The reality of emergency preparedness hits hard when you realize that perhaps you won’t have the means to fully prepare for a disaster. In fact, prepping requires quite a lot of money in the long-run and we have to figure out ways to cut corners here and there. Even if you do have the means to buy all the stuff you assume will be needed after SHTF, did you made a backup plan for when your supplies run out?
Most folks will have to rely on scavenging to survive when there are no more supplies in their homes and while this may not be the best course of action, it does bring a temporary disaster relief. So, today we are going to discuss the most suited locations to scavenge for supplies.
If you are scavenging, you are not a looter!
Looters are fully aware that their actions will cause someone to notice the missing items. They understand that the owner will eventually come back and realize what has been taken. Because of this, looters are essentially no different from ordinary criminals.
Scavengers, on the other hand, operate under completely different circumstances. They only seek out abandoned items after society has collapsed, and they focus on things that have been discarded or are unlikely to be missed by anyone.
There may be instances where it’s necessary to take food or medicine that will be missed by others, but I believe this is justifiable if it means saving a life. However, taking supplies directly from someone’s hands is a different matter entirely.
I know some strict legalists argue that theft is always wrong, no matter the situation, but in my view, morality isn’t just a simple set of rules. People who can’t handle the morally ambiguous situations that arise in extreme circumstances are unlikely to fare well when everything falls apart.
Make a plan if you plan on scavenging
If you intend to scavenge, it’s crucial to have a solid plan in place to maximize your efforts and minimize risks. Scavenging isn’t just about randomly searching for supplies; it’s about strategically locating resources that can help you survive in the long run. Careful planning and preparation are essential to ensure that you don’t waste valuable time and energy or put yourself in unnecessary danger.
Send a scout and map out locations
Before setting out on a scavenging run, it’s wise to send a scout ahead to survey potential areas worth exploring. The scout’s primary goal is to assess the safety of each location and identify which spots are most likely to contain valuable supplies, such as food, medicine, fuel, or tools. This initial reconnaissance can save time and prevent you from wandering into hazardous or heavily guarded zones.
Mapping out these locations is equally important. Create a detailed map highlighting key areas worth checking out, along with any notable risks or obstacles. Mark any places that have already been searched, spots that seem promising, and any locations that are too dangerous to approach. This map will serve as a critical reference point for your team and help coordinate efforts effectively.
Prioritization is key
When prioritizing which mapped locations to check first, the strategy should focus on a combination of proximity and the potential abundance of resources. Start with locations that are close by and easy to access, especially if they are likely to contain essential supplies. This approach conserves energy and time, allowing you to gather what you need quickly and return to safety.
Once nearby areas have been assessed and cleared, consider locations that, while slightly farther away, offer a high likelihood of valuable resources. If you need specific items urgently, prioritize places most likely to contain those goods, even if they require a bit more effort to reach. Always weigh the potential gain against the risk involved—choosing locations where the effort is justified by the possible rewards.
Keep in mind that flexibility is key. As you gather more information, be prepared to adapt your strategy, adjusting your priorities based on what you find or any changes in the situation around you.
Locations to scavenge for supplies
Gas stations
Gas stations are valuable locations for scavenging because they are often positioned along main roads and highways, making them easy to locate and access. They are designed as convenient stops for travelers and therefore tend to stock a variety of essential supplies beyond just fuel. The compact size of gas stations allows for a quick search, and they are often situated in clusters, offering multiple opportunities for scavenging within a short distance.
At a gas station, you might find fuel, which is crucial for powering vehicles, generators, and other equipment. Additionally, many gas stations have convenience stores that stock food and drinks, such as bottled water, canned goods, snacks, and other non-perishable items. These stores might also have basic medical supplies like first aid kits, over-the-counter medications, and hygiene products. You can also find vehicle-related items like motor oil, coolant, car batteries, and tires, which are useful for maintaining vehicles. Other possible finds include maps, flashlights, batteries, and even propane canisters or other fuel types, depending on the station.
Fire stations
Fire stations are excellent locations for scavenging due to the unique range of supplies and equipment they contain, which are specifically geared towards emergency response and survival. Fire stations are typically built to withstand emergencies, meaning they often have a stockpile of essential gear that can be invaluable in a survival situation. Additionally, these locations are often equipped with backup power sources, secure storage areas, and potentially less-visited by other scavengers, making them more likely to still have resources available.
At a fire station, you can find a variety of medical supplies such as first aid kits, trauma bags, stretchers, and oxygen tanks, which are crucial for treating injuries and medical emergencies. Firefighters often have high-quality protective clothing like fire-resistant suits, gloves, helmets, and boots, which can be repurposed for protection against harsh conditions. They also store tools like axes, crowbars, and bolt cutters that can be useful for breaking into locked or barricaded areas.
Other valuable items you might find include communication devices like radios, batteries, and flashlights, as well as emergency rations, bottled water, and fuel reserves for emergency vehicles. Fire stations may also have breathing apparatus, ropes, and harnesses that could be useful for navigating through hazardous areas
Churches
Churches can be surprisingly good locations for scavenging due to their role as community centers and places of refuge, especially in times of crisis. They often serve as gathering points for donations and emergency supplies, meaning they could have a variety of useful resources. Additionally, churches are often located in easily accessible areas and may not be the first places people think to search, which could leave them relatively untouched compared to more obvious locations like stores or gas stations.
Inside a church, you may find a variety of supplies such as non-perishable food items, bottled water, and blankets, which are commonly collected for community outreach or emergency aid. Churches also frequently store basic medical supplies, including first aid kits, bandages, over-the-counter medications, and hygiene products that are meant for people in need. You might find clothing donations, which can be valuable for staying warm or replacing damaged garments.
Other useful items could include candles, matches, or flashlights, which are often kept for emergency lighting, and cooking supplies like pots and pans if the church has a kitchen. Some churches also have tools, tarps, ropes, or other materials that can be repurposed for shelter-building or repairs. Moreover, churches sometimes have a stockpile of books, which can be used for information, education, or even just as a source of entertainment to keep morale up.
Hospitals
Hospitals are some of the most critical locations for scavenging due to the abundance and variety of medical supplies and equipment they house. As centers for healthcare, they are designed to handle a wide range of medical emergencies and treatments, making them rich in resources that are essential for survival in crisis situations. Hospitals are often large, with multiple departments, storage rooms, and specialized areas, each potentially containing different types of useful supplies.
Inside a hospital, you can find a vast array of medical supplies, such as bandages, gauze, sutures, antiseptics, painkillers, antibiotics, and other medications that are crucial for treating injuries, infections, and illnesses. You might also locate more advanced medical equipment like defibrillators, oxygen tanks, IV bags, and monitors, which can be lifesaving in more serious emergencies. Hospitals also have diagnostic tools, such as stethoscopes, thermometers, and blood pressure cuffs, which can be valuable for assessing health conditions.
Apart from medical items, hospitals can be good places to find personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns, which are essential for protecting against contaminants or pathogens. Many hospitals also have cafeterias or kitchens, where you might find food supplies, bottled water, cooking utensils, and other kitchen tools. There are often blankets, sheets, and other bedding materials, which can be useful for warmth or makeshift shelters.
Hospitals are typically equipped with backup generators, so you may also find fuel or batteries. They often have communication equipment like radios, which could be helpful for staying informed or contacting others. Given the wide range of medical and non-medical supplies available, hospitals are ideal locations for scavenging, particularly when in need of medical care, protective gear, food, or emergency equipment. However, they may also be heavily contested locations, so caution is necessary when approaching and searching them.
Grocery stores
Grocery stores are prime locations for scavenging due to the wide variety and abundance of essential supplies they typically offer. As hubs for food and household items, grocery stores are likely to contain a significant stockpile of goods that are critical for survival. They are often located in accessible areas within neighborhoods or along main roads, making them easy to find. However, they may also be popular targets for other scavengers, so timing and approach are key considerations.
Inside a grocery store, you can find a vast selection of food items, including canned goods, dried foods, grains, pasta, rice, beans, and other non-perishable items that have long shelf lives and provide essential nutrition. There may also be bottled water, juices, and beverages, which are vital for staying hydrated. In the frozen and refrigerated sections, you could find meats, vegetables, dairy products, and other perishables, but these items may spoil quickly if power is lost, so prioritize them early.
Beyond food, grocery stores stock a variety of other useful items like hygiene products, such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and toilet paper, which are essential for maintaining cleanliness and health. Many stores also sell basic medical supplies, including band-aids, antiseptics, over-the-counter medications, and vitamins. Household items like matches, batteries, candles, trash bags, and cleaning supplies can be invaluable for both daily use and emergency preparedness.
Grocery stores often carry pet food, which is useful if you have animals to care for, and they might also have tools and basic hardware supplies, depending on the store’s inventory. Additionally, some stores stock seasonal items like blankets, clothing, and outdoor gear, which can be useful depending on the weather conditions or specific needs.
While grocery stores can provide a diverse range of supplies, they are likely to be highly contested locations, so they should be approached with caution. It’s best to target less obvious stores, like those in smaller neighborhoods or rural areas, which may be less picked over than larger, well-known supermarkets.
Restaurants
Restaurants can be valuable locations for scavenging, especially in the early stages of a crisis when other more obvious places may have already been looted. While they might not offer the same variety or volume of supplies as grocery stores, restaurants often have a concentrated stock of high-calorie foods, cooking ingredients, and kitchen equipment that can be extremely useful for survival. They are usually located in clusters in urban or suburban areas, making them relatively easy to find and access.
Inside a restaurant, you can find perishable foods like meats, dairy products, fresh produce, and bread in the refrigerators and freezers, which should be prioritized if the power is still on or if it has recently gone out. Non-perishable items such as canned goods, dried pasta, rice, flour, sugar, and spices are often stored in bulk and can be valuable for long-term sustenance. Many restaurants also stock cooking oils, vinegar, and sauces, which can be used to prepare a variety of meals or preserved foods.
Restaurants are also equipped with a range of kitchen tools and equipment, such as pots, pans, knives, and utensils, which are essential for preparing food. You might find fuel sources like propane tanks for grills or stoves, which can be repurposed for cooking or heating. Restaurants often have a supply of paper goods, including napkins, paper towels, and plastic utensils, as well as cleaning supplies like bleach, disinfectants, and detergents, which are useful for maintaining hygiene.
Additionally, restaurants may have bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol, which can serve various purposes beyond consumption, such as sterilizing wounds or trading for other goods. You might also find containers, plastic wrap, foil, and other storage materials that can be helpful for preserving food or transporting supplies.
While restaurants might not have as much variety as grocery stores, they are still valuable locations for scavenging, especially for cooking supplies, food preparation tools, and ingredients. Focusing on smaller, less well-known restaurants or those in quieter areas may improve your chances of finding useful items that haven’t yet been picked over.
Marinas
Marinas can be excellent locations for scavenging due to their unique combination of resources related to boating, water activities, and maintenance. These areas are typically equipped with a range of supplies and equipment that can be highly valuable, especially in situations where access to traditional resources is limited. Marinas are often situated near bodies of water, which can also offer additional opportunities for survival and transportation.
At a marina, you can find a variety of boating supplies such as life jackets, ropes, and flares, which are useful for safety and signaling. You may also come across fuel such as gasoline or diesel, which is essential for powering boats and can be repurposed for generators or vehicles. Many marinas have storage for fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and nets, which can provide food and additional resources if you’re in an area where fishing is viable.
Marinas often feature maintenance and repair supplies like tools, lubricants, and spare parts for boats, which can be repurposed for repairing equipment or constructing makeshift solutions. You might also find navigational tools such as maps, compasses, and GPS devices, which are valuable for planning travel routes or exploring new areas.
In addition to these specific items, marinas typically have a range of other useful supplies. Many have small stores or shops that sell food and beverages, including non-perishable items like canned goods, snacks, and bottled water. You might also discover safety equipment like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency provisions, as well as camping gear, including tents and sleeping bags, if the marina caters to recreational users.
Marinas may also have outdoor gear and accessories, such as coolers, storage containers, and outdoor furniture, which can be repurposed for various needs. Additionally, the proximity to water can offer opportunities for collecting fresh water or using boats for transportation.
Given their specialized inventory and often less-visited status compared to other scavenging targets, marinas can be a treasure trove of useful resources, particularly for those needing equipment, safety gear, or outdoor supplies.
Pawn shops
Pawn shops can be highly valuable locations for scavenging due to their diverse inventory of goods, which often includes a wide range of items that can be repurposed for survival and practical use. These shops typically deal in second-hand goods, including electronics, tools, and personal items, making them a rich source of resources that might be less readily available elsewhere.
Inside a pawn shop, you can find a variety of tools and equipment, such as power tools, hand tools, and mechanical devices that are useful for repairs and maintenance. They often stock electronics like radios, flashlights, batteries, and even generators, which can be crucial for communication, lighting, and power. You might also come across firearms and ammunition, which could be valuable for protection and hunting, though this depends on local regulations and safety considerations.
Pawn shops frequently have a selection of jewelry, which can be used for barter or trading. They also carry household items like cookware, bedding, and furniture, which can be essential for setting up a livable space. Additionally, you might find personal items such as clothing, backpacks, and storage containers, which can be practical for everyday needs and organization.
Another useful category of items you might find includes musical instruments and hobby equipment, such as bicycles or sports gear, which could be repurposed for transportation or physical activity. Some pawn shops also have a collection of valuable collectibles, antiques, or rare items, which could be used for trade or barter in exchange for other necessities.
To be continued
A second part of this article will follow shortly where we discuss more locations that are worth scavenging. Stay tuned!
Suggested resources for preppers:
How to find Food in any Environment
The #1 food of Americans during the Great Depression
schools