MY PERSONAL PREP LIST DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES
BY GABRIELLE YODER
AUGUST 7, 2024
We have lived through a lot in the past four years. From global viruses that caused lockdowns and bare shelves, hyperinflation at the grocery store, cyber outages, global conflicts, illegals flooding into our country, political coups, assassination attempts, and stock market crashes. It’s more important than ever to be prepared to take care of your family, at least temporarily, for what hard times may lie ahead.
We have...
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Car insurance
Life insurance
Home insurance
Heck~ I even have pet insurance!
So why would we ever go without food, water, and energy insurance etc?
Even if it solely means being prepared for a natural disaster... it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your most BASIC needs.
I will preface this by saying that I am by no means a professional “prepper”. However, I have been in this mindset since the Obama days, and I found that getting prepped can be pretty overwhelming. So I am hoping that by sharing my own personal list it will help motivate you to get started or it may give you some ideas that you may not have thought of. Every family’s needs are different. This is by no means a one size fits all guide. You may feel like you want to do more, you may want to just do the bare minimum– and that is ok too. I am also attempting to provide options for all different budgets. So you can pick and choose what works for you.
1) WATER & WEAPONS
My personal opinion is that water and weapons are tied for first place in order of importance.
SELF DEFENSE
Hopefully it will never come down to it, but your supply is of little use to you if you aren't able to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your supplies. When supplies are scarce and people become desperate, bad things can happen.
WATER
It should come as no surprise that water is at the top of the list - as we can not survive very long without it! Around 3 days to be exact. You will also need clean water for many dried food items that you may choose to stockpile. Should the water get turned off or become contaminated, you will want to have an emergency plan in place.
Even the government recommends having a minimum of a 3 day water supply on hand in case of an emergency.
You should roughly plan on each member of your household using 3 gallons of water per day. (With a bare minimum of 1 gallon per day.)
2 WEEK SUPPLY = 42 GALLONS PER PERSON
The first thing you will want to acquire before you store emergency water is to make sure that you are able to properly filter the water. This means having a filtration system that filters impurities. Personally I own an Alexapure system. This system is one of the more affordable units on the market. And a bonus for me is that it is a gravity-fed system, so no power is required. It Reduces 206 contaminants commonly found in drinking water including:
Bacteria (> 99.9999%)
Chlorine & Vinylchloride (>99.9%)
Fluoride (> 97%)
Pesticides (> 95%)
Pharmaceuticals (> 95%)
Viruses (>99.99%)
Heavy metals
Lead
It’s big enough for everyday home use, but small enough to transport. You can filter water sources in nature like lakes, streams, even puddles and have clean drinking water.
You may also want to purchase an extra filter replacement or two, as well as the replacement parts. For example the rubber parts may get lost or warn out, or you may need a new spigot, you will want to have these repair parts handy.
If you want a more affordable option, check out the Alexapure water pitcher instead.
Secondly, you will want to store your water in opaque containers specifically designed for emergency water storage. Here are some of my favs:
Alexapure 5 Gallon collapsable container -perfect for if you need to bring water from a source back to where you are seeking shelter
Water Bricks 3.5 Gallon - these stackable bricks making storing easier & should you need to move your stash somewhere else, they will be easier to carry than a large drum. They are food grade and BPA free.
55 Gallon Water Storage Bundle - for storing large amounts of water, look into drums.
Most people know that during an emergency you are supposed to fill up your bathtub with water. But did you know that even if the water gets shut off or contaminated there is still a significant amount of “clean” water in your pipes. So make sure you fill up all of your bathtubs as soon as you can. A great way to keep this water stored is a waterBob. It is simply a plastic bag that lines your tub and attaches to the faucet. It also comes with a pump. Fairly cheaply priced and a great way to store a significant amount of water depending on tub size.
If you live in an area with a decent amount of precipitation, you may want to consider a container for catching rainwater. This would be a great way to water your garden, or consume if need be. This 53 gallon system is portable and budget friendly.
There are even ways to DIY capturing water out of thin air. I found the book, “No Grid Survival Projects”, helpful for ideas and projects like this one.
Third, you will want to have some DIRE emergency water options on hand. Here are some options to consider:
"Life Straw" options:
2) FOOD
If lockdowns have taught us anything it is that when people panic there is a run on the shelves. Never in my life did I think I would ever see empty shelves, or quantity limits.
Should there be a breakdown in the supply chain, food will be one of the first resources to go.
How many calories you need to survive per day greatly depends on many factors; however, a general rule of thumb is that we need a bare minimum of 1,200 calories per day before our bodies go into starvation mode.
SHORT TERM FOOD (1-3 years)
Here are some of my tips for picking out short-term goods:
Shop in bulk and/or check out what is on sale as you normally shop. You can gradually add items.
Look for expiration dates while you shop. For canned goods, if it expires in under a year, I usually look for a different option. (I will share how to extend the life of dried goods later.)
When purchasing dry goods, look for options that only require water to be added (ie avoid premade mixes that need oil and/or eggs)
Do not store your short term goods mixed in with your regular pantry goods. You do not want anyone consuming your emergency rations.
Store on shelves in a garage or label plastic bins by expiration date. If space is limited, get long short bins that can slide under furniture. Move food into your pantry when they approach expiration so that they do not go to waste. Many canned goods can be consumed after the labeled date.
Large freezers are a great option to fill with meat and whatever else you may want to last longer. However, consider if there is no power or someone accidentally leaves the door open. I know many people who have lost an entire cow! Without power a full freezer will stay good around 48 hours (if you don't open the door). But Gaby, we have a generator. That is awesome–but consider that generators are loud and can attract bad people, you will need fuel, and you may need to leave your home and freezer behind. Good to have but do not rely on it completely.
LONG TERM FOOD (20 years +)
I prefer investing most of my emergency prep to long term food. Here’s why, I have done this enough times to know that it is simply easier and most likely more cost effective. You can purchase what you need and check it off your list. No worrying about wasting expiring goods and needing to reup. Especially with soaring food costs, we can only guess that prices will continue to increase.
What you choose to do for long term depends on your personal situation. If you have funds but no time to spare you will want to consider purchasing done for you food kits. If you are on a tight budget you can DIY it fairly simply. I personally choose to do a combination of both!
A lot of people ask me the amount of time they should be prepared for. Trust me– I wish I could see into the future and tell you. Personally, I would say bare minimum one month per person. What I did was buy a few months worth of the pre-done buckets, and everything after that I am doing myself.
READY TO GO LONG TERM FOOD KITS:
I chose to purchase from two different companies. One is My Patriot Supply. They have all different packages that fit all budgets & needs. They come in plastic containers with lids and are ready to easily be transported if needed. Here are some of my favorite options:
Fruit & Veggie Snack Kit I don't know about you, but I can only survive on carbs and beans for so long. One of the first things that will disappear is fruits and veggies. This is why I added this kit to my emergency supplies!
Emergency Survival Crate this 68 item crate has everything you need to survive, from food, to water filtration, to starting a fire. Perfect for a bug out bag, or storing in your car or office
6 Month Emergency Supply For larger families (or if you have the means to plan for longer), you may want to invest in a 3 or 6 month supply.
MRE Case with Meal Heater perfect for on the go.
Survival Shot Emergency Food Supplement packed with essential vitamins and minerals regardless of what food you have on hand. If all you have is rice, etc.
They even have gluten free options.
They also have zero interest payment plans for those that need to purchase but currently do not have the means. No credit checks required. Another reason I love to work with this company. They also carry tons of prep items, not just food.
PLEASE BE WARNED: During unpredictable times they can get backed up with orders. During COVID people were so panicked that my order took a few months. It is better to be ahead of the curve and order early
The other long term food company I order from is ThriveLife. They have clean ingredients that are freeze dried, oftentimes right at the farms they partner with. Which means that they are high in nutrients. They have lots of predone complete meals that just require water and last 20-25 years on the shelf. They also offer subscriptions. Check out their options here.
DIY LONG TERM EMERGENCY FOOD:
Did you know that with a little time and effort, you can extend the life of your dry goods to 20+ years? Yep it’s true. By storing your food into mylar bags and using oxygen absorbers, you can help preserve your food from deteriorating due to light and oxidizing. I have this kit that comes with different size bags, oxygen absorbers, and labels. Make sure you keep the absorbers in an airtight jar as you work quickly. Sealing the jar in between filling bags. If you are bagging items that are wrapped in plastic and can fit into the mylar, you do not have to remove it from the original packaging. Just poke a hole in the bag so the absorber can do its job. Next, simply use a hair straightener to seal the bag.
It is also important to store your bags in plastic buckets with lids. Not only does it make it easy to transport, it makes sure that no bugs or critters get into your food.
Here is a list of dry items that are good for storing in mylar bags:
Rice
Beans
Pasta
Dehydrated fruit/veggies
Nuts
Trail mix
Jerky
Oats
Powdered milk & Juice
Green juice (highly recommend if you do not have access to produce)
Pet food
Seeds
Crackers
Wheat berries
Flour
Dried corn
Flax
Lentils
Chick peas
Corn meal
Non dairy creamer
Coconut
Spices
Herbs
Bread mixes (add water only)
Ramen noodles
Dehydrated soups
Bouillon cubes
Medications
Vitamins
You can also keep these items on the shelf and put into mylar right before they expire! I Technically salt and sugar do not expire (as long as they are pure) but make sure you are storing them properly. However, I like to have different salts with added minerals for health and nutrition benefits, i.e Redmonds, Celtic Sea Salt, and Iodine.
Above and beyond that you could teach yourself how to garden, pickle produce, canning, and freeze dry. Of course these require more items to purchase and time to learn new skills.
Personally I have been gardening for years, and while I enjoy it, there is so much that can (and does) go wrong. As well as the time it takes to grow. I do not depend on what I produce, but look at it as a bonus. If you don’t have a lot of space there are tons of things you can grow in pots, including dwarf varieties of fruit trees.
You may want to invest in an emergency kit of heirloom seeds. Grow bags are a very cheap container option, however you would need more water. Don’t forget to consider soil, fertilizer, amendments for the soil, & pest control. Also, consider if you do not have internet access you will need information on growing tips for what you are gardening, so you may want a gardening book to refer to.
You could also look into indoor hydroponic systems, especially if you live in a harsher climate.
When it comes down to it, you could survive cheaply on rice and beans if you had to. Just make sure you have SOMETHING.
The best way to purchase dry goods is at your local bulk discount store. I personally go to Costco and have been sharing a bit on my Instagram. I have had many people ask what I have purchased from there, so here is my list:
SAMPLE BULK DISCOUNT STORE LIST FOR EMERGENCY PREP
Rice (25lb. Bag for around $17)
Dried Beans (Similar cost to rice)
Rolled Oats (10lbs for around $7)
All Purpose Flour
Bread Flour
Canned Chicken
Canned Chicken Stock
Chicken Soup
Pasta
Canned Tomato Sauce
Fruit & Veggie Puree Pouches (for kiddos)
Peanut Butter
Ghee (butter that is shelf stable)
Cane Sugar
Brown Sugar
Pancake Mix (add water only)
Hot Sauce
Vinegar (for pickling and cleaning)
Baking Soda (for baking and cleaning)
Honey
Toilet paper
Instant Coffee
Coffee Creamer Powder
Liquid IV or your preferred electrolyte powder
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THOSE WITH BABIES/TODDLERS
Of course this will vary with age, but here are my thoughts. God willing, you are currently breastfeeding. Do not stop. Here are the items on my list:
Formula or powdered milk depending on age. I have always had emergency formula on hand, God forbid something happened to me and/or there was a shortage. We get ours shipped in from Europe because they have higher standards than the U.S.
Food puree pouches (Serenity is my favorite, but there are other organic options that are more affordable. I have a mix)
You can make your own homemade purees and either dehydrate them or use a mold to freeze them into shape and then transfer into a large Ziplock.
Comfort snacks like puffs and yogurt drops
Diapers and Wipes (Love these premium pro-life diapers by EVERYLIFE, use code thatpatriotmom for discount) Personally I have a monthly subscription, and I never use all of the diapers & wipes so on average I have two cases stocked up at all times! My goal is to have a years worth on hand. You may want a few backup reusable cloth diapers on hand as well. Though if water is limited, cleaning them will be a challenge.
Mini portable manual washing machine- is the perfect size for washing baby clothes, reusable diapers, or if you need some fresh undies.
Rash cream, soap, lotion, hand sanitizer
Clothes (consider having larger sizes on hand)
Comfort item(s) such as a stuffed animal and toy
HEAT SOURCE TO WARM/COOK FOOD
A good rule of thumb is to have three ways to do anything. From a bbq, to a camp stove, to creating your own fire- multiple options are ideal
3) POWER
Should the power go out, you will want ways to see in the dark, as well as power important items- in your home & on the go. Here are some options to look into:
Flashlights (9-in1 solar and rechargeable)
Extra Batteries
Emergency Cell Phone Charge Pack
Gas Generator
FUEL
First and foremost I am personally not allowing my vehicles to get below half full during uncertain times. Secondly, make sure that you store gasoline properly & safely.
Make sure that you are using containers specifically designed to hold gasoline.
PAPER MAP in case digital map apps/phones are down
Secondly, I HIGHLY recommend that you add a fuel stabilizer to your can prior to heading to the pump. This will extend the shelf life of your gasoline from a few months to a few years!
For more info, there are many videos & articles online that discuss how to store properly. Note that this item may not ship to certain areas, you can find it at your nearest auto shop such as Auto-Zone.
4) COMMUNICATION
If the internet , cell phones, etc. go down you may want a way to communicate with loved ones, and/or get information about breaking updates.
Here are some products to consider having on hand:
Faraday Bags keep a spare cell phone and/or laptop in faraday bags in case of an EMP. They are also fireproof, waterproof, and anti-tracking
5) FIRST AID, HYGIENE, MEDS & SUPPLEMENTS
Every household should have an emergency first aid kit handy. In a situation where you can't leave your home, try to think of all of the personal care products you may need. Consider getting travel size items as well for a bug out bag. Keep extra medications & supplements on hand should you need them.
First Aid Kit in Hard Case - 326 Piece - OSHA Guidelines
EMERGENCY MEDS Jase Case offers basic meds in case of infections etc., you can also add on meds like Ivermectin, as well as stock up on any meds that you take/need on a regular basis. It also comes with an amazing guide booklet in case you do not have internet access. Code THATPATRIOTMOM gets you a discount.
Vitamins and supplements you take on a regular basis or what you take should you fall ill: i.e vitamin c, vitamin d, zinc, glutathione, black seed oil (ivermectin alternative), magnesium, oil of oregano capsules, NAC etc.
IMMUNEMIST If there is a virus going around (released) this is your best first line of defense. Back during COVID, Dr. McCullough shared his protocol for safely going out in public and how wearing a mask was not effective. By doing a simple nasal and/or throat cleanse you can cleanse 99.99% of germs and viruses and avoid getting ill. I personally tested this product over the course of 6 months–and it works! Code THATPATRIOTMOM for discount
Potassium Iodide Tablets for potential nuclear exposure
Betadine Solution for wound cleaning
6) CURRENCY
If banks are closed, atm’s are down, and payment processors are off line, you will want to have some back up means to be able to purchase or barter.
Cash on hand. When the WSJ polled preparation experts the answers varied from $200 - 2 weeks worth of expenses. Every household is different, so do what works for your family.
Consider investing in silver coins. There are even coins that break apart into ¼ increments.
Items for barter. Here are some ideas to have on hand should you ever need to barter: salt, sugar, spices, seeds, small bottles of alcohol, personal hygiene items, medical supplies, batteries, personal skills, water filtration tablets, lighters & matches, toilet paper, instant coffee, & candy.
“The best bartering is…NO bartering. Ideally, you’ll have everything you need, but having items to barter will cover your rear end in case of Murphy’s Law. So first and foremost, make sure you and your family are adequately prepared – and then extra prepared – and then shockproof your SHTF plans by stockpiling supplies and skills to barter.” - Survival Frog
Do not forget to make a safety plan with your family ahead of time and band together as a community. Of course I hope that none of these things are never needed. However I truly believe in praying for the best and preparing for the worst. This is not meant to live in fear, it is meant to have some level of comfort in knowing you have a plan.
KEEP PRAYING.
KEEP FIGHTING.
KEEP PREPARING.
I hope you found this guide helpful and will share with a loved one. In case social media were to go down, please subscribe to my email list and check out my online forum for backup communication.
For all items in one place (and more) go to my SHTF Store Front and My Patriot Supply.
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