Preps

[outdoorsfan]

Lately I've been trying to build up a small stockpile of food and other items to help insulate my family from potential emergencies, shortages, weather events, financial issues, etc. This is not really an end of days kind of thing nor meant (at this point) to carry us through more than a short term issue (30 days or less). I've also taken a slow approach, spending somewhere in the neighborhood of around $20 a week in addition to our normal grocery and supply purchases.

I chose a small area in the basement for storage and this picture does not include my purchases this past weekend which were fairly significant (had a bunch of gift cards for Target as well as a 10% off the top discount card which, when combined with the gift cards and other sales knocked about $100 off the $250 total). Added several big packs of paper goods (towels, TP, plates, etc.) as well as 5 gallons of bleach and a bunch of cleaning supplies. I also have about 20 gallons of water and five cases of bottled water as well.

There are other areas that I am adding to such as ammo, emergency gear (batteries, candles, water purification, propane, etc, etc.) and various barter and financial preps. In addition to emergency supplies, I have also been taking some free online classes on things like first aid and related first responder-type topics to bolster my training and knowledge.

Curious if any of you guys do something along these lines and what choices have you made or situations that you are specifically at risk for?

Here's my little area so far as of over a week ago. As I said, I've added an additional shelving unit (which is already pretty much full) as well as adding more canned goods to this rack.

 

[JK Knives]

It`s a good idea, and since all of it is usable for every day use, not a waste of money. So far, I have not been able to stockpile much, finances just don`t allow for it right now. We do buy stuff like paper towels and stuff at Sam`s in bulk, and I always buy AA batteries when I see a good deal, all my flashlights use them.

 

[jds1]

Good stuff Sean! I've been MEANING to do this for years.

Jeff

 

[outdoorsfan]

It`s a good idea, and since all of it is usable for every day use, not a waste of money. So far, I have not been able to stockpile much, finances just don`t allow for it right now. We do buy stuff like paper towels and stuff at Sam`s in bulk, and I always buy AA batteries when I see a good deal, all my flashlights use them.

That was one of the big ideas behind this shorter term approach. It has to be mainly stuff that we already use on a daily basis. While we don't eat a ton of spam it does last a long time and I will enjoy some spam and eggs one morning next year.

 

[outdoorsfan]

Good stuff Sean! I've been MEANING to do this for years.

Jeff

It's actually been kinda fun to choose what to buy and watch the stocks grow over the month or so I've been doing it. $20 at a time is pretty easy to swallow for the budget as well.

 

[outdoorsfan]

Good stuff Sean! I've been MEANING to do this for years.

Jeff

It's actually been kinda fun to choose what to buy and watch the stocks grow over the month or so I've been doing it. $20 at a time is pretty easy to swallow for the budget as well.

 

[KYenglish]

neat idea, thought of building up a food pile before, I like the idea of doing it a little at a time, apart from the vast store of caned goods I think every house builds up I'm afraid we are unprepared, we do garden (for our vegetables during the summer) though

 

[B JACKSON]

More Spam

 

[outdoorsfan]

More Spam

Can never have enough spam...never ever

 

[bravodelta]

Much better to buy powdered 70% pool shock (calcium hypo) without any additives. The liquid bleach loses almost all of its potency within 4-6 months. The powder when stored properly lasts a very long time and a pound or two will purify thousands of gallons.

 

[outdoorsfan]

Much better to buy powdered 70% pool shock (calcium hypo) without any additives. The liquid bleach loses almost all of its potency within 4-6 months. The powder when stored properly lasts a very long time and a pound or two will purify thousands of gallons.

I've read about that and plan on picking some up. We use quite a bit of bleach around the house so I will go through it in less than two months. Great tip

 

[TPVT]

I recently started this as well. So far, i have 13 bottles of rum and a box of slim jims. after seeing your post, i may need to reconsider how i am doing this.

Hi guys!

 

[grunt soldier]

I do a bit of this myself. It's a bit easier for me because I'm a extreme couponer. it takes a decent amount of work but is so worth it. I love walking out of the store with all the stuff I need and them actually paying me money lol.

Don't under estimate the power of coupons and sales! they will help you a ton.

 

[outdoorsfan]

I recently started this as well. So far, i have 13 bottles of rum and a box of slim jims. after seeing your post, i may need to reconsider how i am doing this.

Hi guys!

Well they say store what you eat so...

 

[outdoorsfan]

I do a bit of this myself. It's a bit easier for me because I'm a extreme couponer. it takes a decent amount of work but is so worth it. I love walking out of the store with all the stuff I need and them actually paying me money lol.

Don't under estimate the power of coupons and sales! they will help you a ton.

They sure helped this weekend. I may have to look into using them more.

 

[RWT]

I a old enough that when Y2K hit I was concerned enough to stock up on basics. I did the same as you purchasing additional items every week at the store. I'm number one item was TP. It never expires, is always useful and will be worth it's weight in gold about 30 days into a crisis.

 

[Pennanngalan]

I a old enough that when Y2K hit I was concerned enough to stock up on basics. I did the same as you purchasing additional items every week at the store. I'm number one item was TP. It never expires, is always useful and will be worth it's weight in gold about 30 days into a crisis.

Kinda reminds me of my grandfather... The episode of Johnny Carson where he told America that the special tree from which toilet paper is produced (no other wood could be used ) is endangered and just about extinct, scarred him for life. He bought TP 4 cases at a time after that. Sometimes a person had to compress the "wall o' paper" just to get situated on the throne. Aaahhhh... the things some people focus on....

 

[glennbad]

I usually have extra water on hand, but it gets used up. Don't really sock away any extra food, but I agree it is a good idea to have extra stuff just in case. We tend not to worry about it cause the store is always open. One day it may not be...

 

[mqqn]

One thing I can add from our recent experience here in Central Illinois -

Put some SHOES down in your basement where you will take shelter in case of a tornado -

You will want some shoes to put on as there will be splintered wood, broken glass and a mine-field of nails and screws to walk around in.

Many people here were in their bare feet when they took cover, and then had no shoes when the tornado passed.

Just another hint of something you will need.

best

mqqn

 

[JK Knives]

Couple of other things I did not see mentioned, are a shovel, axe and long prybar. It`s always possible to may need to get out from under rubble.