's only the first run at a few things; thinning the world population, destabilizing the US, taking Trump out, crashing the economy and ushering in a whole other way of totalitarian life. If you want it or use it, get it and get it in triplicate.
 
psychgirl

psychgirl

Has No Life - Lives on TB
packyderms_wife said:
Puttin on makeup makes me miserable.
Click to expand...
Not everyone wears makeup, I wear a moderate amount.

Too much and I hate it. But shampoo, soap, and other hygiene items will be in high demand.

Did you ever see the movie, “ The Book of Eli”??

Remember the scene where one tiny hotel sized bottle of shampoo was practically treated “like gold”??

Remember when he killed that cat just to get the rendered fat for his chapped lips??

That’s what I’m talking about.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I don't like makeup, either. A little light moisturizer or a touch of sunblock is fine. My skin is still decent, although a little dry at times. My summer coloring looks like I'm wearing foundation and blush.
 
E

ejagno

Veteran Member
psychgirl said:
It may sound frivolous, but I still say stocking basic toiletries and maybe a little makeup or chapstick is s good idea. Even in the worst of times people, especially women, can make a miserable day feel better just by fixing up a bit.
Soap, shampoos, plus basic “feel goods”.
Click to expand...
Please keep in mind that make-up and most beauty products do have expiration dates, including some anti-bacterial soaps, toothpaste, etc.....
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I'm back to thinking about raw materials.

- Many beauty products, bath salts, and so on can be made at home.
- So can some cleaning products
- Some clothes can be sewn if one have fabric and notions (pull up pants and tee shirts are good for beginners)

I was thinking about hobbies, too. Maybe look into crocheting or sewing (where there's an end product that can be worn or used) or hobbies that are basically free and have the benefit of exercise, like bird watching along a trail (Okay, one might spend money on a bird ID book or binoculars, but they are a one-time purchase).
 
C

coloradohermit

Veteran Member
Hawkgirl, fish antibiotics are fine and effective for people. I mainly get Aqua Mox Forte which is 500 mg amoxicillin.
www.lambertvetsupply.com

Aqua Mox Forte | Antibiotics for Fish Infection - Lambert Vet Supply | Dog, Cat, Horse, Kennel, & Vet Supplies

<h2>Aqua-Mox Forte</h2> <p>Aqua-Mox Forte is a broad spectrum antibiotic used to control common bacterial infection in fish. It exerts a bactericidal action on gram positive and some gram negative bacteria. It is useful for the control of bacterial diseases of fish, which include Aeromonas and...
www.lambertvetsupply.com
 
T

Terrwyn

Veteran Member
Unfortunately the Survival Dr. on SHTF blog retired. I bought a complete package of antibiotics from him several times. Has
 
T

Terrwyn

Veteran Member
Screwed that up. I was going to ask if anyone knows of other Drs that proscribe for a grid down situation. He also included instructions and recommendations for using.
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Long article, but considering that a lot of us were surprised, thinking we all were preppers, and finding out that was not the case, along with the above this may prove helpful:

Heres-How-to-Become-a-Prepper.jpg



Here's How To Become A Prepper



www.zerohedge.com|

15 mins read

Authored by Daisy Luther via The Organic Prepper blog,
If the coronavirus has inspired you to become a prepper, you’re not alone. At long last, prepping has become mainstream due to runs on supplies, shortages, and stay-at-home orders throughout the country. More folks than ever before are seeing the wisdom of having extra food and household goods on hand. It can help you through not only disasters and pandemics, but also through personal financial problems.

But delve into most preparedness websites (including this one) and it can start to get overwhelming when you read articles about civil unrest, EMPs, and existential catastrophes. You’ll see articles about guns and outdoor survival and all sorts of things in which you have absolutely no interest.
And more than that, it’s kind of overwhelming. It can make you feel like, “Wow, I will never be able to have a bunker in Montana with 150,000 rounds of ammo. I don’t even know how to build a fire. Why even bother?”
Before we get started with the “how to’s” here are a few things you should know.
All of us started at the beginning.
It’s important to know that all of us started somewhere. We all had some event that awakened us to the need to be better prepared. (To learn how some readers were inspired to get started, go here.) We all had to learn the ins and outs, read the books, and acquire the stuff.
Most of us don’t have thousands of dollars to drop on buckets of food and secondary locations. We began by just getting a few extra things when we could.
It takes some time.
Getting well-prepared doesn’t happen overnight. Even if you have a budget that is relatively unlimited, you will find that it still takes time to figure out what you need, where to get it, and where to store it.
So if you can only afford a few extra things each week, that’s a fantastic place to start. Within a month, you may have an extra week’s food supply doing things that way. Within a year, you’ve got a 3-month supply.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was a prepper’s stockpile.
You don’t have to be of a particular political or religious belief to be a prepper.
A lot of folks think that most preppers are well-to-do white, right-wing Christians. While a lot of preppers do have that in common, there are a lot who do not. We don’t all live on an acreage in the boondocks and raise everything we eat.
If you feel like you don’t fit into the mold, don’t worry because let me tell you a secret: there really is no mold. We have readers of this website from all different kinds of political and religious backgrounds. We have city dwellers and suburbanites. We have folks who live off the land and folks who buy most of their food from the grocery store. We have rich readers and poor readers. We have people coming here from many different countries with many different belief systems. The thing that unites us is that we want to be prepared.
We have people who are involved in prepping for a huge variety of reasons and we, the writers and editors of this site, sincerely welcome anyone who wants to become better prepared for emergencies.
You don’t have to be a tinfoil hat conspiracy theorist to be a prepper.
A lot of folks have this mental image of some wild-eyed guy peering out of the bunker wearing a tinfoil helmet. I’ll grant you that a lot of preppers are mistrustful of the things we hear in the mainstream media. We don’t take things at face value.
But for every prepper who is certain that the New World Order is trying to take over and every event is a false flag, there are preppers who are extremely logical and scientific. There are preppers who are pro-vaccination and anti-vaccination and everything in between.
I guess what I’m trying to say here is that we run the gamut. Don’t let the stereotypes scare you away.
Don’t stay someplace you’re treated badly.
In most of the preparedness world, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. But there are a few websites and forums where you find long-time preppers who are incredibly discouraging. If you run into this issue repeatedly, don’t continue hanging out there. Getting started on a big endeavor is overwhelming enough without people like that making you feel like crap.
Around here we like to help each other with advice and suggestions. Feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments section and you’ll probably get more than one answer from those who wish to share their knowledge.
We welcome you and we’re glad you’re here. Go here to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing.
Now, how do you get started prepping?
Pretty much all of us have recently had a crash course in preparedness with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have been sheltering in place in their homes for over a month now and have seen holes in their purchases. Some folks had the unfortunate experience of going out to stock up a little too late, only to find that the shelves were bare of essentials.
An enormous factor that makes just about every disaster worse is panic. When you wait until the last minute, you’re out there with all the other folks who waited until the last minute. Tensions are high and supplies are low. This can create an unsafe situation and can leave people without the things they need to face the event that has them rushing to the store in the first place.
The goal of prepping is to avoid all that.
When you’re prepped, sure, you really want to make one last run to the grocery store or Target, but if it came right down to it and you couldn’t, you’d still be okay. You still have the things on hand that your family needs to survive an event that lasts for a few hours all the way to a few months or even a few years. (And remember what I said above? It takes a while to get to that point.) The information below contains lots of links to articles, PDF guides, and books for topics you may wish to learn more about.

This ends part one.
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
What are you prepping for?
There are all sorts of events people prep for, one of which, obviously, is a massive pandemic and quarantine. Outside of your general supplies, consider prepping for power outages next. Here’s a PDF guide that will help you get ready for blackouts. and here’s an article with some guidelines.
But there are many more things and some will be unique to your area. The Prepper’s Workbook may be helpful in figuring out exactly what’s the most likely for you. Here are some more regional things to prepare for these events are common in your area:
Focus on the things most pertinent to your area. Think about those most likely events and what generally occurs with them: power outages, property damage, a requirement for special shelter, a secondary disaster (like a flood that follows a hurricane, for example).
Who are you prepping for?
Think about all of the members of your family or any loved ones you might be providing shelter for during an emergency. Everyone will have unique needs and wishes. This is why checklists are a great guideline but they don’t encompass everything.
Think about these needs and stock up accordingly:
  • Medications (try to get a month ahead on necessary meds if you can, even if it means paying out of pocket)
  • Special diets
  • Entertainment (what your 2-year-old finds fun and what your 14-year-old finds fun are very different)
  • Picky eaters (I recommend indulging picky eaters if you can – the middle of an emergency is not the time for stress-inducing arguments and familiar foods can help picky folks feel more in control)
  • Baby and toddler needs like diapers and wipes, as well as formula, and baby food if you use it
  • Pet supplies like food, kitty litter, carriers and leashes in case of evacuation, and any medication your pet takes
These are just a few examples of special needs. Spend a couple of days with a notebook and pen close at hand and write down every single thing anyone in your household uses, pets included.
Stock up on water.
Water is near and dear to my heart, so much so that I wrote a book on the topic. (You can find The Prepper’s Water Survival Guide HERE.) I always put water at the top of the list, because without it, you’ll be dead in 3 short days. The need for an emergency water supply isn’t always the result of a down grid disaster. Recently, we tapped into our emergency water when the well pump broke. Some places have had water emergencies when the municipal supply was contaminated by stuff like industrial spills or agricultural run-off. Floods and bad storms can also sometimes cause the water supply to be tainted.
  • Use containers you have RIGHT NOW and fill them with water from the tap. Put the lid on and stash them away. Don’t use milk jugs or juice jugs for drinking water, but you can use them for sanitation water in a pinch. If you can get your hands on some empty, clean 2-liter soda bottles, that will be perfect. We don’t drink soda, so we have some of the 1-gallon water bottles from the store.
  • Buy some filled 5-gallon jugs of purified water. How much you need should be based on the number of family members. The rule of thumb is 1 gallon per person, per day, but you may find you need a lot more than that when you add in pets and sanitation needs. You may be able to find these less expensively, already filled at the store. When I lived in Canada you could pick up a filled jug for less than $10, but California has all sorts of environmental rules that make these containers more expensive here. Another option is the 7-gallon Aquatainer that is designed for easy stacking. (Be sure to put this in a place where the floor can support the weight of a bunch of heavy water containers.)
  • Have a way to dispense the water from the jugs. We have a top-loading water dispenser for use in emergencies. These MUST be top loading because the bottom-loading ones require electricity to run the pump.)
  • Get a gravity-fed water filter. I use a Big Berkey, but it’s a hefty investment when you’re trying to get everything at once. If you can’t swing that, buy Jim Cobb’s Prepper’s Survival Hacks book. It has numerous DIY water filters that you can make without spending a fortune.
Food
Emergency food comes in many different forms. The first thing you have to look at is cooking methods, which we discussed above. The food you choose needs to be able to be prepared using the method you have available now, not the one you plan to get in the future.
Another important note is that your emergency food supply should be nutritious. You won’t want to fill up on empty calories when you may be making greater demands of your body. Keep in mind food restrictions, too, because an emergency situation is bad enough without an allergic reaction or intolerance illness.
There are several different ways to create a food supply.
  • See what you have. Go through your kitchen cupboards and see what you already have that could be used in an emergency. Things like nut butters, crackers, and other no-cook snacks are great options. Canned foods that only require heating are good as well. Instant rice or noodles can be added to your emergency supply. Group these items together on a special shelf or in a Rubbermaid container so that they are available when you need them. Figure out how long your supply would last your family before you go and purchase more. Figure out what shelf-stable items you need to add to balance out your supply. (Perhaps dried or canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat, jerky, etc., would provide more nutrients and variety.)
  • Build a pantry. This is the best and least expensive way to build a pantry of familiar foods your family already enjoys. Make a list of what you need to feed your family for a month without a trip to the store, and without reliance on long cooking times. (This rules out beans and rice for most people.) Learn more about building a pantry that will see you through a variety of emergencies (including personal financial crises) in my book, Prepper’s Pantry. Also, check out The Prepper’s Book of Lists, a PDF guide you can print off and write on.
  • Emergency buckets. The very fastest way to create an instant food supply is emergency buckets of freeze-dried food, which require only the ability to boil water to prepare. One caveat: do not go with the cheapest thing you can find. Some of those taste absolutely terrible. As well, they’re loaded with unhealthy chemicals and sodium. If you normally eat very healthfully, then move to MSG-laden freeze-dried meals, you’re not going to feel well at all in an emergency. My very favorite brand of emergency food is Legacy Foods. Legacy has standard buckets of survival food, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and protein. The quality is very good and the meals are tasty when prepared. Keep in mind that these have to be purchased well before the emergency occurs because currently, almost every company is sold out and back-ordered for weeks.
A way to cook your food during a power outage
If the power goes out, how will you cook? You need the ability to boil water, at the very least. If you can boil water, then you can heat up canned food or prepare freeze-dried food in an emergency. Here are some secondary cooking methods, some of which you may already have.
  • Woodstove or fireplace. If you heat with wood, you’re a step ahead already, at least in the midst of a winter power outage. However, you won’t want to fire up the woodstove to cook in the summer, particularly since you may already be battling the heat without a fan or air conditioner.
  • Gas kitchen stove. Some kitchen stoves that use gas or propane can be used without electricity while others can’t. (If you’re replacing your stove, this is definitely a quality you’ll want to look for.)
  • Outdoor barbecue. If the weather allows, you can fire up your propane or charcoal barbecue during a power outage and cook your feast outdoors.
  • Rocket stove. There are all sorts of little emergency stoves out there which are designed to boil water quickly and without the use of a great deal of fuel. My favorites are the Volcano 3-way stove and the Kelly Kettle. You can also make an efficient stove. We made one that brought water to boil in less than 4 minutes.
Do not risk using emergency stoves designed for camping, indoors, unless the manufacturer specifically says that it can be used indoors. To do so is to risk fire, smoke damage, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Sanitation
Another thing that can quickly become dire is personal sanitation. Depending on your situation, you may not have running water or flushing toilets. You need to stock up on supplies to make the best of these situations and keep family members healthy.
  • Baby wipes. You can never have enough baby wipes. Stock up on these for hand-washing after using the bathroom, before and after food prep, and before eating. They can also be used to wipe down surfaces. You can learn more about hand and surface hygiene when there is no running water HERE.
  • Cleaning supplies. You still have to keep your home reasonably clean when there is no running water to help prevent illness and disease. You can find some cleaning hacks HERE.
  • Personal waste plan. You have to have a plan to deal with personal waste when the toilet won’t flush. This article tells you how to make a human kitty litter toilet, a very inexpensive solution to the personal waste issue. Waste must be handled very carefully to avoid the spread of disease and illness.
Here are the items I recommend that you keep on hand for water emergencies:
  • Disposable disinfecting wipes
  • Super absorbent paper towels
  • Basins
  • Baby wipes (These can be used for handwashing and personal hygiene.
  • Your regular spray cleaner (Ours is vinegar and orange essential oil)
  • Kitty litter. This soaks up messes and helps to absorb odor. (If your toilet won’t flush because you’re on a city sewer system, it can also be used as a makeshift toilet. This serious concern and how to make this toilet is discussed here.)
Heat
If a power outage takes place in the winter, you may need a secondary source of heat.
  • Woodstove or fireplace
  • Propane heater (I recommend the Mr. Buddy brand – it’s safe to use indoors)
  • Kerosene heater
  • Natural gas fireplaces – the fan won’t work but you may be able to thoroughly heat one room with these as long as the gas works.
There are many more options. For a detailed discussion on staying warm during a power outage, check out this article.
Light
Lighting is absolutely vital, especially if there are children in the house. Nothing is more frightening than being completely in the dark during a stressful situation. Fortunately, it’s one of the easiest things to plan for, as well as one of the least expensive.
Some lighting solutions are:
  • Garden stake solar lights
  • Long-burning candles
  • Kerosene lamp and fuel
  • Flashlights (don’t forget batteries)
  • Hand crank or solar lantern
  • Don’t forget matches or lighters
For more information on lighting, check out this article.
Tools and supplies
Some basic items will make your life much easier during an emergency. Here are some things that are essential in the event of a power outage:
  • Lighter/waterproof matches
  • Batteries in various sizes
  • Manual can opener
  • Basic tools: Pliers, screwdriver, wrench, hammer
  • Duct tape
  • Superglue
  • Sewing kit
  • Bungee cords
  • Zip ties
If you’d like to expand on the basic supplies, a more detailed list of tools and hardware can be found HERE.
First Aid kit
It’s important to have a basic first aid kit on hand at all times, but particularly in the event of an emergency. Your kit should include basic wound care items like bandages, antibiotic ointments, and sprays. As well, if you use them, keep on hand a supply of basic over-the-counter medications, like pain relief capsules, cold medicine, cough syrup, anti-nausea pills, heartburn pills, and allergy medication.
Be sure to have a couple of good medical guides on hand. I like this first aid book, this medical book, and this book of natural remedies.
If you want to put together a more advanced medical kit, you can find a list HERE.
Other Stuff
As you continue along your preparedness journey, you’ll find that there are other items that are very important to you. For example, you’ll want to build a bug-out bag for possible evacuations.
Another book you might like is Be Ready for Anything. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers 12 different disasters and prepping basics in a thorough manner.
And don’t be surprised when this mindset creates within you the itch to be more self-reliant, which means you’ll be adding gardening tools, sewing supplies, woodworking tools, and other supplies to your stockpile.
You’ve got this!
I know this sounds like a LOT. But remember, you don’t have to do everything today. Break it down into manageable pieces. This gives you a broad overview.
You’re going to do some list-writing, so grab a notebook and pen.
  • Write a master list. Now, based on this article, go through and write a list of the things that you feel are important for your family’s preparedness plan. Include the things that you already have. Organize your list by checking off the things you have.
  • Organize the supplies that you have into “kits”. I have Rubbermaid tubs labeled with the contents for emergency purposes, sorted into kits for things like pandemic supplies, off-grid lighting, batteries and power supplies, etc.
  • Now write a minimalist list of the first things that you must have for survival. Don’t worry if you can’t get everything at once. Start off by covering all of the bases with a skeleton kit that will get you by. This list might include some food that doesn’t require cooking (thus eliminating the immediate need for a secondary cooking method), a way to keep warm, water, a kitty litter toilet, and some baby wipes.
  • Finally, write the big list. This is a list of the things mentioned in the article that you want to own. Make a copy of the list and keep it in your wallet so that if you happen by a thrift store or yard sale, you know what you need. As your budget allows, pick up one or two of these items per week. These may be higher ticket items so don’t worry if it takes you a while to get them. You’ve gotten the bare necessities, so these items will just add to your already sturdy foundation of preparedness.
Don’t panic. Start with your basics in each category and add to it as your time and budget allow.
I mentioned this earlier, but if you want more guidance to get started, here’s a PDF book to help you get prepped no matter where you live: The Prepper’s Workbook. It’s based on a course I used to offer but I think the workbook is a great way to do the exercises with a smaller time commitment and a lower price tag.
If you’d like a place to ask questions and talk with new preppers, you can join our new Facebook group here or visit our forum.
Most of all, welcome. We’re glad that you’ve joined us. You’re going to be ready the next time something like this rolls around without fighting the crowds for those last few rolls of toilet paper.

Zerohedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
www.zerohedge.com www.zerohedge.com

If interested in a link in the article go to the zerohedge site above for an active link.
 
SouthernBreeze

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Meemur said:
I don't like makeup, either. A little light moisturizer or a touch of sunblock is fine. My skin is still decent, although a little dry at times. My summer coloring looks like I'm wearing foundation and blush.
Click to expand...

I don't like wearing makeup. I did wear a moderate amount in my younger years, though. When I started having problems with my skin, I went all natural. Problems went away. From time to time, I still wear a small amount like a little face powder and lip balm. The last time I wore any in a moderate amount was at our DS's wedding a year ago. Plus, in our summer heat and humidity makeup looks and feels messy.
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
In addition to the above here are some things I would add.

Paracord - for several reasons: make belts, clothes line, etc.

For medical resources I would recommend "Where there is no doctor" and "Medicine for Mountaineering" - which is mostly an ER type of reference dealing with diagnosing, and wilderness treatment, and meant to work until you reach a doctor. (like blackberries for a sick stomach, instead of Pepto).

There is probably going to be an overload of information concerning prepping. So follow the info concerning lists, etc.

Second to acquiring the info, and supplies is practicing, or becoming familiar with your ….equipment on hand. Like building a fire in your grill, without charcoal, and lighter fluid. Like a bird's nest is an idea fire starter, BUT it can be wound so tight that it doesn't get any air, so needs to be pulled a part some, to let air in.

The Sawyer water filtration system, which you can get at Walmart, is not expensive, and if you get the right one (they have several, and it will say on the package) will filter one million gallons. It works by gravity as does the Berkey, but this is meant to be hung up, like in a tree, filled with water, and then a jug set under the hose, type of thing.

Hope that helps
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Meemur said:
Here's my problem: I'm not sure whether to plan for another year of working at home or commuting. I suppose that I can forego any new clothes and just altar what I have, although I may buy at least two more pairs of heavy blue jeans when they become available.
Click to expand...

I know there is a big difference in men's clothing and women's. So I get that, so this may be more a suggestion for men, and something to consider as an outside possibility for women.

I have go to town/Sunday clothes, and work at home clothes.

The work at home (I'm retired, but did use them for work before) are heavy clothes like Carhartt's. Thick, heavy, triple stitched. Mostly in pants (I don't do the knees out pants at all, did so many of them as a kid to last a life time). I'm a smaller guy, and can do anything a bigger guy can do, but have to hug everything, so usually get it all over me, especially the pants. They get washed, and folded in a drawer.

My go to town/Sunday clothes are exactly the same clothes. However, since I don't wear them as much, I keep them separate and they don't fade as much, and they go to the cleaners to be starched and pressed. I do mix in some 5.11 and some Truspec. Then are hung in the closet.

The point being: if it goes nuclear, I can take my town/Sunday pants for everyday, and keep right on going. I call it rotation.

Hope that helps.
 
hiwall

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
You can order jeans from Walmart for $12.44. Obviously not the best but not bad either. The fronts of the pants wear out so you save a wore out pair and when the next pair wears out you sew the good backs on the front for a big patch. Doubles the life.
 
Ku Commando

Ku Commando

Inactive
Luddite said:
Close neighbors and zoning prevent this option for many people. Every local source of protein lessens the strain on the local supply chain, imo.

Getting attached to Charlotte is another issue for those not immune to such emotion.

BTW, there should be no illusion of any savings associated with a venture like this. There is some value to a "bird in the hand" whatever the cost.
Click to expand...


Attached or not...."Charlotte" was pretty tasty....but you're right, there is no savings in raising yer own.....though if you had yer own cold room & mad knife skillz......well then YOU could be THE BUTCHER !!
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Ku Commando said:
Attached or not...."Charlotte" was pretty tasty....but you're right, there is no savings in raising yer own.....though if you had yer own cold room & mad knife skillz......well then YOU could be THE BUTCHER !!
Click to expand...

All y'all, are thinking wrong. It APPEARS that ya'll are thinking about out sourcing everything. Buying feed, having someone else butcher the hog, etc....

When you do it all yourself, raise the corn, (as in share the corn you raise with the hog, and you would do that to feed the other farm animals) and add in left overs from supper, and butcher it yourself, and we ain't talking about wrapping it in freezer paper, but rather spending the day butchering the hog yourself, and canning the sausage the same day, and making the lard, the same day, hanging the hams in the smoke house, putting the bacon under salt, etc. It's either cheaper, or the cost is spread out over nickles and dimes, during the year, so that the cost is minimal.

I say that because back in the old days, and not so old days, poor people raised/killed hogs, annually. It was the cheapest way to go. Hardly anybody bought beef, or even raised it, to expensive.

I would also note that anything you can do, from working on cars, to building houses is always cheaper, because you don't have to pay for labor. It's called self-reliance.

That's not to call out KC, but rather to call attention to the thoughts of 21st century society, compared to 19th and late 20th century. SB's family was still butchering their own hogs, and doing the above when we were dating.
 
CaryC

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Dennis Olson said:
Again, the homestead snobs make an appearance.
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Just wanted to thank you for noticing.

BTW people who don't own homesteads don't generally raise hogs. But the point was it is, and always has been, cheaper to raise your own. If you have the room for it. A lot of folks don't. I happen to know that.
 
hiwall

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Dennis Olson said:
Time to resurrect the list of “100 things that will disappear first” that’s been posted here.
Click to expand...
The list is in no particular order. some items will run out faster than others.

1. Generators(Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Oil Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks, kitchen utensils.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY – note – food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders(Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cook Stoves(Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinders and Handle-Holders (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers(or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. (“Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Heavy Duty Work Boots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags& blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. “Survival-in-a-Can”
79. Woolen clothing: socks, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & utility carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin Wax
96. Chickens
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Livestock
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www.preparedsurvivalist.org

These 100 Items Disappear First During A National Crisis - Prepared Survivalist

Liked This Post? Share It With Your Friends! When disaster strikes you have to be prepared. This is why we are always on the lookout for survival essentials that we can store in case SHTF. But what items do we need to store exactly? The following list has 100 items that will run out quickly […] More
www.preparedsurvivalist.org www.preparedsurvivalist.org
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P

Publius

TB Fanatic
If things get really bad it's to late for many to get into this as there just to much to be done. For many here that already have a stock built up your just reenforcing your preps or filling the holes as it were.

The heating of home and cooking of food that has been brought up a few times here the K-1 and Propane well work for a limited time as the amount of these fuels it takes to heat a home for say a year may come as a shock to many and cannot store that much.
Heating with a fireplace or wood stove gets into a good deal of work and a fire place will use a cord of firewood every week, whereas a wood stove a cord should last close to a month. Using a fireplace for cooking is not that big a deal but you will have to split and cut a lot of wood into smaller bits to work with say ten to six inch long and inch and half wide and your using the embers to cook with.

Now for cooking with propane 200 pounds with a two burner camping stove it should last way more than a year and probably close to two years unless your using it to do a lot of canning.

Using K-1 for lighting with common flat wick lamps I'm guessing 10 gallons a year and your wanting K-1 that is clear or water white and if it look dark it close to the color of N0#2 heating oil pass on it and keep looking for better fuel.

I can go on and on here.
 
C

coloradohermit

Veteran Member
Another post apocalyptic cooking option is a sun oven. I enjoy mine and it even works in the winter as long as the sun is out. Lots of patterns online to make sun ovens if affording one isn't an option.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
CaryC said:
My go to town/Sunday clothes are exactly the same clothes. However, since I don't wear them as much, I keep them separate and they don't fade as much, and they go to the cleaners to be starched and pressed. I do mix in some 5.11 and some Truspec. Then are hung in the closet.
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I need some modest blouses and light women's trousers for work, neither of which last all that long, given today's thin fabrics. I might be able to get by with black jeans, per your suggestion. I'm not that good at sewing blouses, but maybe I'll make some dressy pull-overs. In any case, I have enough jeans and tee shirts for wearing at home. Then again, if the economy goes into free fall and I'm still commuting to work, I don't think anyone will care, as long as I'm not wearing tank tops and hot pants (which I wouldn't!) . . . I lost weight, so I'm in the process of taking in several skirts, which I'll save for work and special occasions.
 
M

MountainBiker

Veteran Member
coloradohermit said:
Another post apocalyptic cooking option is a sun oven. I enjoy mine and it even works in the winter as long as the sun is out. Lots of patterns online to make sun ovens if affording one isn't an option.
Click to expand...
I ran an experiment with the temp in the teens and the sun oven set up in a couple feet of snow. It was slower than a regular oven for sure but it worked which is all that mattered.
 
M

MountainBiker

Veteran Member
Publius said:
If things get really bad it's to late for many to get into this as there just to much to be done. For many here that already have a stock built up your just reenforcing your preps or filling the holes as it were.

The heating of home and cooking of food that has been brought up a few times here the K-1 and Propane well work for a limited time as the amount of these fuels it takes to heat a home for say a year may come as a shock to many and cannot store that much.
Heating with a fireplace or wood stove gets into a good deal of work and a fire place will use a cord of firewood every week, whereas a wood stove a cord should last close to a month. Using a fireplace for cooking is not that big a deal but you will have to split and cut a lot of wood into smaller bits to work with say ten to six inch long and inch and half wide and your using the embers to cook with.

Now for cooking with propane 200 pounds with a two burner camping stove it should last way more than a year and probably close to two years unless your using it to do a lot of canning.

Using K-1 for lighting with common flat wick lamps I'm guessing 10 gallons a year and your wanting K-1 that is clear or water white and if it look dark it close to the color of N0#2 heating oil pass on it and keep looking for better fuel.

I can go on and on here.
Click to expand...
I had a rumford fireplace that had a crane in my old house and so I experimented cooking in it, even baking bread. Just make sure you have either cast iron or stoneware pots. Earthenware will not hold up to the direct fire heat or banking it in coals, nor will some of the regular kinds of pots you put on your stove.
 
hiwall

hiwall

Has No Life - Lives on TB
coloradohermit said:
Another post apocalyptic cooking option is a sun oven. I enjoy mine and it even works in the winter as long as the sun is out. Lots of patterns online to make sun ovens if affording one isn't an option.
Click to expand...
I really like my Sun Oven. Safecastle on this site has a good price on them(its where I got mine).
 
C

Coulter

Veteran Member
CaryC said:
One of the things that was in abundance back in the day (before we went all techy as a society) was pigs (probably the reason we have so many feral hogs now).
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I wonder how those feral hogs will do in the future as some become hungry and have the time to hunt.
 
Meemur

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I think the deer population in Iowa will be greatly reduced, which is fine with me. I'm certainly not going to enlighten the game warden if I see anyone taking animals out of season. People have to feed their families, and not everyone wants to go to the food pantry. I understand that.
 
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