45 Survival Items You Need To Stock NOW
I think it’s time we talked about survival items that you can start or continue to stock up on now for any emergency that may come your way. This list is by no means an entire list of survival items, but at least it can be used as a benchmark or guideline to help us as we look over our prep stash and add, rotate, or discard any items that may have expired beyond usability.
Water will always be my number one survival item, but after that, these are not necessarily in order of importance. I’ve been writing several of these over the past few weeks, mainly to help those just getting started prepping and those who have prepped for many years be ready for any scenario.
In 2023, we heard news reports from all over the country about weather issues that have truly put individuals and whole families in survival mode for numerous reasons: heavy snowstorms and cold in Buffalo, NY. Torrential rains in San Francisco and Oakland, CA have totaled in excess of 5 inches, almost unheard-of amounts that have washed out levees, main highways, and small dams.
These events have left people stranded at home and on the road. Even preppers following emergency preparedness guidelines and plans have been caught off guard and struggling to survive. The rains now and the pending melting snows later have prompted officials to warn residents to prepare for floods. Talk about a “perfect storm” of events! Hopefully, many stranded families have an emergency food storage plan to get them through.
45 Survival Items You Need to Consider NOW.
1. Water
This is a given. I recommend four gallons of water per day per person, while the American Red Cross recommends one gallon per day per person. I will leave the amount up to you, but we need to consider proper hydration, water for cooking, and enough for minimal personal hygiene. Then, some of us should at least periodically clean our underwear. I get thirsty just thinking of only one gallon per day, but I always think beyond the bare necessity.
You can check my archive for posts covering properly preparing, treating, and caring for stored water. Depending on your storage space, the size of your family, and the funds available, you have a number of options. I’ve also discussed water filtering systems and water treatment products.
2. Food
I’ll share my Food Storage Sheet to help you determine how much food you need to store. I don’t count calories; I choose the food I eat every day and the staples to help me cook from scratch. Where Do I Start? You can fill in the blanks for seven days’ worth of meals. Easy peasy.
Make sure you use food storage containers that are BPA-quality, like food-grade buckets. Your emergency food supply should include many non-perishable items in cans with a reasonably long shelf life. You can find canned vegetables like tomatoes, corn, green beans, and regular beans, which your family will like. Also consider canned fruits and even meats like beef, tuna, chicken, salmon, turkey, chili, and pork.
Your long-term survival food should also include white rice, brown rice, pasta, oats, wheat, and other whole-grain foods that provide the nutritional vitamins, minerals, fiber, and proteins necessary to survive and flourish. I make a ton of bread and other flour-based meals all year long. I use bread flour rather than all-purpose varieties. I don’t consider my flour a long-term food storage item since I try to use it within 12 months. Be sure to have some yeast too.
Other items to consider as you plan your long-term storage needs and make sure you’re storing items your family will eat. To make the meals more enjoyable, include peanut butter, some jams and jellies, spices, chocolate, syrup, and various types of sauce.
Rotation of your foods is critical, so watch the expiration date listed and do an inventory occasionally. Note that I don’t use Mylar bags very often. I haven’t had good luck with food stored in them, so I rely on my canning techniques and follow the “use by dates” on commercially canned foods.
June reminded me we all need chocolate stocked, such as cocoa, chocolate bars, or chocolate chips. I confess, I may be a hoarder of chocolate, just in case you want to know! LOL!
3. Flashlight – Lantern
You can choose a flashlight with batteries or a solar one. If you decide on a battery-powered unit, then, of course, you must store the appropriate extra batteries. Every family member needs a flashlight, so plan accordingly. I love my solar-powered units and have them charging on my window sills constantly. Flashlights
Lanterns produce much more light than flashlights when needed to illuminate a whole room. They are also available as solar-powered products. My favorite lantern, it needs batteries so please stock up on “D” batteries. Bushnell Lantern
4. First Aid Kit
I hope you have a proper first aid kit and a system to rotate the goods stored within it as needed. If the stores close, you may not be able to get your favorite over-the-counter drugs you love to use. I will add essential oils in this section because I rely on them heavily for many uses. Here is my popular First Aid Kit with a printable list available so you can print copies as needed. I also want to suggest some Bag Balm and Epsom Salts.
Don’t forget to have a good supply of over-the-counter meds and your daily prescriptions.
5. Emergency Whistle – Flares
This survival item may save your life. You can buy some whistles that you can hang around your neck and alert people if you are lost or under some fallen materials. I have purchased these. Plastic Emergency Whistles. They can be heard up to a mile away.
Flares can alert others to your location if you’ve had to leave your home or to draw attention if you have sheltered in place.
6. Water Filter/Purifier
There are two items that I recommend for my preparedness. I always recommend having more than one type in case one should fail. These make great Christmas gifts, by the way. Berkey-Sport Bottle or LifeStraw Personal Filter
I also like the PortaWell product because it provides battery power to pump more volume and has multiple filters to fit various situations. The Best Portable Water Filtration Unit
7. Good Knife and Can Opener
You never know when you’ll need a knife, or two or three. I have a variety of knives for different uses. The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife is great for most camping needs and possibly self-defense. Here is another great one for multi-task uses, the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife
Don’t forget to include a good-quality can opener. If you lose power, you’ll be glad you have one of these to open all the canned goods on your pantry shelves.
8. Map & Compass
You can’t always rely on the GPS on our phones, so having a compass is one more way to find our way. They are lightweight and inexpensive. Have a state or city paper map in your emergency bags and car. Compass and Maps.
9. Fire Starter
Be sure and have more than one way to start a fire. You may need to cook meals and stay warm, to name a few. You need to store waterproof matches, regular matches, and maybe even some InstaFire (I love this stuff; you can start a fire in the snow). InstaFire
10. Cordage
You can use cordage in so many ways. You may have to repel from a mountain, drag an animal, or tie something together. This one is a military-type Titan 550 Paracord
If you need to set up a temporary shelter, having ropes and cordage can make all the difference.
11. Paper Towels – Baby Wipes
You can use towels for spills, help start a fire, and wash your hands. Baby wipes come in handy for babies, but you may end up using them for that “spit or sponge bath.” Rinse-Free Wipes
12. Calendars
Your phone may not work, so these would become useful for checking off each day or setting goals. Remember, your phone may not work in a massive power outage or an EMP. I highly recommend you read “Lights Out”.
13. Books and Games
If the power is out for days, you may enjoy reading a book or two, right? Knowledge is essential, but you’ll want to entertain the kids and some adults.
14. Tent and Tarp
I’m not talking about a $2,500.00 tent, just a tent that may shelter you if you’re evacuated from your home. Having a tarp is another item to consider, thanks, Leanne.
15. Blankets
Blankets can be used for protection from the elements and to block a doorway to keep you warm in one room. Cover your windows if it’s cold outside and your heater doesn’t work.
16. Bug Spray
We have so many mosquitoes this year, you understand why we need bug spray. Controlling pests may be a challenge after the emergency has subsided.
17. Cast Iron Pans
These are awesome because you can cook outside if you have the fuel. I store briquettes, lump charcoal, raw wood, and pinecones. My favorite cast iron pan is a 6-quart Dutch oven. You can make bread and a casserole, boil water, and make biscuits in one. It’s not just for peach cobbler anymore, although that’s delicious!
Cast iron pans made by Lodge are my go-to products. You don’t have to buy new, so keep your eyes open at a garage or estate sale, second-hand stores, or thrift stores. You’ll need to learn how to season them, so check out my archive for tips on how to do that.
18. Instant Coffee
I don’t need to say anything else; this is a must-have for most people. Think barter. If you don’t drink coffee, trust me on this one. This is my new favorite Instant Coffee, Jacob’s Velvet Coffee.
19. Hand Sanitizer – Soaps
You can never have too much of this stuff. Do you love clean hands as much as I do? You’ll also need different soaps for hands, dishes, and small batches of clothes.
20. Toothbrushes
We all feel better if we’ve brushed our teeth. If some families need to move in with you, please have a stash of toothbrushes and toothpaste for them.
21. Hair Needs
Be sure to store some combs and hairbrushes for yourself and your family that may have to live with you after an unforeseen disaster.
22. Deodorant
No one needs body odor when we’re in the middle of a disaster or cleaning up an unforeseen emergency. It’s all about mental health; you are more likely to be happy if you feel good.
23. My Favorite Books
- “Prepare Your Family For Survival” by Linda Loosli
- “Bugging In” by Raymond Dean White
- “Lights Out” by Ted Koppel
24. Garbage Bags
We need these for garbage, possibly body bags, and temporary toilet liners.
25. Baggies
You can always use bags or baggies in several different sizes.
26. Board/Card Games
As mentioned, if we’re stuck at home because of a pandemic, severe weather, or a significant disaster, games will help alleviate anxious feelings and provide entertainment for young and old alike.
27. Candles/Lights
One cool idea is using those solar yard lights to gather the sun’s rays and power up lights at night. Bring the lights in at night and take them back outside to power up for the next day. These are cheap and they work. You may want to store some lanterns because they can light up a room. Please remember to test the amount of light they project before an emergency. You want to be familiar with the ones stored in your preps.
Candles are fine, but I don’t store many of them. There are convenience issues and safety concerns. I love the smell of specific candle brands, oh my yummy!
28. Sleeping Bags
If you have sleeping bags, you can stay warm if you buy the right ones. Check out the temperatures on each sleeping bag to see if they will work for you. If you live in the desert, you may get by with a lighter one compared to where snow falls every day.
29. Extra Clothing
Changing clothes is good for the mind and body, whether you get wet or are homebound for many days. Having coats, boots, hats, scarves, gloves, and warm socks makes sense if you live in a colder climate. Have some for each family member,
30. Toilet Paper
You get the drift, stock up, please.
31. Paper Plates, Cups, and Silverware
If we have a disaster, we may not want to use all the water stored for washing dishes. Having these paper products can save us water and time. You can always burn the paper products (in a safe location) if you have zero garbage pickup.
32. Aluminum Foil
I use aluminum foil for so many things. Aluminum Foil by Linda
33. Escape Tool For Your Vehicle
I have several of these because you have it NOW if you need to cut a seatbelt or break a window. Vehicle Tool
34. Umbrellas
Sometimes you just need an umbrella, right? Or maybe two.
35. Four In One Tool
This tool is great for turning off gas lines and water shutoff valves. 4 In-1 Tool
36. Pencil and Paper
You can always use pencils and paper. Crayons melt, so I’m not adding those here.
37. Duct Tape
You can never have too many rolls of duct tape, right?
38. Emergency Washing Machine
If you have tubs or buckets, you can wash your underwear at least. I also have a post in my archives about how to make an emergency washing machine. Check it out. Emergency Washing Machine
39. Clothesline and Clothespins
If you wash your clothes, you need a way to hang them up, right? Please don’t skimp on the clothespins; some are sold that don’t last more than one wash load. I may need to do a giveaway with some of my favorites, called Kevin’s Clothespins
40. Condoms – Feminine Hygiene Products
What can I say, they will be needed. Your grocery store may be closed or the roads blocked, so have a good supply.
41. Book Lights
If we lose power and have zero light, having a book light would be awesome! You can at least read a book or two.
42. Wagon
You may need a large wagon to haul things you can’t carry alone.
43. Coolers
If we lose power, our refrigerator or freezer may be okay for two, possibly three days. Yes, you can store water jugs in them, but eventually, you may have to transfer the food to some coolers. Hopefully, you can procure some ice. These coolers will stay cold for five days at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Igloo 120-gallon Cooler
44. Cloth Diapers
I highly recommend getting cloth diapers for babies, toddlers, and adults. It’s a fact of life, they will be needed if the stores are closed for weeks or months. Some young mothers say, “Yay, I love cloth diapers.” You may also hear, “There is no way I am using cloth diapers.” I raised all four of my daughters with cloth diapers, saved lots of money, and protected the environment.
45. Griddle
I picture making a lot of pancakes after an emergency. Yes, I’ll be cooking outside and loving every minute.
Other Items to Consider
Other things that could prove to be lifesavers:
- Communication devices – cell phones, walkie-talkies, a ham radio
- Information sources – a crank radio to get weather and other condition reports, even with a power outage
- Cooking devices – I love my Dutch ovens, but you need a butane stove, camp stove, or other cooking device. These are designed for outside use and require the right fuels.
- Car emergency kit – you could use jumper cables, sand, salt, and a shovel
- An emergency clothes washer – I have a good post about building your backup washing machine
- Sewing Kit – pins, needles, thread at the very least. Sewing Kit
Final Word
Please remember that you can start with a few of the things mentioned in this post and then just keep adding to the list. You can do this, and we can do this. Life is good if we can sleep at night knowing we are prepared for the unexpected.
If I’ve missed some items, let me know. I love your comments. May God bless this world.
Copyright Images: Emergency: AdobeStock_109228559
Thanks for another great post, but a special thanks for the print function. If someone is capable of remembering all your great information, good on them. Personally I print every post and add to my emergency three ring binder, most of which is in sheet protectors. When my power is down, so is my internet, laptop and printer, so by then I can’t come back and check on anything. By the way your book is great and your recommendations are spot on. Thanks for caring.
Hi Beth, you made my day!! Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you can use the print button!! It’s crazy if we lose the internet we need those pages!! Thanks again, Linda
I don’t have them printed out but I save them all. I will be printing many of them on Thursday when my husband has a Dr. appointment at VA. I will be able to print all day without any complaining.
i Jackie, I can picture you printing the articles you want non-stop! You go girl! Linda
Linda, this is a very good list that needs to be shared. If I may, I want to pass on something in regards to shelters. My husband is in North Carolina as I write manning a shelter. This is of course a historic event, so circumstances are extreme. In the media I’m hearing a lot of ‘good news’ reporting as people do rise in their efforts to rescue and help. It has me pondering the event, though, as circumstances in the shelters my husband has been assigned to are not good. Not enough food or cots or basics for the overwhelming number of folks who did not heed or have the ability to leave the area ahead of the storm. If folks are told to evacuate, do so and take everything you have prepared to take with you. If things change and you are able to drive to a shelter, do the same thing. Shelters will NOT have supplies to meet every family’s needs and this can be a opportunity to help others. Remember the story of rock soup? A little bit from many can feed a lot of people. Your encouragement on another post to stock pile blankets could also be a huge help in shelters. My heart is breaking for those who live in the path of any disaster and for those who are trying to help but find they fall short. Thanks, Linda for all your encouragement in getting folks prepared. The only thing we can count on in these situations is ourselves; anything else is gravy.
Hi Debbie, oh my gosh thanks for telling me about your husband who is manning a shelter. I hope everyone sees this comment because they will see the shelters cannot meet everyone’s needs. Wow, not enough food or cots, oh my goodness. Yes, indeed we need to be prepared to take care of ourselves. Hugs!!! Linda
Hi Linda, Another use for a tent is to set it up inside your house when it is cold and everyone sleeps inside it. The body heat from all sleepers makes it a bit warmer and if you have kids, more fun too. As usual, a nice reminder/starter list. A few items sound like you meant to add a link in them… Thanks for all you do!
Hi Jan, this is an awesome comment!! I love the idea of the ten in the house!! I fixed the links I left out, thank you!! Love it! Linda
Nice list. I’d like to mention that besides bag balm, tea tree oil is great, but not so commonly known.
I own lots of knives and read or watch reviews often. If you’re on a budget or hesitant to spend money on a knife, Schrade and Gerber offer many good belt knives under $50. For heavy chopping the Kershaw Camp 10 is a great hybrid machete/knife for under $50. Mora of Sweden offers both excellent carbon and stainless steel knives. They do have bushcraft knives, but even the cheap ones are great. Their Companion model in either steel runs $12 – $20. The Becker or one of the Ontario or Esse knives will run more, but they’re very good.
And if you want stainless steel (High humidity conditions) or plan to prepare food, 8Cr13Mov, 9Cr14Mov, or AUS-8 are all stainless steels. They put this information on the package.
Check several knife dealers, Amazon and local stores. You’d be surprised to find the same EXACT knife for $40 at one source and then $60 at another.
Hi Frank, oh I love your comment! Thanks for your tips on all these knives!! I love ideas like this because they help so many people!! Love it! Linda
Instead of instant coffee, I bought a french press. I do have some instant, but I am really not a fan. If I can heat water, I can make a pot of coffee. I am thinking about the days in the beginning of an emergency, where I will want things to be as normal as I can make them. A pot of coffee will help a lot.
Hi Janet, I need to learn how to use a French Press, thanks for this awesome comment! I’m on it, thanks, Janet!! Linda
Thanks, Linda ~
This is a nice post. In light of the massive storm on the East coast, we should all heed your advice.
Something that I will add to your list is rope – either additional clothes line or manila rope AND a book or something that shows knot tying. With a tarp, blankets, etc., you can (if needed) extend your tent to create an “awning” to cook under or sit in the shade depending on the time of year.
When I go camping, I always carry instant coffee. I generally make coffee over the camp fire or on the butane stove but…I sometimes get in a hurry for caffeine! Then I just want hot water and voila, coffee!
As for your comment about bartering – I have “kits” made up in zip lock bags to barter with. They each have things like bouillon, tea bags, instant coffee, TP, instant soup, wipes, etc. I figure in a dire emergency, I don’t want to dig through my bags to find something and expose all that I have. SO, in the outside pockets of my back pack, I keep a few of these bags and can hand them out or barter with them.
Hi Leanne, I need to add rope to my paracord line, great tip! The tarp is another good one! I LOVE your “kits” ideas!! That is awesome!! I used to know all the knots that were taught to the Boy Scouts, I need to refresh my memory! Great comment! Linda
Leann…could you post a photo of your barter kit so I can get a visual?
Thank you…Deb Samson
Nothing to take a photo of. Really, I just take a ziplock bag and add whatever I think would be handy for someone. Each “kit” is different. So, the TP for an example, I take a partial roll and remove the tube, smash the remaining TP flat to go into the bag (saves space), add some instant coffee (I get either the tea bag style instant coffee or if I am feeling extra generous, Starbucks VIA), the soups (bouillon cubes in a ziplock snack bag, Cup o’ soup, etc.), I add water mixes (Kool-aid packets, that sort of mix in), sugar and creamer packets that I either get extras at the coffee shop or purchase, dollar store wipes (baby or regular), etc. Really nothing to take a photo of.
I put things in the bags that I think someone would enjoy and need in an emergency situation. If I have sample toothpaste and toothbrushes from the dentist, I add those but I don’t have a huge supply of those on hand. If I am purchasing things, I get as many things that don’t have a short shelf life and are individually packaged. In my grab and go bags, I generally only have 3-4 barter kits.
If you have the space to store these bags, you could also add paper and pencil/pens, cards, dollar store word search books, crayons, etc. It is really subject to how much one wants to spend or has on hand. I have used these kinds of bags to hand out to the homeless as well. In those, I generally put in more hygiene products, though.
Hi Linda…those clothespins on Amazon are 86.00!! Could that be correct?
I love the idea of having pre made barter bags!! Would it be possible for that person to post a photo so we can have a visual?
Thank you…Deb
Hi Deb, yes they are, they are so strong and sturdy. I like to buy right the first time. I think that’s the cost for 50 clothespins. I ended up throwing out the ones I bought at a local hardware store. They wouldn’t even hold sheets let alone jeans. Linda
Hey there Linda! This was such an excellent article. It gives beginning preppers lots of necessary information and reminds more advanced preppers to double check their stockpile.
Thanks for posting this and doing so with a sly sense of humor.
Karen
Hi Karen, thanks for stopping by, I really love your comment! Keep prepping! Linda
For starting a fire, dryer lint with twigs works wonderfully. My husband makes up little fire starter boxes with dryer lint, twigs and a newspaper. It works perfectly.
Hi Janet, thank you, those really do work! Linda
Hi Linda! As usual, a great post. Luckily we have most all of the items on the list. I am wanting to store more of what we already have. I love the idea of the “Barter Bags” or Homeless Bags. Great ideas! We don’t have a lot of homeless in the little town we live in, but it’s still a good idea to have some on hand. I need to make a trip to the dollar store soon! Thank you so much for sharing your information with us. I learn something new every day. Either that or I’m reminded of something I forgot. :^)
Hi Deborah, thank you for your kind words my sweet friend, I think we all learn something new or we are reminded to pick up something! Happy New Year! Linda
Linda – I always learn something new each time I read your posts as well as the comments!!
Hi Leanne, thank you, my sweet friend! I’ve learned a lot from you as well! Linda
I have made great fire starters by tearing off the cups from a cardboard egg carton, putting some dryer lint in them and pouring melted wax over. Let harden and store in a plastic bag. They last forever and burn for a really long time. My grandkids loved helping make these when they were younger. I still have them from at least 10 years go. Love your posts, Linda and those suggestions from the subscribers!
Hi Anne, thank you for your kind words, my sweet friend! My grandkids would love to make these fire starters! Linda
Anne, I do the same except I just remove the top of the egg carton and leave the cups together. After the wax hardens, then I tear them apart. If you make a lot of them, popcorn tins – the ones you can get at Christmas time with different popcorn flavors – work great to keep them together. Then when I need some for camping, I just take what I need.
Hi Linda. Great article and very timely. On Item #3 (flashlights) I suggest using flashlights that require only one battery. Batteries — or the lack thereof — are the weak link in the flashlight story. I also suggest having a variety of flashlights so that you can put to good use anything you find in the kid’s toys, the toothbrush, the carving knife, or the old radio. For $20-30 you can build quite a collection of one-battery lights. I put together a web page that lists one-battery lights by brand and part number. The listing starts at the 2:18 mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv7Bx6usT-g
Hi Ron, thank you that is a great idea! Thank you for sharing the YouTube link. Linda
Hello Linda,
When we have a power outage, we put our battery powered lanterns or candles on a mirror. The reflection nearly doubles the light which means we need fewer candles.
Hi Sam, oh my gosh, that’s a great idea! I love it! Linda
Linda,
Happy New Year!!! Excellent article and comments as usual. I love KaBar knives–inherited one from my dad, who was a Marine in the Korean War. Mine isn’t as sleek looking as the one you linked to but it’s still a great knife. I enjoyed Frank’s comment and agree with him.
I would add Zanfel to your list. It is, quite simply, the best anti-poison ivy/oak/sumac treatment available. If you are exposed, use it and beat misery to the punch.
I would substitute Gorilla tape for duct tape, as it is much stronger, and add a Kindle reader instead of a book light, but that’s just me.
Hi Ray, Happy New Year to you and Jane! I will add the Zanfel and regular duct tape, great tips as always! Thank you, Linda
I would print out paper crafts & school materials up to 12th grade so that your children’s education is not stopped and from experience I have learned that children learn faster in a homeschool situation. You might go and get materials from a Teachers store that will help you with the teaching. Of course learning survival skills will also give them a hand up. Letting children help with the cooking also helps with their schoolwork
Hi Jackie, that’s a great idea to have school materials and crafts ready to go! I love this idea! Linda
Great list! I will be saving it to print later. One thing tho: #23 on Survival Books is basically empty. Any links are dead.
Hi Lynne, I’m so sorry, thank you for letting me know. I’m fixing them right now. I appreciate you letting me know, Linda
Still relevant today. The time to prepare isn’t when things go bad it’s now
Hi Matt, you are so right, get prepared today!!! Thank you, Linda
I ran across an article somewhere that made sense to me. It said that it’s better to say a 72 hour bug out kit with several carry ways. To start would be a backpack with absolute essentials for survival; then a second backpack (wear one on your back and one on your front) with very helpful things. Then two tubs, rated by urgency for need, if you have time to take them. One tub would have additional food and the other tub, things you would like to have if not coming back for a while. (If I lived in a wildfire or hurricane area, that last tub would have all the pictures of the kids growing up…. if I no longer have a house, I’d want those most of all.)
We have one combined 72 hour kit for my husband and myself. Instead of backpacks, it is a rolling duffle bag. In addition to that, I have our 72 hour food packed in a small softsided cooler. Mostly canned soups and easy to fix items we like. I have a sterno stove in that kit, not the best but will work for emergencies. Near those items, we have 10 water bricks we can take. Hopefully we will have time to hook up the camper which has lots of ways to meet our needs.
I am making a meal kit in a tub that has a single burner butant stove, a set of nesting pots and pans, some freeze dried meals, paper and reusable plates and bowls, a small bottle of dishwashing liquid and wash rag, Other food items like canned veggies, meals, and meats. I found these cool dish wipes on Amazon and bought some to go in both our food kits and our picnic kit. The search term to find them is “Tondiamo 150 Pcs Individually Wrapped Dish Cleaning Wipes Disposable”. I’ll have another tub or bag with cat food and dishes, plus extra harnesses and leashes for both cats.
We are living in scary times and need to be prepared at all times. With the way our elected officials in Washington, DC are fighting instead of compromising to make things work smoother for all of us, we need to be ready for anything. I wish politicians were required to do a monthly workshop with a preschool teacher on getting along with each other.
Hi Topaz, your ideas are great for your bug out bags or 72 hour kits. It’s better to have more then one that’s for sure. I’m going to look into these: “Tondiamo 150 Pcs Individually Wrapped Dish Cleaning Wipes Disposable”. They sound awesome. Linda
Yikes! I just check on adding the Kevin’s Clothespins at Amazon, $101!! For that price they should wash the laundry for you. I wonder if they are imported and the seller had to increase the price to include the tariffs.
For camping, I bought 100 clothespins from Walmart years and years ago. One of my daughters had a terrible rash everytime we put her in a disposable diaper and we had no choice but to use cloth diapers all the time. When we went camping I used an plastic tub and an old washboard to do the daily laundry. I did “cheat” a little and bought an 18 pack of cheap washclothes from Walmart and lined the diapers with that and if she pooped, I threw away the washcloth if we weren’t at the campground where I could dump the poop and rinse. That child is now 28 and I’m still using the same clothes pins. We did upgrade from a piece of rope to a retractable clothesline to hang the clothes. Doesn’t work any better, just takes up less space.
Hi Topaz, the clothespins are expensive because of the quality. They have nothing to do with the tariffs, they have always been made in the USA, they are Maple and the wood comes from the Northeast and the springs are stainless steel. She’s called the Lady Carpenter, her husband died a few years ago, and I have always supported USA companies. It took her a few years to get over the grief and get back to making them again. You will never find a better clothespin. Yours work for you, you are fortunate. It took me years to find really good ones. Thank goodness we both know how to use cloth diapers! Linda
Linda.
Did I miss the most important thing CHOCOLATE??????
I’m not making light of this, none of this is a joke but we need a little
comfort in emergency conditions. Thank you for all you do for all of us. Love
your posts. Hope all are safe.
Hi June, did I miss CHOCOLATE????? Oh my gosh, I will add it, we must all stock chocolate! Thank you for your kind words, my sweet friend. Linda
I didn’t see a sewing kit. It’s si
Please to put together. An Altoids time is great for holding needles, straight pins, and safety pins. Small pair ofscissors, some buttons. A spool of normal weight and a spool of heavy weight thread.
This should all fit into a quart size freezer bag.
Hi Jeanne, great reminder about a sewing kit, I will add it to the list, thank you!!! Linda