Buy or Die: Things to Store for Emergencies

Buy or die? There are definitely some things you need to buy and store for emergencies! The world is an unpredictable place. Natural disasters, accidents, illness, job loss, and crime can occur at any time and in any place. In the event of a major emergency or a disaster situation, you may be forced to leave your home with little notice and few supplies.

It’s important to be prepared for this type of scenario by having a stockpile of essential items that will sustain you until you are able to return home or reach other safe accommodations. Buy or die: Here are some things you should store for emergencies.

Things to Store for Emergencies

Keep in mind that I talk about a lot of things we need to store for everyday living, but there are some things to store for emergencies! These are buy-or-die sort of things. Items like water, food, shelter, and clothing are all things you’ll need to survive in a worst-case scenario.

Water

You can’t live without water for more than a few days, so it’s absolutely essential that you have a supply of clean drinking water stored away. A good rule of thumb is to have one gallon of water per day per person per The American Red Cross. I disagree, I recommend 4 gallons of water per person per day. I get thirsty thinking I can only have one gallon.

When it comes to water, we need to stay hydrated, we need to be able to cook, we need some bare essential personal hygiene care that requires water, and hopefully, there will be some left to at least clean our underwear.

WaterBricks shown above are easy to carry and store. 3.5 Gallon Water Bricks. Water Brick 1.6 gallons and Spigot

Solar Charger

If the power goes out, your phone will be one of the first things to die. A solar charger can help keep it alive, giving you a way to stay connected and informed during an emergency. You might be able to find one that is powerful enough to also charge your iPad, notebook, or laptop too. New gadgets are coming out every day, do your research and see what’s available.

Water Filter

You can live without food for weeks, but only days without water. A water filter will ensure that you have clean, safe water to drink, even if the water sources around you are contaminated. There are a lot of water filters out there, with various capacities and filtering efficiencies. My favorite one is the PortaWell. The name tells the story, check it out.

If you’re looking for a small one for every member of your family, these are great, Berkey Sport and the LifeStraw Filters.

Multitool

A multitool is a small, versatile tool that can be used for everything from opening cans to fixing broken equipment. In an emergency situation, it’s the one tool you’ll want by your side. Multitool I recommend.

Our son-in-law carries one on his belt every day, and he’ll be the first to tell you how often it’s put to use.

Fire Starter

Being able to start a fire is essential for survival in any situation. A fire starter will help you get a fire going quickly and easily, even if you don’t have any matches or lighter fluid.

Practice at home with all family members the necessary steps to effectively starting a fire, from gathering kindling, small logs, branches, and large timber. We have dry wood stored in containers, just in case.

Stainless Steel Watch 

A stainless steel watch is more than just a timepiece. It’s also a durable, reliable piece of equipment that can be used for everything from starting a fire to signaling for help.

Propane Torch 

A propane torch is a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for everything from cooking to welding. In an emergency situation, it’s an essential piece of equipment.

Be cautious how you store any fuels, including propane. We always have ours out on the back patio or in our ventilated shed.

Contractor Trash Bags 

Contractor trash bags are big, tough garbage bags that can be used for everything from storing supplies to building shelters. In an emergency situation, they’re a must-have.

During and after the emergency you’ll need a way to possibly stay dry, but also to haul off garbage. These bags a large and heavy-duty, just what you want.

Duct Tape 

Duct tape is one of the most versatile and useful products you can have on hand. In an emergency situation, it can be used for everything from repairing equipment to patching up injuries.

If you have the proper materials, you can use duct tape to help build a small shelter, bind wood together, or even make a sling or splint.

Cargo Pants & REAL Shoes

Cargo pants are comfortable, durable, and perfect for storing all your essential portable small supplies. In an emergency situation, they’ll help you keep everything you need close at hand both at home or wherever you may need to locate you and your family.

Please add some really good shoes and socks to your stash! Flip-flops and rubber shoes will not cut it!

Cargo Backpack

A cargo backpack is a perfect way to store all your essential slightly larger supplies and keep them close at hand too. In an emergency situation, it will help you stay organized and prepared.

It can actually become a small bug-out bag if necessary. Do an inventory from time to time to make sure it always has the items you feel are most critical.

Camp Ax

A camp ax is a versatile and essential tool for any survival situation. In an emergency, it can be used for everything from chopping wood, as a hammer, and to help with self-defense.

Fixed Blade Knife 

Purchasing a fixed blade knife makes sense since it’s a strong and durable knife that can be used for everything from hunting, cutting material for a shelter, performing small medical procedures as first aid, or for self-defense. In an emergency situation, it’s an essential piece of equipment. 

Emergency Whistle 

An emergency whistle is a small, but essential, piece of equipment that can be used to signal for help in an emergency situation, ward off wild animals, and stay in touch with your own family while in the wild. Emergency Whistle

Flashlight 

A flashlight is an essential piece of equipment for any survival situation. In an emergency, it can be used to signal for help, illuminate your surroundings, or simply help you find your way in the dark. Please have flashlights for every member of your family. Solar is best, but I love battery-powered ones as well. Solar Flashlights and Battery Flashlights

I bought a few boxes of these to hand out to people who would stay overnight with us. You can never have too many flashlights, right? Great Battery Flashlights

I like flashlights over candles mainly due to safety concerns. You don’t hear about homes burning down from a flashlight being left on.

Portable Generator 

A portable generator is a vital piece of equipment for any survival situation. In an emergency, it can be used to power essential tools and equipment, or simply to provide light and heat.

As mentioned above, take proper precautions when it comes to storing fuel.

First Aid Supplies

Most of us are novices when it comes to providing aid when people are hurt. Having a first aid kit and the knowledge to use the supplies inside is critical. Take some classes, and consider getting involved with your local C.E.R.T. (community emergency response team) and the training they require. Knowing how to stop bleeding, use a tourniquet, protect a deep burn, set a splint, apply CPR, and other first aid steps may make all the difference. Yes, plan to be prepared!

What do you store for Disasters?

Everyone stores different things, but there are some common items that everyone should have. Water, food, shelter, and clothing are all essential for survival in a worst-case scenario.

When did the interest in prepping get bigger?

Prepping has been gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people become interested in being prepared for emergencies. The interest in prepping often spikes after major disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, as people realize the importance of being prepared.

What items do preppers forget?

Preppers often forget items like legal documents, ID’s, photos, cash, extra batteries, and first aid supplies. These items are essential for survival in an emergency and should be included in your disaster plan.

Tips for Getting Started with Prepping Right Away 

• Start with the basics: water, food, shelter, and clothing. These are the essentials for survival in any situation.
• Make a list of what you need and where you can get it. Planning ahead is essential for being prepared in an emergency.
• Get involved in your local community. There are often prepping groups or events that you can attend to learn more and meet other preppers. Having a like-minded network in your community is very comforting and can make a real difference when things get tough.
• Educate yourself on different survival skills. Learning how to build a fire, purify water, find your way in the wild, or signal for help could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

The most important thing is to get started right away. The sooner you start prepping, the better prepared you’ll be in an emergency.

Final Word

There are several items that if you don’t prep, you could easily die. These buy-or-die things to store for emergencies are essential. My best advice is to start prepping NOW so that you don’t have to think about these things in an emergency, you’ll just have them ready to go. May God Bless this world, Linda