The other day I got a note from one of my readers asking me to expound on my Economic Collapse 101 article entitled Ten Ways to Prepare for the Unknown. In short, he wanted a more-detailed basic preppers’ list of what to have if things really go upside down and the economy completely crumbles and goes “Mad Max.”
As I’ve already stated, I think that is a very unlikely scenario — although I suspect more than a few critical supply chains will be disrupted for awhile which will make the unprepared very uncomfortable, if not outright panicked. That being said, for those who want to prepare for every eventuality, here is a far-from-complete preppers’ list to help you get started:
Water
Make sure you have plenty! It’s not only for drinking, folks — you need it for cleaning and sanitation too.
Foodstuffs
Canned vegetables and meat. You’ll want that for your rice and beans! (They even make canned bacon! And I have a couple of cases to prove it.)
Powdered eggs. I recommend the crystalized variety — they are truly delicious
Canned butter. Yes, it comes in cans. I have two cases of this too.
Spices. At a minimum, salt, pepper, Tobasco sauce, garlic powder, and a large supply of chicken and beef bullion cubes
Comfort food. Considering you will have a diet heavily dependent on rice and beans, it is important that you have some comfort items like dessert so you don’t lose your mind
Cooking staples
To cook from scratch you’ll need flour, sugar, dry yeast, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, canned butter, and cooking oil. For the latter, I store something called ghee — which is a form of clarified butter that keeps for a year (unrefrigerated) after it is opened — and even longer if you leave it in the can unopened.
Sanitation
All that food has to go somewhere after you eat it. At a minimum you’ll need black plastic bags, a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat on it to handle waste — and then a shovel to dig a hole and bury it. However, it’s really best if you learn how to dig a proper trench latrine. But that’s a whole other article. (No pun intended.)
Toiletries
Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and dental floss. You can never have too much toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. And don’t forget the aspirin, cold medicine, cough syrup, and cough drops.
First Aid
I already mentioned disinfectants. Then there are latex gloves — lots of them. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Saline. Non-stick bandages, dressings and lots of tape. You’ll also want a thermometer (the old-fashioned kind that doesn’t require batteries). You should also have foot powder and blister pads too.
Fire
Bic lighters, matches, flint and/or FireSteel
Sharp stuff
An axe and a good all-purpose survival knife.
Self Defense
Firearms — and extra ammunition. I suspect ammo would be one of the most valuable barter items in a Mad Max scenario.
Utility items
You’ll want rope, nails, plywood, a tarp and hand tools — just in case something breaks.
Lights
Take the solar lawn lights from your yard each night and stick them in coffee cans filled with sand. Then bring them into the house at dusk so they will provide a little light.
So there you have it: your basic preppers’ list!
Oh, one more thing: Even if you don’t partake, consider keeping cigarettes, alcohol, and coffee on hand. After all, they’re are among the most valuable barter items. Why? Because desperate addicts will trade anything to get them!
Photo Credit: wellybob_dont_jump