There are so many reasons to have essentials items in stock for an emergency. Whether it’s natural disasters, worldwide shutdowns, supply chains issues, shortages can and do happen, it’s important to have things for your family. Remember the toilet paper issue of 2020? No one wants to run out of that, and no one should be running to a warehouse store and filling an entire cart of just toilet paper. Having what you need in your house will avoid both of those.
I didn’t really get into food storage until the pandemic. I’ll tell you what, 2020 did a number on me and in many ways. But I never want to worry about having enough toilet paper (or anything else) for my family again.
This list is more than just food, it also includes personal items, cleaning items, things for survival and more. Right now, my state is worrying about flooding due to the record snowfall this past winter. Even though we were in a major drought last year and basically live in the desert. Try to think of every emergency you could possibly face where you are at and what you would need.
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FOOD
The most common thing to “stockpile” or “prep” is food. And it’s more than just beans and rice, though those are both important and there’s a reason everyone talks about having those two items in your food storage.
I believe that you should only stock what you eat. If your family doesn’t like canned soup, don’t buy canned soup. Yes, if it’s there it may get eaten in times of need, but why not stock things that you know will get eaten?
I’m going to break this up into 3 different groups, shelf stable food, perishables and then freezer food. I’m a big believer in when you stock food, that you should have it a variety of ways. Take chicken for example. Have some in your freezer. But what happens if you lose power for an extended period of time? Keep canned chicken on hand. And if it’s within your budget, buy some freeze-dried chicken as well.
Shelf Stable Food
- Rolled Oats
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Beans (dried or canned)
- Rice
- Broth
- Pancake Mix
- Chocolate Milk Mix
- Flour
- Sugar
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Chicken
- Tuna
- Protein Powder
- Honey
- Peanut Butter
- Salsa
- Granola Bars
- Cooking Oils
- Salt
- Baking Soda
- Vinegar
- Crackers
- Molasses
- Shelf Stable Milk (coconut milk, almond milk, etc)
- Trail Mix
- Drink Mix (my favorite is propel)
- Condiments
- Water
Perishables
- Cheese (you can also freeze it)
- Milk
- Butter
- Eggs (Try and find farm fresh eggs)
- Potatoes
- Lemons
- Bell Peppers
- Onions
- Garlic
- Oranges
- Apples
- Pickles
Freezer Food
- Chicken
- Ground Beef
- Fish
- Frozen Vegetables
- Frozen Fruit
- Bread
Medical Supplies
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Kids Pain/Fever Medicine
- Multivitamins (don’t forget Zinc and Iron)
- Kids Multivitamins
- Elderberry
- Probiotics
- Benadryl
- Laxatives
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Thermometer
- Bandaids
- Bandages
- Coban Wrap
- Alcohol Wipes
- Neosporin, Bacitracin, etc
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Eye Drops
- Feminine Hygiene Products (consider anyone that could need them in the future. . . like daughters)
- Condoms
- Chapstick
- Lotion
- Anti Itch Cream
- Tweezer
- Nail Clippers
- Q-tips
- Contact Solution
- Medical Handbook (anything that tells you how to deal with medical emergencies and how to treat people)
*Don’t forget anything specialized for your family members. Does someone have asthma? Diabetes? Make sure you have enough on hand for those things as well.
Survival Items
- Sleeping Bag
- Emergency Blanket
- Tent
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Fire Starter
- Matches
- Tarp
- Paracord
- Duct Tape
- Cooking Stove
- Propane
- Needle and Thread
- Axe
- Knife
- Shovel
- Hand Warmers
- Water Bottle with Filter
- A Map/Compass
- Seeds (to start a garden!)
- Extra Set of Clothes
- Manual Can Opener
- Poncho
- Pepper Spray
Health and Finances
As you are working on building up your storage, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about the “stuff” but also about your health and your finances.
Health
There are some things to keep in mind when you are considering your own health:
- Make sure that you’re exercising multiple times a week.
- Fuel your body with food that is good for you.
- Get a good night’s rest most nights.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get outside.
Finances
Learn to become financially independent. Don’t rely on anyone, or the government, for anything. Work hard for what you need and have.
If you have unsecured debt, work hard to pay that off. Dave Ramsey, I believe, is the one who preaches the snowball method for getting out of debt. Work on paying the smallest debt off, then snowball that payment into the next smallest. Keep going until you have everything paid off.
Next is learning to live within your means. Don’t try and keep up with anyone. Be happy with what you have and what you can afford. If you can, supplement your income with a second stream of income by getting a second job or doing some kind of side hustle.
Enjoy the journey!
Whether you’re just wanting to stock up for emergencies, wanting to avoid food shortages, in hurricane territory, or wanting to become a full-blown prepper, it’s a journey full of ups and downs. And I’m so excited for you.
If you’re looking for more ideas on the subject, I believe that everyone should have a 72-hour kit.
I’ve also got a list, with a printable, for everything you could need for your family as an add on to the 72-hour kit.
Thanks!
Thanks for being here, learning with me and wanting the best for you and your family. It can be exhausting but also so rewarding. Let’s be friends! Find me on YouTube, Insta and TikTok.
