When it comes to emergency preparedness, most preppers focus on the basics: food, water, shelter, and security. These are undeniably critical, but survival in a crisis often hinges on the little things—items that are easily overlooked but can make a significant difference in comfort, health, and overall resilience
In a disaster scenario, life becomes unpredictable. The conveniences of modern living—like running water, electricity, and easy access to stores—disappear overnight. While having a stockpile of canned food and bottled water is a great start, it’s the less obvious items that can help you adapt to the challenges of a disrupted world. For example:
- A simple toothache can become a debilitating problem without proper dental care supplies.
- Spices and condiments can transform bland survival meals into something more enjoyable, boosting morale.
- Entertainment items like books or games can provide a mental escape during stressful times, helping to maintain emotional well-being.
Preppers often focus on immediate physical needs, but long-term survival requires a more holistic approach. Overlooked items can address hidden vulnerabilities, such as mental health, hygiene, and the ability to repair or improvise tools and clothing. By thinking beyond the basics, you can build a more robust and adaptable preparedness plan.
10 Overlooked Supplies
1. Dental Care Supplies
When disaster strikes, dental health is rarely at the top of anyone’s mind. However, dental issues like toothaches, broken teeth, or gum infections can quickly escalate into serious problems, especially when access to professional dental care is unavailable.
Pain from dental problems can be debilitating, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus on survival tasks. In extreme cases, untreated infections can lead to life-threatening complications.
Dental care supplies are an essential but often overlooked part of any prepper’s stockpile. While they may not seem as critical as food or water, having the right tools and products on hand can prevent minor issues from becoming major emergencies.
Stockpiling Toothpaste, Floss, and Temporary Fillings
Here are some key dental care items to include in your emergency preparedness kit:
- Toothpaste and Toothbrushes: Stock up on enough toothpaste and toothbrushes for your household. Consider travel-sized options for portability.
- Dental Floss: Floss is not only essential for oral hygiene but can also be used for sewing, fishing, or even as a makeshift tripwire in a survival situation.
- Temporary Dental Filling Kits: These kits, available at most pharmacies, can provide a temporary solution for cavities or lost fillings.
- Mouthwash: Alcohol-based mouthwash can double as a disinfectant for minor wounds.
- Clove Oil: A natural remedy for tooth pain, clove oil can provide temporary relief for toothaches.
- Dental Tools: Tweezers, dental picks, and small mirrors can help address minor dental issues at home.
DIY Dental Care in a Survival Scenario
In a long-term emergency, professional dental care may not be an option. Here are some tips for managing dental health when you’re on your own:
- Prevention is Key: Regular brushing and flossing can prevent most dental problems. Make oral hygiene a priority, even in a crisis.
- Saltwater Rinse: A simple saltwater solution can help clean wounds, reduce inflammation, and soothe gum pain.
- Improvised Pain Relief: If you run out of clove oil, a cold compress or over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage tooth pain.
- Know Your Limits: While temporary fixes can help, some issues (like abscesses or severe infections) require professional care. If possible, seek help from a dentist or medical professional.
Dental care supplies are a small but vital part of any prepper’s stockpile. If you include these supplies in your emergency kit, you can prevent minor dental issues from becoming major problems and ensure that you and your family stay healthy and functional in a crisis.
3. Spices and Condiments
In an emergency, food is often reduced to its most basic function: providing calories and nutrients to keep you alive. But food is more than just fuel—it’s a source of comfort, joy, and normalcy.
Bland, repetitive meals can take a toll on morale, especially during prolonged crises. This is where spices and condiments come in. While they may seem like luxuries, these flavor-enhancing items can make a world of difference in maintaining mental well-being and making survival meals more enjoyable.
Long-Term Storage Options for Spices
Spices and condiments are incredibly shelf-stable, making them ideal for long-term storage. Here’s how to stockpile them effectively:
- Whole Spices: Whole spices like peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, and cloves have a longer shelf life than ground spices and can be ground as needed.
- Dried Herbs: Herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary retain their flavor for years when stored in a cool, dark place.
- Salt: A must-have for both flavor and food preservation, salt is a non-negotiable item in any prepper’s pantry.
- Condiments: Items like soy sauce, hot sauce, and vinegar have long shelf lives and can add variety to meals.
- Honey: Not only is honey a natural sweetener, but it also has antibacterial properties and never spoils.
Store spices and condiments in airtight containers away from heat and light to maximize their shelf life. Consider vacuum-sealing smaller portions to prevent waste.
Creative Uses for Condiments Beyond Cooking
Spices and condiments aren’t just for food—they can also serve practical purposes in a survival scenario:
- Vinegar: Use as a natural cleaner, disinfectant, or weed killer. It can also be mixed with baking soda to create a non-toxic drain cleaner.
- Salt: Preserve food, melt ice, or use it as an abrasive cleaner.
- Hot Sauce: Its capsaicin content can deter pests or even be used as a makeshift pepper spray.
- Honey: Apply to wounds as a natural antibacterial ointment or use as a cough suppressant when mixed with warm water and lemon.
In a crisis, maintaining a sense of normalcy is crucial for mental health. A simple meal seasoned with familiar flavors can provide comfort and remind you of better times. Additionally, spices and condiments can make less palatable survival foods (like rice, beans, or canned vegetables) more enjoyable, ensuring you get the nutrition you need without dreading mealtime.
3. Entertainment and Mental Stimulation
Mental health is just as critical to survival as any items you might have stockpiled already. Prolonged stress, isolation, and boredom can take a significant toll on morale, leading to anxiety, depression, and even conflict within groups.
Entertainment and mental stimulation are essential components of any preparedness plan. While they may seem like luxuries, these items can provide a much-needed escape, boost morale, and help maintain a sense of normalcy during challenging times.
Stockpiling Books, Games, and Musical Instruments
Here are some items to consider adding to your emergency stockpile to keep your mind engaged and spirits high:
- Books: Physical books are ideal since they don’t require electricity. Choose a mix of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and practical guides (e.g., survival manuals, cookbooks, or gardening books).
- Board Games and Card Games: These are great for group activities and can help strengthen bonds with family or community members.
- Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, and Sudoku can provide hours of mental stimulation and relaxation.
- Musical Instruments: If you or someone in your group plays an instrument, consider including a lightweight, portable option like a harmonica, ukulele, or small drum.
- Art Supplies: Sketchpads, colored pencils, and journals can provide a creative outlet for stress relief.
- Craft Kits: Knitting, sewing, or woodworking supplies can keep hands busy and minds focused.
How Boredom Can Impact Morale
Boredom is more than just an annoyance—it can have serious consequences in a survival scenario:
- Decreased Motivation: A lack of mental stimulation can lead to apathy, making it harder to complete essential tasks.
- Increased Tension: Boredom can exacerbate stress and lead to conflicts within groups.
- Mental Fatigue: Without breaks or distractions, the constant pressure of survival can become overwhelming.
Entertainment items provide a necessary mental break, allowing you to recharge and approach challenges with a clearer mind.
Creative Ways to Stay Entertained
If you don’t have space for a large stockpile of entertainment items, get creative with what you have:
- Storytelling: Share stories, memories, or create fictional tales as a group activity.
- Nature Exploration: Use downtime to learn about local plants, wildlife, or survival skills.
- Exercise: Physical activity, like yoga or calisthenics, can boost both physical and mental health.
- Skill-Building: Use the time to teach or learn new skills, such as knot-tying, foraging, or first aid.
Entertainment and mental stimulation are often overlooked in emergency preparedness, but they play a vital role in maintaining morale and mental health.
4. Sewing and Repair Kits
In a survival scenario, clothing and gear are your first line of defense against the elements. Torn clothing, broken straps, or damaged equipment can quickly become more than just an inconvenience—they can compromise your safety and comfort. With the right tools and skills, you can extend the life of your clothing, repair gear, and even improvise solutions to unexpected problems.
Essential Items: Needles, Thread, and Patches
A well-stocked sewing and repair kit doesn’t take up much space but can be a lifesaver in a crisis. Here’s what to include:
- Needles: A variety of sizes for different fabrics and tasks.
- Thread: Strong, durable thread in multiple colors, with an emphasis on neutral tones like black, white, and tan.
- Patches: Fabric patches or iron-on adhesive patches for quick repairs.
- Buttons and Zippers: Spare buttons and zippers can save a favorite piece of clothing or gear.
- Safety Pins: Versatile and useful for quick fixes or makeshift solutions.
- Scissors: Small, sharp scissors for cutting fabric or thread.
- Duct Tape: While not a traditional sewing item, duct tape can temporarily fix tears or reinforce weak areas.
- Thimble: Protects your fingers when pushing needles through tough materials.
Repairing Gear and Improvising Solutions
A sewing and repair kit isn’t just for fixing clothes—it can also be used to repair gear and solve unexpected problems:
- Tent and Sleeping Bag Repairs: Patch holes in tents or sleeping bags to stay dry and warm.
- Backpack Repairs: Fix broken straps or reinforce worn areas on backpacks.
- Improvised Tools: Use thread and fabric to create makeshift slings, bandages, or even fishing nets.
- Crafting: Sewing skills can be used to create items like pouches, blankets, or even clothing from available materials.
The ability to repair and maintain your clothing and gear can save you time, money, and resources. Learning basic sewing skills before a crisis hits will make you more self-reliant and better prepared to handle unexpected challenges. Even if you’re not an expert, having the right tools on hand can make a big difference.
5. Cash in Small Denominations
In a disaster or emergency, modern conveniences like credit cards, ATMs, and digital payment systems may become unavailable. Power outages, network failures, or bank closures can leave you without access to your money. Cash is universally accepted and can be used to purchase essential supplies, pay for services, or even barter in a pinch.
The Practicality of Small Bills for Bartering
While having cash on hand is important, the type of cash matters just as much. Large bills (like 50or50or100) can be difficult to break, especially in a crisis where change may be scarce. Small denominations (like 1,1,5, and $10 bills) are far more practical for everyday transactions and bartering. Here’s why:
- Flexibility: Small bills allow you to pay for items without overpaying or relying on others to make change.
- Bartering Power: In a post-crisis economy, cash may still hold value, but smaller bills make it easier to negotiate and trade for goods or services.
- Low Profile: Using small bills is less conspicuous than flashing large amounts of cash, reducing the risk of theft or unwanted attention.
Storing Cash Safely and Securely
When stockpiling cash, it’s important to store it in a way that keeps it safe, dry, and accessible:
- Waterproof Containers: Use waterproof bags or containers to protect cash from moisture and damage.
- Hidden Locations: Store cash in multiple hidden locations to reduce the risk of losing everything in a single theft or disaster.
- Fireproof Safes: Consider a small fireproof safe for storing larger amounts of cash and important documents.
- Portable Options: Keep a small amount of cash in your bug-out bag or emergency kit for immediate access.
How Much Cash Should You Keep?
The amount of cash to stockpile depends on your individual needs and circumstances, but here are some general guidelines:
- Short-Term Emergencies: 100–100–300 in small bills for immediate needs like food, fuel, or supplies.
- Long-Term Crises: $1,000 or more, distributed in small denominations, for extended emergencies or bartering.
- Personal Comfort Level: Consider your family size, location, and potential risks when deciding how much cash to keep on hand.
Cash in small denominations is a simple but powerful tool for emergency preparedness. It provides flexibility, security, and peace of mind when modern payment systems fail. Remember, in a crisis, cash isn’t just money—it’s a lifeline.
6. Manuals and Reference Books
In our modern world, we rely heavily on the internet for instant access to information. But in a disaster or long-term emergency, the internet may be unavailable, leaving you without answers to critical questions. Having physical copies of important guides and resources ensures that you have the knowledge you need to solve problems, make decisions, and stay self-reliant when technology fails.
Essential Titles for Medical, Mechanical, and Survival Skills
Here are some must-have manuals and reference books to include in your emergency library:
- Medical Guides:
- The Home Doctor by Dr. Maybell Nieves: A comprehensive guide to treating illnesses and injuries in remote or resource-limited settings.
- The Survival Medicine Manual by Dr. Radu Scurtu: A practical guide to managing medical emergencies when professional help isn’t available.
- Survival Skills:
- SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman: A classic guide to wilderness survival, covering everything from shelter-building to navigation.
- SPEC OPS Bushcrafting by Brian Morris: A practical handbook for wilderness living and self-reliance.
- Mechanical and Repair Guides:
- Automotive Essentials: The Foundation for Vehicle Care and Repair by Gary Pontious: A manual for maintaining and repairing vehicles.
- The Self-Sufficient Backyard by Ron and Johanna Melchiore: A guide to building essential structures and tools for self-sufficiency.
- Gardening and Food Preservation:
- The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery: A comprehensive resource for homesteading, gardening, and food preservation.
- The Lost Survival Foods by Claude Davis: A guide to canning, freezing, and drying food for long-term storage.
Creating a Personal Library for Long-Term Preparedness
When building your emergency library, consider the following tips:
- Diversity: Include books on a wide range of topics, from first aid to gardening to mechanical repairs.
- Durability: Choose hardcover or laminated books that can withstand wear and tear.
- Portability: For bug-out bags or mobile kits, consider smaller, condensed guides or photocopies of essential pages.
- Personalization: Tailor your library to your specific needs, skills, and environment. For example, if you live in a cold climate, include guides on winter survival.
Why Reference Books Matter
In a crisis, knowledge is power. Reference books provide step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and expert advice that can help you:
- Treat injuries or illnesses when medical help is unavailable.
- Build shelters, start fires, or find clean water in the wilderness.
- Repair vehicles, tools, or equipment to keep them functional.
- Grow food, preserve harvests, and maintain self-sufficiency.
Manuals and reference books provide the knowledge and confidence needed to tackle challenges and stay self-reliant in a crisis. Remember, in an emergency, the right book can be just as important as the right tool.
7. Seeds and Gardening Tools
In a prolonged crisis, food supplies may run low, and access to grocery stores or supply chains could be cut off. While many preppers focus on stockpiling canned and dried foods, the ability to grow your own food ensures a sustainable and renewable source of nutrition. Gardening not only provides fresh produce but also offers a sense of purpose and self-reliance during challenging times.
Choosing Heirloom Seeds for Sustainability
When selecting seeds for your emergency stockpile, opt for heirloom varieties rather than hybrid seeds. Here’s why:
- Seed Saving: Heirloom plants produce seeds that can be saved and replanted, ensuring a continuous food supply. Hybrid seeds, on the other hand, often produce sterile plants or seeds that don’t grow true to the parent plant.
- Adaptability: Heirloom seeds are often more resilient and better adapted to local growing conditions.
- Nutritional Value: Many heirloom varieties are richer in nutrients and flavor compared to commercially grown hybrids.
Some essential heirloom seeds to consider include:
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, beans, carrots, lettuce, and peppers.
- Grains: Wheat, corn, and quinoa.
- Herbs: Basil, cilantro, and oregano.
- Fruits: Strawberries, melons, and squash.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place, preferably in airtight containers or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to extend their shelf life.
Essential Tools for Urban and Rural Gardening
Whether you have a backyard garden or a small urban balcony, having the right tools is key to successful gardening. Here’s a list of essential gardening tools to include in your stockpile:
- Hand Trowel and Spade: For planting, digging, and transplanting.
- Pruning Shears: For trimming plants and harvesting produce.
- Garden Gloves: To protect your hands from thorns, dirt, and blisters.
- Watering Can or Hose: For efficient watering, especially in areas without reliable rainfall.
- Compost Bin: To create nutrient-rich soil from kitchen scraps and yard waste.
- Seed Trays and Pots: For starting seeds indoors or in small spaces.
- Mulch and Fertilizer: To retain soil moisture and provide essential nutrients.
Gardening in Limited Spaces
If you don’t have access to a large garden, don’t worry—gardening is still possible in small spaces:
- Container Gardening: Use pots, buckets, or raised beds to grow vegetables and herbs on patios, balconies, or rooftops.
- Vertical Gardening: Maximize space by growing plants on trellises, walls, or hanging baskets.
- Community Gardens: If space is limited, consider joining or starting a community garden to share resources and knowledge.
Why Gardening Matters
Growing your own food offers numerous benefits in a survival scenario:
- Food Security: A steady supply of fresh produce reduces reliance on external food sources.
- Cost Savings: Growing your own food can save money, especially during times of inflation or scarcity.
- Mental Health: Gardening is a therapeutic activity that reduces stress and provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Skill Development: Learning to grow food is a valuable skill that can be passed down to future generations.
Seeds and gardening tools are a vital but often overlooked part of emergency preparedness. Whether you have acres of land or just a small balcony, gardening is a powerful way to take control of your food supply and build resilience for the future.
8. Spare Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
For those who rely on glasses or contact lenses, vision correction is a daily necessity—yet it’s often overlooked in emergency preparedness plans. In a crisis, losing or damaging your glasses or running out of contact lenses can be more than just an inconvenience; it can severely impact your ability to perform essential tasks, navigate safely, or even recognize potential threats.
Storing Prescription Glasses and Backup Solutions
If you depend on glasses or contacts, here’s how to ensure you’re prepared for emergencies:
- Spare Eyeglasses: Keep at least one extra pair of prescription glasses in your emergency kit. Choose a durable, lightweight frame that can withstand rough conditions.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contacts, stockpile a supply of daily or monthly lenses, along with enough cleaning solution to last several months.
- Prescription Sunglasses: If you spend time outdoors, consider adding prescription sunglasses to your kit for eye protection and vision correction.
- Repair Kits: Include a small eyeglass repair kit with spare screws, nose pads, and a mini screwdriver.
- Non-Prescription Alternatives: As a last resort, keep a pair of non-prescription reading glasses or magnifying lenses that can help with close-up tasks.
Improvising Eye Care in a Pinch
In a survival scenario, you may need to improvise solutions for vision-related challenges:
- Protecting Your Eyes: Sunglasses or safety goggles can protect your eyes from dust, debris, and UV rays, especially in harsh environments.
- Cleaning Solutions: If you run out of contact lens solution, saline solution or boiled (and cooled) water can be used in emergencies.
- DIY Repairs: Use tape or string to temporarily fix broken glasses until you can access professional repairs.
Why Vision Correction Matters
Clear vision is essential for many survival tasks, including:
- Navigation: Reading maps, compasses, or signs.
- Safety: Identifying hazards, threats, or approaching individuals.
- Daily Tasks: Cooking, repairing equipment, or administering first aid.
Without proper vision correction, these tasks become significantly more difficult—and in some cases, dangerous. Spare eyeglasses and contact lenses are a small but vital part of any prepper’s stockpile.
9. Multi-Purpose Household Items (Duct Tape, Zip Ties, and Safety Pins)
When preparing for emergencies, it’s easy to focus on specialized gear and supplies. However, some of the most useful items are already in your home. Duct tape, zip ties, and safety pins are incredibly versatile items and can be used in countless ways to solve problems, make repairs, and improvise solutions in a crisis. These items are lightweight, affordable, and easy to store, making them a must-have for any prepper’s stockpile.
Creative Uses for Duct Tape and Zip Ties in Survival Situations
Here’s how these everyday items can become lifesavers in an emergency:
- Duct Tape:
- Repairs: Fix torn tents, patch holes in tarps, or repair broken gear.
- Medical Uses: Create makeshift bandages or secure splints.
- Tools: Use it to mark trails, label supplies, or even create a makeshift rope.
- Shelter: Reinforce shelters or seal windows and doors against drafts.
- Zip Ties:
- Restraints: Secure gear, bundle items, or create temporary handcuffs in a security situation.
- Repairs: Fix broken straps, secure loose parts, or create makeshift handles.
- Organization: Use them to keep cords, tools, or supplies neatly organized.
- Safety Pins:
- Clothing Repairs: Fix torn clothing or secure loose buttons.
- First Aid: Use as a splinter remover or to secure bandages.
- Improvised Tools: Create a fishing hook, fasten gear, or even pick a simple lock.
Why Safety Pins Are a Prepper’s Best Friend
Safety pins are one of the most underrated items in emergency preparedness. Their small size and versatility make them invaluable for quick fixes and creative solutions. Here are a few more ways to use them:
- Shelter Building: Use safety pins to secure tarps or blankets for makeshift shelters.
- Fire Starting: Combine with cotton balls and petroleum jelly to create a fire-starting kit.
- Water Collection: Use to secure a plastic bag to a tree branch for collecting rainwater.
Stockpiling Multi-Purpose Items
When adding these items to your emergency kit, consider the following:
- Quantity: Stock up on multiple rolls of duct tape, packs of zip ties, and boxes of safety pins.
- Quality: Choose high-quality, durable products that can withstand tough conditions.
- Accessibility: Store these items in multiple locations, including your bug-out bag, vehicle kit, and home stockpile.
Multi-purpose household items like duct tape, zip ties, and safety pins are the unsung heroes of emergency preparedness. Their versatility, affordability, and ease of use make them indispensable for solving problems and improvising solutions in a crisis.
10. Office Supplies (Paper, Pens, and Notebooks)
In a crisis, communication and organization become more critical than ever. These simple tools can play a vital role in staying organized, documenting important information, and maintaining communication when technology fails. Whether you’re tracking supplies, mapping escape routes, or journaling your experiences, office supplies are an essential addition to any preparedness plan.
Uses for Paper and Writing Tools Beyond Communication
Office supplies are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways during an emergency:
- Documentation: Keep records of food and water usage, medical treatments, or inventory levels.
- Mapping: Draw maps of your area, mark safe routes, or note locations of resources like water sources or shelters.
- Communication: Leave notes for family members or neighbors if you’re separated or need to relay important information.
- Journaling: Document your experiences, emotions, and lessons learned during the crisis. This can be therapeutic and provide valuable insights for future preparedness.
- Education: Use notebooks to teach children or practice new skills like language learning or survival techniques.
In a world reliant on digital devices, it’s easy to forget the value of analog tools. However, in a disaster, power outages or damaged electronics can render smartphones, tablets, and computers useless. Office supplies provide a reliable, low-tech solution for staying organized and informed. Additionally, they are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to store, making them a practical addition to any emergency kit.
What to Include in Your Office Supplies Kit
Here’s a list of essential office supplies to stockpile:
- Notebooks: Durable, weather-resistant notebooks or waterproof paper for writing in wet conditions.
- Pens and Pencils: Include both ballpoint pens (which work in most conditions) and mechanical pencils (which don’t require sharpening).
- Markers and Highlighters: Useful for labeling supplies, creating signs, or marking important information.
- Sticky Notes: Great for temporary labels or reminders.
- Ruler and Protractor: Helpful for drawing maps or diagrams.
- Stapler and Paper Clips: For organizing documents or securing papers.
- Calculator: A small, battery-powered calculator for basic math tasks.
Creative Uses for Office Supplies in Survival Situations
Beyond their traditional uses, office supplies can be repurposed in creative ways:
- Fire Starting: Use paper as tinder to help start a fire.
- Signaling: Write messages on large pieces of paper to signal for help.
- Insulation: Crumpled paper can be used as insulation in clothing or shelters.
- Crafting: Create makeshift tools or toys using paper, pens, and other supplies.
Office supplies may not seem like a priority in emergency preparedness, but their versatility and practicality make them an invaluable resource.
Conclusion
When it comes to emergency preparedness, it’s easy to focus on the basics: food, water, shelter, and security. While these are undeniably critical, true resilience requires thinking beyond the obvious. The items listed in this article may not seem essential at first glance, but they play a vital role in maintaining comfort, health, and functionality during emergencies.
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