I would recommend using bleach to purify your water as opposed to iodine. Iodine has a terrible taste whereas bleach (chlorine) will evaporate once you uncork the container.

Okay, I have bleach. Do you know the bleach to water ratio for 5 gallon pails? Also I think the pails would be great to store dry goods too, easy to stack. Also could I not just boil the water and then store as that would kill anything in the water. Or is the bleach for water that couldn't be boiled.

There are lots of sites on the net that will give you that info. The link below has lots on water including what you need if you scroll down far enough. Just remember use standard bleach not the scented kind. Also bleach loses its strength after a few months so you have to make allowances.
http://www.grandpappy.info/wwater.htm

Tap water to store. You use the bleach solution to clean the containers. Then rinse with potable water. Then fill with tap water and seal. If you are on well water then add some bleach for storage. Use containers meant for water storage. If you use buckets then make sure they are food grade. Good reference site ICRCC

From my own experiences, chargers for cordless tools always seem to go AWOL when you need them the most. What's worked best for me are regular power tools and a power inverter to convert from a 12 volt battery to 110 volts AC power. I have an electric chainsaw which has proven to be an invaluable asset for cutting up things such as fallen trees. With the inverter, I can run it straight off my vehicle battery.

I happen to live in an area with lots of lakes, so I have a portable electric pump for pumping water into containers when the need arises. I have separate 5 gallon containers, one set is used strictly for drinking water, the others are for general washing. The ones for washing you don't need to be concerned about filtering.

For first aid kits ... I worked part time with the ambulance service for 20 years so my kit is more elaborate than what you would generally find. The things I tend to have used the most over the years are bandages, usually 6x8 inch but also 8x10 inch to a lesser extent. Pressure dressings as well. Sterile water for cleaning wounds is a definite asset. For my own sanity, I also have a tube of Eurax, which is a topical anesthetic. But that's mostly to prevent me going crazy from bug bites.

Just to expand on what JustABear mentioned about a tent and tarp. I did some experimentation in the past with wrapping fiberglass insulation into elongated bags made from greenhouse plastic. I used velcro strips to attach the bags together to form walls. The velcro allows the bags to be separated again for easy storage. If you put enough bags together, it makes a great liner either over or inside the tent to insulate it.

Thanks guys,

Lots of great info, to look into. I will to see where to find food grade buckets are for water collection and storage. We have a flea market that I have found invaluable, as I have found powerless tools to use so no fretting over how to obtain power if I can't right away. But it looks like a power inverter would be a good investment. Also looking a getting a used generator with a complete kit for all replaceable parts if breaks down. But this would be temporary until I can set up some renewable power sources. Thanks alot for all this info, keep it coming.

Canning pre-made meat meals is just as easy as canning any kind of meat. Just follow the guidelines - 10psi for 75 - 90 min. I just follow the USDA 'Complete Guide to Home Canning' and a few others for instructions. You don't want to mess around with canning meat - follow the guidelines and keep it clean!
I used cleaned-out 20l oil buckets to store much of my packaged food goods. They were free and were easy to clean. Although they are not food grade, none of the food is in contact with the plastic. They are just a great way to store food and are easy to transport (don't get too heavy like totes do)

May I suggest getting to know what you can use in our forest for food and medicine. One book I got is The Boreal Herbal...wild food and medicine plants of the north by Beverly Gray. I am finding it very informative.

Sorry, did you say "hunt people" earlier in this post??

mambearof5 said earlier...."I believe the next step would then be the necessary powerless tools to build or rebuild, make gardens, hunt people, kill food.".... Ummmm... "hunt people"?? Please clarify.. !!!!

Haha, okay that was my mistake. No hunting FOR people, but hunting so people can eat.

But at this point trying to obtain a bigger truck to accommodate all my children and some type of mobile housing. This way I have a place to store my stock pile. Plus still canning away, but still trying to find a pressure canner for ready eat meals. I have even bought camp tarps so that if I must camp out with mobile housing I can cover it up to blend in without too effort as not to draw attention.

I get food grade buckets from Dairy Queen. I go to the local DQ and pick them up for a dollar each with lid. I like that they're square, so they don't waste as much space as using traditional round buckets. In fact, I just bought 12 today. I wouldn't be surprised if other fast food places were willing to get rid of theirs for cheap too.

Thanks tazweiss,

That's someplace I didn't think of even checking. I will have to stop by our local DQ and see what they have. Also looking for large metal oil tins that some restaurants use, with lids. Slowly trying to get things together, not to mention cloth nappies for the babies.

Thanks enuff

I will be either looking to find that book or something similar. Since I don't normally forage for food in the wilderness. I believe having this information in hard copy would be beneficial.

I get food grade buckets from Dairy Queen. I go to the local DQ and pick them up for a dollar each with lid. I like that they're square, so they don't waste as much space as using traditional round buckets. In fact, I just bought 12 today. I wouldn't be surprised if other fast food places were willing to get rid of theirs for cheap too.

I get 2 gallon square buckets from the lady at the supermarket bakery dept. I love the shape too as they are easy to stack and the smaller size lets me open less food at a time. They get muffin mix in them and always have plenty.