If you're not sure what to get, check out the list below. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com)
These 12 items are versatile like salt, which can be used both in the kitchen and in your garden, and liquor, which can be consumed as is or used for trading and bartering in a post-SHTF world.
Baking soda
Baking soda is a natural neutralizing powder with various culinary and survival uses. You can use baking soda to:
- Clean pipes, drains and hard surfaces when mixed with a bit of water or vinegar
- Relieve heartburn
- Disinfect raw fruit and vegetables
- Put out small grease fires while cooking
Baking soda releases carbon dioxide that helps smother flames. Pour a whole box of baking soda over a small fire in a pan to put out the flames.
Liquor
When SHTF, liquor can be used to calm your nerves. Liquor doesn’t go bad and you can stockpile it for personal use or for bartering. Liquor can also be used:
- To start a fire
- As a natural painkiller after an accident or sickness
- As a natural disinfectant for cuts and scrapes to kill bacteria
Vinegar
Vinegar is acidic, making it the perfect ingredient for a natural cleaner that you can use around your homestead. Use vinegar mixed with a bit of water to clean up messes and disinfect items or surfaces.
You can also use vinegar to preserve food by pickling fruits and vegetables for later use. Stock up on different kinds of vinegar like white vinegar and apple cider vinegar. (Related: Prepping basics: A 10-item checklist for beginner preppers.)
Salt
Stocking up on salt is crucial, especially if you plan on bugging in and cooking food for your family. A versatile seasoning, salt without any added ingredients doesn’t expire. You can also use salt to:
- Preserve food
- Kill poisonous plants
- Repel insects
- Remove rust
- Put out a grease fire
- Remove stains or degrease dishes
- Clean your oven
- Lower the freezing temperature and keep walkways and steps safe during winter
Bleach
Bleach isn't just used for laundry. When SHTF, you can use bleach as a disinfectant. Bleach can also be used to sterilize water and kill germs and bacteria. Bleach may be affordable now, but in a post-SHTF world, it will be worth its weight in gold.
Duct tape
Duct tape is a must-have in your survival stockpile and in your bug-out bag. This handy item can be used for emergency repairs, like patching up torn or damaged gear or clothing. Use duct tape to:
- Secure fabric or curtains around windows
- Wrap a splinted leg or arm after an accident
- Secure or cover holes in your emergency shelter
- Fix a pipe or rig up a contraption that you need in an emergency
- Plug a leak in your boat or canoe
- Seal food containers and packaging
- Start a fire
To start a fire using duct tape, cut a piece into many thin strips, then ball it together to create a "bird’s nest ball" of tinder that will burn for a couple of minutes.
Trash bags
When SHTF, you'll need trash bags for other survival uses aside from storing garbage. Use trash bags:
- As a makeshift bag for your supplies
- As an emergency poncho
- To keep your shoes dry while hiking
- As blackout curtains
- To keep your body warm in an emergency
- To protect food from predators while outdoors
Stockpile several boxes of trash bags so you're ready when SHTF.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an emergency supply staple, especially for your first aid kit. You will need hydrogen peroxide:
- To clean cuts, wounds or scrapes on people and livestock
- To disinfect wounds that could worsen and become infected if not treated immediately
Hydrogen peroxide is accessible and affordable, so stock up on several large bottles to keep your family safe when SHTF.
Dryer lint
Dryer lint might not seem like it's worth much, but this unusual item has some survival uses. It's highly flammable, and a container of dryer lint is a must-have for your firestarting kit.
If you don't have dryer lint, start collecting it after every few laundry cycles. Store the collected lint in a glass jar or container to keep it dry and safe from flames until you need it to start a fire.
Flint and steel
Lighters or matches are the fastest way to get a fire started, but as preppers know, when SHTF, it's better to have a plan A, plan B and plan C.
When preparing a firestarting kit, get some dryer lint, waterproof matches, a lighter and some old-fashioned flint and steel. With flint and steel, you can easily provide a spark with one quick strike.
Multitool
Whether you're bugging in or bugging out, you will need a quality multitool for various survival tasks, such as minor repairs or food prep. A multitool has many useful features like:
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- A knife
- Pliers
- Scissors
- A screwdriver
In a survival scenario, your multitool might just save your life. You'll need its different features to help skin animals you've caught, prep food and construct or maintain a shelter so you can stay warm.
Ammunition
If you have one or several firearms on your property, you'll need a lot of ammunition for hunting and self-defense. Stock up on ammunition before SHTF to ensure that you have enough.
If you have extra space, stock up on more ammo so you can trade it for other supplies in an emergency situation. Always store your firearms and ammunition in a secure safe where children and strangers can’t access them.
These off-grid supplies should be part of your survival stockpile.
Visit Preparedness.news for more articles on prepping supplies with many survival uses.
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