Do you ever wonder if a major emergency situation occurred what would disappear first? Due to the overwhelming nature of prepping for a emergency situation, many do not know where to even begin, let alone think of emergency situations they would need to prepare for. Having a ready supply of food, water and batteries are a good start, but not enough. There are many more items to have on hand besides beans, band aids and bullets.

When planning for an emergency, especially a sudden and long-term emergency, think about the worst situation imaginable. For those that need some help – think of mass chaos of people running into grocery stores to get as much food and supplies as possible, gas lines that run out into the street, highways at a virtual stand still, banks not giving out money, looting, fires, the health of the elderly deteriorating due to not being able to get needed medicines, babies crying because that have no formula to drink. It’s not a pretty picture when you allow yourself to imagine it. Having supplies on hand can put a person way ahead of the game. While many who are unprepared for such a grim reality will be battling the lines at the grocery stores, those that have prepared accordingly could be packing their items up and headed for hills before many have even attempted to.

This author came across some advice from someone who has experienced a long term emergency first hand. This advice could help a person prepare not only for their well being, but also mentally prepare them for getting through the nightmare of a long term emergency.

Advice From a Sarajevo War Survivor: Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war – death of parents and friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks. 1. Stockpiling helps. But you never no how long trouble will last, so locate near renewable food sources.

2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.

3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold’s.

4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity – it’s the easiest to do without (unless you’re in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)

5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy – it makes a lot of the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs enough heat to “warm”, not to cook. It’s cheap too, especially if you buy it in bulk.

6. Bring some books – escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more valuable as the war continues. Sure, it’s great to have a lot of survival guides, but you’ll figure most of that out on your own anyway – trust me, you’ll have a lot of time on your hands.

7. The feeling that you’re human can fade pretty fast. I can’t tell you how many people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.

8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches

Emergency Items That Disappear First

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of

thieves; maintenance etc.)

2. Water

3. Water filters and purifiers

4. Portable toilets

5. Seasoned firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home use.

6. Lamp oil, wicks, and lamps (First choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile

ANY!)

7. Coleman fuel (Impossible to stockpile too much)

8. Guns, ammunition, pepper spray, knives, clubs, bats or slingshots

9. Hand-can openers, hand egg beaters, whisks

10. Honey, syrups, white and brown sugar

11. Rice – beans – wheat

12. Vegetable oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)

13. Charcoal, lighter fluid (will become scarce suddenly)

14. Water Containers of any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY – note – food grade if for drinking.

15. Propane cylinders (Urgent: definite shortages will occur)

16. Survival Guide book

17. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (without this item, longer-term lighting is

difficult.)

18. Baby supplies: diapers, formula, ointments, aspirin, etc.

19. Washboards, mop bucket with wringer (for laundry)

20. Cook stoves (propane, Coleman and kerosene)

21. Vitamins

22. Propane cylinder handle-holder (urgent: Small canister use is dangerous

without this item)

23. Feminine hygiene, hair care, skin products

24. Thermal underwear (tops and bottoms)

25. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, wedges (also, honing oil)

26. Aluminum foil regular and heavy duty (great for cooking and bartering item)

27. Gasoline containers (plastic and metal)

28. Garbage bags (impossible to have too many)

29. Toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels

30. Milk – powdered, condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)

31. Garden seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)

32. Clothes pins, line, hangers (A MUST)

33. Coleman’s pump repair kit

34. Tuna fish (in oil)

35. Fire extinguishers (or large box of baking soda in every room)

36. First aid kits

37. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for expiration dates)

38. Garlic, spices, vinegar, baking supplies

39. Dog food

40. Flour, yeast, salt

41. Matches (“Strike Anywhere” preferred) Boxed, wooden matches will go first

42. Writing paper, pads, pencils, solar calculators

43. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in wintertime.)

44. Work boots, belts, blue jeans, durable shirts

45. Flashlights, light sticks, torches, “No. 76 Dietz” lanterns

46. Journals, diaries, scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience;

historic times)

47. Plastic garbage cans (great for storage, water, transporting – if with

wheels)

48. Men’s Hygiene: shampoo, toothbrush, paste, mouthwash, floss, nail clippers, etc.

49. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)

50. Fishing supplies, tools

51. Mosquito coils, repellent, sprays, creams

52. Duct tape

53. Tarps, stakes, twine, nails, rope, spikes

54. Candles

55. Laundry detergent (liquid)

56. Backpacks, duffel bags

57. Garden tools, supplies

58. Scissors, fabrics, sewing supplies

59. Canned goods: fruits, veggies, soups, stews, etc.

60. Bleach (plain, not scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)

61. Canning supplies

62. Knives, sharpening tools: files, stones, steel

63. Bicycles and parts: tires, tubes, pumps, chains, etc.

64. Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, mats

65. Carbon monoxide alarm (battery powered)

66. Board games, cards, dice

67. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, roach killer

68. Mousetraps, ant traps, cockroach magnets

69. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)

70. Baby wipes, oils, waterless, antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)

71. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.

72. Shaving supplies (razors, creams, talc, after shave)

73. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)

74. Soy sauce, vinegar, bullions, gravy, soup base

75. Reading glasses

76. Chocolate, cocoa, tang, punch (water enhancers)

77. “Survival-in-a-Can”

78. Woolen clothing, scarves, ear-muffs, mittens

79. Boy Scout handbook, and/or Leaders catalog

80. Roll-on window insulation kit (MANCO)

81. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, trail mix, jerky

82. Popcorn, peanut butter, nuts

83. Socks, underwear, t-shirts, etc. (extras)

84. Lumber (all types)

85. Wagons, carts (for transport to and from)

86. Cots, inflatable mattresses

87. Gloves for work, warming, gardening, etc.

88. Lantern hangers

89. Screen patches, glue,

90. Hardware – nails, screws, nuts and bolts

91. Teas

92. Coffee

93. Cigarettes

94. Wine, liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc.)

95. Paraffin wax

96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.

97. Chewing gum, candies

98. Atomizers (for cooling, bathing)

99. Hats, cotton neckerchiefs, seasonal clothing needs

100. Livestock – goats, chickens, etc.

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