I am making a list of things that one would want, but might not be available to get if the shit hits the fan and things don't return to normal very fast.These are things that would be hard to find a replacement for, but are fairly cheap and available now. An example would be gloves. I know one could skin a deer, tan the hide, cut out the leather and sew it, but grabbing a few pairs at Canadian tire would be good.
1) gloves-work and winter
2) shoes, hiking boots, winter boots
3) plastic-rolls, garbage bags, zip locks, wrap ,bins,foil
4) socks or wool if you knit
5) candles for when the batteries run out-cheap as can be, don't smell or smoke as much as animal fat candles
6) good belt- don't know about you, but after i have walked, worked, and rationed food, my pants aren't going to fit!
7) Garden tools... rakes, hoes, shovels
8) Hand tools... drills and bits, saws, chisels, files, etc..think of what you have that is electric and get the same hand powered.
Packets of vegetable seeds.
Boot laces
Needles & thread. Patches. electrical tape.
Tire patch kit. (Really! Bicycles will be a dependable means of transport in a no services enviroment). But a bike isn't much good with a flat tire. Suddenly the little tire patch kit that you buy at the dollar store for $2.50 tody becomes worth it's wieght in gold tomorrow. What would some one trade to you to fix thier flat? Antibiotics? Food? A ride?
maps (SHTF = No GPS).
old fashioned phone with a cord. (Today's convenient cordless phones don't work in a power failure) Make sure at least one phone in your house is an old style cord type that can run off the phone company's circuits). Our old phone is the one we have in the basement
Good call on the tire patch kit. Got 3 as well as the one for cars with plugs. Also a good hand air pump.
A compass.
old fashioned phone with a cord. (Today's convenient cordless phones don't work in a power failure) Make sure at least one phone in your house is an old style cord type that can run off the phone company's circuits). Our old phone is the one we have in the basement
One thing to keep in mind. If you are landline with your cable service if the cable goes down so does your phone.
Great additions, thank you. The electrical tape reminds me that I want to have lots of good quality duct tape. I want to get some "heritage" seeds which will reseed from their seeds if you collect them.
I believe one could add any consumer staple and industrial staple to the list.
An extra pair of glasses....
paracord.
Silver, even if it's just a little bit. Try to buy mostly small coins, as you can always use it to trade with.
toilet paper and baby wipes. think of the hygiene benefits and water you'll safe with these babies!!!
For me, tarps, duct tape and dryer lint will be high on my list!
~Make it a great day!
AlbertaPrepper
I am assuming the dryer lint is for fire starter? This young man has a brilliant idea...so i will add jute and paraffin wax to the list...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vicf62daqBQ&feature=share&list=ULVicf62daqBQ
(WARNING: 10 minutes of your life will pass if you watch this; it's a bit tedious... This may be old news, but i thought it was pretty impressive...
...so if you already know what to do with jute and wax, spare yourself...)
"Much to learn you still have...”~YODA