Urban Survival
Items That Disappear Quickly During an Emergency
Preparing for an emergency requires knowing which items are going to be needed. The following list is presented for your consideration to ponder on before an event occurs.
1. Generator – Although an excellent item, it is costly as an initial purchase and is only useful as long as you maintain a fuel supply. At the onset of an emergency it can be used to run refrigerators/freezers until the food inside has been used. (Refrigerated food should be the first consumed, followed by the freezer food. Next eaten should be perishable shelf items, and then your long term storage items.) Along with the refrigerator/freezer, other appliances can be utilized as needed. The washer, electric dryer, air conditioner, electric stove, well pump, septic system pump, etc. Some generators can be hooked into the circuit boards to run whole house, or you can use a portable which in an extreme evacuation you could take with you. The drawback is that the generator is often very heavy, and as mentioned, needs constant fuel to keep running. That brings up another problem. If you are looking to maintain some sense of not having much to share the generator is most noisy. It will not only attract the neighbors for favors, but the criminal element wanting it all for themselves.
2. Fuel – Gasoline, diesel, propane, oil, and kerosene. All needed to keep mechanical engines running and used to maintain home heat in the cold weather, or stoves for cooking (not heat.) A few 5-gallon gas cans stored in a garage or shed are not going to last a week. Underground buried tanks are the best bet and yet if you have to evacuate, you can’t take them with you. Underground tanks also have valves usually connected directly to a house line that cannot be tampered with without risk of harm or explosion. Above ground tanks are at risk of vandals and thieves, so an area that is very secure for above ground tanks would be required. Secure external lines above ground as well.
3. Fuel – White fuel (Coleman), K-1 kerosene, portable propane cylinders, lamp oil, lighter fluid, alcohol, candle oil, hurricane lamp oil, Sterno fuel cans, etc. These smaller fuel sources are easier to keep hidden and are most useful for multiple items such as kerosene heaters, potable propane heaters, Coleman stoves (fuel and propane), portable stoves that use Sterno, etc. Add on charcoal & lighter fluid for cooking.
4. Fuel Containers – Tanks and cans, full and stored and secured properly. A few extra empty cans on hand are good to have to show that you are low on fuel if anyone inquires of your supply.
5. Firewood – Seasoned and split, stored under cover and nearest to fire source (house) as is possible. Extra firewood should be within a fenced-in kennel type setup with fencing and locks. Have some fatwood to use as fire starter, matches, and fire sticks
6. Water, Pumps, and Siphons – All items pertaining to water should be stored indoors under strict security except for large collection containers. These containers need to be secured in such a way no one can contaminate the contents with poisons. Well caps need to have a locking system on them as well. A supply of water is needed as well as filters and purifiers. Clean potable water for each individual averages 1 gallon per day for consumption. Two or more for sanitation and hygiene. Take care to include animals in the storage supply. Have on hand as many water containers as you can get.
7. Protection – Self defense is a given in any emergency and having as much as you can is never enough. Not only is it wise to learn some personal self-defense techniques in hand-to-hand fighting, but a weapon carried at all times is required. AT ALL TIMES and EVERYWHERE!!! Weapons can include, but are not limited to guns (handguns, shotguns, and rifles). Knives, staffs, spears, throwing stars, bear spray, pepper mace, tasers, stun guns, bow and arrows, slingshots, BB guns, anything to keep the distance between you and THE OUTSIDERS. If it comes down to it use alcohol, bleach, and other household chemicals at hand. Have at your fingertips and near all entrances of your shelter necessary items of protection.
8. Firearms/Ammo/ Cleaning Supplies – As mentioned for protection, the gun can be your source for food from hunting. Keep plenty of ammo on hand and the necessary items to keep your firearms in good working order.
9. Fishing Supplies – Have a well rounded supply of fishing gear for fresh and salt water fishing. This is another food source when needed.
10. Food – This goes without saying. We need it and lots of it. Try going three days without food and see how your attitude changes. It affects our health and our emotions. Supplies should be stored in the freezer, pantry, and a long term storage area in a heavily secured spot with locked doors. The area should be cool, dry, and dark. Food items that are used daily are the ones most sought after, so be sure to maintain alternate ways of long term storage for these food types. Canned goods are great as they have a water supply in them. Do not drain the water off and throw it away. Use it in the cooking process and drink it, or use for mixed fruit vegetable drink mixes. This is to be used in addition to your normal daily intake of clean drinking water. All the food items available are quite extensive to be listed here. Have comfort foods on hand for at first – candy. Also animals have separate needs. For grain store have a hand turned grain grinder.
11. Bartering – Cigarettes and Wine/Liquor
12. Cooking Stoves – A variety should be at the ready. First to use is your in house stove (electric or gas), then outdoors you can use grills (propane or charcoal or wood). Next you can use or portable stoves that run on small fuel tanks or Coleman fuel, or even Sterno cans. Research what alternate fuels can be utilized in each unit. Last resource is to dig a hole and cook on a grate on the ground.
13. Cooking Supplies – The above being mentioned you will need cooking items: MATCHES (strike anywhere matches, stick matches, book matches, windproof/waterproof matches, match light fuel sticks, butane lighters with butane fluid for refilling), pots, pans, cooking and eating utensils, plates, drinking containers, hand held CAN OPENER, Hand held masher, whisks, egg beater, etc. ALUMINUM FOIL is a must have and plenty of it. Both heavy duty and regular strength. Cast iron cookware is excellent to use on a stove, grill, in an oven, on open fire pits. Take care to keep seasoned. A griddle is a nice item to have on hand.
14. Canning Supplies, Dehydrator, Freezing and Vacuum Sealing Supplies
15. Sanitation – When the grid goes down, so do flushing toilets for the most part. A portable toilet is a must. Be sure to have the required enzyme packets that break down feces. Along with this is toilet tissue. Average how much you require for a week and multiply by 54. 52 weeks +2 for a year’s supply. If a permanent worldwide breakdown occurs you better have much, much more on hand. (Literally on hand!) Wet wipes are nice but cannot store long term for what you need. After an internal flushing system goes down it is best to set up a privy away from the home if safe to do so.
16. Hygiene – Laundry soap, bleach, softener. Body soap, hand soap, hand sanitizer, hand/body lotions, shampoo, conditioner/cream rinse, shaving cream, razors, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, toothpicks, deodorant, powder, feminine hygiene products, tweezers, scissors fro hair cutting, and nail clippers. Unscented items are best as you will not want to attract attention if the need arises to evacuate and hide. Perfumed items are a dead giveaway. Use everything plain and simple. Other items to maintain laundry; a hand-turned washing machine or washboard, a bucket and wringer for rinsing and squeezing out water, clothesline, and clothespins. Portable solar showers heat about 5 gallons of water at a time for bathing. Set up an outdoor system if necessary. For dish washing have a dish pan, dish soap and scrubbers.
17. First Aid/Eye Care/Prescriptions/OTC Meds – Extensive first aid box and surgical trauma items. Extra eye glasses and eye care products.
18. Insect Repellants and Pest Control – Any kind and every kind you can get that will store long term. Have personal items as well as the kind to penetrate larger areas around you. Fly strips, citronella lanterns, etc. Mouse traps, rat traps, animal cage for trapping (food), roach spray, ant traps and spray, bee spray, etc.
19. Lighting – Matches (again). Hurricane lamps with extra lamp oil, wicks, and globes. Flashlights and spare batteries. Light sticks. Coleman lanterns with fuel, mantles, and spare globe. Lots and lots of candles of all types and sizes. Can never have too many.
20. Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, nose tissue, Handiwipes, napkins, paper plates, bowls, cups and utensils.
21. Garbage cans and heavy duty contractor bags, possibly ones with wheels for ease of movement. Great for storage.
22. Ice chests, coolers.
23. Fire extinguishers. Fire department may not be available. Have baking soda close at held for fires as well.
24. Stationary, Games, and Books – Writing paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, notebooks for journal, calendars, scrapbook, etc. Books on urban and wilderness survival, first aid and trauma books, farming, animal care, homesteading, home repairs, gun repair and maintenance, and books on education for children, biology book, project books/things to build, etc. Board games for the boring times.
25. Tools – Everything and anything you can get your hands on. Chainsaw, hand saws, hack saws, bow saws, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, socket sets, wood working tools, hand drills, vices, etc. Axes, hatchets, sharpening items, honing stones and oil, wood splitter wedges. Keep ‘em coming!
26. Garden Supplies – SEEDS (non-hybrid), garden tools, hoses, stakes, etc. Push mower.
27. Duct Tape, Electrical Tape, Glue, Nails, screws, Nuts and Bolts, LUMBER
28. Vehicle Repair Items – Anti-freeze, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, spare belts, spark plugs (if required), and car tools, chains, flat tire repair items, etc.
29. Bike Repairs Items – Spare tubes, tire, canned air, chains, etc.
30. Tarps, Stakes, Cord, Bungee Straps
31. Sewing Kit – Fabric, patches, thread, needles, buttons, zippers …
32. Window Insulation Kits and Screen Repair Kit
33. Wagon, Dolly, Grocery Cart
34. Extra Blankets (wool), Pillows, Sleeping Bags
35. Baby Supplies – Carriage, stroller. Water, food, clothes, diapers, medicines, blankets, toys, bottles, formula, ointments, baby wipe, oil, baby soap, shampoo, and lotions, etc. PACIFIERS!!!
36. Pet Supplies – Other than food and water: grooming brushes, combs, flea combs, shampoo, drying towels, pet first aid items, nail trimmers, scissors, leads and collars, records of last vaccines, etc.
37. Vital Documents – Keep every important paper in a fire retardant safe box with a lock.
38. Clothing – Sort according to season, work and casual, outdoor and indoor, day and night. Boots for work, rain, and snow, hats and gloves (work, warmth, gardening), mittens, bandanas, handkerchiefs, rain gear, umbrellas.
39. Backpacks, Day bags, Suitcase, Duffel bags, etc.
40. Survival Gear Bag – AKA: BOB, EDC
All the above can be adjusted according to personal needs and emergency scenarios. Use them only as a guide to give you ideas as to what you would like to have on hand should there be a break down in our society, due to natural phenomenon, manmade uprisings, economic turn down, or unforeseen circumstances.
