[MSP]

We've had some of these threads in the past, but given the power outage here in Cincinnati and the national economic crisis I'm finally ready to get off my ass and stock up on some essentials. I still don't think I'll ever need any of this stuff, but to have no backup plans at all is pretty foolish.

Food: Anyone have a vendor they would recommend? I've found this guy on eBay and was planning on getting 6-8 of these kits unless I found something better: New 3 Month EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY BUCKET 275 Servings * - eBay (item 170268564460 end time Oct-09-08 11:14:27 PDT)

First Aid: On the low end I was thinking about a basic Red Cross kit such as this (Red Cross Store) but this one looks even better (72 Hour 2 Person Deluxe Survival Emergency Kit - eBay (item 160287751218 end time Oct-27-08 20:20:21 PDT)) In addition to first aid it has water, water purification tabs, and some energy bars, etc. All in a grab-and-go bag, very handy.

Protection: Guns and ammo are in order. I'll likely pick up an extra case of ammo though.

Heat and cooking: Propane stoves and firewood on hand would keep me in business for a few weeks, long enough for me to procure some more. Plus the rations can be eaten raw.

Am I missing anything? Any substitutions or suggestions? I want a minimum of 3 months worth of food stored with a maximum shelf life, 10+ years at least. I haven't lost my senses, the end of the world isn't upon us or anything. I just want to be able to provide for my family in the event of a disaster.

[Lord Kain]

hhaha.. that food supply bucket is disgusting! Do you think it would be best to maybe getting less of the buckets and stocking up on canned food with a good conservation period?

[MSP]

Hey, it's basic sustenance that I don't have to think about for a while. 20 years shelf life is pretty impressive. The truth is that if I came up with a system that required constant rotation and such it wouldn't get done at all. I just want to keep everybody alive!

Anyway, turns out Costco had the same kit with free shipping. One's on the way to see if I like the looks of everything. If so I'll be ordering a bunch more. And the wife picked up that Red Cross first aid kit already.

[Jishory]

How about a tent and sleeping bags. Instead of the iodine tabs get one of those backpacking water filters. AMMO?! How about a way to cure meat? I'd imagine survival is like camping permanently. Shit even bicycles if there is no gasoline to be had for your car.

[MSP]

Backpacks, sleeping bags, water filtration, and bicycles I have. A big tub of salt isn't a bad idea though, I'll add that to my list.

[smirnoff]

One tip for any piece of survival equipment: Be familiar with it and practice using it so you're not scratching your head, wasting time, on the day.

Magnesium fire starters, for example, aren't really that easy to use in my experience (unless mine was of lower quality) but they are often included in survival packs. I discovered I had to be quite aggressive with my hatchet and gouge out large chunks of the magnesium when striking to get a long lasting enough ember to work with. Took about 10 minutes of me fooling around to learn the knack and get a fire going.

[MSP]

I'm looking for water storage at this point.

[Jackalope]

that 72 hour kit seems like a good deal, most of the things I was going to suggest were already included.

I'd say get more nylon lashing rope, a hatchet, and more candles, especially the emergency ones.

Maybe some nylon fishing line and some hooks? not sure if you are in an area with lakes, but you can never be too safe. plus fishing line and hooks are multitaskers.

Also a book on lashing, rope tying, or just general camping.

Also wouldn't hurt to pick up some literature about hunting, fishing, cleaning, skinning and tanning.

I remember doing a wilderness survival hike in Louisanna a few years ago, learned a LOT. My group was in the swamp scenario. we had to hike 20 miles to the site, build a platform shelter, start a soaking wet fire, purify terribly nasty swamp water, and snare, clean and cook game. It was a great experience.

[ShabazKillaX]

1 Case (12 Meals) of Menu C Military MRE's with Heaters

These meals were custom ordered by a US Military Contractor (who shall remain nameless for legal reasons) working for the Government providing convoy security in Iraq, but due to increased restrictions in their operating rules of engagement and foreign oversight, they are scaling back their Middle Eastern operations.

Hmm, Blackwater perhaps?

That site also has canned freeze dried food, survival gear, etc.

Edit: Even better - http://www.mredepot.com/servlet/the-...l?sfs=2718c838

[hans5849]

Condoms. You don't want to be having a kid in the middle of an emergency.

[ShabazKillaX]

Originally Posted by hans5849

Condoms. You don't want to be having a kid in the middle of an emergency.

Or go IDB to save some cash

[MSP]

The trouble with MREs is the cost. To stock my basement with MREs would cost a fortune - over $7,000 to fulfill my minimum requirement. Those five gallon tubs of freeze dried stuff are pretty tough to beat. Would it taste as good as an MRE? Unlikely, but it'll keep us alive.

[crowchaser]

if you have pets make sure to stock up for them too, if you want them to survive

[MSP]

Originally Posted by crowchaser

if you have pets make sure to stock up for them too, if you want them to survive

Good point. But I'm going to stock more food than we'll need for 3 months, so he can eat what we eat or go hungry. We probably keep a months worth of cat food around anyway.

[hans5849]

Originally Posted by MSP

Good point. But I'm going to stock more food than we'll need for 3 months, so he can eat what we eat or go hungry. We probably keep a months worth of cat food around anyway.

Or eat the pets.

[mistawiskas]

A solar battery charger and a power tank w/2 outlet inverter. A 12v TV and a radio. When the shit comes down, you'll want to know what's happening on the outside world.
Yoyu have young-uns, something to help them get thier minds off of emergency survival
would benefit thier mental state. things like uno cards, puzzles, games etc. reading and writing materials and emergemncy flares, you'll never know when you may need them. a way to start fires is a must. There are non chemical means that would be real handy to learn. Tarps, plastic sheeting and wood working tools are handy for a prolonged societal
crap fest.

has anyone ever given any thought to how they'd provide trade/income for thier families if a "jerrico" type event took place. In that scenario power is non existent. what can you provide as a service to barter for? It's not a bad idea to educate oneself and become profitient at a basic task oriented job. Myself, i can build anything, bake bread in a wood hearth oven (that i know how to make) hunt, fish, horticulture, machinist, mechanic, build electronics for power generation, build generators out of nothing but junk. Pass down the codes, turn the keys and push them friggin buttons........I'm ready!

[Torx]

has anyone said condoms?

[Jishory]

Fleshlight with multiple inserts

[Jackalope]

Originally Posted by Jishory

Fleshlight with multiple inserts

It's like a different post apocalyptic girl/mutant every night!

[freeridemusik]

Sounds like you have some good plans going MSP which is good since you have a family and all. I once had to negotiate with an MRE company (I think star MRE'S online), for upwards of 300k MRE's for a army in South America (US Ally) and they were super flexible on the price. Sure I was going for mass quantity but initially we were just talking 1000's and they were bending on price. So haggle if you have to.

As far as my stuff goes... considering I am single, just for me.
Lots of camping gear, zero degrees sleeping bag, 3-season tent, snowshoes, hatchets, knives, rope, fire starting material, white gas stove, water filtration device, basic fishing gear, and stuff like that.

I have a lot of detailed maps on the local mountains, solar/wind up emergency radio, animal tracking, wildlife plant and a other survival type books. Compound bow and some other random things like that.

My plan would be more for a head for the hills type scenario.

Originally Posted by Jackalope

It's like a different post apocalyptic girl/mutant every night!

I can't wait! You've all seen Total Recall right? Three breasted women here I come!