Millions of Americans believe that in the not-too-distant future, America, and possibly the entire world, could be mired in a disaster of epic, Armageddon-sized proportions.
Whether it comes from social upheaval, natural, act-of-God disasters, economic failure, world war, or even extraterrestrial attack, concerned individuals are preparing for the worst. Collectively, the apocalyptic event is known as when the SHTF, and is expected to be the ultimate challenge to mankind’s survival. SHTF stands for Sh*t Hits the Fan.
The Internet is fairly replete with information on what to expect and how to prepare for such a catastrophe. Individuals preparing for impending doom are called doomsday preppers. However, even governments have accepted the possibility of a rapid, virtually overnight natural disaster, or the total downfall of organized, civilized society.
Huge underground warehouses have been constructed and are being stocked with seeds from nearly every tree and plant known to man. In addition, animal and human DNA and the most beneficial medicines are also being stocked to give humanity a chance to survive any impending disaster or even the Armageddon, be it natural, extraterrestrial, or man-made.
10 Things You Should Have in Your SHTF Survival Supplies
Whether you have a family or are an individual, there are certain things that are crucial to your survival in the event of a local, national, or worldwide calamity. You will need to provide food, water and shelter; those are the big three you will need for you and your family to survive.
Any creature comfort-related items beyond that won’t be absolutely necessary for an emergency. If you have the ability and resources to satisfy additional needs and desires, that is fine, but the primary three needs are what will help you survive and what deserves your focus.
The following list of basic items should be included in your survival kit, or bug out bag.
1. Tool For Cutting or Chopping
This item should be of substantial size to accommodate cutting or chopping down trees for cooking, warmth, and possibly even shelter requirements. A hatchet or a large survival knife, complete with a honing stone and sheath or carrying case is preferred.
A hatchet may also be used as a hammer. Some survival knives even have tools in the handle, things like a compass, string saw, light fishing tackle and even a small sewing kit.
2. Multi-Purpose Tool
A multi-purpose tool has a number of elements that go beyond simple cutting, making the multi-purpose tool an exceptional item to have. Things like scissors, knife, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, bottle opener, and other attached tools are not as frivolous as they may seem. In a true survival situation that impacts entire cities, regions, or countries, you may need to scavenge for foodstuffs.
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Fresh foods may be contaminated; even if they aren’t contaminated, they are not going to last for long; canned goods, bottled water and other liquids may be your only options. The additional tools can be used for animal skinning and constructing or maintaining a functional shelter.
3. Water Purification or Filtration
Freshwater may be contaminated; that will require purifying or desalinating water to satisfy hydration needs. Humans can survive only a few days without fresh water. There is a variety of items available online that can be used hundreds or even thousands of times. It is highly recommended that your survival kit includes several.
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4. Fire Starter
Matches are fine, but they can be easily ruined by water or even humidity and mildew. It is best to go with what is called a permanent match, or a flint or magnesium rod. The permanent match is an enclosed “match” that stores inside a metal container and lights up when removed from the container.
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The flint and magnesium rods, when scraped with a steel object such as a knife blade, create sparks that will ignite dry tinder and paper. In the eventuality that you do not have any tinder or paper, cotton balls soaked with petroleum jelly will work exceptionally well.
5. Duct Tape
There are far too many practical, helpful uses for duct tape to list here. However, a few of them are fire starting, building and repairing furniture, building and maintaining a shelter, emergency first aid care, crafting an emergency glass or bowl, and repairing tools.
There are entire websites devoted to the use of duct tape for a vast array of uses. Include as much duct tape in your survival kit as you possibly can; you will not regret it.
6. First Aid and Emergency Kit
Include basics like band-aids, material for tourniquets, eye pads and cloth compresses, safety pins, thermometer, compass, antibiotics, and painkillers.
Place them in a waterproof container, preferably something flexible if possible so it will conform to the inside of a backpack or duffel bag and use less space. A double-zippered plastic bag is one option to consider.
7. Para-Cord or Rope
Para-cord is the cord that keeps parachutists safely attached to their parachutes when jumping. It is also what individuals use for rock climbing, and is designed to be super strong and durable.
However, the rope is a good replacement. These items can be used for shelter building, rescue, perimeter security, traversing structures and much more. Like duct tape, one can never have too much para-cord or rope.
8. Fishing Gear
If you have enough room for a fishing rod and reel, that’s great. However, only the basics are really necessary: lures, fish eggs, and fishing line will work. You can always organize and cast the fishing line using a tin can, bottle, or stick.
If you can dig up worms with a flat stone, or even your axe or knife, that will help too. Grubs, caterpillars and other bugs also make great bait.
9. Poncho
In addition to being good as rain gear, a poncho can also be used for shelter and even for warmth if necessary. It can also be used as an over-the-shoulder bag for carrying stuff, or it can be used to construct a travois, or litter, to carry wood, supplies, or an injured person.
10. Flashlight and Extra Batteries
A reliable, compact LED flashlight is indispensable for the purposes discussed here. The ideal way to supplement a regular flashlight is to get one that recharges by turning the attached handle; the light does not last as long as a regular flashlight, but they are perfect for non-emergency use to save battery power in the LED flashlights. And if you do run out of batteries, a rechargeable flashlight will at least provide you with some light.
Remember that most batteries, after they have run out, will regenerate somewhat after a few weeks or longer if just left alone outside of the flashlight. Also, if flashlights are going to be stored for days or longer, remove the batteries so they don’t slowly drain.
Obviously, if you have a family to care for and protect, you should try to fit multiples of some of the aforementioned items, like water purification and filtration items; first aid supplies, fishing gear, and extra batteries. If possible, each teen and adult should have their own multi-purpose tool, poncho, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit and fishing gear in their own backpack or bug out bag.
While the chances of such a disastrous event, one that would impact the entire United States or the world, may seem like science fiction, there are many conditions and situations that suggest the distinct potential for the worst-case scenario.
Earth has a fragile ecosystem, which many think is being compromised by human irresponsibility; scientists do not discount major earthquakes or meteor crashes in our not-too-distant future; religious conflicts and terrorism are on the increase; reported extraterrestrial activities on and around our planet have also increased.
Being prepared for any eventuality is always a good thing, and it is a prudent individual who takes heed. If you are of that mold, then the aforementioned 10 items should be in your survival plan.
