Hope For The Best...Prepare For The Worst.......

I have given thought over the past few years to the question of what would happen to the citizenry of this country in a true national emergency---a situation where there is no electricity or gas or water available in individual homes.  What would we do?

There are a number of scenarios that could lead to such a crisis.  I'll leave that speculation to others.

Of importance to me is the incredibly important question:  WHAT WOULD WE DO?

It's funny how we just don't want to think about that.  It's odd how our first reaction to this topic is that this is a subject for the lunatic fringe, because it is insane to think that could occur in the 21st century.

On the other hand, any casual student of history will  readily testify that these circumstances have happened over and over throughout our time here on this relatively insignificant planet.  You can read history books or you can read the bible.....and the same theme of mankind being subjected to all manner of severe deprivation is present time after time.

So why wouldn't we as individuals prepare for that?  It isn't difficult.  But it sure would be difficult if we were UNprepared.

I have done some research and come up with a list of supplies to stockpile for such an emergency.  Please realize that this list pertains only to me---your needs may be far different.

---Water                                                               ---Batteries
---Canned soup, Chicken, Tuna (in oil), Chili, Fruits, Beans, Vegs, Gravy (for flavoring)
---Salt, Pepper, other spices                                 ---Coffee, Tea
---Tissues (Toilet, Kleenex, Towelettes)              ---Duct Tape
---Soap, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Laundry Detergent
---Deodorant                                                         ---Floss
---Paper Plates                                                     --- Matches (Lots!)
---Electronic Fire Starters                                     ---Candles (Lots!)
---Alcohol, Drinking Variety (excellent for bartering)
---Plastic Sheeting, Tarps (for water collection, shelter, etc)
---Water Containers                                              ---Vitamins
---Aluminum Foil                                              ---Guns and Ammo
---Bleach (a varietyof uses)                               ---Crossbow + Bolts
---Alcohol, Non-Drinking Variety                    ---Short wave Radio
---Water Purification Tabs                                ---Tang or Kool Aid
---First Aid Kit                     ---Magnifying Glass (for starting fires)
---Hand or Baby Wipes (saves water)

NOTES:  I have researched canned goods.  In general, I find that canned food that has been stored at moderate temps will be edible for long (decades) periods of time.  The color and texture may change, but the nutritional value will remain.  Most commercially available canned foods have a published shelf life of two years, but as long as the cans are not bulged, dented or otherwise damaged, the contents should remain edible.  However, it is a good idea to smell before consuming!

C-Rations, WWII Era

ANOTHER NOTE:  When I was in army basic training in 1965, I was surprised/astonished to see that the C-Rations we were consuming had a manufacture date from 1943 to 1945.  Their quality was outstanding to the point that, if I had not seen the boxes they came in with the date stamped on them, I would have thought the canned goods were new.  My favorites were the canned franks and beans and the canned fruits.  My point is---don't worry too much about spoilage if you keep the canned foods in a moderate temperature.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:  Home canned goods are said to have a much shorter life-span. 

The above is a short list.  It would be impossible to include every necessity or desire, but maybe this'll getcha' started.

Many people are stocking a little bit each month, as their budget allows.

Have you ever needed to buy a necessity right after a hurricane or ice storm?  It's quite a shock to walk into a store and see that the shelves are bare.  Well, the scenario I envision is much, much worse.